It’s just a bill
Friday, Sep 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* This week, Rep. Sonya Harper filed HB4131…
Creates the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Act. Provides that a unit of local government shall not restrict which types of electric vehicles may access an electric vehicle charging station approved for passenger vehicles that both is publicly accessible and the construction of which was funded, at least in part, by the State or through moneys collected from ratepayers. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission, in consultation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to assess whether charging station infrastructure is disproportionately deployed by population density, geographical area, or population income level. Provides that the Commission shall facilitate the development of technologies that promote grid integration, explore policies that support the development of technologies, and adopt a tariff specific to heavy-duty electric vehicle fleets or electric trucks and buses. Limits home rule powers. Defines terms.
* HR394 from Rep Stephanie Kifowit…
Declares November 10, 2023 as “Marine Corps Day” and the month of November 2023 as “Marine Corps Month”.
* The Crusader…
Representative La Shawn Ford (D-8th) revealed he is introducing a bill that if passed will allow ex-offenders convicted of felonies to run for public office because, he says, once they have paid their dues, they have a right to run and serve.
Saying there are many such people qualified to run for office on the state and local levels, Ford said people with felonies who are not criminals but who have paid their debt to society should have the right to run for office.
Ford pointed to Debra Vines as an example. Vines ran for Trustee of Maywood and won but couldn’t be sworn into office because she has a felony record. In an interview with the Chicago Crusader, she commended Ford for proposing the bill allowing felons to run for office in Illinois.
“As someone who has personally experienced the frustration and disappointment of not being able to take a position I had rightfully won, due to my background, I believe it is high time we address this issue and provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their past mistakes.
* Rep. Maurice West introduced HB4132 yesterday…
Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section regarding property tax exemptions for charitable purposes, provides that property held by a charitable organization for the purpose of constructing or rehabilitating residences for eventual transfer to qualified low-income families through sale, lease, or contract for deed is exempt from property tax as a charitable purpose. Provides that the exemption commences on the day title to the property is transferred to the organization and continues to the end of the levy year in which the organization transfers title to the property to a qualified low-income family. Effective immediately.
- Army - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:16 am:
I hope HR394 was written in crayon.
To anyone on the sidelines getting upset, this is just siblings playing.
- Nick Name - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:26 am:
===Declares November 10, 2023 as “Marine Corps Day” and the month of November 2023 as “Marine Corps Month”.===
This Marine vet says affirmative. Oorah!
- Former ILSIP - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:26 am:
@Army
Nah, the crayons would be eaten before the bill was done being drafted.
- Air Force - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:29 am:
Army: and it had better have been a red one.
- Huh? - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:34 am:
“bill that if passed will allow ex-offenders convicted of felonies to run for public office”
Nicknamed the “blago bill”. /s
Could resist. Blago was in the news again because of his languishing lawsuit claiming his civil rights were violated.
- TheInvisibleMan - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:37 am:
HB4132 - good idea in theory, but it needs more restrictions to prevent abuse. Preferably a time limit for the property tax exemption. 3 years seems reasonable.
Without a limit, there will be abuse where income properties are held by charities to avoid paying property taxes, under the claim of them being rehabbed - forever.
Lets just say I’ve seen plenty of charities abusing the tax code.
- Incandenza - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:50 am:
In other electric vehicle news, it was announced today that $2 billion in federal funding has been secured for an extension of the Red line to 130th street, which will include 4 new CTA stations. That should be a story on its own.
Not only is Illinois investing in electric cars, the electric vehicles of the CTA will extend their reach to the far south side community. And this service won’t tear up the roads and spew particulate matter like e-cars will!
- Nick Name - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 10:54 am:
Yes, Army and Former ILSIP, we are used to the other services being jealous of us.
- Ron - In Texas - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 11:51 am:
Ha. Having been a 03-crayon eater. I approve.
- Give Us Barabbas - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 12:08 pm:
Long as the bill specifies Blago stays ineligible, well… Maybe that bill can advance. I think it’s a heavy lift
- Rich Miller - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 12:09 pm:
===Long as the bill specifies Blago stays ineligible===
It’s in the constitution.
- H-W - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 12:21 pm:
Army vet, here.
So there are “six” branches of military service now, right? Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Corps and Coast Guard. If we take half of the year to “honor” each branch, what is actually accomplished? What would be the point of designating a month as “honoring” each branch of the service?
I know that sounds disrespectful, but isn’t it just another means for compelling patriotism without having to actually do anything? Political scientist Robert Bellah referred to this sort of exhibition as “civic religion.”
I would suggest such a bill does little except to distinguish “patriots” (most of whom did not serve) from others who did not serve (including pacifists for whom I as a veteran have great respect.
As a veteran myself, I see little tangible positive effect in establishing a month in honor of the Army, Marines, Coast Guard, etc. Indeed, my service was never intended to compel recognition from others for my willingness to serve.
But I know I represent a minority sentiment. If others feel moved to rename months so as to feel they are doing something good, go for it.
Happy weekend, all.
- Blitz - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 1:18 pm:
I think H-W said what I was thinking and feeling, with the exception being that they said it way better than I could.
- H-W - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 2:01 pm:
@ Blitz
After I posted my thoughts, I read the other comments.
I think I took the post a little too seriously. Most of the comments suggest this bill was just a fun exercise for the legislature, pitting one Branch against the other.
If that is so, then Go Army! Beat Navy (and those creepy Marines)!
Thanks for the complement though, and a good weekend to you.
- duck duck goose - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 2:08 pm:
HB4132 has some quirks. As InvisibleMan said, the lack of a time limit makes this ripe for abuse. Additionally, the exemption lasts until the charity transfers title. And it applies to contracts for deed and leases. Under a contract for deed, the title wouldn’t be transferred until the “mortgage” is paid–likely decades. Under a lease, the title would never be transferred, making this a permeant tax exemption.
- cermak_rd - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 2:17 pm:
Where does the Merchant Marine fit in there? All I know about it is my band plays its tune in our medley of service tunes during the summer; and a number of its members died during the great war as a result of U-boat attacks.
- Huh? - Friday, Sep 8, 23 @ 3:40 pm:
Don’t see why people grumping about commemorating the USMC on 11/10. It’s their birthday. Geez, let ‘em have a party.
“On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress.”