Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on the budget agreement with Democratic leadership.
“For the past three and a half years, my partners in the General Assembly and I have worked to right this state’s fiscal ship and ensure state resources are responsibly directed to government’s fundamental purpose: uplifting working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, leaders in both chambers have come to an agreement on yet another responsible, balanced budget that does just that. Our plan delivers more than $1.8 billion in tax relief to Illinois residents, adds $1 billion to our state’s long-depleted Rainy-Day Fund, and doubles down on our efforts to make unprecedented investments in public safety.
“I thank Speaker Welch, Senate President Harmon and their teams for a productive negotiation process that always placed the best interests of Illinoisans at the forefront. Once again, Democrats are demonstrating that ours is the party of fiscal responsibility — and there’s nothing more responsible than putting working families first. I look forward to passing our third consecutive balanced budget through the legislature, signing it into law, and delivering real relief to working families across Illinois.”
###
DEMOCRATS’ FISCAL YEAR 2023 BALANCED BUDGET
A strong economic recovery paired with responsible fiscal decisions has resulted in the state’s largest surplus in more than two decades. Democrats have worked to ensure Fiscal Year 2023’s budget puts money back into the pockets of hardworking families, invests in critical public safety measures, supports human services, and saves for a rainy day.
After a strong economic performance in the first quarter of this calendar year, revenue projections have been revised upward from the Governor’s proposed budget by approximately $2 billion over FY22 and FY23.
$1.83 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
• Suspend the tax on groceries for one year – saving consumers $400 million
• Freeze the motor fuel tax for six months – saving consumers $70 million
• Double the property tax rebate – up to $300 per household
• Permanently expand the earned income tax credit – putting $100 million per year back into the pockets of working families who need it most
• Provide direct checks to working families
o $50 per individual
o $100 per child, up to three children per family
Income limits: $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers
• Back to school tax relief for families and teachers – saving $50 million
Total relief for working families: $1.83 billion
$1.2 BILLION FOR LONG-TERM FISCAL STABILITY
Builds on $4.1 Billion in Debt Paydown in SB2803
• $1 billion for Budget Stabilization Fund
• An additional $200 million pension payment, bringing the total pension payment over what is required to $500 million dollars and saving taxpayers more than $1.8 billion.
o These measures are in addition to the debt payment outlined in SB2803, which included $230 million for College Illinois and $898 million for Group Health Insurance bill backlog.
PUBLIC SAFETY INVESTMENTS
Invests more than $200 million on top of the Governor’s proposed budget to support public safety measures, invest in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes and strengthen investments in violence prevent programs that keep communities safe.
…Adding… SGOPs…
In response to the recent budget announcement from the Governor and Democrat Leaders, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued the following statement:
“What is most unfortunate about the Democrats’ budget plan is we have an opportunity right now to provide permanent tax relief for the people of Illinois, yet instead, the Democrats are choosing to provide one-time checks and other temporary relief just before the election which expires right after the election. Additionally, we are significantly increasing government spending. Evidently, they think they know how to better spend your money better than you do.”
* The HGOPs take the opposite tack…
Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) and Republican Floor Leader Mark Batinick offered the following comments on Governor Pritzker’s federally-funded budget that ignores the financial pressures in Illinois’ immediate future.
Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer:
“A year and a half ago, Gov. Pritzker was threatening Illinois voters with draconian cuts or across-the-board tax increases unless they approved his $3.4 billion tax increase amendment. But voters said no.
“Now, as Gov. Pritzker is running for re-election, he’s used the avalanche of federal bailout cash to paint a rosy picture of the state budget.
“But the facts show a different story. This year’s budget increases spending by 8% on state operations, while revenues are projected to decline by 1% over the same period—which makes this budget framework untenable. The problem is that Gov. Pritzker’s budget spends as if voters approved his tax hike—but they didn’t. When the federal bailout runs out, Gov. Pritzker will revert to pushing his tax hikes, and voters will be threatened again.”
Republican Floor Leader Mark Batinick:
“This isn’t a triumph of good management; the state is simply experiencing an inflation-induced sugar high. When the state crashes we will still have the same problems, but without the federal funds to bail us out. No structural changes have been made. No permanent property tax relief has been extended, and no regulatory relief has been implemented. Eventually, the pressures of inflation will catch up to the expense side of the ledger. There are storm clouds on the horizon.”
…Adding… Comptroller Mendoza…
Comptroller Mendoza’s statement on the budget agreement:
I am very encouraged by the budget agreement announced by Gov. Pritzker, Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon:
• A full billion dollars that the state will NOT spend and will instead divert into the Rainy Day Fund to protect us from economic downturns. That’s responsible budgeting.
• $500 million extra to pay down the state pension shortfall – saving taxpayers $1.8 billion. That’s responsible budgeting.
• Property tax rebates up to $300 and other relief for working families including a break on grocery sales tax.
I commend them on reaching this agreement. I strongly urge the legislature to swiftly adopt this fiscally responsible budget, keeping us on the path to further credit upgrades.
SGOP BUDGET PROPOSAL SB 4195: SALES TAX CAP ON GASOLINE (permanent)
Cap the state sales tax on gas at 18 cents per gallon. This proposal will not affect the state’s budget as the state was never anticipating this windfall of money, nor will it impact infrastructure projects. This could save consumers up to 16 cents per gallon, depending on the price of gas. Illinois is one of just seven states that charge a sales tax on top of the gas tax. While both the state and federal gas taxes are a flat tax, which means the tax does not change with price of fuel, Illinois also charges a sales tax (6.25 percent) on top of the motor fuel tax, which increases as gas prices increase. This proposal would be permanent, meaning, that if Illinois were ever to see another crisis, this provision would already be in place and would ensure that consumers are never paying more than 18 cents per gallon in sales tax on gas.
*Compared to the Democrats’ plan to freeze the Motor Fuel Tax, which will only prevent consumers from paying 2-3 cents more per gallon when the scheduled increase will take effect in July. The Democrats’ plan will also sweep money from the Underground Storage Tank Fund, which has approximately 5,000 projects pending. Their plan also sets up two gas tax increases in 2023 (after the election). Essentially, the plan just delays the increase.
SB 4164: CUT SALES TAX ON FOOD AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (permanent)
Eliminate the 1% sales tax on food (i.e. groceries) and prescription drugs/medical devices. Estimated taxpayer savings: around $434 million per year.
*Compared to the Democrats’ plan to suspend the tax just on food temporarily.
SB 4161: SENIOR INCOME TAX EXEMPTION (permanent)
Increase the additional exemption seniors receive on their Illinois income tax from $1,000 to $2,000.
Estimated taxpayer savings: $40 million per year.
*Compared to the Democrats’ plan to only provide a tax credit for a small amount of seniors.
SB 4163: PROPERTY TAX INCOME TAX CREDIT (permanent)
Increase the property tax income tax credit from 5% to 10%. Estimated taxpayer savings: $500 million per year.
*Compared to the Democrats’ plan to provide one-time rebate checks right before the election.
SB 4186: CHILDCARE TAX CREDIT (permanent)
Creates a childcare credit in an amount equal to 25% of the federal tax credit for each qualifying child.
Estimated Cost: $37.5 million
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT INCREASE FROM 18% TO 20% (permanent)
*Similar to Democrats’ plan.
TEACHER TAX CREDIT INCREASE FOR SUPPLIES (same as Democrats’ plan)
FULLY FUND 8% TRANSERS TO LGDF
*Compared to the Democrats’ plan, which would give a one-time $100 million transfer to LGDF
BREAST PUMP SALES TAX EXEMPTION (same as Democrats’ plan)
VARIOUS OTHER TAX EXTENSIONS FOUND IN DEMOCRATS’ PLAN
TOTAL PERMENANT TAX RELIEF: $2.2 BILLION
This plan provides for a BALANCED BUDGET with a $14 million surplus, all while providing Illinoisians with PERMANENT tax relief.
So, they want to subtract $2.2 billion from the annual revenue base (assuming they make local governments whole after permanently eliminating that food and medicine tax) and leave the state with just a $14 million cushion?
The Illinois House of Representatives rejected a measure Wednesday night designed to provide protection to consumers in the case of a contract dispute between an insurance company and a health care provider.
“The main gist of it is to provide network adequacy, to get rid of ghost networks, and transparency,” said Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, on the House floor Scherer is the chief sponsor of the bill.
The bill, HB 1463, was rejected by the House on a vote of 40-21-7, with 50 of the House’s 118 members not voting on the measure. It needed 60 votes to pass. […]
“Tomorrow, if I want to answer who’s owned by the insurance companies, guess what? I’m handing them a roll call and you try to explain it,” said Scherer.
“If you just don’t care, why are you even here?” she added.
Legislation to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation—specifically to incentivize the purchase and use of electric motorcycles—was advanced by both chambers of the General Assembly Wednesday evening.
“ABATE of Illinois is pleased the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed SB2940. When signed into law, this will ensure all motorcycles, including electric motorcycles, are included in the future of Illinois transportation,” said Ryan Hubbard, State Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois. “Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation for thousands of riders in Illinois, and their inclusion in transportation planning is an important part of ensuring everyone can return home safe after every ride.”
When the Clean Energy Jobs Act passed in 2021 with electric vehicle language that specifically excluded motorcycles, ABATE of Illinois made it a priority to remedy the issue. The changes in Senate Bill 2940 ensures electric motorcycles are considered when planning infrastructure and provides an incentive of $1,500 towards the purchase of an electric motorcycle.
“The transition to electric vehicles will affect all forms of transportation. As a longtime supporter of motorcyclists in Illinois, I wanted to make sure they were treated equally when it came to this transition,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), chief sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring together stakeholders to secure motorcycles as part of the future of transportation in Illinois.”
Senate Bill 2940 passed both chambers of the General Assembly with no opposition. The bill had over 30 Senate sponsors and 60 House sponsors, including the Speaker of the House and House Minority Leader.
“The unanimous bipartisan support of SB2940 by the General Assembly sends a clear message that motorcycles will continue to be accounted for when planning the future of transportation,” said Josh Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator. “ABATE of Illinois looks forward to having the Governor sign this bill and join with the General Assembly in their support of Illinois motorcyclists.”
* Press release…
To offer financial relief to struggling wine makers, the Illinois Senate adopted a measure championed by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) to lower licensing fees for first-class manufacturers.
“Wineries are unique small businesses providing service to residents and visitors throughout the entire state,” Crowe said. “By re-implementing the previous licensing fees, we can offer financial support to wine operators as they work to recover following pandemic-related burdens.”
In partnership with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Crowe’s measure lowers the licensing fees for first-class wine manufacturers to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.
“Wineries in Illinois offer diverse experiences, but the industry endured similar hits during the pandemic due to a business model built almost exclusively on social visits, tastings and in-person sales,” Crowe said. “Wineries play a critical role in developing local economies and tourism, and I will continue to explore initiatives to help producers grow their operations.”
Senate Bill 1001 moves to the House for further consideration.
* Press release…
This week, the Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation filed by State Representative Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich), House Bill 4593, to hold those who sexually abuse children accountable. The legislation, which previously passed the Illinois House in February, is now ready for the Governor to sign into law.
“The unanimous passage of House Bill 4593 in both the House and Senate says to victims in a unified voice that we see you, we hear you and we will not let your abusers off the hook for their depraved actions,” said Bos.
Under the legislation, those who pay for sex would no longer be able to claim they did not know the person they solicited for sex was underage or was a person with an intellectual disability and use it as an affirmative defense. This change in the law would place the burden on the exploiter who solicited the sex to prove they did not know their victim was underage or disabled, rather than placing the burden on the victim.
Bos, an advocate for victims of sexual exploitation, noted during the debate on the House floor in February that the majority of the underage who are exploited are victims of human trafficking who have been forced or manipulated into their sexual abuse.
“Making it harder for these predators to escape justice is vital to ensuring fewer children and vulnerable people become victims,” said Bos.
State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) carried the legislation in the State Senate. Speaking of his support, Bos said, “I’m proud to have a partner like Sen. McConchie working alongside me, and other advocates, in the fight against sexual exploitation.”
* Press release…
To better recognize the historic injustices that Black farmers face in the agriculture industry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to create the Agriculture Equity Commission.
“For far too long, our Black famers have been systemically pushed out of the agriculture sector of Illinois,” Simmons said. “My goal is to see this commission address the root issues and find actionable solutions to give Black farmers justice in the largest job producing sector in Illinois.”
The commission would reflect representation of socially disadvantaged communities, businesses, and farmers, and include academics, policy experts, and legislators who are experienced in agriculture and related matters.
In 1920, Illinois had 892 Black farmers, and Black Americans owned 14% of the nation’s farmland. As of the 2017 Agricultural Census, there are 188 individually Black-owned farms which make up a combined 40,412 acres. Out of the 116,417 agricultural producers in Illinois, 267 are Black and 115,896 are Caucasian. Farming is Illinois’ top job producing industry.
“I want to thank the stakeholders who worked with Rep. Sonja Harper and me on this timely legislation,” Simmons said. “I appreciate the bipartisan nature of the passage and look forward to righting the wrongs of previous generations.”
House Bill 5201 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration.
* Press release…
State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) championed a measure that passed the Senate Wednesday that would give people another option to become an organ donor.
“In January 2010, I received a kidney transplant,” Belt said. “After living on dialysis for a year, I understand how important organ donors are.”
House Bill 4696 would allow the Department of Natural Resources to offer online hunting license holders the opportunity to be redirected to the First Person Consent Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. On average, 300 people die each year waiting for an organ donation. More than 4,700 Illinois residents are waiting for an organ or tissue donation. In 2020, there were 7 million Illinoisans registered as organ donors.
The first-person consent law provides an opportunity to save more lives and ensures that your wish to be an organ/tissue donor is honored. Prior to the first-person consent registry, many Illinoisans who signed the back of their driver’s license as a donor were unaware that family consent was still required in order for donation to occur.
“Organ donors save hundreds of life,” Belt said. “This measure would make it easier for individuals who hold hunting license to join the organ registry.”
House Bill 4696 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and heads to the governor’s desk.
* Coming late to this…
Echoing action taken around the world in response to Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, passed a comprehensive effort Tuesday to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Illinois and end state investment in Russian financial interests.
“It is absolutely tragic to see the senseless pain and suffering that has been forced on the Ukrainian people,” LaPointe said. “We have a moral obligation to stand up against Russian aggression, it’s important for Illinois to send a strong message and impose new rules that target the financial support for Putin’s war machine.”
“We’ve all witnessed the horrors taking place in Ukraine at the hands of Vladimir Putin, and his actions continue to threaten democracy around the world,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “What the Illinois House passed today won’t stop Putin’s war, but it ensures Illinois is collectively pulling every lever possible to support the Ukrainian people. I want to congratulate Representative LaPointe for her hard work on this consequential piece of legislation.”
LaPointe introduced House Bill 1293, which puts Illinois on a path to divest from Russian stocks and sovereign debt, including money found in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and funds directly overseen by the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI). Systems not controlled by the state, including the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) are strongly encouraged to follow the state’s lead in divestment. Russia’s war ally Belarus is also targeted for disinvestment.
Additionally, the proposal would provide the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) emergency rulemaking powers to begin a Refugee Resettlement Program that could provide health care, mental health services and English language assistance to Ukrainians and others who are granted temporary protected status or refugee status.
House Bill 1293 also includes a plan to develop a Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force that would assess the exposure of residential, industrial and commercial real estate sectors in Illinois to illicit Russian investments.
“I know there’s been a strong local response in support of the Ukrainian people, and I’m grateful for those who have taken time to donate to those in need,” LaPointe said. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in the world, let’s do our part as a state to make an impact.”
LaPointe’s measure passed the House Tuesday without opposition, and heads to the Senate for consideration.
…Adding… The Democrats held caucus meetings on these bills and every member but one of the Black Caucus and Latino Caucus voted for this particular bill. This is one person complaining. Not saying he doesn’t have a point about the bill itself. Politico…
SLEIGHT OF HAND: Moderate Democrats in Springfield pulled a familiar move Wednesday to ram a series of public safety bills through the House. They brought up the bills the same day as the vote, giving little time for progressives to study the language and no time for the public to comment.
It’s the kind of move Democrats make on Republicans when they want to get legislation passed quickly.
“My concern is that I can’t sell this to people in my district because it doesn’t make them feel safer,” Democratic Rep. Curtis Tarver II told Playbook.
He points to House Bill 1103, a new measure that would prevent law enforcement from using cameras on expressways to profile people. Problem is, if someone is concerned about a video and wants to see it, the Illinois State Police wouldn’t have to answer a FOIA because it doesn’t have the staffing to do so (even though the governor and both chambers are pushing to beef up cadet classes so there would be more employees to process FOIAs). The legislation also requires that the video be deleted after 180 days.
“It doesn’t set a good precedent to allow an agency without any proof of a unique hardship to exempt itself from FOIA, then simultaneously require that agency to destroy the very evidence that could prove profiling,” said Tarver, who didn’t vote on the bill.
HB 1103, along with other public safety measures pushed by moderate Democrats, passed the House with Republican support and are headed to the Senate, where they could be taken up as early as today.
…Adding… Press release…
Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters.
“Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed,” Munoz said. “Too often innocent people come to find parts missing from their car, leaving them without transportation. We have to find a way to end these senseless crimes.”
House Bill 107 would add catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen would be required.
In addition, the measure would prohibit a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.
According to a recent ABC report, Illinois ranks third in the nation for catalytic converter thefts with over a 300% increase since 2019.
“This measure tightens the law that many find a way around,” Munoz said.
House Bill 107 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced that Illinois’ Class of 2021 ranked third in the nation and topped all Midwestern states for the
largest 10-year increase in the percentage of public high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) Exam during high school.
While 26.9% of the Class of 2021 scored a 3 or higher on an AP Exam during high school — giving them college credit at any public college or university in Illinois — not all students in the state have access to AP opportunities. Two-thirds of school districts in Illinois did not enroll any students in AP courses last year.
The AP Course Implementation Grant aims to change that by giving school districts extra resources to expand access to AP courses. Research by The College Board shows that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to save money on college tuition costs and complete a degree on time.
Arguably more pertinent are more recent investments by Pritzker personally. As reported in state disclosure documents, they include a membership interest of undisclosed size in funds run by Bridgewater Associates and Two Sigma Investments.
Bridgewater’s investments included money in the Chinese sovereign wealth fund, which effectively is the investment vehicle for the Chinese government. Two Sigma, in turn, was one of the largest investors in three large Chinese firms delisted by the New York Stock Exchange as per U.S. rules for being too close to the Chinese military.
Is that a problem? Though Griffin had an explanation for the security investment—he thought the firm could grow with Olympics contracts—it didn’t look good at first glance. Similarly, Pritzker doesn’t look very good if his money is in companies that can’t trade in the U.S. because they’re tight with the Chinese military.
According to the oppo report I saw, those two investments predate his blind trust. They showed up on his 2017 financial disclosure. The trust was formed in January of 2019.
* From the Pritzker campaign…
“Governor Pritzker is not invested in Hyatt or Marmon and hasn’t been for years. The governor has never had management authority in either company and is not involved in any investment decisions. Richard Irvin is once again grasping at straws to deflect the focus from his megadonor Ken Griffin’s shocking, intentional investments in gun manufacturers and ammunition companies, right-wing media and Russian propaganda, and the Chinese Communist Party’s anti-democratic surveillance efforts.
“Upon taking office, the governor voluntarily moved his remaining personally held assets into a blind trust, the terms of which prevent him from even communicating with the trustee let alone make any decisions over the trust’s assets. Likewise, Governor Pritzker voluntarily distanced himself from other pre-existing trusts of which he is a beneficiary, even though those trust arrangements did not give him any authority over individual asset investment decisions to begin with. It is ludicrous to compare a mutual fund that the governor has no control over to a direct investment in surveillance technology used by the Chinese Communist Party.”
When I pointed out that those two assets predated the blind trust’s formation, I was told this…
(T)hose trust arrangements did not give him any authority over individual assets investment decisions to begin with. You’re comparing an intentional decision [by Ken Griffin] to invest in a Chinese surveillance company with a hedge fund that [Pritzker] had no investment authority over.
Let’s put some other names to this story and see what folks think. Lori Lightfoot’s wife (or ex-wife, what’s it matter), Amy, takes an executive position with a developer who received $15 million in 2019 from the City towards the $100 million redevelopment of the former Michael Reese site. This firm is run by Lightfoot’s former campaign treasurer and the company is still doing business with the city and still drawing down from these City incentives.
Anyone think this might not be a front page story in Chicago?
You might also throw in the fact that the former campaign treasurer used to donate office space to Irvin’s campaign in his company building and donated money to his former law partner who is running for judge.
* Jenna Severson at Economic Security for Illinois…
Hi Rich,
I’m providing you with the first look at the full data file the Coalition to Make EIC Work has used to present our case to expand Illinois’ Earned Income Credit. We created district-specific palm cards and found that members were quite interested in sharing them with each other to compare. We thought you might want to publish the whole list.
Here is a breakdown of how the Earned Income Credit currently benefits each district.
The data come from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) based on IRS filings from the most recent full tax returns (2019). The figures for 2019 EIC amounts are compiled by the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).
Since its inception in 2000, Illinois’ Earned Income Credit has funneled more than $3 billion dollars directly back into communities. The Earned Income Credit benefits Illinoisans in every zip code and every district in the state. In 2019 alone, the Earned Income Credit brought nearly half a billion dollars ($418,602,960) to 946,220 tax filers in the state.
It should be noted how dramatically EIC benefits suburban and rural communities.
Senator Omar Aquino is the lead sponsor of the EIC expansion legislation. While EIC provides a significant benefit to Senator Aquino’s constituents, many low wage workers in poverty are living in the suburbs, and for that reason a number of suburban Senate districts actually receive far more benefit from the EIC than Senator’s Aquino’s. For example: two of the Senate districts with the highest amounts of EIC benefits received are suburban (Holmes & Glowiak-Hilton). See the chart below or full spreadsheet.
If we expanded the Earned Income Credit to immigrants who file taxes with an ITIN number and childless adults aged 18-24 and over 65, nearly one million (955,471) Illinoisans would become newly eligible for the credit. The impact would be thousands of newly eligible households in each Senate and House district, and along with it, millions more invested across the state.
The spreadsheet has both Senate and House districts. Click here.
* Related…
* House Dems release $45.6 billion budget as negotiations continue: While the House Democrats’ plan includes direct payments to Illinoisans, it would apply to only those currently eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Those qualifying for that credit would receive $100 from the state for single filers and $200 for joint filers, plus $50 per dependent. It’s a major cutback from a plan proposed by Senate Democrats which would have sent checks to about 97 percent of taxpayers, making up most of the $500 million difference between the House and Senate tax relief plans. The cost for that would be $165 million, according to estimates from the House Democrats, while another expansion to the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, would cost $103.5 million. That measure would increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit by two percentage points, raising it to 20 percent of the federal tax credit. The EITC is a credit available to low- and moderate-income households. It is a refundable credit, meaning those who qualify can receive a refund, even if the amount of the credit exceeds what they would otherwise owe in taxes. It would also expand the state EITC to include people aged 18-24 and those 65 years and older.
* Background is here if you need it. This hit mailboxes earlier in the week…
* If he chopped this down to 30 seconds and had the money to put it on TV, it would probably work because the emotion comes through well…
* Transcript provided by the campaign…
Friends, let me be clear, Richard Irvin is a lying liberal who has voted Democrat in every major election. He is backed by the failed establishment and is afraid to say where he stands on protecting life, defending the second amendment, and every other important issue he’s not trying to mislead you about on TV.
No one in this world doubts I’m a true conservative. Every time there has been a tough fight, I’ve taken it on. While Irvin was hugging JB Pritzker and locking down his city and the others in this race were doing nothing, I was standing up and fighting JB Pritzker over his lockdowns to defend YOUR FREEDOMS.
I have prioritized working families and taxpayers over special interests, demanded election integrity, fought for life and the second amendment, and supported President Trump in EVERY election. I’ve always fought for our conservative principles.
In 2008, Conservative Rush Limbaugh, myself, and thousands of other Republicans helped bring chaos to the Democratic Primary to help Republicans in November.
They are now lying and trying to fool you because they are afraid of the movement we are building to win. I’m a lifelong Republican who has never supported a Democrat.
I’m always ready for the fight, and I’m not backing down. With your help, I will beat two Democrats in this Republican Primary and then fire JB Pritzker in November. It’s time to send the failed establishment packing and take back our party and state.
Join our movement, and together, we will reform Springfield and restore Illinois.
Still not fully buying that Operation Chaos explanation.
The number of carjackings in and around the city has reached a “crisis point,” Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said Wednesday, as he stood with state legislators who announced a plan to push carmakers to be a part of the remedy. […]
In 2021, there were about 2,100 carjackings in Cook County, mostly in the city, but there were fewer than 1,000 in New York and Los Angeles combined, he said. […]
State Rep. Martin Moylan, D-Des Plaines, and state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, announced legislation Wednesday that would require automobile manufacturers to set up a 24-hour hotline that law enforcement can use to find stolen vehicles. Most vehicles built after 2015 have some kind of location device that can be accessed by the manufacturer, Dart said.
Standing alongside state legislators in Springfield, Dart joined in the announcement of new legislation that would require auto manufacturers to share electronic tracking information with law enforcement agencies in real-time, by setting up a 24/7 hot line to facilitate the process.
“It’s important that we have technology so that law enforcement officials can track the carjackers that steal cars and go from point A from point B,” said State Sen. Mike Hastings, D-Frankfort, who introduced the bill. “And we want to make sure that law enforcement officials have all the tools necessary to attack this problem.”
Officials said that while some companies already cooperate with law enforcement when a vehicle is stolen or carjacked, others, despite months of talks, are still holding out.
Another aspect of the package included in House Bill 1103 expands the state’s expressway camera program to 21 counties and allows footage to be kept for six months and shared between police departments.
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, highlighted what she said was the hypocrisy from Democrats on public safety, and said similar legislative efforts by her have been stymied by both House Democrats and the governor. Mazzochi said the fact that giving new authority to prosecute expressway shootings to the attorney general is an admission that Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is not doing an adequate job at it.
After Democrats passed the legislation, state Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, accused Democrats of “political amnesia” in the wake of talk last year of defunding the police.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, said major police reform is a task for local governments rather than state and federal leaders.
“I’ve never subscribed to defund the police,” Gordon-Booth told The Center Square. “I certainly believe in communities demanding accountability specific to the issue of policing.”
* Press release…
With just days remaining in the spring legislative session, State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) and State’s Attorneys Bob Berlin (R-DuPage County) and James Glasgow (D-Will County) are urging the Legislature to address major deficiencies within the SAFE-T Act that are set to take effect across Illinois on Jan. 1, 2023.
The SAFE-T Act was passed by the Illinois General Assembly during a lame duck session of the Legislature in 2021 despite opposition from nearly every law enforcement organization in the state, and despite ongoing warnings from prosecutors and law enforcement that the provisions will make communities less safe.
Sen. Curran joined a group of Senators and several state’s attorneys for a Capitol news conference on Wednesday, and said legislators cannot adjourn without fixing problematic provisions within the SAFE-T Act that will take effect before the next legislative session begins.
“As of January 1, we will see sweeping changes to our pre-trial detention system in Illinois,” said Sen. Curran. “These changes will have a significant negative impact on our communities and place public safety at risk. Concerns have been raised by the highest court in this state, by many state’s attorneys, by police chiefs and sheriffs throughout the state, and by many victims’ advocacy groups. There are very serious and real implications this dangerous law is going to have if we don’t address concerns regarding pre-trial detention and victims’ rights.”
While unable to attend the press conference, State’s Attorney Bob Berlin issued the following statement:
“On January 1, 2023, public safety will be severely compromised when the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, a weak, new law championed as progress and signed by the Governor on February 22, 2021, goes into effect. This new, self-contradicting law however, will make our communities more dangerous. It is inconsistent in its detention requirements and imposes additional burdens on judges throughout the State, making it extremely difficult for judges to order pre-trial detention on virtually any defendant. Additionally, failure to appear in court, even when a defendant is released for a violent crime, has now been reduced to a misdemeanor offense. I urge the General Assembly to fully consider the true consequences of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act and take the necessary steps to remedy these and other deficiencies in the Act thus ensuring safety, fairness and justice for not only those accused, but for all people throughout Illinois.”
Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow also could not attend, but submitted the following statement:
“79 dangerous individuals charged with murder, along with more than 100 people charged with class X offenses, and currently housed in DuPage and Will Counties jails. All of these individuals could be released into our communities when this Act takes effect. Because the Act is so poorly written, it is impossible to predict whether the new pre-trial release provision will apply to these individuals and whether they will be back out on the streets after the Act is in effect. This includes the individual who was indicted for a carjacking that occurred in Chicago and fled to Will County where he is in custody on a $1 million dollar bond. If this Act is not significantly amended or repealed, our communities will be in grave danger.”
The Senate and House are scheduled to adjourn on Friday, April 8.
* Open letter…
To the Illinois General Assembly,
As leading anti-gender based violence advocates that worked extensively on the Pretrial Fairness Act, we are writing to refute the false claims made today in Springfield on behalf of victims about the statute that will take effect in 2023. When opponents of reform use misguided and incorrect information to challenge provisions in the Pretrial Fairness Act that safeguard survivors, they undermine the lived experience of survivors and advocates engaging with legal systems.
Below are the facts of the Act that will have the greatest impact on survivor safety:
The Pretrial Fairness Act does not compel survivors to come to court in order to prove that someone poses a threat to them.
We never support legislation that forces survivors to testify in the immediate aftermath of harm in order to ensure their safety. There is nothing in the Pretrial Fairness Act that requires survivors to appear in court to make the case for pretrial detention. An investigating officer’s report or testimony is sufficient evidence for a judge to make a determination about whether someone should be released or detained while awaiting trial. The Pretrial Fairness Act actually increases protections for survivors in comparison to current law, requiring that defense attorneys get the court’s permission before requiring a witness to testify at a detention hearing1. No such protection exists now.
The Pretrial Fairness Act creates a process for deciding who remains in jail that leaves more room for prosecutors to work with survivors to make sure they are safe.
Right now, pretrial detention decisions are made so quickly in bond hearings that they leave no room to consider survivors’ needs. In many cases, money bonds are set that allow someone who poses a danger to the person they have harmed to purchase their freedom. We have seen what happens when someone who is accused of domestic violence is able to bond out suddenly without any notification to the survivor. Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, safety alone will determine whether someone is released, not their access to money.
The Pretrial Fairness Act requires a minimum time in custody.
Without notice of their abuser’s release, survivors are left on edge after a violent episode – unsure whether or not they will be contacted or their abuser will suddenly return. Thanks to the Pretrial Fairness Act, people accused of domestic violence can now be held for a minimum of 24 hours after their arrest for misdemeanor violations and 48 hours for felony offenses.
The Pretrial Fairness Act requires notification of court proceedings and release for survivors.
With this new timeframe, prosecutors have time to contact victims and work with them to determine what safety measures need to be put in place to protect the victim. Victim notification procedures will also be implemented ensuring survivors are given notice if and when the person who hurt them will be released. Survivors will also have the ability to request orders of protection at every court date.
We drafted these provisions based on the needs we witnessed from people directly impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Money bond does not keep survivors of gender-based violence safe. The Pretrial Fairness Act will go a long way towards fixing the problems with our pretrial system and making sure that the safety of survivors is prioritized in our criminal justice system. The calls to roll it back are not based in truth, and doing so would perpetuate the immense harm experienced by survivors under the current system. We urge legislators to stand by these reforms so that Illinois can become a national model of a survivor-centered pretrial system.
Sincerely,
Amanda Pyron
Executive Director
The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence
Madeleine Behr
Policy Manager
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE)
* Press release…
In response to the dangers faced by frontline Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) employees, including two high profile deaths in recent years, the Illinois General Assembly has passed new legislation to help those employees protect themselves in dangerous situations. The legislation was advanced by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), State Representative Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield), and State Representative Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).
“Frontline DCFS workers serve the people of this state by protecting vulnerable children,” said Senator McClure. “In Illinois, it is legal for adults to carry pepper spray for personal protection, but DCFS workers have not had that ability while on the job. This will allow them to carry pepper spray for self-defense purposes and ensure that they know how to properly use it.”
Senate Bill 1486, originally filed by Senator McClure, would allow DCFS frontline workers to carry pepper spray for defensive purposes while investigating child abuse and neglect. The employees would be required to complete a training program from the Illinois State Police (ISP) on the proper use of pepper spray.
State Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield) says the measure is meant as a first line of protection for case workers that find themselves in dangerous situations while on home visits.
“Allowing DCFS case workers to carry pepper spray is a commonsense step we can take as a legislature to show that we understand that these vital public service and child welfare employees are valued. We mourn the loss of Pam Knight and Diedre Silas, and we never want another DCFS case worker to die on the job while they are working to protect our most vulnerable children. I’m proud to have co-sponsored this critical public safety measure and to see it head to the governor’s desk.”
The legislation also requires DCFS to work with the ISP to identify a list of approved protection sprays. It also lays out guidelines for tracking the usage of such sprays by employees.
“I appreciate Sen. McClure’s leadership on this vital piece of legislation,” said Rep. McCombie. “Our front-line workers are put into compromising and unsafe situations almost every day. This tool and training will give them the resources they need to de-escalate intense situations, providing them the opportunity to escape imminent danger.”
The legislation was inspired by the murders of two DCFS investigators. Deidre Silas was stabbed to death in January at a home in Thayer during the course of a child welfare investigation. In February of 2018, Pamela Knight died in the hospital from injuries sustained during a brutal attack that occurred while she was trying to take a child into protective custody.
The legislation passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support and is now headed to the Governor for his signature.
* Richard Irvin campaign…
Crime continues to spiral out of control under JB Pritzker as three different violent CTA assaults and robberies have been reported in the last three days. Despite daily reports of surging crime, Pritzker and his Democratic majority in Springfield have shown no signs of correcting their dangerous pro-crime anti-police policies that have helped contribute to high crime throughout the state.
Last month, the City of Chicago claimed it would boost the security presence on public transit as crime has continued to spike, but public safety concerns aren’t limited to public transit these days: Chicago police show a 43 percent increase in motor vehicle theft complaints this year compared to the same period in 2021.
“The rise in violent crime is a top concern for nearly every Illinois resident – except JB Pritzker who hasn’t made a serious effort to curb crime or increase public safety,” said Irvin for Illinois Spokesperson Eleni Demertzis. “Each day brings a new report of violent crime occurring under Pritzker’s leadership and Illinois families rightly fear crime will only get worse unless Pritzker’s pro-criminal, anti-police policies are repealed.”
* The annual Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day was yesterday. Here’s the SJ-R…
Several politicians spoke to ISRA members Wednesday, bringing passionate rhetoric to the issue of gun owners’ advocacy.
“Jesus Christ died so we can be free from our sins,” said Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland. “And the Second Amendment will keep us free from a tyrannical government.”
Others used the opportunity to signal support for a certain kind of politics.
“We need a mean tweet, do we not need a mean tweet?” said Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport. “When we had Donald Trump, things were great.”
Striking broadcast technicians at WTTW-Channel 11 reached a tentative contract agreement with management Wednesday, likely ending the three-week work stoppage at the public television station.
Local Union 1220 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, representing more than two dozen technicians, graphic artists and floor crew members, is expected to announce results of a ratification vote Thursday. […]
Union members have been on strike since March 16 when they walked out over proposed changes in work jurisdiction and job protection. Contract negotiations had been underway since May 2021.
“It’s not great, but it is fair,” John Rizzo, business manager of Local 1220, said of the settlement. “In the end we’ve achieved a much better contract than where we began. We’re recommending that this is the best deal [our members] are going to get from the company.”
Hopefully, the station learned a valuable lesson here.
In an election year where Gov. J.B. Pritzker is routinely trying to fend off claims he hasn’t done enough to address crime or support law enforcement, the Democratic governor now is waging that battle on a pair of often-overlooked state boards.
Two boards that deal with the politically charged issues of crime and law enforcement — the Prisoner Review Board and the Illinois State Police Merit Board — are facing vacancy problems. […]
Now more questions have arisen as the seven-member merit board — which handles Illinois State Police hiring, firing, promotions and discipline — was recently left with three vacancies, meaning the board has the bare-minimum four members needed to act. And of those four, according to the board’s attorney and state records, only one has received Senate confirmation.
The merit board situation hasn’t reached the level of conflict seen between Pritzker and some Senate Democrats over the Prisoner Review Board. But the development comes as the merit board is still reeling from the agency’s former financial officer, a Pritzker 2018 campaign volunteer, being indicted on charges she padded her state paychecks with thousands of dollars in extra overtime.
This administration has had more issues with appointments than necessary. It’s kinda weird. Go read the rest.
