Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson has released a new 30-second ad ahead of tonight’s debate.
The ad touts Johnson’s experience in violence prevention and health care, and mentions helping to pass “the law to ban housing discrimination,” a reference to the Just Housing Amendment passed by the Cook County Board in 2019.
That mayoral debate will stream tonight at 7 p.m. on ABC 7’s website, as well as its YouTube and Facebook pages.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker downplays a report in @politico that he was overheard "talking in high volume" in Davos talking about his political future, including a White House run. Pritzker says he was conducting a media interview and was asked about his future.
Q: And then also, there is a report today in Politico that quote, overheard Illinois Governor JB Pritzker talking at high volume in the central lounge of the Congress Center about his political future political career, including a possible White House bid. Is that an accurate report that you were overheard making comments in the Congress Center, whatever that is?
A: No. I was interviewed by one of your colleagues in another news organization. And, you know, they asked me all about Illinois. And eventually, they got around to asking the question that you all have asked me about being mentioned as a possible presidential candidate. And I was simply responding as I have to you that I have every intention to serve out the four years that I just won as governor, and that we have a lot of challenges in Illinois that we’re going to continue to work on overcoming, and lots of success already. And so to the, to the extent anybody overheard something, it was literally the answer that I was giving to that question that you all have asked me before.
* I think this conversation is over…
Pritzker is asked by @AmandaVinicky whether he would back another crack at getting a graduated income tax in Illinois: "That's not something that I'm focused on this session."
The race for chair of the Republican National Committee is dividing prominent households — pitting husband against wife.
Dick and Elizabeth Uihlein, billionaire GOP donors, have lined up on different sides of the battle over who is best equipped to lead the Republican National Committee.
Mrs. Uihlein has thrown her political muscle behind Ronna McDaniel‘s quest for a fourth term as RNC chair, while Mr. Uihlein is backing Harmeet Dhillon’s bid.
* Fresh numbers, traditional methodology. Politico…
Sophia King’s campaign says its internal polling has the mayoral candidate moving up 5 percentage points from a month ago. The campaign says it’s because King is getting her message out.
Garcia 21%
Lightfoot 15%
Vallas 10%
King 8%
Johnson 8%
Wilson 5%
Green 5%
Undecided 27%
* End Citizens United sent a letter to US Rep. Mary Miller (R-No Relation)…
End Citizens United today issued an open letter to Republican members of Congress who took money from disgraced Congressman George Santos. The letter calls on the members to donate the money to charity.
Below is the text of the letter:
In recent weeks, the truth about Congressman George Santos has come to light. Americans have learned that he lied and fabricated every detail of his life in order to deceive voters of New York’s 3rd Congressional District.
Santos is facing several investigations, at the local, federal, and international level, and is the subject of multiple legal and ethics complaints, including three from End Citizens United. In particular, Santos is accused of using a shell company to hide the true sources of the $700,000 loan he made to his campaign. He also failed to follow the law by filing his financial disclosures inaccurately and with concerning omissions. It is an unacceptable level of dishonesty, unethical behavior, and corruption.
You are among a handful of Republicans who have taken tainted campaign contributions from George Santos.
Given the long list of lies, likely criminality, and blatant disregard for ethics, transparency, or the truth, we are calling on you to donate George Santos’ tainted money to charity. Keeping the money or returning it to Santos would be an endorsement of his deception and corruption.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Muller
President, End Citizens United
According to the release, Rep. Miller received $5,000 from Kitara Ravache…. er… Rep. Santos.
* Press release…
ActBlue announced today that Regina Wallace-Jones will serve as its next CEO and President. Wallace-Jones, a technology executive, former elected official, and Democratic organizer succeeds Erin Hill, who led the organization for 14 years. Hill announced in July her intention to step down at the end of 2022.
* AG Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office obtained a seven-year prison sentence in its prosecution of a Winnebago County man who embezzled more than $100,000 from LTC Support Services, a Galesburg, Illinois-based company that operates Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Steven A. Bennett, 53, of Roscoe, Illinois was sentenced Tuesday by Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Joseph G. McGraw after pleading guilty in September 2022 to one Class 1 felony count of theft.
* The Chief Justice is not happy with CDB and CMS…
Dear Director Underwood and Director Pascente:
As you surely know, the three Illinois Supreme Court Justices from Cook County, the 24 Justices of the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, as well as their personal staff and other state court employees – well over 150 individuals in all – currently office on Floors 14 through 20 of the Michael A. Bilandic Building (MABB). I write to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the Capital Development Board and Central Management Services with respect to your management of the ongoing renovation of the MABB elevators.
The situation reached a crisis level yesterday morning when the Justices and staff arrived to work and were unable to ride the elevators up to their offices. Every elevator in the high rise bank was out of service, and the only operating elevator – the freight elevator – could not be utilized because it requires an operator with card access and no one from CDB or CMS was available. Neither CDB nor CMS communicated or provided adequate assistance as the day unfolded, thereby putting the safety of our judges and staff at risk should anyone on the court floors need to quickly descend to the lobby in the event of an emergency.
I am appalled at the egregious errors in CDB and CMS management of the elevator renovations. The lack of resolution on the part of your offices prompted the Supreme Court’s entry of an order yesterday suspending operations from the MABB until the safety of our judges and staff can be assured. Most disturbing is the lack of respect for the Judicial Branch of government, as well as the litigants whose access to justice has been compromised.
On behalf of my colleagues on the Illinois Supreme Court, I demand that you rectify the situation immediately. I will expect a response from you at your first opportunity.
Sincerely,
Mary Jane Theis
Chief Justice, Illinois Supreme Court
* Press release…
For the first time in the history of the Illinois House of Representatives, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch hosted a retreat for the leadership team of the House Democratic Caucus.
“I was thrilled to host my first leadership retreat for this dynamic group of legislators,” said Speaker Welch. “It’s important that I continue to foster a collaborative environment and find ways for our members to focus on what’s most important to their communities. I have the privilege of serving with a talented group of lawmakers and this retreat was a great opportunity for us to learn from one another and discuss emerging priorities for our Democratic Caucus.”
Welch’s retreat, which was held on Wednesday, focused on individual roles in fostering a culture of collaborative leadership, and featured presentations from the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization providing training and development for lawmakers across the country.
“This leadership retreat was an excellent chance to center our focus as Democrats and collaborate on priorities for the upcoming legislative session,” said Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). “We’ve had a very successful two years – balanced budgets, protected reproductive rights, passed an equity-centered clean energy jobs package, approved the nation’s strongest assault weapons ban, and much more. It’s a great honor to serve alongside this leadership team as we work to build on that success and deliver lasting results for hardworking Illinoisans.”
“I’m grateful for Speaker Welch’s ongoing effort to find ways for our caucus to collaborate and grow as leaders,” said Assistant Majority Leader Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). “This leadership retreat was an excellent learning opportunity and facilitated productive conversations about our priorities as Democrats for the next two years. We are united in our goal to uplift all of Illinois and to find effective solutions to the challenges we face.”
* I love this question from Ben during an aldermanic candidate forum…
Joravsky: You're running for the opportunity to be harassed by everyone. Why?
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today issued 33 [cannabis] Transporter licenses, successfully closing the 2022 application pool. These licenses are in addition to the 88 Craft Grow licenses and 54 Infuser licenses already issued to date and brings the total of licensed transporters in the state to 222. 85% of all new licenses under the CRTA are equity by ownership.
“My administration remains committed to building the most equitable and economically prosperous cannabis industry in the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Since I signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act into law in 2019, we’ve issued hundreds of licenses for craft growers, transporters, and dispensaries—a majority of which are social equity applicants. And today, I couldn’t be happier to announce that the IDOA has issued an additional 33 transporter licenses—creating more good-paying jobs and setting the stage for a flourishing cannabis industry.”
“The Department is pleased to see this industry continue to grow” said Department of Agriculture Director, Jerry Costello. “They join the hundreds of Department licensees from the last two years in building the foundation of the legal cannabis industry in Illinois, and together have generated nearly 5,000 good-paying jobs. Our team remains highly focused on its core mission of developing a well-regulated and equitable industry.”
Transporter licensees transport cannabis and cannabis-infused products on behalf of other Illinois cannabis business establishments, but not directly to consumers. For example, a craft grower would utilize a transport licensee to deliver product to a dispensary.
The current list of licensees is available on the department’s website.
* And, finally, a group of former political movers and shakers got together in Naples, FL this week for the “Illinois Has-Been Reunion.” Click here for photos.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* WTTW | Illinois Utilities Seek to Increase Rates Across the State: What’s behind the increases depends on whom you ask. The companies have their reasons, while consumer advocates like Scarr see profit motives. Scarf said the timing has to do with changing state regulations, including the expiration of laws that largely removed authority from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Now, though, the ICC once again has more control over how much utilities can charge.
* WICA | SNAP benefits in Illinois to decrease in March: The Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been giving out additional emergency monthly allotments since April 2020. The program’s funding of the extra pandemic benefits from the federal government is scheduled to end after February, and Illinois officials are warning people ahead of time they will need to adjust.
* WICA | Danville denies permit for third marijuana dispensary: The Lynch Road area of Danville will not be getting a third marijuana dispensary, the Danville City Council decided on Tuesday. One of the items on the council’s agenda was whether to amend a zoning ordinance that allowed for two dispensaries near Lynch Road. One dispensary – Sunnyside – is already open and a second – Seven Point – will break ground in March or April with construction being completed before the end of the year.
* David Greising | Pritzker’s appearance at Davos could mark a turning point: Consider Pritzker’s main stage turn on the topic of “America (Un) Bound” — a panel meant to instruct the world about America’s policy aspirations and its fractious politics, circa 2023. It was typical Davos stuff: bromides and platitudes, mixed with healthy doses of partisan pugilism.
* Politico | How an incumbent mayor became an underdog in Chicago: While there isn’t much public polling, surveys in recent months suggest she’s trailing Democratic Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in the Feb. 28 election. And in a crowded field of candidates, Lightfoot might even be in danger of not making the April runoff that will take place if no candidate receives a majority of the votes.
* WBEZ | City wants to use cameras to nail motorists who block bus or bike lanes, loading zones: Chicago motorists who block bus lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks or loading zones might soon get nailed by surveillance cameras installed on CTA buses, “city vehicles,” light poles and other property pinpointed by City Hall. Nearly 20 years after a CTA experiment with bus surveillance cameras failed miserably, Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to try it again and then some in a designated downtown area that has the “highest concentration of serious crashes, traffic congestion, public transit service, pedestrian and commercial activity in Chicago,” according to the proposed ordinance.
* WILL | How did women access abortions in Illinois before Roe v. Wade?: Before Roe v. Wade recognized a constitutional right to abortion across America, women still found ways to end their pregnancies. In Illinois, that meant seeking help from an underground, feminist abortion service operating under the code name “Jane.”
* Chicago Reader | Police district candidate’s social media full of racist and misogynist posts: In tweets and group chat messages obtained by the Reader, Abbasi variously shared a racist trope, asked whether it’s misogynist to “absolutely despise the idea of women in groups and wickedness that comes from them talking to each other,” and wrote that a bar owner he’d helped with liquor licensing had provided him with “Polish girls” who may have been “trafficked.” In an interview with the Reader, Abbasi admitted he wrote them but said they were humorous trolling.
* Tribune | Chicago Bears Q&A: What could a trade down to No. 2 net? Should a 2024 1st-round pick be a must?: There will be no shortage of questions regarding the infinite possibilities Ryan Poles potentially will have with the No. 1 pick in the draft until he uses the selection or auctions it off. If the Bears were to move down one spot with the Houston Texans, who are in need of a quarterback, it would result in the smallest of all potential returns. I’m skeptical the Bears would get two first-round picks in this situation — it simply would be too high of a price for the Texans to pay unless they are positively head over heels for one of the prospects and suspect/fear another team is lurking to trade for the pick.
Several employees of a central Illinois prison were treated at hospitals Wednesday after they became sickened while responding to one or more inmates suffering severe discomfort, according to a prison spokesperson and a prison employees’ union representative.
Officials said 18 staff members at John A. Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro required treatment at area hospitals.
An undisclosed number of inmates received treatment in the health care unit of the prison about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of St. Louis.
An Illinois State Police hazardous materials team is investigating, state Department of Corrections spokesperson Naomi Puzzello said in a statement.
The staff members became ill after a prison employee responded to a “medical incident involving individuals in custody who appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance,” Puzzello said.
“All staff members who may have potentially encountered the unknown substance were also sent to a local hospital, as a precaution. All staff are stable currently and many have already been discharged,” Puzzello said.
Prison officers and other staff who responded to the emergency call became ill, some violently, when they came near the affected inmates, said Anders Lindall of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, an employee union.
“Those who were in proximity to the inmate were immediately overcome with a variety of symptoms: Lightheadedness, dizziness, vomiting or feeling nauseous,” Lindall said.
AFSCME’s state council has expressed growing concern about prison employees coming in contact with dangerous substances.
“The issue of exposure to harmful substances in prisons is increasing,” Lindall said, adding that prisons need better searches. “AFSCME has been sounding the alarm for months to tighten up the protocol for both incoming mail and visitor screening.”
Lindall said a union meeting was underway at the prison when the call went out and members broke up the gathering to transport colleagues to the hospital, alert family members and provide other assistance.
Graham Correctional Center is a medium-security lockup for adult males, which opened in 1980 with room for 1,596 inmates. The prison currently houses 1,328 inmates.
In all, 18 Graham Correctional Center employees, who are all AFSCME members, were taken to area hospitals.
As of right now, all 18 employees are stable and testing is being done to find out the substance they were exposed to while working.
* From the Illinois Department of Corrections…
In response to an incident at Graham Correctional Center last evening, Illinois State Police conducted preliminary tests on suspicious substances found on site and the tests came back NEGATIVE for narcotics or hazardous materials. ISP is conducting additional testing on clothing items today as well. The substances were identified as nonhazardous and should not have necessitated the use of Narcan or required hospitalization, but IDOC works diligently to ensure the safety of both incarcerated individuals and employees and worked swiftly to ensure everyone had access to the care they requested. Although no one in custody required hospitalization, some staff reported feeling dizzy and in an abundance of caution were transported to the hospital for observation and treatment. Everyone involved in this incident has been discharged from the hospital.
According to ISP the substances returned the following results.
• Nasal Spray was Acetaminophen/Paracetamol
• Powder was baby powder – Aluminum Phosphate, Ethylpyrrole, and Benzene
As we’ve told you before, hysteria is a very strong emotion.
* Even that “friendly” Kankakee County judge said many similar claims about the SAFE-T Act were bogus. From a press release…
Devore argues the [assault weapons ban] law violates the Single Subject clause of the Illinois Constitution by amending a bill that has nothing to do with gun laws and it violates the three readings requirements of the Constitution through the concurrence motions that led to the bill’s passage. He also argued the new law violates the Due Process clause by not giving lawmakers enough time to read what is in the legislation before voting on it. In addition, he argued it violates the Equal Protection clause by allowing some but prohibiting others from purchasing certain types of firearms.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s lawyers argued the restraining order should be denied in part because the merits of the coming lawsuit will fail in court. The record will show the legislation was read publicly three times, that it covers a single subject — guns — and that the plaintiffs show no evidence that the exemptions for possessing the restricted weapons are doled out unfairly.
“The act’s exceptions for professionals with specialized firearms training and experience, such as law enforcement and members of the military, easily survive rational basis scrutiny,” the state’s response says.
The suit may be frivolous, but it’s in Effingham County. Attorney General candidate Tom DeVore won that county with more than 80 percent of the vote.
* The state suits are mainly for show and to create a little temporary chaos. The federal lawsuit filed by ISRA will likely have more heft. From the Federalist…
While several federal appellate courts have held that similar bans on so-called assault weapons are constitutional, in June of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court in Bruen held that in judging whether a challenged statute violates the Second Amendment, the appellate courts have been applying an incorrect legal standard. The Supreme Court then declared that the proper test for assessing whether a law impermissibly infringes on an individual’s Second Amendment right is whether the government can “affirmatively prove that its firearms regulation is part of the historical tradition that delimits the outer bounds of the right to keep and bear arms.”
Then, noting that modern firearm technology differs from that available at the founding, the Supreme Court in Bruen directed the lower courts, when faced with cases “implicating unprecedented societal concerns or dramatic technological changes” to follow “a more nuanced approach” and “conduct … reasoning by analogy” to determine whether a modern firearm regulation would be “unimaginable at the founding.” The Supreme Court added that “whether modern and historical regulations impose a comparable burden on the right of armed self-defense and whether that burden is comparably justified are ‘central’ considerations when engaging in an analogical inquiry.”
It is kinda weird that judges are supposed to mind-read people who’ve been dead for more than 200 years. But, whatever, they made the rules. We have to live with them. I think several valid arguments can be made under those rules that the law is constitutional, but this game is deliberately designed to be more like Calvin Ball than true deliberation.
* Speaking of ISRA, Richard Pearson was interviewed by WBEZ’s Sasha-Ann Simons today. An excerpt…
Simons: There’s a Gallup poll out from November of 2022, saying that 57% of Americans are in support of stricter gun laws. I imagine that is due to the fact that tens of thousands of folks are dying every year, Richard, in this country from gunshot wounds. It’s a fact. Mass shootings, they’re on the rise. Are you ignoring that, like the state representative suggested?
Pearson: No, I’m not ignoring that, but you’re ignoring the numbers. You know, about 80…
Simons: What numbers am I ignoring?
Pearson: I’m gonna tell you if you shut up for a minute.
Simons: Excuse me?
Whew.
A few seconds after that exchange, Simons understandably shut down the interview.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Good move…
I apologize to @WBEZ host @WBEZreset@SashaAnnSimons and her listening audience. I was rude during my live interview on Jan. 19, and I’m sorry for my behavior. -Richard Pearson #ISRA
A Facebook post by Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg Thursday night expressing his support for the state’s ban on high-powered weapons prompted more than 2,000 comments, both from detractors and supporters, within 24 hours. […]
Several critics of Idleburg’s stance brought up his race. One commenter questioned how Idleburg ever became a police officer, to which another user replied, “color.”
“I would really hope in the year 2023, people would not use race or other protected status to disrespect others, but unfortunately, I have seen some of the comments where people have been very insulting over my race,” Idleburg said. “I won’t let the racist comments disparage the unbelievably hardworking and dedicated staff we have at the sheriff’s office.”
We are the ten (10) Illinois State Senators and Representatives that represent the overwhelming majority of you and your families in Lake County. Last week Illinois enacted the Protect Illinois Communities Act which joins eight (8) other states in banning the sale of assault weapons, and adopts other essential public safety measures like banning the sale of high capacity magazines, fighting illegal gun trafficking, and expanding our red flag laws.
We are grateful to our Lake County leaders like State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, Sheriff John Idleburg, and Lake County Board members who have stood in support of these life-saving new laws. Our communities continue to heal not just from the Highland Park Fourth of July mass shooting, but from individual gun violence, suicide by firearm, school lockdowns for our children, and other trauma resulting from gun violence.
Sadly, some elected officials in other parts of the state have pledged to ignore their oath of office with the intention of not enforcing the law. Even worse, cowardly anonymous social media accounts have turned to threats and racism against our elected officials.
Please know that your senators and representatives will continue to do everything in our power to keep your community safe, and will stand in strong support of our local leaders who are doing the same.
Sen. Mary Edly Allen, 31st District
Sen. Adrianne Johnson, 30th District
Sen. Julie Morrison, 29th District
Rep. Jonathan Carroll, 57th District
Rep. Daniel Didech, 59th District
Rep. Laura Faver Dias, 62nd District
Rep. Joyce Mason, 61st District
Rep. Rita Mayfield, 60th District
Rep. Bob Morgan, 58th District
Rep. Nabeela Syed, 51st District
* Meanwhile…
"Just because somebody goes on Fox News or stands up and gives a speech on the floor or elsewhere and says that they've talked to lawyers and they believe it's unconstitutional, that isn't definitive of whether anything is constitutional or not," Pritzker says.
*** UPDATE 1 *** More heat on the DuPage County Sheriff from the area’s congressional delegation…
Today, U. S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Bill Foster (IL-11) sent a letter to DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick expressing concern over his January 11th statement that he will not enforce the Protect Illinois Communities Act (H.B. 5471). The legislation bans the sale and distribution of assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches in Illinois.
“As Sheriff, you do not have the authority to set enforcement priorities based on your personal views of a law’s constitutionality” the lawmakers wrote. “Moreover, by choosing not to enforce the law, you will put the safety of DuPage residents and law enforcement officers at risk. To that end, we request that you immediately rescind your January 11, 2023, statement and clarify that you will uphold your office’s mission statement, including your duty to ‘enforce the laws of the State of Illinois and the county of DuPage in a fair and impartial manner.’ It is clear that your statement was misguided and erroneous due to the widespread condemnation from DuPage County residents, several county board members, and state legislators.”
Earlier this month, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, subsequently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. On January 13th, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced that, due to his personal beliefs about H. B. 5471, he would not enforce the law in DuPage County.
In October 2022, the DuPage County Board voted to approve a resolution in support of legislation banning the sale of assault-style weapons.
* Catholic bishops applaud Illinois weapons ban: “The Catholic Conference of Illinois would like to commend the Illinois General Assembly and Governor J B Pritzker on banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines with the passage of House Bill 5471,” read a statement posted on the website of the state Catholic conference. “Too many times our state has witnessed the horror of mass shootings, and we hope this legislation will help to provide some peace in our communities going forward,” the bishops continued.
A year after the Christopher Columbus statue in Arrigo Park was yanked down amid mounting protests, hundreds rallied at the same spot in the heart of Little Italy last month to demand the city restore that monument to the explorer and two others.
Billed as Italian Unity Day, the July 25 event included many with deep ties to the neighborhood. But it was also filled with members of a controversial western chauvinist group with a long track record of sowing division: the Proud Boys. […]
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans planned the event in Arrigo Park last month on the one-year anniversary of the statues’ removal.
Ron Onesti, the group’s president, said the fight to bring back the Little Italy monument had become a multi-ethnic effort over the past year, and that every culture was welcomed to attend the event. […]
“I am unfamiliar with the [Proud Boys] group. I do not support violence, destruction, racism, bigotry or disrespect of any kind,” he said.
Would he have asked the groups to leave the rally if he knew they had ties to the Capitol insurrection?
“It’s not my place to ask anyone to leave,” he said.
The CEO of the company that operates the Des Plaines Theatre defended leasing the city-owned venue to a group that’s been criticized for making queerphobic social media posts and other controversial statements.
Describing himself as a proponent of the First Amendment, Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment Corp. on Wednesday said Naperville-based Awake Illinois has the right to hold meetings and discuss the issues it pleases. Despite the controversy, Onesti said he won’t cancel the event.
“It’s not for me to be judge and jury,” Onesti said. […]
Onesti Entertainment has a five-year deal with Des Plaines to operate the theater, which the city purchased in 2018 and spent millions to renovate.
* Background is here if you need it. Molly Parker, Lee Enterprises Midwest, and Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois, and ProPublica…
The watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking harsher penalties against health care workers who obstruct abuse and neglect investigations.
IDHS Inspector General Peter Neumer’s call to action comes on the heels of extensive reporting by Lee Enterprises, Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica last year that revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in rural southern Illinois. The news organizations detailed how uncooperative staff stymied the state’s ability to hold employees facing serious abuse allegations to account.
Specifically, Neumer is asking legislators for a change in law that would allow his office to report workers engaged in similar misconduct to an existing statewide registry. The move could bar those employees from working in the health care field in Illinois.
The Health Care Worker Registry monitors direct care aides, nursing assistants and other non-licensed health care officials; its database of professionals includes those who are barred from working with vulnerable populations. They may have been barred because of criminal records or if they have been found in an administrative proceeding to have engaged in financial exploitation, what is known as “egregious neglect” or physical and sexual abuse.
Under the current system, state workers who help their colleagues by lying to or misleading investigators can face termination if they’re caught, but findings against them can’t be reported to the registry. So short of criminal charges, which are rare, nothing would prevent them from going to work in another health care setting.
The Office of the Inspector General “regularly sees instances where facility or agency staff seek to protect each other from the consequences of their misconduct by remaining silent about what they witnessed or lying to protect their fellow employees,” Neumer wrote in a recently released annual report on his office’s work.
In a follow-up interview, Neumer said expanding his office’s authority would help deter employees from “engaging in cover-up behavior or code-of-silence activity if they were aware that by doing so they risked losing their employment and possibly their ability to work in the health care industry in Illinois.” […]
A spokesperson for House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said he was “incredibly troubled” by the reports on Choate and is “closely reviewing” the inspector general’s recommendations.
Anger over the political appointment process has been simmering among Champaign County Democrats since the Dec. 9 death of state Sen. Scott Bennett.
This week, it boiled over into a bitter public display after Champaign County Clerk and Recorder Aaron Ammons re-stated his accusation that party officials were motivated by racism and sexism when they appointed Paul Faraci to fill Sen. Bennett’s seat rather than his wife, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana.
Aaron Ammons’ statement, made on the Champaign County Democrats’ Facebook page, drew immediate condemnation from others, including Sen. Bennett’s widow, Stacy. The lengthy exchange was pointed and personal.
I too have been biting my tongue for more than a month because quite frankly the truth is just too painful, but this has gone way too far and the truth needs to come to light. I very much appreciated you and Representative Ammons coming to the house and bringing flowers until I learned that she had been making numerous calls about getting Scott’s seat less than hour after he died. I then learned Representative Ammons told the media that she was with the family at the hospital, which was simply not true. Being in the lobby and being in the icu with the family are VERY different things. This was particularly hurtful to members of the extended family who wondered why they weren’t with us at the hospital. As if this wasn’t enough, I later learned that you approached Scott’s senate colleagues about endorsing Representative Ammons AT his memorial service! My friends did a wonderful job of trying to shield me from all of this, but none of these actions were done secretly, so it didn’t take long for me to find out. I felt like I was being repeatedly kicked while I was already down. Honestly, I am still shocked by all of this and imagining Representative Ammons making calls about Scott’s senate seat while I was telling my 9 year old children that their daddy was never coming home is almost too much to bear.
I just can’t sit back and let you continue to disparage those people who worked so hard to honor Scott’s legacy. The only person entitled to this seat was Scott who was elected by the people of the 52nd district. I believe of the last 31 senators who have been appointed, only 7 were state reps, so that is actually not the standard. Plus, Scott was an amazing senator without being a state rep. Mike, Cari, and Sandy set up a fair process that was similar to what Scott went through when he was appointed. Everyone had the right to put their name in for consideration.
This process has already been painful and destructive enough. I just ask that the lies and negativity stop, so we can all move on and so I can finally work towards finding closure.
* Ms. Bennett’s post was preceded by this one from Champaign County Democratic Party Vice Chair Cari West-Henkelman…
I have bit my tongue about the [expletive deleted] that y’all pulled during the appointment process for several reasons.
1. Out of respect to Scott’s family.
2. To avoid jeopardizing you or Carol’s future elections.
3. Mainly because I’m not in the business of tearing down other people…especially fellow Dems.
As I said during this whole thing, there were many different things that had to be considered when making such an important decision. At the end of the day we did what we felt was best for the 52nd district, Champaign and Vermilion counties, and to honor MY friend Scott and his family.
I also said that I would hope all the candidates would respect the decision and support the appointment. Everyone seems to have done that except you.
With all that being said, I politely ask you to knock it off.
State Representative Carol Ammons (D- 103rd District) said she was with Bennett’s family shortly after he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday.
“We sat until the evening, so that we could see that he was stabilizing,” Rep. Ammons said. “We really wanted to know if he was stable and if the doctors could figure out what was wrong.”
The station didn’t actually quote Ammons saying she was with Bennett’s family, and Rep. Ammons told me she was with several other people in the hospital lobby, which I was able to confirm myself.
* Rep. Ammons’ spouse, County Clerk Aaron Ammons, explained it this way on the FB thread…
I want to clarify that Representative Ammons has NEVER said she was in the ICU with the family. […]
As many of us know when dealing with the press that anything outside of your direct quote is an interpretation of what they heard during the interview and they OFTEN misquote the people they are interviewing. Stacy Meredith Bennett Again, we meant NO Disrespect, and offer our apologies if what the reporter wrote was misleading or caused any confusion for you or the family, that was certainly NOT our intent.
* It never ceases to blow my mind how reporters refuse to do the simplest of Google searches or fall for the dumbest things. Here’s John Clark at WTVO in Rockford…
A medical watchdog group is criticizing Illinois’ new law that requires health-care workers to take racial bias training over “being a good doctor.”
According to the Illinois Administrative Code, racial bias occurs automatically and unintentionally, affecting behaviors, judgments, and decisions.
The medical watchdog group Do No Harm counters that “There is no credible evidence that physicians are biased, or healthcare is systemically racist.”
Also, Google “Do No Harm” and you’ll find the “medical watchdog” group’s website is filled with warnings about how the same people behind “Critical Race Theory” and “Defund the police” are now coming after physicians. It has posts supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ war on “wokeness,” warns about trans rights, etc.
Kristina is a grassroots and advocacy expert. She previously served as the president of a major state think tank, chief of staff to a governor, and as an advocate for federal government reform.
A simple Google search would show that the “think tank” has an Illinois angle. Rasmussen worked for the Illinois Policy Institute. The governor mentioned was Bruce Rauner. Rasmussen’s comms team was ousted after issuing a press release in the governor’s name saying he wouldn’t take a stand on an IPI cartoon deemed racist by many because he was “a white male.” And then Rauner parted ways with Rasmussen.
* But, hey, forget the Google machine for a moment. Forget about trying to balance the story by reaching out to a professional medical group or a civil rights association to counter the propaganda they published without question. The city of Rockford has a Black state Representative named Maurice West who WTVO could’ve also consulted. I reached out to Rep. West last night about the WTVO story and here’s what he had to say…
My wife had complications after the birth of our daughter in 2020 where a headache was one of the symptoms. The ER doctor was confident that her “hair was braided too tight”.
My wife’s hair is not in braids, and her birth related sickness that could have gotten worse went unchecked for two more days because of the doctor’s racial/cultural ignorance.
It’s not calling doctors racist. If you are not exposed to cultural differences on a regular basis then it’s best to learn and understand the differences to be a more effective doctor.
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) January 19, 2023
* Here’s your daily morning roundup…
* Illinois Times | General Assembly passes bill requiring employers to offer paid leave: Sherry Morris, a part-time employee of Help at Home, would gain paid time off, beginning in January 2024, if a bill recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly is signed into law. The Riverton resident also cares for her 30-year-old son, Kyle, who has mental disabilities and lives with her. Sherry Morris says a bill that will soon head to the governor’s desk for his signature would boost her quality of life “tremendously” as she works in low-income clients’ homes to help them maintain independence. “It’s mind-blowing,” Morris, 66, of Riverton said in response to the General Assembly’s recent passage of a bill that would, for the first time, require all Illinois employers to offer up to five days of paid leave for any reason each year.
* Advance Illinois | Statement on the Illinois State Board of Education FY24 Budget Recommendation: Today the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved and sent to Governor Pritzker recommendations for the FY24 Budget. While Advance Illinois commends ISBE for taking steps to ensure Illinois students, from early childhood through high school, have the care and education they need to thrive and succeed, today’s proposed budget didn’t go far enough.
* SJ-R | Tucked inside state spending bill, Illinois commits to new statute honoring King: The bill’s passing happened about four months after 24-year-old Fernando Garcia Martinez was arrested for toppling the current MLK statue. The statue, located at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Second Street, has since been removed from the base and taken to a state warehouse in Springfield. It is unclear when or if it will be returned to the intersection also called “Freedom Corner.”
* Tribune | New records show Gov. J.B. Pritzker has spent $350 million to win his two terms in office: In his two winning campaigns to become Illinois’ chief executive, billionaire Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the nation’s wealthiest politician, has spent $350 million, including more than $167 million to defeat Republican Darren Bailey by nearly 13 percentage points in November, according to newly released state and federal campaign records.
* Pantagraph | $180 million more sought for Illinois higher education: The budget request goes to the General Assembly and governor for their consideration in passing the state budget later this year. It includes a 7.5% increase in the total direct funding for the state’s public universities and community colleges. Last year’s budget included a 5% increase.
* WTVO | Rockford’s Hard Rock Casino made $55M in 2022: Numbers from the Illinois Gaming Board show over 463,000 people visited the temporary Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act in 2022, bringing in $54.7 million. Of that, $8 million went to the state and $3 million went to Rockford region, with the city taking a majority share in a split with Winnebago County, Loves Park, and Machesney Park.
* Tribune | Former Portage Mayor James Snyder’s attorney argues that appeals court should grant him third trial: In October 2021, Snyder was sentenced to 21 months in prison and one year supervised release for soliciting bribes and obstruction, but the judge ruled that Snyder did not have to report to prison while his appeal was ongoing. Snyder was first indicted in 2016, on the same day former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich was indicted for receiving bribes as part of a towing scheme. While Buncich was sent to federal prison in 2018, Snyder has been convicted twice, shaken up his legal team and spent most of the past six years proclaiming his innocence.
* Fox Chicago | Chicago mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green lays out tax relief proposal: The plan includes two-year interest-free loans for people at risk of losing their homes, a city “Loyalty Tax Credit” for homeowners who stay in their homes for more than three years and eliminating the property tax escalator put in place by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
* Sun-Times | Biden to nominate Jeffrey Cummings, LaShonda Hunt for Chicago-based U.S. District Court spots: Both judges, who are Black, will further the goal of Biden and Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to diversify the federal bench. Last year, attorney Nancy Maldonado became the first Hispanic woman to sit on the Northern District of Illinois. Since the Northern District was created some 200 years ago, it has been dominated by white male judges.
* Chicago Reader | Daring to win: Helen Shiller’s new autobiography details decades of political struggles in Uptown.: Helen Shiller insists that the story of Uptown is not unique. After more than 50 years living in the neighborhood, it’s hard to disagree with her. In many ways, the most pressing concerns that Shiller first identified when she moved to the neighborhood in 1972 still haunt the wider city, and America as a whole: conflicts with police, a lack of adequate housing, and a deep-seated disconnect between the desires of working-class people and the politicians who represent them. In many cases, they’ve worsened.
* WLS-AM | 23-year-old 73rd District State Rep Brad Fritts is ready to serve: One of the youngest state representatives to ever serve in the 74th District, Brad Fritts, joins the Steve Cochran Show to talk about why he decided to run for State Rep at 22, being eager to learn from his colleagues & serve his district. He also offers advice to young people who wish to enter politics.
* NBC Chicago | Unlawfully Towed? Refunds Are Hard to Come By, Even at State Regulators’ Request: For Chicagoans who know the rules and laws of parking in the city, the hope is that if mistakes are made or their cars are taken unlawfully by private tow companies, Illinois state regulators will have their back. Drivers still have to pay a $218 fee to get their vehicle back from the tow yard, but if the tow is ruled as illegal, regulators with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) can force the tow company behind the tow to refund the driver the money they paid.
Fresh off voting to give themselves massive pay raises, Illinois Democrats are at it again. This time, they’re talking about reviving JB Pritzker’s failed 2020 tax referendum that would raise taxes on middle-class families and businesses which was resoundingly defeated 55-45% by the voters.
From Crain’s Chicago Business yesterday afternoon, “asserting that the second time could be the charm, a veteran Illinois lawmaker is preparing a new effort to get the state to enact a graduated income tax. In a phone interview, Sen. Rob Martwick, who represents portions of Chicago’s Northwest Side and adjacent suburbs, said he still believes the state, and particularly middle-class families, need the income and lower property taxes, respectively, that a graduated income tax would bring, even though voters in 2020 rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to do that by about a 10-point margin.”
“First they voted to give themselves self-congratulatory pay raises, now Illinois Democrats are talking about reviving Governor Pritzker’s rejected tax referendum to help pay for them,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy. “If the past week is any indication, we’re in for two years of massively out-of-touch overreach by Illinois Democrats, that sadly Illinois voters will be asked to foot the bill for. I don’t recall a single Democrat campaigning on these issues last fall.”
Like I said, totally expected. You knew it was coming. Part of the “conversation.”
Martwick said he has not yet decided whether the new graduated tax should be revenue neutral, cutting taxes at the bottom of the scale as much as it raises them at the top, or instead boost the state’s income in dealing with continuing massive debt in the state’s pension funds, which are short more than $130 billion of what’s needed to pay promised benefits.
Either way, the proposal must guarantee property tax relief in the way the “fair tax” didn’t, Martwick said. “When you look at people leaving the state, the vast majority are middle-class people,” with high taxes on their homes a prime reason. To be successful, a new graduated income tax plan must provide property tax relief and deal with the pension problem, he said.
A new poll shows Garcia leading with 28 percent of the vote to Lightfoot’s 21 percent
The poll is not new. It’s more than a month old. You can find it here if you want, but Chicago reporters are really getting sloppy with this topic. Old polls, non-polls, blatant partisan push-polls, even non-surveys have all been hyped as the real deal. It’s the Wild West in that town.
* Press release…
Today, victims of crypto fraud stood by Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) as he introduced a resolution for the Illinois Attorney General to investigate a multi-state crypto Ponzi scheme that has targeted Latinos throughout Illinois and should be included as part of a broader federal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ald. Sigcho-Lopez has received more than 200 complaints from community members who were contacted by an alleged crypto investment LLC with promises of quick and substantial returns on their investment. Many have become victims of these crypto scammers and lost hundreds of thousands of dollars of their personal savings.
“The same type of scam perpetrated by Sam Bankman-Fried at FTX is happening right here in our neighborhoods with crypto scammers targeting people in our communities by posing as real investment firms and taking the life savings of hard working families,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “It is my obligation to stand up for the victims and protect others in our community from being taken advantage of by these con artists that use the allure of cryptocurrencies to cheat people out of their money.”
CryptoFX, LLC operates a Ponzi scheme that has been under investigation by the SEC, which placed a temporary restraining order that halted their offerings. When that order ended, however, the scheme continued and Latinos throughout Illinois have been contacted by CryptoFX’s satellite offices to invest with them.
“Through this resolution I hope to bring justice to the families that have been impacted by this crypto fraud, put an end to the practices of CryptoFX, LLC in Illinois, hold the founders of this scam responsible for their crimes, and prevent any future exploitation by crypto scammers,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
Victims of CryptoFX, LLC have been contacted by the company via Whatsapp with invitations to seminars and workshops that teach financial literacy. Many victims have been invited to join by family members and friends.
…Adding… Bill action…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action:
Bill Number: HB 0240
Description: Healthcare omnibus that makes several changes to statute including around nursing homes, ambulance payments, hospitals, podiatrists, and mental health.
Action: Signed
Effective: Immediately
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Chalkbeat | Illinois superintendent proposes $516 million education budget increase; advocates want more: State Superintendent Carmen Ayala is proposing a $516 million, or 5.3%, increase to the state’s education budget next year, a request that education advocates say falls short of what Illinois school districts need. Ayala’s budget proposal calls for a $350 million boost for K-12 schools, or about 4%, plus a $60 million increase to early childhood education. The rest of the requested increase relates to transportation, special education, and free meals.
* Forbes | The Average Rent In Chicago Reaches Its Highest Point Ever: According to Zillow’s data, the estimated average rent in Chicago is $1,925, as of November 2022 (the most recent rental data available at the time of writing). While that figure is certainly cheaper than the average rent in America’s largest city — New York City, with an average rent of $3,353 for that same month — as well as cheaper than the nation’s second largest city — Los Angeles, with an average rent of $2,915 — Chicago’s average rent is comparatively expensive for the Midwest region of the U.S.
* WILL | Rockford lawsuit reignites debate over student resource officers: There’s an ongoing conversation about the role that police officers or student resources officers should play in school settings. A Rockford 14-year-old and his family are suing the Rockford Public Schools, claiming that one such officer at the school used unreasonable and lethal force against the teen and that the school attempted to cover the incident up. Security camera footage shows the officer bodyslamming the student, slamming his head into the ground, which knocked the boy unconscious and fractured his skull. Why? The 14-year-old had skipped part of one class and was walking down the hall.
* NBC Chicago | Illinois Coronavirus Updates: Undercount of Counties at ‘High’ COVID Alert, XBB.1.5 Grows: Illinois now has two additional counties reporting what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as having a “high” community spread of COVID after a data delay led to an undercount last week, the state’s health department said in a press release Tuesday. Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported only three counties in the state — Hancock in Western Illinois, along with Marion and Washington in Southern Illinois — had fallen into the CDC’s “high” category. However, on Tuesday, the state’s health department sent out an update, saying it had undercounted.
* Tribune | Illinois comes in No. 2 on the annual green buildings list, ahead of New York and California: Illinois was the No. 2 state for green building in 2022, second only to Massachusetts, according to an annual ranking released Tuesday by the U.S. Green Building Council. The state was No. 1 in 2021, and has ranked in the top 10 every year since the rankings began in 2010. Illinois is the only state to have topped the list five times, according to U.S. Green Building Council managing director of U.S. market transformation and development Rhiannon Jacobsen.
* Newsweek | Democratic Governor Takes Aim at Kyrsten Sinema While on Stage With Her: When asked for clarification on the meaning of Pritzker’s remarks about “reluctant members of his own party,” Jordan Abudayyeh, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications, told Newsweek, “I think the Governor’s words were pretty clear here and I’ll let them speak for [themselves].
* Tribune | Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s campaign spending outpacing how much she’s raising: Lightfoot began the quarter with $2.9 million in the bank and raised a little less than $1.5 million, according to newly filed campaign disclosure records. But the reelection-seeking mayor spent roughly $3 million from October through December, leaving her with about $1.4 million before the Feb. 28 mayoral election where she faces eight opponents.
* Patch | Ease Public Records Burden: Elmhurst Officials: The group wants the state to extend the response period for non-commercial public records requests. Now, it is five business days, allowing reasons for extensions. The conference does not say what it would like the period to be.
* WSIU | Behind your speedy Amazon delivery are serious hazards for workers, government finds: As part of a larger investigation into hazardous working conditions, the Occupational Safety and and Health Administration announced on Wednesday it has cited Amazon for failing to keep workers safe at warehouses in Deltona, Florida; Waukegan, Illinois; and New Windsor, New York. “While Amazon has developed impressive systems to make sure its customers’ orders are shipped efficiently and quickly, the company has failed to show the same level of commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of its workers,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker.
* WGN | ‘Nothing happened,’ Ald. Derrick Curtis says of shooting that left daughter wounded: Less than two weeks after his adult daughter was shot during one of his gun safety classes, 18th Ward Ald. Derrick Curtis insisted that “nothing happened” and “she’s fine.” […] Asked if he was in touch with the Illinois State Police regarding his certification to teach concealed carry classes, Curtis said, “Absolutely. I’m good.”
* Sun-Times | Woman pleads guilty to stealing from HIV services agency, Planned Parenthood: Andrea Peoples, 43, was sentenced to four years in prison by Judge Michael Clancy after she pleaded guilty to felony counts of theft. But after receiving credit for nearly two years while on bond in the cases, Peoples will be released on parole, court records show. Peoples was first charged in January 2020 after a routine audit by Planned Parenthood found that she stole more than $100,000 from the organization’s operating budget between July 2015 and April 2017.
* CBS Chicago | Illinois ranks near bottom of states in use of ‘red flag’ gun laws: In a recent Johns Hopkins University study on policies to reduce gun violence in Illinois, their number one recommendation was to improve firearm restraining order implementation. Here is part of why that is – in 2020 and 2021, Florida had 4,895 cases where petitions were filed to remove guns. In Illinois over the same period, the number was 105.
* Intelligencer | Extremely Hardcore Twitter’s staff spent years trying to protect the platform against impulsive ranting billionaires — then one made himself the CEO.: The days surrounding the acquisition passed in a blur of ominous, unlikely scenes. Musk posing as the world’s richest prop comic, announcing his takeover by lugging a kitchen sink into the office: “Entering Twitter HQ — let that sink in!” (181.2K retweets, 43.6K quote tweets, 1.3M likes.) A fleet of Teslas in the parking lot. Musk’s intimidating security detail standing outside his glass conference room as if guarding the leader of a developing nation. Musk’s 2-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, toddling around the second floor, occasionally crying.
* Reuters | Tesla video promoting self-driving was staged, engineer testifies: A 2016 video that Tesla (TSLA.O) used to promote its self-driving technology was staged to show capabilities like stopping at a red light and accelerating at a green light that the system did not have, according to testimony by a senior engineer. The video, which remains archived on Tesla’s website, was released in October 2016 and promoted on Twitter by Chief Executive Elon Musk as evidence that “Tesla drives itself.”
* WSIL | Mt. Vernon ELKS to donate $6,000 to VA clinic: Mt. Vernon Elks #819 members will meet with Marion VA Health Care System Executive Director Zach Sage to present a donation of $6,000. The donation will be for the veterans treated by the Mt. Vernon VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
* Press release | Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Chicago, Illinois: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Chicago, Illinois, January 19-20 to participate in a moderated conversation at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, where he will help mark the Institute’s 10-year anniversary. While in Chicago, Secretary Blinken will also meet with leaders from the Ukrainian diaspora community, as well as with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation. Additionally, the Secretary will visit Ukrainian Village, and participate in a roundtable discussion centered around local engagement in support of Ukraine. Secretary Blinken will also visit the Chicago Passport Agency and meet with Department of State employees.
* Sen. Sally Turner is a reasonable Republican. She and many others like her undoubtedly fret at the state of her party these days. With respect, it’s just bizarre to me that these same people never seem to realize how they have enthusiastically enabled that base…
In an interview on WGLT’s Sound Ideas, [Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason] said she plans to introduce a bill to require voters provide ID at the ballot box.
Turner, a former county clerk, said she’s not seen evidence of election fraud in Illinois, but added some voters may feel disenfranchised.
“They think others may be casting a ballot that really isn’t them. Indeed, I have not seen that be the case personally, but that might alleviate some of that headache,” Turner said.
People have to show proof of identification when they register to vote. Your voter registration signature is then your ID at the polls. Introducing a bill based on other people’s perceived feelings about stolen elections or whatnot is empowering the conspiracy theorists.
During the winter break, some goofy Minnesotan was going on and on at the pool about how tons of people were bused from Chicago to vote in Minneapolis. It didn’t appear to occur to this dude how impossibly difficult it would be to conceal such a gigantic logistics effort at either end, or even in between. Laws shouldn’t be passed to placate that person’s feelings, who would undoubtedly just come up with an insane replacement conspiracy theory anyway.
If there’s a problem, fix it. Sen. Turner says there’s not a problem, and she was a county clerk so she would know. Stop pandering to the mob.
Sam Acho saw a solution to food insecurity in the hundreds of people at the Everything Local Conference Wednesday in Springfield.
The former Chicago Bears linebacker and ESPN college football analyst shared how professional athletes on different Chicago teams helped create a source of healthy food on Chicago’s West Side. He delivered the keynote address for the conference sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association and Illinois Farmers Market Association in the Crowne Plaza.
During the racial strife in 2020, Acho and nine professional Chicago athletes “pulled up chairs and sat in a circle and listened” to 10 police officers and 30 teens in the Austin neighborhood. While touring the neighborhood, Acho remembered he and one of the other athletes noticed only one grocery store, but 10 liquor stores. The athletes wondered if they could do something about that problem.
Before they left the tour bus, a young girl spoke to the group. “You come to our community and leave, but a lot of us choose to live here. Some of you will remember that when you go to your homes,” Acho recalled.
The athletes proposed buying one of the liquor stores and turning it into a food market where the teens would work.
In August 2020, the Austin Harvest food mart pop-up opened with eight student entrepreneurs working after school three days a week. They sold fresh produce and flowers.
When the open-air market had to close for the season, a radiothon helped raise money for a permanent building and ground was broken in May 2022.
Now, 15 students are participating in a 12-week entrepreneurship program. They learn everything about starting a business from architectural design to customer service. They’re also learning banking, money management and budgeting.
The forthcoming building will be 2,500-square-feet and will maintain the look and feel of Austin Harvest’s outdoor pop-up market. Even the design process was youth led, with Austin Harvest staff working with architects to offer input into the building’s design and functionality. The design incorporates the pop-up’s original orange shipping container and will have a retractable roof to give the community gathering space an open feel. The permanent structure will also include dry storage space and state-of-the-art refrigeration units, allowing students to offer a wider array of fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers. […]
During the first two market seasons Austin Harvest was open three afternoons per week. More than 100 shoppers visited the market each week and students rung up more than 2,400 transactions. When Austin Harvest opens in spring 2023, Williams said the team plans to ease into operations and will consider expanding their hours of operation gradually. He pointed out that this is the first year since the market’s inception that it has operated without pandemic-related limitations.
“We don’t want to rob students of their school experience,” said Williams. “It’s all about balance. We want to serve in excellence and don’t want our students to be overwhelmed.”
* CNBC’s Squawk Box interviewed Gov. Pritzker at Davos today…
Q: Tell us what the message is, because we’ve been hearing from a lot of different business leaders quite publicly, as you know, who’ve been talking about the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and to be quite blunt about it, a lot of them say they want to get out.
Pritzker: Well, that’s not what we’re hearing, in fact, to you, but you saw that Kellogg moved to Chicago just recently. So just another example of corporate headquarters coming to Illinois, and we’re doing a lot to attract business and retain businesses. We had one business that left Citadel because, frankly, he lost a political election, trying to unseat me, and, you know, wanting to get out and made as an excuse that we have high crime but the reality [crosstalk] not about my run for reelection. he just decided he didn’t want me as governor and so he went after me, and spent $50 million trying to take me out. But the reality of Miami where they have a worse [crosstalk]
Q: You’re talking about [crosstalk] Citadel. Tell us about that, though. Did you guys ever have a conversation yourselves about this?
Pritzker: Not about my run for reelection. He just decided he didn’t want me as governor. And so he went after me and spent $50 million trying to take me out. And then another guy rich, Richard Uhlein, who owns Uline, spent another $55 million trying to take me out in the same election. And look, I you know, I’ve talked to Ken Griffin. I’ve known him for a number of years. We still have a major Citadel headquarters in Chicago, and quite a number of people still working there. They haven’t moved jobs. And we’re glad to have them in Illinois, but I’m sorry he left.
Q: But it’s not political to say for example, the CEO of McDonald’s, for example, has raised concerns about the security issues in Chicago.
Pritzker: And I’ve sat down with him to talk to him about that. I think his comments are not inappropriate to talk about the safety and security, public safety of people in the city of Chicago and and what that means for business, and we’re doing actually quite a lot to address that, both in crime prevention dollars applied so that we’re intervening on the street literally providing jobs for young people. And then of course, you know, we just passed the assault weapons ban in the state of Illinois and that’s going to help, but crime is coming down gradually in the city and across the state. It’s going to take a little while, these things don’t come down immediately. But it’s getting better.
Q: Governor, you know the other side would say that it’s, you know, no cash bail and lenient prosecutors. You got to approach it a whole different way. And I guess the mayor, obviously Chicago gets a lot of criticism on that as well. You’re sure that the cure that you’re prescribing is what needs to be done?
Pritzker: It’s working. And the reality is that when you talk about no cash bail, you know, people misunderstand that [crosstalk] that doesn’t mean that you’re just letting you double doors [crosstalk]
Q: By the way, the state of New York though we’ve had we have a similar issue. In fact an employee from Goldman Sachs was killed in in the subway, this just earlier this year, after somebody who was let out on bail, probably should not have clearly should not have been [crosstalk]
Pritzker: Exactly the point that is violent criminals shouldn’t be let out, right. But when you’ve got somebody who committed a non-violent offense, and frankly, that would be kept in jail…
Q: That’s a broken windows argument… ,
Pritzker: …because they just don’t have a few hundred dollars. That’s not a [crosstalk] it’s an injustice.
Q: Some people say, when you let the broken windows, that whole idea that if you let minor crimes go without any punishment, that it’s just, the whole environment seems to be more lenient, and it just leads to more serious crimes. You don’t adhere to that.
Pritzker: It’s the serious criminals that are, you know, they’re committing the violent crimes. So, those are the ones, it’s not people who are committing shoplifting that are going out…
Q: If 100 People, what if 100 People go in and steal from stores…
Pritzker: I understand. They should be held accountable. That’s not the suggestion that we’re not holding them accountable. The issue is that it’s violent criminals that need to be [crosstalk] without bail. Because right now, if you’re wealthy enough, you can simply buy your way out. You’re a wealthy drug dealer, you can buy your way out.
And then the video ends.
Lot of Mayor Giuliani hardliners on that network, apparently.
* Related…
* Northeastern University researchers find little evidence for ‘broken windows theory,’ say neighborhood disorder doesn’t cause crime: More than 35 years ago, researchers theorized that graffiti, abandoned buildings, panhandling, and other signs of disorder in neighborhoods create an environment that leads people to commit more crime. In the “broken windows theory,” as it has come to be known, such characteristics convey the message that these places aren’t monitored and crime will go unpunished. The theory has led police to crack down on minor crimes with the idea that this will prevent more serious crimes, and inspired research on how disorder affects people’s health. Now, Northeastern researchers say they have debunked the “broken windows theory.” In research published in the Annual Review of Criminology and in Social Science & Medicine, they have found that disorder in a neighborhood doesn’t cause people to break the law, commit more crimes, have a lower opinion of their neighborhoods, or participate in dangerous or unhealthy behavior. “The body of evidence for the broken windows theory does not stand, in terms of how disorder impacts individuals,” said Daniel T. O’Brien, associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern.
* ADDED: Is Bail Reform Causing an Increase in Crime?: As jurisdictions throughout the U.S. consider reducing or eliminating the use of pretrial detention and cash bail, criminologists Don Stemen and David Olson of Loyola University Chicago examine whether crime has increased in places that have implemented bail reforms since 2017. In Is Bail Reform Causing an Increase in Crime?, the authors examine eleven jurisdictions that constrained or ended use of these long-established practices and found “no clear or obvious pattern” connecting bail reforms and violent crime. They conclude that “reducing pretrial detention and eliminating money considerations from decisions about detention have had minimal negative effects on public safety” and that, considering the harmful effects of pretrial detention on defendants, bail reforms might, in fact, “improve the well-being of communities most impacted by crime.”
A pair of longtime government reform advocates are pushing back against an attempt by Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to force them to pay the state $1.5 million, alleging they are being punished for opposing Pritzker’s bid to end decades of federal court oversight of corrupt state government hiring practices.
On Dec. 1, attorneys Michael Shakman and Paul Lurie filed a motion in Chicago federal court, opposing Pritzker’s efforts to force them to repay fees the court awarded them from the state as Pritzker argued in court that continued federal oversight of state hiring practices was no longer warranted.
“Granting the Governor’s request … would unjustly punish two civil rights champions who achieved massive reforms,” Shakman and Lurie wrote.
Included in that demand was the return of state money paid to the Special Master. Shakman lost his appeal last August. From the state’s filing…
(U)nder black letter law and binding Seventh Circuit precedent, Plaintiffs no longer are prevailing parties with respect to the competing termination and expansion motions, and must shoulder their own fees for opposing the State’s termination motion and requesting expansion of the special master’s duties.
Similarly, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 53 requires the court to allocate payment for a special master’s services based on the “extent to which any party is more responsible than other parties for the reference to a master,” and allows reassessment of the allocation of special master payments between the parties “to reflect a decision on the merits.” The costs of the special master’s expanded duties and monitoring after Rule 60(b) was satisfied should be borne by Plaintiffs who sought the now-reversed order expanding her responsibilities over the State’s objection. In the wake of the Seventh Circuit’s repudiation of Plaintiffs’ arguments, there is no reason in law or equity that the State as opposed to the Plaintiffs should bear the cost of Plaintiffs advancing them and continuing special master monitoring and litigation past when it should have ended.
MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Settlement conference held on 1/17/23 on Governor’s Motion for Order that Plaintiffs Repay Attorneys Fees and Costs of Special Master Monitoring (doc. #[8160]). The parties reached an agreement to settle all of the disputed issues in that motion, with the agreement calling for plaintiffs to pay the sum of $525,000 to the State of Illinois. A further joint written status report is due by noon on 3/31/23 on settlement finalization but will be vacated if the Court is advised before then that the settlement funds have been paid.
* WTTW’s Paris Schutz interviewed Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard last night about the new assault weapons ban…
Paris Schutz: At the same time, Sheriff, though, I mean, you say that this does violate the Second Amendment. I think there’s still a question of that, even the most conservative Supreme Court justices have said the Second Amendment is not absolute. There is no absolute right to keep and bear arms. There will be limitations and this is sort of the gray area being litigated. You mentioned some case law, but how can you confidently say it’s constitutional when there still are these questions about it?
Sheriff Bullard: Well, the, to answer that, is because I can read the English language and I can read the Constitution. And unfortunately, the Supreme Court justices who have ruled in the matter have stepped outside of their authority. The Constitution does not give the Supreme Court the right to infringe rights either and the Second Amendment states ’shall not be infringed’ and there has been infringements over the years in government and the people have allowed that to a point. And but that’s not something that was ever within my control. But what is in my control since December 1st of 2018, as the Sheriff of Jefferson County, is that if I see a civil rights violation occurring in my county, I’m duty-bound to stop it. And I can say with 100 percent certainty that the Protect Illinois Communities Act is a violation of the Second Amendment. Registering firearms, forcing registry of firearms turns a second amendment from an inalienable right…
Paris Schutz: You’re gonna stop the Illinois State Police from trying to register those firearms?
Sheriff Bullard: I have put out a notice to the people Jefferson County that if they’re being harassed by agents of governments who are violating any civil liberties that they should contact me so I can be aware of it and develop a strategy on how to deal with it.
In the meantime, any citizen who’s having a problem with any agent of government that’s trying to enforce this act in my county, you need to contact me so we can make sure that citizens’ rights are protected in this county, because as your sheriff, public safety is my priority, but it must be followed inside the guidelines of the Constitution.
Your local law enforcement leaders are your experts on public safety. And a vast majority of us understand that gun control is not the answer to public safety, that disarms law abiding citizens and makes them less capable of protecting themselves from people who would victimize them, that do not pay attention to laws like the Protect Illinois Communities Act anyway.
Say whatever you want, but this topic has not been litigated through the top court. Everyone on the pro-gun side is so very sure that the US Supremes totally have their backs. But as we’ve seen before, that doesn’t always work out.
* From Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg…
There have been many questions on where I stand regarding the assault weapons ban bill just signed into law. Following the horrifically tragic mass shooting right here in Highland Park, not seven months ago, along with the mass shootings we see on a weekly basis across our nation, I issued a statement, which remains true today.
I said: “As a society, so many have become numb to mass shootings as we read about them nearly every day. Then, on Independence Day, when our families, our children, our friends, were gathered along parade routes to celebrate this nation’s independence a calculated coward unleashed unprecedented terror on our community with a weapon of war. I truly hope this is the last mass shooting we live through before assault-style rifles are banned. Assault-style rifles are nothing more than killing machines, and they have no place in a civilized society. It is time action is taken. While the intent of my message is not meant to be political, I feel the most significant action that can be taken to minimize and prevent further carnage is by enacting a full ban on assault-style rifles.”
While I am a believer in our Constitution and our 2nd Amendment, I firmly support the ban on assault-style rifles and I truly hope our federal government follows to ban them nationwide. Since our Constitution and the 2nd Amendment were formed, firearms have become much more sophisticated and much more deadly. Our Founding Fathers were not loading .223 rounds into their muskets. They were not using firearms designed to disintegrate human bodies. As I said following the Highland Park mass shooting, these weapons of war do not belong on our streets. They’re used to kill our police, used to kill innocent people, and used to inflict maximum carnage on their victims.
Our Illinois legislators discussed and created a bill, which was amended several times, after input from law-enforcement and other stakeholders. The bill was voted on and passed. It was then signed by the governor, which makes the bill law. I, as your Sheriff, am sworn to enforce the law. It’s incredibly dangerous for me to cherry-pick and enforce only laws I agree with, or only laws I feel are important. That is not what our Constitution of the State or Illinois intends for law-enforcement. That is not what the people of Lake County or Illinois deserve.
It’s important to note, unfortunately many remain very divided in this country, which leads to mudslinging, hate, rumors, false information, and innuendo being spread, instead of fact. I ask everyone to take a deep breath. I encourage those who haven’t read the law to give it a read for themselves, instead of listening to others who might be spreading misleading or false information.
This law does not mean our deputies will be going door to door, asking for documentation on weapons. It does not mean we are forming a team to search your home for weapons. Like everything else we do in our profession, we will use discretion and common sense.
I, along with other Lake County leaders have heard from thousands of people who support this legislation. I stand with the people of Lake County, and I will always do everything in my power to keep you safe.
* Meanwhile, from ISRA…
Lawful gun owners from around the State of Illinois, along with the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), the Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc., and the Second Amendment Foundation, have filed a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, the Director of the Illinois State Police Brendan Reilly, and numerous Illinois States Attorneys challenging Illinois’ new law.
On January 10, 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that enacted an extensive ban on firearms and high-capacity magazines in the state. Plaintiffs say the new law infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear commonly possessed firearms and ammunition magazines for the defense of self and family and other lawful purposes.
“Governor Pritzker and the legislators who voted for this law did this for self-serving political purposes and are not upholding the United States Constitution,” said Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the ISRA. “The 2nd Amendment is fundamentally about self-defense, and the 14th Amendment is about not having our rights infringed. This new law makes criminals out of law-abiding citizens.”
“The real problem is that there are existing gun laws that do not work because they are not enforced,” Pearson added. “We would all be much safer if the police had the resources they need, and there were stronger consequences for the non-law-abiding citizens.”
A resident of St. Clair County and two Illinois gun stores join the three non-profit organizations seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.
…Adding… I missed the funny little typo. Brendan Reilly is a Chicago alderman. Brendan Kelly is ISP director.
*** UPDATE 1 *** “U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions,” from Reuters…
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
The justices, with no public dissents, denied a request by the dealers to block the laws, some of which imposed gun safety requirements on retailers, while their appeal of a lower court’s decision in favor of New York proceeds.
The state’s Democratic-led legislature passed some of the laws last June. Others were adopted in July after the Supreme Court the prior month struck down New York’s limits on carrying concealed handguns outside the home in a landmark ruling expanding gun rights.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The federal case is far more important, but “friendly” county judges can easily muck up the works…
The Effingham County Judge told @ThomasDeVore76 and the @ILAttyGeneral's office that he will have a ruling on the assault weapon ban by the end of business Friday. We spoke with DeVore @DarrenBaileyIL and several others after the hearing. #twill
Over the last few years, my office has become accustomed to facing a barrage of challenges to newly-enacted state statutes and executive orders. As we have done previously, we are prepared to defend the Protect Illinois Communities Act in courtrooms around Illinois. As in other actions, we recognize that the act’s constitutionality will ultimately be decided by a higher court, and we will continue to defend it throughout the appellate process. This law is an important tool in our fight to protect Illinois residents from gun violence, and in the event that a court stays the statute’s effective date pending appellate review, we are committed to pushing for a quick resolution.
Here’s the state’s outline. We’ve seen most of these tired arguments fail over the years in various suits, but click here for the whole thing…
I. Plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claims.
A. Plaintiffs’ single-subject challenge fails because the Act’s provisions all relate to the regulation of firearms.
B. The Illinois Supreme Court’s enrolled billed doctrine forecloses Plaintiffs’ challenge under the three-readings clause.
C. Plaintiffs’ attempt to recycle their single-subject and three-readings challenges as a procedural due process claim fails as a matter of law.
D. Plaintiffs’ equal protection challenge fails because the Act’s exceptions draw a rational distinction based on military and law enforcement training and experience.
II. CONCLUSION
Plaintiffs have not shown they will suffer irreparable harm without a TRO.
That commenter gets a lot of grief on this-here blog, but I did want to express my thanks. I’ve received some very positive feedback from several others about our morning/afternoon roundup posts as well. Multi-topic posts don’t normally generate a lot of online comments, but I think the roundups are a service. Before I brought Isabel into the fold, I wasn’t posting some stories because they weren’t quite worthy of their own stand-alone posts.
So, thanks to all!
* As an aside, some groupchat friends and I were discussing the name “Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch” the other day. The House Speaker talked about the origin of his first name during his inaugural address. We moved on to joking about what our “names” would be.
After attending several inauguration-week events with my new associate last week, I decided my new name is “Rich ‘Oh my goodness, is that Isabel?’ Miller.”
Heh.
My niece is really quite something. Here we are at the governor’s ball…
* Crain’s | Illinois AG opens new front in Illinois’ gun wars: In an amicus brief filed today on behalf of attorneys general from 17 states and the District of Columbia, Raoul strongly defends a New York state statute that allows some gun dealers and makers to be sued for negligence if they fail to take “reasonable” steps to prevent guns’ misuse.
* Daily Herald | County board members assail DuPage sheriff over weapons ban remarks: Committee members echoed calls for Mendrick to retract his statement, with some suggesting the board should censure the sheriff if he does not. It was unclear Tuesday if the board has the authority to censure a sheriff. Committee members asked a representative from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office to research the matter.
* The Southern | Legislators focus on gun law during town hall meeting in Marion: Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich asked the crowd if they believed in the Second Amendment, which was answered with loud cheers. “We’re targeting the wrong people with this legislation,” Diederich said, adding that the police have no business getting behind an unconstitutional law.
* Sun-Times | State’s assault weapons ban challenged by two lawsuits — with others on the way: A suit filed Jan. 13 in southern Illinois marked the beginning of the legal battle to overturn the law Gov. J.B Pritzker has called “one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the nation.” Another complaint was filed Tuesday by former Republican Illinois attorney general candidate Tom DeVore.
* Block Club | Chicagoans Are Worried About Gun Violence. How Are Mayoral Candidates Responding?: With Chicago’s mayoral election less than two months away, Williams is worried that no one among the slate of candidates has a feasible plan to quell the violence hurting the people she cares about. Eight candidates are running against incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot on February 28. If none receives over half of the votes, the top two candidates will face off in a runoff election on April 4. Williams is disappointed, she said, that she hasn’t seen the candidates talk in any depth about the underlying causes of gun violence.
* Press Release | Didech Appointed Chairman of House Gaming Committee: Today, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced that State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) will be appointed to serve as Chairman of the House Gaming Committee for the 103rd General Assembly. The Gaming Committee will exercise oversight and consider legislation that impacts Illinois’ casinos, racetracks, lottery, sports betting, and video gaming establishments.
* WCIA | Giannoulias releases final transition report: Some of his goals his transition team highlighted include expanding library access, release public education campaigns about fraud prevention, improving marketing for the organ donation program, and shorten wait times at Secretary of State facilities.
* Tribune | State police execute search warrant at Waukegan City Hall: Kirkwood was indicted by a Lake County grand jury in July on 26 counts of forgery, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of official misconduct — all Class 3 felonies — and one count of theft by deception, a Class 1 felony.
* WSJ | Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Faces Tough Re-Election Bid: Ms. Lightfoot, a 60-year-old former federal prosecutor, was the first Black woman and first gay person elected mayor of the nation’s third-largest city, winning every city ward in a 2019 runoff against Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Now, early polls show the mayor as an underdog in the Feb. 28 election, with the top two vote-getters expected to face off in an April runoff if no candidate wins a majority in the first round.
* Sun-Times | Chuy Garcia outlines ‘Women’s Agenda’: On Tuesday, Garcia outlined a “Women’s Agenda” that includes everything from free City Colleges tuition and student loan forgiveness for “women, immigrants, trades, veterans and adult learners” to advocating for “legislative solutions” that, he claims, would “make child care universal and affordable.”
* Pew | More States Are Doing What They Can to Cap Insulin Costs: In response to the steep rise in out-of-pocket costs for insulin over the past two decades — enough to compel many diabetic patients, like Hunt, to ration their use of the medicine — nearly two dozen states have passed measures in the past few years capping the out-of-pocket costs for some patients.
* Crain’s | U of I uses money from COVID-test spinout to fund DPI talent effort: Here’s one good thing that came out the pandemic: The University of Illinois is using $3.5 million from its COVID-testing spinout to fund tech-education efforts at the Discovery Partners Institute. U of I is using funds from Shield T3, the company that’s commercializing the saliva-based test developed by the university’s researchers to screen students on campus for COVID-19, to seed an endowment that it hopes to grow to $50 million with additional donations.
* Daily Herald | LGBTQ advocates blast upcoming conservative gathering at city-owned Des Plaines Theatre: Awake Illinois’ website describes the event as “a diverse group of advocates (gathering) together to transform the conversation on issues affecting children.” Speakers are set to include Jaimee Michell, founder of a group called Gays Against Groomers; Stephanie Trussell, recent Republican candidate for lieutenant governor; Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois and a leader of Moms for Liberty DuPage; and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Dubiel.
* Sun-Times | City sells bonds to the masses: It’s a program that sounds tailor-made for die-hard city boosters. No longer do you have to just lobby for or cheer on municipal efforts to rehab dumpy buildings, increase supportive housing or bring something productive to vacant lots. Now you can earn a return from presumably good works, maybe in your neighborhood.
* Jstor | When Uptown Chicago was “Hillbilly Heaven”: After World War II, Guy writes, tens of thousands of white Appalachians moved to Midwestern cities. In Chicago, they generally settled in Uptown. Soon, this became a neighborhood of rundown housing and honky-tonk bars known either affectionately as “Hillbilly Heaven” or disparagingly as the “Hillbilly Ghetto.”
* Commercial-News | Bennett’s socks drive ‘most successful’: For seven years, the late state Sen. Scott Bennett hosted a Warm Socks Drive in the Danville community during the winter. The donations are given to Danville Rescue Mission, Fair Hope Children’s Ministry and Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program.
