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Another day, another failed lawsuit

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tribune…

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a downstate Republican congressman and two GOP officials that sought to block the state from counting mail-in ballots cast on or before Election Day, but received by election authorities up to two weeks afterward.

U.S. District Judge John Kness ruled that five-term U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro and two prospective 2024 GOP presidential electors lacked standing to sue the State Board of Elections over an Illinois law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted in the 14 days after Election Day as long as they were postmarked or certified on or before that day.

More than just rejecting the three Republicans’ standing to file suit, Kness explicitly ruled that Illinois’ 2015 law complied with the U.S. Constitution as well as federal election law. […]

Bost’s challenge to the law was somewhat ironic since he touts his past service in the Marines and the law was designed in part to meet federal voting requirements for military members serving overseas. The U.S. Department of Justice issued a “statement of interest” in support of the state of Illinois, in part citing protections for military members to have their votes counted.

* Democratic Party of Illinois…

Last night, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied Congressman Mike Bost’s challenge to Illinois’ Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute. Bost filed this suit against the State Board of Elections ahead of last year’s election in an attempt to prevent the counting of mail-in-ballots received after Election Day. The lawsuit could have invalidated thousands of mail-in ballots, including those of military members serving overseas, if they are postmarked on or before Election Day but received after. […]

“This ruling by a Trump-appointed judge is a win for voting rights and a loss for those who wish to suppress fairly counted votes to suit their political ambitions. Despite their bad faith effort to undermine free and fair elections, this ruling shows the lack of legal standing Republicans have in challenging laws that protect our right to vote. The Illinois GOP knows how wildly out of touch they’ve become with Illinoisans, but fortunately, their effort to override the will of the voters with this baseless lawsuit rather than accepting the results of our elections was as unsuccessful as their campaigns,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez.

* From the decision…

Plaintiff argues that the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute directly contradicts Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. That section establishes that “[t]he Times, Places, and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.” Nothing on the face of the Statute runs afoul of this constitutional provision. By implementing the Statute, Illinois is following the constitutional command that states determine the time, place, and manner of elections. In addition, the Statute further does not conflict with the federal mandate that Election Day be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. By counting only mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, the Statute does not extend the day for casting votes in a federal election. Because the Statute does not conflict with a constitutional provision, it does not fall under the plan of Convention doctrine. […]

Plaintiffs allege that the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute violates 2 U.S.C. § 7 and 3 U.S.C. § 1 by allowing the state to count votes that are received after Election Day, even if they are postmarked on or before the date of the election or certified before Election Day. (Dkt. 1 at 10.) But the Statute does not contradict 2 U.S.C. § 7 and 3 U.S.C. § 1. As the statute says, all mail-in ballots must be “postmarked no later than election day.” 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/19-8(c). If a ballot is not postmarked, it must be certified on or before Election Day to be counted. Id. Nowhere in the text does the Statute allow ballots postmarked or certified after Election Day to be counted. The question, then, is whether ballots that are postmarked or certified on or before Election Day, but are not received by Election Day, should be disregarded as untimely under federal law. […]

In this Court’s view, and with due respect to Plaintiffs’ contrary view, the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute operates harmoniously with the federal statutes that set the timing for federal elections. Many states have post-Election Day absentee ballot receipt deadlines, and at least two states other than Illinois allow mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted if they are received within two weeks of Election Day. … Other states will accept mail-in ballots received seven to 10 days after Election Day. … Despite these ballot receipt deadline statutes being in place for many years in many states, Congress has never stepped in and altered the rules.

Moreover, the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute is facially compatible with the relevant federal statutes. By counting only these ballots that are postmarked no later than Election Day, the Statute complies with federal law that set the date for Election Day. As the United States notes in its statement of interest in this case (Dkt. 47), even federal laws governing elections allow ballots received after Election Day to be counted. […]

More broadly, Plaintiffs consistently—and wrongly—conflate “voting” with “counting votes.” The word “voting” as used in this case is a gerund; that is, a word derived from a verb that functions as a noun. As a derivative of the verb “to vote,” “voting” refers to a specific act: casting a vote. Under the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute, the voting deadline is unambiguous: the act of voting must take place on or before Election Day. 10 ILCS § 5/19-8(c). Counting those votes, however, may take place up to 14 days after Election Day. Id. Voting (as an act) and counting votes (as a separate act) are not the same thing, and the Statute allows counting alone—not voting—to continue after Election Day. […]

Plaintiffs allege that the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute forces Congressman Bost and other candidates “to spend money, devote time, and otherwise injuriously rely on unlawful provisions of state law in organizing, funding, and running their campaigns.” Plaintiffs do not, in connection with their right to stand for office claim, explain why the Statute constitutes an invalid regulation of the times, places, and manner of federal elections. Instead, Plaintiffs merely set forth their reasons why the Statute could make standing for federal office in Illinois more challenging

These allegations do not assert a plausible claim that the Ballot Receipt Deadline Statute impairs the right to stand for office. Spending time and money on campaigning is an inevitable feature of running for office, and Plaintiffs do not contend that the extra time and money they might have to spend due to the Statute prevents them from standing for office at all. For these reasons, Plaintiffs’ “right to stand for office” claim is unavailing.

  8 Comments      


Today’s quotable

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Rick Morrissey wrote this earlier in the week, but it’s even more true after last night’s loss to that team on the other side of town…

You know what 19 games below .500 is? It’s the kind of record rebuilding teams have. The Sox aren’t rebuilding. Their 26-man payroll is $130.2 million, which is the 11th-highest in baseball. Their .406 winning percentage is the lowest among the top 15 spenders. Ten of those 15 teams have records above .500.

You almost have to try to be as bad as the Sox are. This can’t be emphasized enough: The Sox aren’t trying to be this bad. They’re not trying to get higher draft picks. Their prolific losing is completely organic. Their losing is a living thing, a creature. This is spontaneous dreadfulness. […]

The Sox have finished above .500 only twice in Rick Hahn’s 11 years as general manager.

The White Sox are currently playing .398 ball.

  23 Comments      


I kinda wonder how this conversation went

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I posted this press release earlier today…

Governor JB Pritzker joined Hoyleton Youth and Family Services today to break ground on a once in a generation construction project that will provide a new model of care for vulnerable youth 9-18 years old living in residential care. The new residential campus will allow youth, who are both developmentally and intellectually delayed and have experienced trauma, to heal and grow in a therapeutic environment.

Hoyleton is in southern Illinois.

* Mark Maxwell was there and posted a pic on X, or whatever it’s called. Zooming in…

  49 Comments      


Afternoon roundup

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* National economic analysts have been wrong for at least a year now…

GDP grew at a 2.4% pace in the second quarter, topping expectations despite recession calls

• Gross domestic product rose at a 2.4% annualized pace in the second quarter, topping the 2% estimate.
• Consumer spending powered the solid quarter, aided by increases in nonresidential fixed investment, government spending and inventory growth.
• A Commerce Department inflation gauge increased 2.6%, down from a 4.1% rise in Q1 and well below the estimate for a gain of 3.2%.

* IDES…

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas for the year ending June 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one. […]

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Danville MSA (+3.3%, +900), the Peoria MSA (+2.7%, +4,600), and the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.6%, +2,900). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division were up +2.0% or +74,000. Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Education and Health Services and Leisure and Hospitality (twelve areas each); Government (eleven areas), Other Services (ten areas); Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (nine areas); and Manufacturing (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Danville MSA (+1.0 point to 5.9%), the Kankakee MSA (+0.9 point to 5.7%), the Rockford MSA (+0.9 point to 6.3%) and the Lake County-Kenosha County IL-WI Metropolitan Division (+0.8 point to 4.6%). The only metro area with an unemployment rate decrease was the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division (-1.0 percentage point to 4.3%).

* Press release…

Joint Statement from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren:

“We continued our productive discussion this week that began in early June. We plan to have regular dialogue with each other, and across our respective staffs, as we work together to meet the needs of the citizens of Chicago and Bears fans.”

Crain’s…

Johnson has been preparing an offer to work with the Bears to find multiple city sites within Chicago that could satisfy the demands of an NFL stadium, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. […]

State Rep. Kam Buckner, who served on Johnson’s transition team, previously said the city should be “proactive” in finding another location for the team outside of Soldier Field, including the 500-acre former U.S. Steel site on the Southeast Side along Lake Michigan.

Other sites that could hold a smaller footprint are Related Midwest’s The 78 megadevelopment between Chinatown and the Loop, but the developer has been focused on the development of space for the Discovery Partners Institute with the University of Illinois.

Another possibility is just south of Soldier Field on land occupied by the Lakeside Center, part of the McCormick Place Convention Center campus that is set to be redeveloped.

* Press release…

Governor JB Pritzker, Prysmian Group, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today joined local leaders and partners to announce a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement and break ground on Prysmian Group’s expanded facility in Du Quoin. The expanded Southern Illinois facility will enable the company to increase cable manufacturing for the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors. […]

Bolstered by a REV Illinois incentive package, Prysmian Group plans to invest $63.8 million and create 80 new high-paying jobs while retaining 225 jobs in Southern Illinois – solidifying its position as one of the largest employers in Perry County. The expansion paves the way for increased renewable cable production in Illinois, adding over 100,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and seven major pieces of equipment, including a two-line expansion for renewable cable production. The expansion will also help modernize the existing infrastructure and implement an Energy Management System within the facility.

“This expansion will produce cutting-edge, high-quality, sustainable products that not only help enhance the grid – by increasing reliability, preventing blackouts and reducing overall maintenance costs,” said Andrea Pirondini, CEO of Prysmian Group North America. “Ultimately, we will ensure we have the capacity needed, when it is needed, in order to ensure we can build an electrical grid that’s built for the future. As we work to help harden the grid across the U.S., Du Quoin will play a large role in that.”

With 150 years of experience, Prysmian Group is supporting the worldwide transition to clean energy by manufacturing thousands of miles of cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as cables in microgrids, energy storage, renewable energy and EVs and EV charging stations – which have different requirements and specifications than traditional cables.

* Mike Bost…

U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that his re-election campaign has been endorsed by over 100 Republican elected officials from across the 12th District. This comes two weeks after Bost announced his re-election campaign has been endorsed by 19 GOP county sheriffs.

“Southern Illinois’ mayors and local officials have a unique feel for the pulse of the people,” said Bost. “They understand better than anyone what their community wants and whether or not they have a representative in Washington who can deliver. That’s why I’m thrilled to have the endorsements of over 100 Republican officials from across the 12th District, including in our new central and southeastern counties. They know I’m fighting for our conservative values and will never sacrifice what’s best for Southern Illinois just to please the Beltway insiders.”

The list of 100 endorsers is here.

* The ILGOP’s latest press release on the SAFE-T Act included this kicker at the end…

Let’s put it this way: if Al Capone was arrested today on tax evasion, the Democrats would’ve had him released before lunch.

* Press release…

Governor JB Pritzker joined Hoyleton Youth and Family Services today to break ground on a once in a generation construction project that will provide a new model of care for vulnerable youth 9-18 years old living in residential care. The new residential campus will allow youth, who are both developmentally and intellectually delayed and have experienced trauma, to heal and grow in a therapeutic environment.

“Every child deserves an opportunity to be equipped with the tools they need to reach their full potential,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Coupled with the superior therapeutic treatments provided by Hoyleton, this expansion will enable more of our vulnerable youth to receive these outstanding services as well as provide them with modern physical and outdoor spaces encouraging full wrap around services in this unique setting.”

The new facility, which will cost $16 million, has had more than 50% of its project costs funded by Illinois DCFS through its capital development program. Remaining funds will come from federal programs as well as a capital campaign supported by both private and corporate donors.

The project will allow for the creation of seven brand new homes, increasing residential capacity from 36 to 42 youth. Each resident will have a private bedroom, semi-private bathroom, sound and sensory appropriate space, art spaces and planned outdoor areas. Each home will be equipped with solar panels and there will be electric vehicles as well as two charging stations with the capacity for a total of up to six. The housing portion of the project will be completed by January 2024 and none of the residents will be displaced during the construction.

* Bill signing…

Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1909 into law, also known as the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act. This law bars so-called “crisis pregnancy centers” from using misinformation, deceptive practices, or misrepresentation in order to interfere with access to abortion services or emergency contraception. The law allows the Illinois Attorney General to investigate complaints against centers using such tactics and strengthens the AG’s Offices power to prosecute incidences of consumer fraud in such cases.

“Women need access to comprehensive, fact-based healthcare when making critical decision about their own health—not manipulation or misinformation from politically motivated, non-medical actors,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By empowering the Attorney General’s office to battle deceptive practices, we’re ensuring Illinoisans can make their own decisions about their bodies using accurate and safe information.”

“Misinformation is a form of injustice, particularly when it is used in an attempt to control women’s healthcare decisions,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “In Illinois, we refuse to accept anything less than bodily autonomy for all, and that includes the right to accessible and accurate medical information. We are committed to protecting Illinoisans from these manipulative tactics and ensuring all have the power to choose what is best for their futures.”

“I witnessed deceptive crisis pregnancy center tactics firsthand on a visit to tour a Planned Parenthood health center in Illinois. People who appeared as though they might work there were outside attempting to divert patients away from the health center,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “Patients report going to crisis pregnancy centers – sometimes even receiving exams and ultrasounds – thinking they were visiting a clinic that offers the full range of reproductive care. As a result, patients may disclose personal medical information, unaware the center may not keep that information private and confidential. By signing this law at a time when reproductive health access faces continued attacks in other states, Governor Pritzker is helping to protect patients who seek care in Illinois from these extreme violations of trust and privacy.”

“Crisis pregnancy centers,” which are often located near facilities that offer full-service abortion or contraceptive care, are non-regulated and at times even nonmedical facilities. As such, they are not subject to laws regarding confidentiality or accuracy as laid out by medical governing boards. Over 100 of these centers exist in Illinois. Many of these centers advertise to women unsure about continuing a pregnancy, and present inaccurate information on risks of procedures, fetal development, and other aspects of reproductive healthcare to discourage patients from accessing abortion or emergency contraceptive services.

The Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act clarifies how the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act applies to crisis pregnancy centers. Centers are not required to provide information about abortion or emergency contraceptives but cannot give incorrect information or use false advertising to attract clients. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that states strengthen laws against these centers to preserve patient safety. The law is effective immediately upon signing.

…Adding… A lawsuit was filed today…

Today, Thomas More Society attorneys filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, seeking to stop him from enforcing Illinois Senate Bill 1909, a measure drafted by Raoul’s office that declares the pro-life speech of the state’s life pregnancy help ministries to be a “deceptive business practice.” Thomas More Society is representing NIFLA, a national pregnancy help center network, along with several Illinois pregnancy help centers and pro-life organizations.

“This law is a blatant attempt to chill and silence pro-life speech under the guise of ‘consumer protection,’” explained Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and Head of Litigation, and a former Illinois State Legislator. “Pregnancy help ministries provide real options and assistance to women and families in need, but instead of the praise they deserve, pro-abortion politicians are targeting these ministries with $50,000 fines and injunctions solely because of their pro-life viewpoint.”

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, seeks a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and permanent injunction against SB 1909. If temporary and preliminary injunctions are granted, they would prevent the law from being enforced while the case makes its way through the court system.

“The state government has completely overstepped the bounds of any logical and relevant authority by inserting insane partisan politics into their governing bodies and attempting to trample the First Amendment rights of those with whom they disagree,” said Thomas Glessner, President of NIFLA. “There is no basis for their blatant attacks on pregnancy centers, who provide all of their services for free for women and their families throughout Illinois. They do so out of their deeply held beliefs of caring for one another and exhibiting human decency and compassion for those in need, something the leaders of Illinois are completely clueless about. This attempt to deny mothers their constitutional right to choose life is disgraceful and should be an embarrassment to the people of Illinois.”

The lawsuit is here.

* ISP…

The Illinois State Police welcomed 17 new Troopers today from Cadet Class 142 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new Troopers will report to three different Troops throughout the state on Sunday July 30, 2023. The total number of ISP Troopers added since 2019 now stands at 445.

Cadet Class 142 marks the 14th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. […]

The new officers are assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties, joining veteran Troopers in the effort to safeguard the public and Illinois roadways.

    Troop 2 La Salle, 1 Trooper
    Troop 3 Des Plaines, 12 Troopers
    Troop 8 Collinsville, 4 Troopers

* I was privileged to be quoted in this article about Yvette Shields…

Yvette Shields, a reporter originally trained to cover Chicago City Hall, turned her fearless pen to Midwest state and local finance when she joined the Bond Buyer nearly 26 years ago and launched a career that enriched the public finance industry with unrivaled coverage of the people, deals and events that matter to the bond world.

Along the way she earned a reputation as a consummate financial reporter who had great personal charm, intelligence, and humor. She built an extensive network of sources and friends, routinely scooped the competition, and acquired a deep understanding of the political and financial nuances that shape municipal finance.

Shields died suddenly on July 19 of what is believed to be sepsis. She was 57.

You can contribute to the Yvette Shields Memorial Fund by clicking here. Thanks.

* Isabel’s afternoon roundup…

  12 Comments      


Pritzker says difficult to fill positions at developmental centers because they’re ‘located in places where it’s very hard to find’ qualified workers

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Gov. Pritzker was asked today if he felt like there was a “safety crisis” inside the state’s developmental centers, including Choate. Here’s part of his response…

These facilities often are located in places where it’s very hard to find the qualified labor that you’re looking for. We have terrific people that we attract, but it’s also very difficult to fill positions when we don’t have enough people with the kinds of credentials that are necessary to do this work.

This is hard work. The people who work there deserve to be compensated properly, and they deserve to be rewarded and recognized for good work that’s done. But if we can’t attract more people like that, then the provision of health care that’s necessary isn’t going to be up to the standard that we like.

This is a problem we’re all trying to solve. It’s not an easy one, because people are not willing to drive 100 or 150 miles to a job every day. And so where are we going to find those quality workers in an environment by the way where there’s a labor shortage, too? So we’re working on all those problems simultaneously, they won’t be solved immediately.

What we can do immediately is resolve the complaints to determine if there is actual wrongdoing, and then address that wrongdoing, hold people accountable.

Discuss.

  25 Comments      


Delivery Helps Chicago Restaurants Grow On Uber Eats

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

At Uber Eats, local restaurants are the backbone of our communities and delivery continues to help small business owners reach new customers and increase sales.

We recently published the results of the 2022 US Merchant Impact Report—which come directly from a survey of merchant partners. Read More.

  Comments Off      


Report: Illinois siphoned tens of millions from federal infrastructure climate funds and used the cash for general-purpose highway construction

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* The Washington Post…

With $14 billion in new federal funding, the infrastructure law was supposed to jolt efforts to protect the U.S. highway network from a changing climate and curb carbon emissions that are warming the planet. New records show the effort is off to an unsteady start as hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent elsewhere.

Last year, 38 states made use of a provision in the law to shift about $755 million to general-purpose highway construction accounts, according to Federal Highway Administration records. The sum is more than one-quarter of the total annual amount made available to states in two new climate-related programs.

* Illinois shifted more than $39 million, according to WaPo…

* Back to WaPo…

California shifted $97 million to pay for safety projects. New York moved $36 million to fund what officials called the state’s “core capital program.” Arizona said it used $20 million for its five-year highway construction program, largely for “pavement preservation,” and Louisiana used $8.2 million to fund roundabouts near an outlet mall. […]

A legal provision predating the infrastructure law allows states to shift up to half of their federal transportation funds among several different programs — a provision that also applies to transportation money from the new law. Kevin DeGood, director of the infrastructure program at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said Congress clearly intended for money to be allocated to projects that would reduce emissions or protect against extreme weather.

* Related media advisory…

On Monday, July 31, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will join Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and other local leaders in the Champaign-Urbana, IL, and East St. Louis, IL, areas to highlight major infrastructure investments and announce new funding.

These projects are examples of how the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in America and working to build the next generation of American infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

  13 Comments      


Illinois’ law discouraging book bans doesn’t apply to state prisons

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The governor received a lot of national kudos for this…


* But here’s Gretchen Sterba at the South Side Weekly…

While punchy national headlines announce that Illinois has outlawed book bans, Chicago Books to Women in Prison board president, Vicki White, can’t help but point out that this bill applies only to public libraries, not Illinois jail and prison libraries, or books sent by mail that are regulated by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).

In response to the governor’s tweet, White, who has been involved with the volunteer-run nonprofit organization for over a decade, urges the state to incorporate incarcerated folks in Pritzker’s declaration to “stand up for liberty.”

“I would just ask Pritzker to spearhead the same type of action in prisons, and not just prison libraries but prisons in general,” White said. “Because there are the books in the prison libraries, but books from organizations like ours go through the mail room. Another thing that would be excellent would be for an [assessment] to happen from the top; fold in the prison library system into the Illinois library system and [take it] out of the Illinois Department of Corrections…JB Pritzker, I love what you’re saying. Maybe just think a little more broadly.” […]

According to a 2023-updated article by The Marshall Project about banned books in prisons by state, while most of the titles are pornographic, the list also includes books on Asian martial arts, the fundamentals of tattooing, how to write believable fight scenes, and Prison Ramen, which details prison recipes and personal narratives from incarcerated inmates. In contrast, Mein Kampf is banned in Illinois, but inmates are free to read it in Texas, according to a 2019 Illinois Library Association article.

The Marshall Project is here. You can download the full list of banned Illinois prison books by clicking here and scrolling down.

* According to that list, IDOC has apparently reversed its ban on the books highlighted in this 2019 story…

In May 2019, the Illinois library community received an alarming bit of news: Between November 2018 and late January 2019, more than 200 books were removed, censored, or banned from the Education Justice Project library at the Danville Correctional Center, located in East Central Illinois. Among these books were titles such as Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington; Don’t Shoot: One Man, A Street Fellowship, and The End of Violence in Inner-City America by David M. Kennedy, and “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D. […]

EJP students are University of Illinois students, and so also have access to Interlibrary Loan materials from U of I libraries. Students complete loan requests for specific titles or topics of study, and the requested items are provided by the EJP librarian—if the items pass the correctional facility’s clearance process.

* Excerpt from the IDOC policy…

1. Publications shall not be disapproved solely because its content is religious, philosophical, political, social or sexual content, or because the content is unpopular or repugnant.

Publications that meet one or more of the following criteria may be disapproved:

    a. It contains sexually explicit material.
    b. It is written in code or facilitates unauthorized communication between offenders.
    c. It blatantly encourages activities that may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption.
    d. It facilitates unauthorized organizational activity.
    e. It overtly advocates or encourages violence, hatred or group disruption.
    f. It encourages or instructs in the commission of criminal activity.
    g. It depicts or describes procedures for the construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bombs or incendiary devices.
    h. It depicts or describes procedures for making alcoholic beverages or manufacturing drugs.
    i. It depicts, describes or encourages methods of escape from correctional facilities or provides material that may assist in an escape attempt such as a detailed map of areas surrounding Illinois correctional facilities.
    j. The content contains security threat group (STG) material or depictions of hand signs or symbols that appear to be related to an STG and could promote or enhance the image of an STG within the facility or may be interpreted as legitimizing gang behavior.
    k. It is detrimental to the security or good order of the facility.
    l. It is determined by a mental health professional or counselor to be detrimental to mental health or rehabilitation. Disapproval of publications under this criterion shall be made on a case-by-case basis and documentation of the mental health professional or counselor’s determination shall be provided to the Central Publications Review Committee with the Publication Review Determination and Course of Action, DOC 0212.

* Definition of sexually explicit material…

Sexually explicit material – for the purpose of this directive shall mean any publication that contains pictorial depictions of actual or simulated sexual acts including intercourse, oral sex or masturbation; any publication that by word or picture depicts or describes illegal activity of a sexual nature, sadomasochism, bestiality, sexual activity involving children (whether actual or perceived) or any publication that depicts or describes anything otherwise contrary to law. Publications that contain nudity without additional elements as provided above or publications that provide research or opinions on sexual health, reproductive issues or are scientific in nature shall not be considered sexually explicit.

Except for the illegal stuff, of course, that definition seems pretty harsh, particularly in a state that’s supposedly trying to get away from using prisons as punishment centers.

  9 Comments      


Question of the day

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

In an effort to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at Illinois DMVs, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will begin implementing a Skip-the-Line program starting September 1.

The Skip-the-Line program includes:

    Simplified Online Services — Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many services offered online at ilsos.gov, including renewing their driver’s license or ID card and license plate sticker online.

    Appointment Scheduling — Customers will be required to make appointments for in-person visits at 44 of the busiest DMVs including all Chicago and suburban locations and some central and downstate DMVs for those seeking REAL ID, driver’s license and ID card services, and in-car driving tests.

Those seeking vehicle-related services, such as title and registration or renewing their license plate sticker, do not need to make an appointment and can just walk in.

Upon arrival, customers will check in with DMV staff and “Skip the Line,” eliminating lines and unpredictable wait times. Illinoisans may visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment.

New Extended Hours of Operation — All DMVs statewide will extend hours of operation, with 16 facilities open six days a week – Monday through Saturday.

    • All DMVs will change their days and hours of operation from Tues-Sat to Mon-Fri,
    8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
    • 16 DMVs will also be open on Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., as noted below.

“Customers will save time by skipping the line,” said Giannoulias. “Our goal is to eliminate the Time Tax that has plagued Illinoisans for years, forcing them to stand in long lines wasting time – just to conduct basic services. Extending hours at all DMVs and requiring appointments at our 44 highest-volume facilities is the most efficient way to get the services you need quickly and without the headache of unpredictable wait times.”

The appointment-only facilities include 24 Chicago and suburban DMVs and 20 DMVs in central and downstate Illinois that are within 10 miles from a population center of at least 25,000 residents. The list of these facilities is below, along with their days of operation.

View instruction video on how to schedule an appointment.

The full list of appointment-only facilities is here.

People tend to dislike change, sometimes just because it’s different. With that in mind…

* The Question: Do you like this idea? Explain.

Also, we discussed the whole DMV thing yesterday, so try to focus solely on the new policy. Thanks.

…Adding… I noticed some folks chiming in about closing on Saturdays. Giannoulias said at his press conference that people just weren’t coming in much on Saturdays…

What I would say is what we’ve seen, and data backs this up, people are way more inclined to visit a facility on a weekday than they are on a Saturday. That’s pretty universal. Foot traffic at our facilities on Saturdays is just not there. The other thing we noticed is that, and while we changed the hours from 8 to 12:30, that some of the facilities that were open Saturday afternoons, for months and years, no one stepped foot in a facility at 2:30, 3pm on Saturday. So we want to shorten those hours, increasing for 16 locations that we think are pretty strategically placed that people have the ability to go in six days a week.

The Tribune has more here.

  29 Comments      


New law aims to get Illinois to ‘functional zero’ homelessness

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Capitol News Illinois…

House Bill 2831 codifies an executive order Pritzker signed in 2021 that established the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness. It centralizes programs across 17 state departments and agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to combat homelessness.

At a bill-signing ceremony at Featherfist, a homeless services organization in Chicago, Pritzker said the goal of the initiative is to bring homelessness in Illinois to “functional zero.”

“For those who don’t know and who may be listening, it’s a measurable metric of success that reduces homelessness to something that’s brief and rare and nonrecurring,” Pritzker said. […]

Christine Haley, the state’s current chief homelessness officer and chair of the interagency task force, said Black people and other people of color are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

“We stand here in one of the few Black-led homeless services organizations in our state. And as we stand here, we know that this housing crisis before us is rooted in housing injustice, is rooted in segregation, is rooted in racism,” she said. “We know this because in our city of Chicago, where now less than a third of its residents are Black, 73% of individuals and 90% of children and their parents who are experiencing homelessness are Black.”

* Center Square…

The bill codifies the Interagency Task Force and Community Advisory Council, formed in 2021 to work across 17 Illinois state departments and agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to combat homelessness. […]

The state’s budget sets aside $360 million for the task force, with $118 million to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services. Also appropriated is about $40.7 million for the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program, $50 million in Rapid Rehousing services for 2,000 households and $40 million in Permanent Supportive Housing.

The funding is an $83 million increase from last year’s budget.

* WAND…

The administration’s Home Illinois initiative is expanding options for affordable housing, targeting people in high-risk situations, and providing comprehensive support individuals experiencing homelessness. Several communities across the state have reached “functional zero homelessness,” meaning people can quickly find new housing options through local resources.

“We will build from the successes of serving unhoused veterans to advance housing strategies to serve all Illinoisans - from infants to our elders,” said Christine Haley, Chief Homelessness Officer for the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes $360 million to help people find shelter and support services, build short-term and long-term housing units, and secure financial stability.

“We know the difference it can make when all of our partners from all levels around the state work together,” said Carolyn Ross, President and CEO of All Chicago Making Homelessness History. “We are in this for the long-term. And this legislation demonstrates that our Illinois leadership is in it for the long-term too.

* ABC Chicago…

Featherfist’s founder and CEO Melanie Anewishki called this a very encouraging day.

“It’s saying keep going; keep going, Mel. It’s OK; it’s gonna be all right,” said Melanie Anewishki, Featherfist founder and CEO.

Anewishki said it will help reduce what is often a silo’d approach to helping the homeless.

“So, yes, I’m reenergized. I feel great. Today is a very great day,” Anewishki said.

The goal of this coordinated effort is by 2025 to reach what’s called functional zero homelessness, which in essence means more people are finding housing, than are becoming homeless.

* WTVO…

“Every person deserves access to safe shelter and the dignity that comes with housing,” Pritzker said. “This is a first-of-its-kind multi-agency cooperative effort — bringing together state agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience to prevent and end homelessness. I’m grateful for their dedication and believe that together, we can prevent and end homelessness once and for all.”

Rockford has already taken strides in this aspect. In 2017, it became the first community to reach “functional zero” levels among veterans and the chronically homeless.

Illinois’ Interagency Task Force and Community Advisory Council works across 17 state departments and agencies, as well as over 100 processes, programs and policies, to develop a comprehensive plan to combat homelessness. […]

“People experiencing the trauma of housing instability are our neighbors and community members who deserve to be treated with humanity and dignity. With this cooperative effort, Illinois is ensuring our state agencies can continue to collaborate, and that stakeholders are at the table with us, to support our most vulnerable in living healthy, well, and with dignity.” Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. “Our state is making it clear that we will continue to work together so we can all move forward, and we will focus on holistic strategies that bring us closer to ending homelessness in our state.”

  16 Comments      


I wouldn’t put it past them

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Lots of political land mines are associated with this convention, and this is just one of them…


More here.

  9 Comments      


Open thread

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* What’s up? Keep it Illinois-centric please…

  23 Comments      


Isabel’s morning briefing

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go…

  10 Comments      


Live coverage

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…


  Comments Off      


Giannoulias to expand “Skip-the-Line” program, but you’ll still be able to walk in to lower-volume facilities

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Media advisory…

Giannoulias to Announce Skip-the-Line Program at DMVs

Who: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

What: Secretary Giannoulias will announce the implementation of a Skip-the-Line program at DMVs throughout the state.

Where: 555 W. Monroe
3rd Floor – Room 300-N (Press Room)
Chicago

When: Thursday, July 27, at 11 a.m.

Why: Secretary Giannoulias’ Skip-the-Line program is designed to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at DMVs. The program is scheduled to launch September 1, 2023

I asked if this means walk-in service will be eliminated…

Walk-ins will be allowed at the lower-volume facilities. This is the majority of the DMVs across the state.

As a side note, I really don’t like that it’s now common practice to call drivers’ service facilities “DMVs.” There is no Department of Motor Vehicles in Illinois.

  37 Comments      


Sen. Tom Bennett won’t run in 2024; Sen. Patricia Van Pelt will finally retire next week

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Sen. Bennett was appointed to the seat this year after incumbent GOP Sen. Jason Barickman stepped down…

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) announced his plans to retire from his storied and successful career in the General Assembly at the completion of his current term representing the 53rd District.

“Serving in the General Assembly has been one of the most challenging, amazing and rewarding times in my life,” said Bennett. “The only way I know how to do this job is full-time, often six or seven days-a-week and my family and I have decided that after this term it is time to slow down,” Bennett said.

Senator Bennett served in the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 106th District from 2015 until 2023 when he was appointed to the State Senate on behalf of the 53rd District of Illinois, including Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford Counties.

“Senator Bennett is as well-known for his kindness and compassion as he is for his legislative skills,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “The accomplishments and impact that he continues to make will be felt throughout the capitol and the state for many years to come. I am grateful for the chance to serve alongside him and look forward to working with him in his final session and endeavors beyond the capitol.”

Senator Bennett grew up in Gibson City before earning a BS in Education and a BS in Computer Science from Eastern Illinois University, an MBA from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He spent his career in education as a high school and junior high science teacher and later as an IT professional at State Farm Insurance.

His passion for education stemmed into his public service in Springfield where he was a leader on Education participating in many meaningful negotiations and legislative packages in the House and passed multiple bipartisan education bills, specifically ones focused on addressing the state’s teacher shortage in the Senate. Raised on a family farm, he also took an active role in agriculture, small business, public safety and transportation issues.

Despite his many legislative accomplishments, it is the people he has met along the way that brings Sen. Bennett the most joy.

“It’s amazing what my staff has done over the last nine years for countless constituents across our district and our state to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Sen. Bennett said. “I am also grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the General Assembly – we come from different parts of the state, with different backgrounds, sometimes holding very different viewpoints, but we have tried to respect each other and work together on issues important to the people of Illinois.”

Always finding new ways to give back to his community, Sen. Bennett served on several school and education boards including 19 years on the distinguished Parkland College Board of Trustees and became the first Illinois trustee to ever serve as Chair of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

“The process of running for office, meeting people, telling them why you’re running, your goals and how you hope to achieve them – is not an easy one. I make this announcement today so the hardworking and fair-minded people I represent are in the best position to elect a new leader.”

In the meantime, Senator Bennett said he looks forward to making the most of the remainder of his term.

“Today is not the end of my work as a Senator, it is simply the beginning of the sprint to the finish,” Bennett said. “I have a lot of legislative work left to do and a lot of people yet to meet. Because, as I learned from a friend a long time ago: it’s all about the people.”

Sen. Bennett’s term will end at the completion of the 103rd General Assembly in January 2025.

* Sen. Van Pelt was absent for most of the spring session…

State Senator Patricia Van Pelt issued the following statement after filing to retire from the 5th Senate District seat:

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the 5th Senate District for the last decade. Throughout this time, we have accomplished much change to ensure the voiceless are heard and the underserved receive the help they need.

“I want to thank all who have stood by me over this past year throughout my health challenges. It has been a blessing to serve the people of this great state, but it’s time to pass the torch. I will forever be grateful for the people I’ve encountered, the stories they’ve shared and the work we’ve accomplished together.”

The retirement will be official August 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Notice the lack of any other voice in that second release.

  13 Comments      


Afternoon roundup

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Illinois Auditor General looked at the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s books and found a whopping $5.24 billion in overpayments…

Overpayments (which include fraud, non-fraud, and identity theft) were an issue in both the regular UI and PUA programs. IDES reported overpayments for FY20 to FY22 that totaled $5.24 billion; regular UI accounted for $2.04 billion and PUA accounted for $3.20 billion. Considering gross benefits associated with regular UI claims were 2.5 times higher than gross benefits associated with PUA claims, it shows the magnitude of fraud experienced in the PUA program. IDES noted stopped or recovered payments of $150.36 million and $361.34 million for the regular UI and PUA programs respectively.

Many decisions made during the pandemic were intended to decrease or eliminate delays and prioritize paying claims as soon as possible. Several of IDES’ defenses against fraud could not handle the exponential increase in claims. Claimants were unable to register for claims since they were required to pass these cross-matches in order to file. Beginning in March 2020, IDES suspended some routine identity cross-matches performed on all regular UI claims filed because the cross-matches required time to run and constricted the processing system severely. These cross-matches were temporarily suspended and/or processed offline. This allowed IDES to better handle the increase in claims processing traffic; however, this left the unemployment programs more susceptible to fraud.

Timely payment of benefits and preventing fraud are competing concepts. Preventing fraud, especially in new programs with evolving guidance and guidelines, likely would require additional processing time and a possible delay in benefit distribution to claimants. Conversely, paying claims quickly, especially when certain cross-matches and controls were suspended, increased IDES’ risk of making improper payments.

Go read the rest.

* The Republican Party’s elders in this state have not had much of an influence on the rank and file for quite a few years. So this likely won’t change things much…

An influential Illinois Republican is urging Republicans to break from ex-President Donald Trump, the current front runner for the 2024 GOP nomination.

Richard Porter, a local and national party leader, took his first public stand about moving on from Trump in a column published Wednesday by Real Clear Politics.

The op-ed is here. Porter is backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose campaign appears to be imploding at the moment.

* IDPH…

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals. Bats are the most common source of potential infection in Illinois, and exposures from bats tend to be more frequent during the summer months, especially July and August. The disease can also be found in other wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.

So far this year, 27 rabid bats have been found in fourteen Illinois counties. There have been five rabid bats each in Kankakee and Lake counties, four in Cook County, and three in McHenry County. Rabies has also been found in bats in Bureau, Clark, DeKalb, Macon, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, Wayne, and Will counties.

“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It is important that Illinois residents know how to prevent rabies exposure to protect themselves and their loved ones. Rabies can be prevented in a number of ways including vaccinating pets, being cautious around wildlife, and seeking medical care immediately after a potential exposure. If exposed, please seek medical attention immediately.”

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. People can get rabies from being bitten by an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. If someone wakes up to find a bat in the room, that is also considered an exposure even if they cannot identify a bite.

A bat’s teeth are small, so someone who has been bitten by a bat may not know it, or may be unable to communicate it (for example, very small children). That’s why it’s important that if you discover a bat in your home, you should avoid killing or releasing it; instead, immediately consult with your local animal control or your local health department to determine appropriate next steps. If you have been exposed to rabies, preventive treatment, known as PEP, is necessary. But if the bat or wild animal can be safely captured and tested, and the test comes back negative, no preventive medication is required.

* IEPA…

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim today announced a grant opportunity with $10 million in funding for projects that will improve water quality in Illinois. The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) Program has been made possible by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is posted at https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/8eb59a23-1ba2-4930-acf3-2622dbb7e364. […]

The GIGO Program provides funding for projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments by decreasing stormwater runoff into Illinois’ rivers, streams, and lakes. Projects that implement treatment trains (multiple BMPs in series) and/or multiple BMPs within the same watershed may be more effective and efficient than a single large green infrastructure BMP.

For GIGO, green infrastructure means any stormwater management technique or practice employed with the primary goal to preserve, restore, mimic, or enhance natural hydrology. Green infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, methods of using soil and vegetation to promote soil percolation, evapotranspiration, and filtering or the harvesting and reuse of precipitation. Examples of project types/BMPs that may be funded through GIGO are provided in the NOFO. Illinois EPA anticipates project awards between $75,000 and $2.5 million. The first $5 Million in GIGO grants were awarded to eleven grantees in 2021 and 2022. Four projects have completed construction and the remaining are under construction.

* Not the ballot name it used to be, but we’ll see…

Today, Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke (Illinois Appellate Court, Retired) formally announced her campaign to be the Democratic Candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney:

    “At the beginning of this month, I stepped down from my position as a Justice on the Appellate Court for a simple reason: our criminal justice system is not working for this community that I love. As a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and judge, I have spent more than thirty years seeking justice for the people of Cook County from every corner of the courtroom. I believe that my experience, sound judgment, and record of fairness can make things better at a critical time,” said Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke.

    “The State’s Attorney has an awesome responsibility to vigorously prosecute cases and seek justice for victims, their families, and the people of Cook County while respecting the rule of law and the civil rights of the accused. That requires not only tackling violent crime but also a thoughtful approach to restorative justice, where we put resources into juvenile, veterans, drug, and mental health courts to help people get back on the right path and build stronger, safer communities.

    “We don’t have to choose between safety or justice. We can have both with the right leadership. Above all, I know that no State’s Attorney can be successful without earning the trust of the public. I will lead an office with the highest standards of professionalism, and I look forward to sharing my vision with voters to make the office of the Cook County State’s Attorney one of the best prosecutor’s offices in the country,” O’Neill Burke concluded.

In only three weeks since stepping off the bench, Justice Burke has garnered the enthusiastic support of the local legal community. More than 150 retired judges, retired Assistant State’s Attorneys, and lawyers have joined Burke’s campaign.

* This ain’t gonna work…


* Isabel’s afternoon roundup…

  13 Comments      


Today’s gruesome task

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Click here to read the replies to this tweet (or Xeet, or whatever it is now). Flat-out and even enthusiastic racism, historical revisionism, whataboutism all mixed in with weight comments. It’s a collection of miserably horrible people the likes of which you may have never seen before…


  40 Comments      


Rocky Wirtz

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Governor Pritzker at today’s bill signing…

I’ve known Rocky Wirtz for 25 years, I believe. Every day, this man showed his heart to people. I’m not talking about the leadership of the Blackhawks, which those of us who are fans are so proud of the work that he did to win our championships. I’m talking about the man who cared deeply about people all across the city, all across the state.

In fact, all across the country, Blackhawks Charities and the efforts that they made were an impetus of Rocky Wirtz. And he was a person that you could call up and he would try to help in anything that you asked him to do. Anything, anything.

When you think of big, powerful people in business, you often don’t remember that there are people who made it to that exalted height in their careers who brought with them a caring for people that aren’t just up there enjoying the treasures of having made it, but who bring with them the people that they know are most in need.

Rocky Wirtz was somebody who cared about those people and he demonstrated it in so many ways. And I can just tell you on a personal level, no better friend that you can have.

* Sun-Times…

Formally, he was W. Rockwell Wirtz.

But he was always just Rocky, a name that fit both for its common-man connotation and the sense that he could be tough when the occasion demanded it.

Rocky Wirtz was the third-generation leader of his family’s businesses. Most Chicagoans knew Mr. Wirtz as the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, and he enjoyed the role to the hilt, often chatting with fans in the stands instead of sequestering himself in a skybox. […]

Mr. Wirtz, 70, died Tuesday at NorthShore Evanston Hospital following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife, Marilyn, and his four children, according to a statement from Wirtz Corp. Friends say he had been experiencing stomach pains for a while, but he thought the symptoms would resolve themselves. […]

Along with his businesses, Mr. Wirtz leaves a long legacy of support for Chicago, including the activities of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. He also won city support in recent weeks for a land deal that allowed the Blackhawks to build a community ice arena and practice facility on the West Side.

* Crain’s…

“Our hearts are very heavy today,” Rocky’s son, Danny Wirtz, CEO of the Blackhawks, said in the statement. “Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends. He was a loving father, a devoted husband to Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a doting grandfather to his six remarkable grandchildren. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly.”

Wirtz’s death will reverberate through the Chicago sports, business and philanthropic communities, where he has been a high-profile figure for years.


Wirtz’s legacy may be most clearly defined by the resurgence of the Blackhawks after the death of his father, Bill. Inheriting a historic franchise that had alienated fans and had languishing ticket sales and sponsorships, Rocky hired new business leadership for the franchise and put its local games back on television, which combined with a rare mix of young talent and success on the ice to turn the Blackhawks into one of the biggest business success stories in professional sports.


* Tribune…

By 2009, just a year and a half after Bill Wirtz’s death, the Hawks were back in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Forbes Magazine dubbed the Hawks’ revitalization the “Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever” in 2009. […]

In May 2021, former prospect Kyle Beach sued the team, alleging negligence over a claim former video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him. In October of that year, law firm Jenner & Block released its finding after investigating Beach’s claims. The firm found that Hawks upper management — including McDonough, Stan Bowman, Kevin Cheveldayoff and coach Joel Quenneville — failed to act on Beach’s sexual assault claim until after the championship was secured.

Wirtz said he was unaware of the 2010 allegations until the lawsuit was filed in 2021.

* ABC Chicago…

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Wirtz’s passing, saying in part, “Devoted to family and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago and an accomplished businessman. Rocky took over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the passion and following of the storied, Original Six, franchise…The NHL sends its sincere condolences to Rocky’s wife Marilyn, his children Danny, Kendall and Hillary, Marilyn’s daughter Elizabeth, and their six grandchildren. He will be missed terribly.”

“Rocky Wirtz was a champion in every sense of the word - in family, in business, in sports ownership, and most important, in life,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. “From his stalwart leadership of the Wirtz Corporation and multitude of corporate ventures, to the Blackhawks’ miracle run of three Stanley Cup champions in six seasons, he exemplified class and excellence at every turn.” […]

White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released a statement, saying in part, “This is just shocking news, and I am personally devastated. Rocky truly was a great man. We were far more than partners at the United Center. We were very close; he was a dear friend and our trust, our bond, was unbreakable.”

* WGN…

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson had this statement following Wirtz’s death on Tuesday.

“Rocky Wirtz was a champion in every sense of the word — in family, in business, in sports ownership, and most important, in life. From his stalwart leadership of the Wirtz Corporation and multitude of corporate ventures, to the Blackhawks’ miracle run of three Stanley Cup champions in six seasons, he exemplified class and excellence at every turn.

As successful as he was as a chairman and owner, however, he was an even greater man, giving a United Center security officer or parking attendant the same amount of respect he would offer a fellow magnate or CEO. That is who Rocky Wirtz was, and he will be dearly missed.

My heart is with the Wirtz family, his colleagues and the entire Blackhawks organization during this difficult time. This is a sad day, and a tremendous loss for our city.”

* More…

  5 Comments      


Democratic state Senator pushes estate tax change, calls it “the number one reason that people leave Illinois”

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Senate President Don Harmon has also said he believes a major root cause for people leaving Illinois is the state’s estate tax. WGLT…

There’s a push to change inheritance laws in the state of Illinois, and an unexpected source is taking up the cause.

You don’t usually find Democrats picking up the gauntlet to weaken provisions of a law originally intended to prevent the concentration of capital into hereditary wealthy elites. But State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria said there’s a sound economic development reason to do so.

“You know what I think the number one reason that people leave Illinois is? I think it’s the way we structure our estate tax,” said Koehler. […]

Koehler supports a bill to increase exemption to the estate tax from $4 million to $12 million. He said the federal exemption already is set at $12 million and will go to $12.9 million this year. In Illinois, for estates above $12 million in value, the estate tax percentage goes up as the size of the estate, until it tops out at a 16% marginal tax rate on inheritances of $10 million and higher. […]

Koehler said it’s not just farmers who are affected, but the families of small business owners, who also might be forced to shut down to pay the inheritance tax.

“I talked with somebody who is a retired teacher who said their accountant tells them if they really want to pass on their family wealth they really need to move to another state. That’s driving a lot of decisions. We really need to address that,” said Koehler.

Thoughts?

  61 Comments      


Question of the day

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* NBC Sports Chicago’s associate producer for White Sox Baseball…


* The Question: Should White Sox ownership sell the team? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

online polls


  59 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


Open thread

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week already, what’s been shakin’ in your part of Illinois?…

  11 Comments      


Isabel’s morning briefing

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go…

  9 Comments      


Live coverage

Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…


  Comments Off      


« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* Reader comments closed for the holidays
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* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to previous editions
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Report: Far-right Illinois billionaires may have skirted immigration rules
* Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards (Updated)
* Energy Storage Brings Cheaper Electricity, Greater Reliability
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
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