* NPR correspondent Tom Dreisbach…
A top adviser to President Joe Biden, whose prominent communications firm helped launch a high-profile effort to assist victims of sexual harassment, rape and assault, was also a paid adviser to a powerful Illinois politician while he was being sued by one of those victims.
Anita Dunn, co-founder of the communications firm SKDK and widely considered a member of the president’s inner circle, provided “crisis communications” assistance to Michael Madigan, the then-Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, from 2018 to 2019. That work netted Dunn and her firm more than $200,000, according to campaign finance disclosures.
Madigan, who was also the leader of the state Democratic Party at the time, was not personally accused of sexual misconduct, but was being sued by a former employee of his political committees. That former employee, Alaina Hampton, alleged that Madigan retaliated against her when she reported that her direct supervisor had repeatedly harassed her over text messages.
While Dunn was advising Madigan, Hampton received support in her case from Dunn’s firm, which partnered with the anti-harassment charity Time’s Up. Dunn’s work for Madigan was specifically focused on responding to allegations stemming from Hampton’s lawsuit.
As a result, SKDK (the D stands for “Dunn”) was on the one hand supporting Hampton in her harassment and retaliation case through its partnership with Time’s Up, and on the other getting paid by a defendant in that very lawsuit.
There’s lots more, so go read the whole thing.
* A brief mention was made of this in the Tribune’s August 27th Mapes trial roundup, which I regrettably didn’t read because I was on vacation at the time…
In one email to Mapes, McClain described how Madigan’s operation hired SKDK to “handle this problem” and develop a plan to be “assertive” and met with the firm’s Anita Dunn, a top player in the Obama and Biden administrations, to develop a strategy that included beginning with an op-ed.
Mapes had initiated the email exchange on Sept. 21, 2018, the day a Madigan-signed a commentary in the Tribune said he took responsibility for failing to “do enough’ and promising to do more to address inappropriate behavior in Springfield.
Records showed the “Friends of Madigan” campaign fund paid more than $200,000 to SKDK over 2018 and 2019 for advice on how to address the #MeToo issues.
It came around the same time that McClain gathered a group of utility lobbyists — including political gurus Tom Cullen and Will Cousineau — to work out arrangements to send checks to help Kevin Quinn after Madigan had tossed him from the speaker’s organization due to the longtime lieutenant’s own #MeToo scandal.
…Adding… A new Tribune story was just posted…
“If I knew SKDK was working with Mike Madigan, I wouldn’t have even applied for funding from Time’s Up,” Hampton said in an interview with the Tribune. “It’s a clear conflict of interest that the communications firm SKDK was working with Mike Madigan while also working with the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund when I was a client and the legal defense fund was paying money for my legal fees and public relation fees.”
Following days of Tribune questions, SKDK issued an apology Wednesday morning.
“We understand the concerns that have been raised,” SKDK partner Jill Zuckman said in a statement to the Tribune. “In retrospect, we realize that the decision to work with then-Speaker Madigan’s campaign on these matters was an error in light of the support Ms. Hampton was receiving from another firm through a separate initiative we were proud to support.
“We apologize to Ms. Hampton and her allies and reiterate our full support for the survivor community,” Zuckman said.
To Hampton, though, the apology fell flat: “It feels like they’re gaslighting me. Even now.”
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* I’m told the talks with Chicago have been going very well and the talks with and about Arlington Heights have not gone well…
Statement from Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren:
“Our process to find the best stadium solution for our franchise, our fans and the region continues to be methodical and intentional. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his team, we have recently engaged in positive and productive discussions with the City of Chicago. We also continue to have dialogue with officials in Arlington Heights and other Chicagoland locations about a Chicago Bears stadium project. At this time, we want to appropriately explore all opportunities for the development of a world-class stadium and therefore will not be pursuing legislative support for mega projective incentive legislation in the Illinois General Assembly’s Fall Veto Session.”
Good news for the city. But it’s not like they had much of a chance in the veto session. Still, at least they’re learning.
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Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* IDPH…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the newly FDA-approved COVID-19 shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Heading into the fall, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The federal guidance comes as data indicates an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois and the nation, with a seven percent increase statewide in the week ending September 2, the most recent period for which data is available. There are currently 12 Illinois counties at a medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations according to the CDC national dashboard, meaning they exceed ten new cases per 100,000 population in the last week.
* When this bill was proposed in 2010, I repeatedly called it the worst bill ever. It allows local governments to use state sales tax money for local developments. Not a fan. Comptroller Mendoza is a fan and here’s her press release…
I’m so happy the city of Marion has approved the state’s first STAR Bonds project, which will bring welcome economic investment, jobs, new businesses, entertainment, fun and great opportunities to Southern Illinois.
I was very proud to work on the original legislation that former State Rep. John Bradley passed in 2010. Speaking on the House floor in favor of the bill, I outlined my language about Angel Investment Tax Credits that formed part of the Innovation Development and Economy Act, which paved the way for this district. That same year, Marion created its STAR Bonds District.
My Deputy Director of Outreach and Community Affairs, Josh Downs, read my letter of support for this project before the vote at last night’s Marion City Council meeting.
The Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are paid for by future sales taxes collected by businesses that locate in the district.
The new businesses anticipated at Marion’s Oasis Outdoors development include sports complexes, expanded golf and pickleball complexes, go-karts, virtual reality, bowling alleys, climbing walls, arcades, restaurants, a redevelopment of the mall to showcase one of the world’s largest RV dealerships, and so much more.
This project will be an economic driver for Southern Illinois and will attract significant out-of-state tourism dollars.
Congratulations to developers Rodney Cabaness; Shad Zimbro, Millennium Destination Development LLC, Marion Mayor Mike Absher and everyone else who is working on this innovative project.
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/marion/marion-approves-first-star-bond-project-during-a-special-council-meeting/article_575e41a4-51dc-11ee-9194-d739486b68fd.html
* Leader Curran…
Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement on Saving Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships
“All Illinois children, regardless of their parents’ bank accounts or connections, deserve access to the best quality education possible to fit their individual needs. This access has been increased for over 9,000 lower-income families in Illinois through private donations in the Invest in Kids Scholarship program. The innocent children receiving these life-changing scholarships, and the thousands more on the waitlist, should not be caught in the middle of political or ideological fights, but instead should be given the certainty of a permanent program so they can continue to excel in their family’s school of choice. The Senate Republicans are united in our commitment to making permanent the Invest in Kids program this coming Veto Session, and will continue to prioritize empowering lower income parents to make the best educational choices for their children.”
* Press release…
Skokie, IL – The Women’s Board (WB) of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) raised more than $350,000 at its annual signature Soirée. More than 400 guests came together on Sept. 7th at Bryn Mawr Country Club to support the Museum’s mission to preserve the stories of Holocaust Survivors and continue their legacy into the future.
“We were thrilled to have everyone come together for such a wonderful night,” said Sue Spinello, Women’s Board co-president. “We appreciate everyone’s support of the Soirée as these critical funds will go a long way in helping the Museum achieve its mission,” said Leslie Schaffel, co-president. […]
“With the rise of antisemitism and other hate crimes, connecting the lessons of the Holocaust to present day continues to be as urgent as ever,” said Bernard Cherkasov, Museum CEO. “While our primary focus is on education and awareness, social events such as the Soirée are another way to work toward our mission.” […]
The Soirée raises funds to support the Museum’s mission to combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference, and to inspire visitors to become Upstanders who speak out for what’s right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. The WB specifically earmarked funds from this event to support upcoming special exhibitions, field trips to the Museum (virtual and in-person) for students in under-served communities, and Law Enforcement Action and Democracy (LEAD) Training.
* Women Employed press release…
Women Employed (WE) today announced it was named to the Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 list of Best Places to Work. For 50 years, Women Employed has relentlessly pursued equity for women in the workforce, from shaping policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, to advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces so more women, families, and communities can thrive.
Ranked 22 out of 100 employers, WE was recognized in the top 25% for its deep commitment to equity that starts in its own workplace. As a small non-profit organization of 26 staff members, WE provides top-tier benefits, prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, and is highly responsive to staff needs. To ensure they are aligned with what they advocate for, WE offers family-friendly and employee-centered benefits such as generous sick time, paid leave, vacation, and health insurance, plus hybrid work and flexible scheduling options, allowing staff to manage responsibilities inside and outside of work. The leadership team holds itself accountable for organizational culture, staff development and nurturing and supporting the overall well-being of staff.
“We couldn’t authentically pursue equity for women in the workforce without ensuring equity, inclusivity, support, and flexibility in our own workplace,” said Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed. “We believe our staff members deserve the best working environment to achieve success for themselves and our mission. We are thrilled to be recognized alongside so many other notable organizations that are doing right by their workers.”
* Oppo dump!..
On September 13, Eileen O’Neill Burke is set to hold a “Women Lawyers” fundraiser at the law offices of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
The first host listed on the invitation is Kristin Barnette – wife of disgraced and racist former Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy. Barnette donated a total of $23,120 to her husband’s mayoral campaign. Several other hosts of Burke’s upcoming fundraiser were also supporters of McCarthy’s Rudy Giuliani-supported mayoral run.
In total, the hosts of this event gave $30,600 to McCarthy’s Mayoral run. In addition to his wife, McCarthy received donations from:
• Sarah King - $500: Clifford Law Partner Sarah King gave $500 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Beth McCormack - $250: Beerman Partner Beth McCormack gave $250 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Clare McWilliams - $250: Judge Clare McWilliams gave $250 to McCarthy’s mayoral campaign.
• Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard - $2,500: The law firm where the fundraiser will take place gave $2,500 to McCarthy’s mayoral run.
• Patrick Salvi - $2,000: The firm is chaired by Patrick Salvi who gave $2,000 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Patrick Salvi Jr. - $2,000: The firm’s Chicago Managing Partner Patrick Salvi Jr. also gave $2,000 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Daily Herald | Witness says ex-DCFS workers were ‘ultimately responsible’ for AJ’s safety: Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, each are charged with two counts of endangering the life of a child and health of a minor and one count of reckless conduct related to their handling of the child’s case. Defense attorneys have argued the child welfare agency’s Woodstock field office, from which AJ’s case was handled, was “overwhelmingly overworked and understaffed.” […] To each question, Ruzicka said neither Acosta nor Polovin adhered to training and did what was required.
* Shaw Local | Grundy County chairman Chris Balkema announces candidacy for 53rd District senate seat: The district includes Grundy, Bureau, Ford, Iroquois, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties. During Balkema’s tenure, he said he defended Grundy County residents against gun regulations and executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said his firm stance ensured the rights of Grundy County residents were never compromised.
* Crain’s | White Sox attendance too low for over a decade for team to owe state fees: The management agreement between the ISFA and the White Sox requires the team to pay a base rent per season, plus net ticket fees if paid attendance exceeds 1.93 million tickets (excluding “comp” tickets, which are given away to sponsors).
* Crain’s | White Sox sued over alleged discriminatory ticket-sales practices: The lawsuit, filed today on behalf of Sox fans Ralph Yaniz and Douglas McCormick, alleges that the White Sox failed to offer equal benefits to people with disabilities, required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, by refusing to sell accessible-seat season tickets on its website.
* WBEZ | Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vows he won’t raise property taxes to close $538 million budget gap: The gap is fueled in part by the ongoing effort to support migrants being sent to the city, as well as rising personnel costs and pension payments, the budget forecast released Wednesday reads. At least $149 million of the shortfall is driven by support for new arrivals. But in a news release, Johnson vowed to follow through on a campaign promise to produce a budget that “holds the line on not raising the base property tax levy.”
* WCIA | ADM East plant evacuated again days after explosion: An ADM spokesperson said that an employee noticed smoke during a walk-through of the plant. Out of an abundance of caution, the spokesperson said the immediate area was evacuated and the fire department was called for support. The area was deemed safe by 11 a.m. and employees are allowed to reenter the area. The spokesperson added that ADM is taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of the area and to inform employees about the issue and resolution.
* WCIA | Fourth ADM worker released from hospital after explosion: “As we continue the process to assess the damage to our processing complex in Decatur and begin the process to restore operations, our priority remains offering to support our four injured colleagues who remain in the hospital as well as their families,” ADM officials posted to their website Tuesday night. “One colleague has been released. We are also providing counseling resources to colleagues on-site.”
* SJ-R | More than 700 IEMA workers will move to White Oaks Mall; here’s an update on construction: The mall project is in the second construction phase with CDB turning much of the former retail space into an office for more than 700 workers. Upgrades to electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and security systems are underway along with installation of new flooring, lighting, windows, restrooms, and sewer. But workers also have had to navigate a series of change orders – nearly $6 million worth – caused by the aging condition of the building.
* Chalkbeat | Schools face a funding cliff. How bad will the fall be?: Some advocates had hoped that even more federal dollars would be on the way. For instance, the Los Angeles teachers union had sought to make federal relief permanent. But this is not going to happen. The recent deal that President Joe Biden struck with Congressional Republicans limits new federal spending on education for the next couple years.
* BND | Is it legal to hang items from your rearview mirror in Illinois? The law changes in 2024: On Jan. 1, 2024, Illinois police officers will no longer be allowed to lawfully stop or search vehicles solely because they have something hanging from their rearview mirror, though it will still be considered a violation if the item materially obstructs the motorist’s view.
* The Pantagraph | Illinois State University hires firm for presidential search: A statement Wednesday from ISU said Parker Executive Search was selected as the hiring and consulting firm to assist the search, and will be reimbursed $110,000, plus expenses. University leaders are seeking a replacement for former President Terri Goss Kinzy, who abruptly resigned in February after less than two years on the job. The board and Kinzy, the university’s first female president, agreed not to comment beyond an initial statement that said she would “pursue other opportunities.”
* Tribune | UAW may strike at small number of factories if it can’t reach deals with automakers: At the Tuesday meeting, Fain didn’t say whether the union would target vehicle assembly plants or component factories, one of the people said. Strikes at parts plants could force production halts at multiple assembly factories. He also didn’t say how many workers would walk off their jobs.
* Daily Herald | Electrifying 30% of heavy-duty vehicles could save hundreds of lives, billions of dollars: If the region surrounding Chicago took 30% of its heavy-duty vehicles and made them electric, 610 lives and $5.8 billion would be saved each year, according to a new study out of Northwestern University.
* Block Club | Southwest Siders With Kias, Hyundais Can Get A Free Steering Wheel Lock Next Month: Vehicles must be registered to owners in the 8th District, which includes parts of West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Midway, Gage Park and Archer Heights. […] Over 7,000 Kias and Hyundais were stolen from Chicagoans in 2022, prompting Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to demand a federal recall of the vehicles. Raoul was one of several officials across the country to sign a letter asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take action.
* County approves nearly $750,000 in ARPA funding: The Kankakee County Board approved three requests for American Rescue Plan Act funds at its meeting on Tuesday, providing nearly $750,000 to the Helen Wheeler Center, a circuit court remodel and for the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department’s old jail.
* Shaw Local | Woman charged with falsely reporting a bomb threat at Geneva High: A Geneva woman has been charged with making a false report of a bomb threat at Geneva High School. Terry L. Thomas, 54, of the 600 block of Willow Lane, is also charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer.
* SJ-R | Springfield council to consider new Lincoln Library director; Yazell returns to former job: With no discussion at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, the council moved Gwendolyn Harrison’s appointment as Lincoln Library’s director to the full city council’s agenda on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Val Yazell, the interim director of the Office for Planning and Economic Development, will move back to permanent director pending council approval.
* Block Club Chicago | South Loop Neighbors Want To Block Data Center Expansion Near McCormick Place: The $500 million expansion would include a new, 565,069-square-foot, 13-story building with seven data center suites between the third and ninth floors with a bridge connecting the new building with the existing one. A chiller plant would be installed on the 10th floor, with additional cooling towers on the roof.
* Daily Herald | Why some people complained about pot-friendly music festival in Mundelein: Christine Spisla was the first person who spoke about the festival during the public comment portion of the meeting. She said the performances rattled her windows, shook the floors and made her walls vibrate. In response, Village Administrator Eric Guenther said sound levels sporadically were checked by police officers during both days of the festival, and the decibel outputs never reached unacceptable levels.
* Journal Star | Lead water line replacement is ramping up in Peoria: On Tuesday, Illinois American Water updated the Peoria City Council on where it stands in that process and is asking Peorians to help its census by self-reporting lead water pipes in their homes. By April 2024, Illinois American Water must have an inventory submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency of where lead water lines still exist in Peoria, the company told the council.
* WGLT | State to fund Illinois State University area traffic safety study: Normal Public Works Director Ryan Otto said the cost of the study to begin next year will be $450,000. “It will start with a larger overall review of crash reports, some surveys of students and community members, to try to identify points of conflict people see on the street. We’ll do a deep dive into geometrics, traffic counts, and things like that in specific areas,” said Otto.
* Daily Herald | Done deal: Texas data center firm closes on deal for Sears campus in Hoffman Estates: “We are very pleased to welcome Compass Datacenters to Hoffman Estates,” Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said in a statement. “The redevelopment of the former Sears headquarters into a data center campus begins a new chapter for this high-profile property and continues the technology diversification of our tax base. Although still preliminary, the investment by Compass will be in the billions of dollars and will have positive effects for our community for years to come.”
* Block Club Chicago | Englewood’s Only Sit-Down Restaurant Has Been Closed For Years. City College Plans To Bring It Back To Life: Kennedy-King received a historic $5 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021. About $500,000 of that lump sum will go towards refreshing the restaurant, said Jewel Mideau, executive dean at the college’s Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute.
* AP | The iPhone 12 emits too much radiation and Apple must take it off the market, French agency says: French regulators ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, saying it emits electromagnetic radiation levels that are above European Union standards for exposure. The company disputed the findings and said the device complies with regulations.
* Daily Beast | And Now Gannett Wants a Beyoncé Reporter to Join Its Taylor Swift Reporter: The headline-making job listings come as Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper chain, has gone through a series of layoffs over the last two years that have affected dozens of its local newsrooms, most recently shedding six percent of its news division in December. A Gannett spokesperson wrote to The Daily Beast that “we have hired 260 journalists and have more than 100 more open roles which are actively being recruited for as we grow our audience.”
* BND | Metro-east golfer shoots holes-in-one both left-handed and right-handed, a very rare feat: One day in 2021, for reasons he cannot explain, he found he could no longer grip a golf club from his natural left side. “All I know is one day I woke up and couldn’t hit the ball left-handed,” Martintoni said. “ I got up and we were playing and the next day I couldn’t hold the clubs and I couldn’t hit them anymore, so I struggled with that for a couple of months.”
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* Not a lot of details in this pretty thin story, but it raises several questions: Are private organizations really responsible for two-thirds of the migrant influx? If so, which organizations are they? Are these aid groups really shipping migrants to Chicago knowing they can’t help the migrants once they get to Chicago and that the migrants then have nowhere to go? And approximately what percentage of these trips are paid for with federal dollars? Also, if the feds are paying for this travel, why isn’t the federal government paying to house and feed them at their destinations?…
About a third of new arrivals are bused here by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, but many are also sent by Texas and Denver organizations using federal money without coordinating with Chicago officials.
Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed to Axios last week that the federal funds they provide to local organizations can be — and are — used to buy bus, train and plane tickets for migrants to come to Chicago. […]
[First Deputy Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas] first got wind of the issue from migrants arriving at O’Hare this month who told Chicago officials that FEMA had paid for their tickets.
As far as the numbers go, Gov. Abbott claimed last week that his state has shipped about 7,200 migrants to Chicago since last year. NBC 5 reported at the end of August that Chicago “has received over 13,500 migrants in the past year from Texas, and as 6,500 are spread among the 15 currently operating shelters.” So, that’s a little over half the total, not a third. But he could be including private groups in that total.
Whatever the case, it would be nice to know who these groups are so that we can ask them for their rationale about what the heck they’re doing. I have an inkling about who one of those groups might be, but I’m still waiting on a reply.
* Back to the story…
Other priorities, according to Pacione-Zayas, include … Taking a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to share information about Chicago’s challenges and “the forecasting of a brutal winter.”
Talking to these groups might be helpful. It would also be helpful if the rest of us knew who those groups are.
*** UPDATE *** From the Tribune last month…
Buses to Chicago are sent not only by Abbott, but also by the city of Denver and Catholic Charities in San Antonio. Denver began providing free transportation for people to other destinations in mid-December, much to the exasperation of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who in January demanded in a letter to Colorado’s governor that the city stop. Months later, under a new mayor, the buses keep arriving. […]
Denver has received more than 14,000 migrants since December, and has bought about 6,400 bus and Amtrak tickets for over $2.3 million since then, according to Victoria Aguilar, a spokesperson for Denver Human Services. Roughly a third of those have gone to Chicago, according to Denver data.
A spokesperson for Catholic Charities in Chicago told me this afternoon she was not aware of any direct collaboration with Catholic Charities in San Antonio, but would check.
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Old school corruption
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
The former police chief of west suburban McCook [Mario DePasquale] pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring with the tiny town’s then-mayor to extort two businessmen out of tens of thousands of dollars. […]
DePasquale who became McCook’s police chief in 2013, admitted in his 20-page plea agreement with prosecutors that in 2016 he conspired with Tobolski to shake down a business owner who ran a restaurant at a McCook-owned facility and needed the mayor’s approval to host events with liquor.
The charges stated DePasquale demanded the restaurant owner — identified only as Individual A — pay $1,500 in bribes for each “themed event” that he wanted to host. DePasquale later picked up the money in person, and he and [then-McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski] split the cash, according to the plea. […]
DePasquale also admitted to a second extortion scheme involving another new business owner in town, identified as Individual B. According to the plea, beginning in 2015, DePasquale and Tobolski demanded $1,000 monthly payments from Individual B, who agreed to pay out of fear of losing the business.
When Individual B asked what would happen if the payments were not made, DePasquale said words to the effect that “it would not be good” for the company according to the plea.
Straight-up mobsters.
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* Mark Maxwell…
In St. Clair County, home to some of the most severe poverty anywhere in the state, taking money bonds out of the system amounts to a major disruption, both for the government entities tasked with upholding justice and for many of the private attorneys that make their living defending the accused.
“Lawyers won’t want to do this work anymore,” one attorney quipped. “This is going to eviscerate the private bar.”
Defense attorneys who take cases to represent their clients often make their money by placing a lien against the bond payments. Now that the system is removing those funds from the equation, private lawyers and county clerks stand to lose significant streams of reliable revenue.
If the incentives for private attorneys dry up, then the public defender’s office could see their workload swell even larger. In addition to the expectation of higher caseloads, the county workers anticipate more vigorous work in the early phases of their client’s cases when the judge assesses their risk.
“I don’t have enough lawyers to handle both the beginning and end stages of the case in great detail,” [St. Clair County public defender Cathy MacElroy] said. “There’s only so many hours in a day.”
* PD MacElroy, by the way, has just five full-time public defenders on staff. In addition to their daily caseloads, MacElroy told Maxwell that her defenders represent 360 of the 474 people currently sitting in the county jail, many of whom have filed for pretrial release.
The General Assembly appropriated $10 million in new, additional funding for suburban and Downstate public defenders, but the Illinois Supreme Court has not yet distributed the money. *Heavy sigh*
*** UPDATE *** From the Illinois Supreme Court…
Rich,
I noticed your comment on the PD Fund (created by PA 102-1104). This has been stayed until Sept. 18 so is not possible to distribute the funds before then. There has been a lot of work to prepare for the distribution. This was included in the release we just sent out on preparations for the end of cash bail:
The 101 counties that are a part of the fund will receive from $77,000 up to $147,555 using a formula based on several factors. This additional funding is expected to be transformative for public defenders and their clients across Illinois. It is expected to be distributed in the next few weeks.
* Meanwhile, ABC 7 got a look at a new $20 million renovation and expansion of DuPage County’s judicial facilities…
“What people need to realize in DuPage County is, we are the second biggest judicial circuit in this state. We have 48 judges, the second biggest number of judges in this state,” said 18th Circuit Chief Judge Kenneth Popejoy.
Popejoy called the new $20 million renovation and expansion “necessary tools.” […]
The improvements include new courtrooms, a new, expanded grand jury room, more space for the public defender and a renovation of space for the state’s attorney. The new square footage means more space for additional staffing necessary to navigate new challenges brought on by the SAFE-T Act.
“We are going to be seven days a week, 365 days a year having detention hearings. These hearings must take place within 24, 48 or 72 hours. We have to be available Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 in the afternoon to do hearings. Bond court never used to be that way; 15-20 minutes, this bond, this bond, this bond, this bond, go home,” Popejoy said.
Cash bail let the system off easy. We’ll see if the actors are up to the new order.
* Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr. described Chief Judge Popejoy’s “15-20 minutes, this bond, this bond, this bond, this bond, go home,” depiction in highly stark terms…
“You go to a bond hearing, it sounds like a slave auction. People are talking very fast. They’re putting price tags on people’s freedom.”
* Context from the AP…
Between 1970 and 2015, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people jailed before trials, according to the 2022 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights report. Data shows more than 60% of defendants were detained prior to trial because they couldn’t afford to post bail, and that nearly 74% of the 631,000 people jailed daily in the United States are awaiting trial.
* Last item…
Excerpt…
Some members of your association have opposed this legislation and spread misinformation about it from the moment it was introduced and have continued to engage in fear-mongering about its impact even after it was upheld by our highest court. Others have supported this reform from the beginning, while more came to the table to collaborate on making modifications in the trailer bill. Some prosecutors have acknowledged your collective responsibility to abide by the law in the wake of the recent ruling. Every member of the State’s Attorneys Association has a responsibility to call on its members to cease all continued attempts to deliberately obstruct the law’s implementation. Ample time and space was provided to craft this policy and prepare to enact it—now it’s time to put differences aside to protect community safety and the rights of those harmed and those accused
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Subscribers know much more about this, but here’s an ILGOP press release…
IL Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford Fundraises for Democrat Candidates
On Saturday, Rochford violated the Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Judicial Conduct by being the keynote speaker at the Lake County Democratic Women PAC’s annual fundraiser.
NORTH CHICAGO — This past Saturday, September 9, Rochford was the keynote speaker at the Lake County Democratic Women Political Action Committee’s annual fundraiser. The fundraiser’s online donation page states ticket sales will benefit the PAC, whose purpose, according to their filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections, is “to support the election of Democratic women candidates in Lake County, IL.”
The Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Judicial Conduct (Canon 4, Page 48-50) is clear: sitting judges who aren’t up for election shall not speak at political functions supporting the election of candidates:
“Except as may be specifically authorized in the context of judicial election campaigns, Rule 4.1 prohibits judges and judicial candidates from “publicly” endorsing or making “speeches” on behalf of political candidates or organizations.”
“Paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) prohibit judges and judicial candidates from making speeches on behalf of political organizations.to prevent them from misusing the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of others.”
As recently as 2021, the Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee issued a clear opinion on this very issue: “…an incumbent judge who is a judicial candidate may appear as a guest of honor at a political party’s fundraising event, but a judge not presently a candidate is forbidden from doing so.”
The Code of Judicial Conduct makes clear why these ethics rules for judges are so important: “Public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary is eroded if judges or judicial candidates are perceived to be subject to political influence.”
“Illinois voters deserve a fair and impartial state Supreme Court that’s free of and from politics, which does not appear to be the case here,” - Illinois Republican Party Executive Director Shaun McCabe
* Politico…
Watch for a complaint to the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board.
For what it’s worth, attendees said Rochford opened her speech saying she wouldn’t get political. And she didn’t. There was no discussion of reproductive rights or gun legislation, both high-profile subjects facing the court and pitting Republicans and Democrats in Illinois. “It was actually really a boring speech,” said one attendee.
* Justice Rochford sent me this statement…
I receive speaking requests from many groups and organizations. I believe it is important for judges to appear in public and help educate people about the Judicial Branch. My speech at this event was about the work of the Illinois Supreme Court, its non-partisan nature and the collegiality that is fostered by our unique lodging arrangement during court terms. The content of my speech was not political in any way and so should not be construed to have been provided on behalf of any political candidate or organization.
* The Question: Should Illinois Supreme Court justices, appellate justices and judges be officially sanctioned for making speeches to groups like this when they’re not in an active campaign cycle? Explain and stick to the topic at hand, please.
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Another rash of library bomb threats
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
A new Illinois law that seeks to deter book bans and restrictions in public schools and libraries came under the scrutiny of a U.S. Senate panel Tuesday during a hearing that revealed stark partisan divisions over education and parental responsibility while also raising questions about the federal role in what is traditionally an area of local control.
Democratic Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who championed the law, was questioned by the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who initially sought to change the subject of the hearing to immigration policy under President Joe Biden before returning to the issue of book policy. […]
In addition to warning of threats made to librarians, Giannoulias told senators that several libraries in the Chicago suburbs were forced to close a few weeks ago due to bomb threats. Only hours after his testimony, it happened again, with bomb threats reportedly made to the Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago and to libraries in Addison, Aurora, Evanston, Hanover Park, Schaumburg and Streamwood.
* Daily Herald…
In Schaumburg, a threat made via an online chat message led to the evacuation and a police response to the Schaumburg Township District Library at 130 S. Roselle Road. The district closed that building and branch facilities in Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates as a result.
Schaumburg police Lt. Christy Lindhurst said that as of 4 p.m., police had found no evidence that the threat was legitimate, but their investigation is ongoing.
Aurora police said officers responded to all three of the city’s libraries after a bomb threat was made through an online source. Officials said no explosives were found.
* Fox 32…
Inside Chicago’s largest library, an employee alerted police to a disturbing message. Officials say an anonymous email stated that a bomb was located somewhere inside the Harold Washington Library. The Bomb Squad and K9s searched the premises, but nothing was found. […]
In Addison, police were alerted to a bomb threat at the Addison Public Library on Friendship Plaza. As a precautionary measure, both the village and library campuses were closed to the public. The DuPage County Bomb Squad conducted a thorough search, ultimately determining the threat to be baseless.
In Evanston, police received reports of a bomb threat at the Evanston Public Library on Orrington Avenue. While no substantiated threat was found, the Cook County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was called to the scene, and the building was evacuated. A cautionary advisory to avoid the area was issued. […]
Additional reports suggested that further threats were made to other libraries in the Chicago area, making this an ongoing investigation.
* NBC 5 yesterday…
Aurora police have shut down downtown streets after a reported bomb threat against the city’s public libraries Tuesday afternoon.
According to authorities, the threat targeted the library in the 100 block of South River Street, with officers currently evacuating workers and closing down streets in the area.
Police have deployed officers to all three libraries in the community after the threats, according to officials.
River Street remains closed in both directions between Cross Street and Benton Street, according to authorities.
* Not a library, but it is a school in Springfield…
Lanphier High School students and teachers were returning to classes Tuesday afternoon after receiving an “all clear” following a threat of a bomb on campus.
Springfield Police and Illinois Secretary of State Police, who operate K-9 units, deemed the building clear after a search, according to Springfield District 186 officials.
The threat was called into the school at 12:30 p.m.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* NBC Chicago | Bomb threats target Chicago-area public libraries: The Harold Washington Library in Chicago was the subject of one threat, according to Total Traffic. Police activity has been reported at Van Buren and State Street, and an investigation remains underway. Police in suburban Aurora have also shut down downtown streets after a reported bomb threat against the city’s public libraries Tuesday afternoon.
* Sun-Times | Giannoulias, Durbin push back against book bans at Capitol Hill hearing as GOP senators urge parents to ‘speak up’: The debate is over what books should be in taxpayer-funded libraries, and who gets to decide what to put on the shelf — librarians or parents, or some combination of both. […] According to a March report from the Chicago-based American Library Association, the vast majority of the most threatened books “were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.”
* Sun-Times | PPP fraud found among Illinois state workers leaves investigator ‘disappointed but not surprised’: The 177 workers suspected of defrauding PPP — one of the federal government’s COVID-19 relief efforts — have been referred to the Illinois attorney general’s office for possible prosecution. None has been charged with any crime “as of yet,” according to Haling, who said her investigation is “far from being finished.”
* WREX | Governor Pritzker announces retirement of outstanding debt from 2010: On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker announced $49 million in tobacco bonds have been retired through a contract that voided the bonds. The bonds were what remained of a $1.5 billion debt associated with the Great Recession dating back to 2010.
* WBEZ | Illinois’ election board is fielding questions about knocking Donald Trump off the ballot: An aide to second-term Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker declined comment on that question. But his spokeswoman, Jordan Abudayyeh, acknowledged “a lot of people are waiting to see how this plays out.”
* Tribune | Merits of ‘poverty simulation’ debated at Highland Park meeting; ‘I am saddened by the viral meanness that exploded over (it)’: “We have arrived at the intersection of poverty, racism and violence with devastating results, and instead of supporting our leaders who have decided it’s time to address these issues, some of my neighbors just want to argue over optics,” Ashbey Beasley said.
* Capitol News Illinois | Copay requirements paused for noncitizens on state health plan: The state has paused a new policy requiring certain noncitizens enrolled in a Medicaid-like health insurance plan to pay copayments for certain services, instructing health care providers to refund any such payments they have already collected.
* Sun-Times | Chicago facing 2024 budget shortfall of $538 million — more than a third of it tied to migrant crisis: Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t take his predecessor’s word for it when Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she’d left the city in great financial shape, with an $85 million shortfall. And it’s a good thing the new mayor was skeptical, his top aides told some City Council members in a budget briefing.
* Shaw Local | Grundy County chairman Chris Balkema announces candidacy for 53rd District senate seat: Balkema, a Republican, has served as Grundy County chairman for the past six years. He said he has brought financial stability to the county during challenging financial times.
* The Southern | Illinois State Treasurer makes stop in Carbondale: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs covered a wide range of topics during a 45-minute discussion at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Tuesday. The third-term Democrat talked about his role as state treasurer, ideas about his office merging with the state comptroller’s and the process of returning unclaimed funds and property to Illinois residents.
* Sun-Times | As abortions keep rising in Illinois, support for women seeking care is more important than ever: Illinois experienced a 70% increase in abortions this year, the Guttmacher Institute found. Money, volunteers and other support for abortion providers is critical.
* Tribune | US Senate confirms Illinois judge to the federal trial bench: Cummings, a 1987 graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, will become the fifth judge President Joe Biden has appointed to the Northern District of Illinois. He was named after Judge Robert Dow of the Northern District of Illinois was appointed to be counselor to U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
* Sun-Times | Proposed rewrite of Chicago’s hate crime ordinance would create additional category of ‘hate incidents’: The ordinance Ald. Debra Silverstein plans to introduce would create the category of a noncriminal “hate incident,” which Chicagoans could report either by calling the city’s 311 nonemergency number or by using the 311 app.
* AP | CDC OKs updated COVID-19 vaccine, clearing way for shots to begin this week: Chicago public health officials have said the CDC approval was all they needed to “begin the rollout” of the vaccine, which will be free for all city residents. “We already have the vaccine in Chicago,” Dr. Geraldine Luna, medical director for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Monday.
* Crusader | Lt. Governor Stratton continues leading Illinois delegation to Japan with state and business leaders: Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton continues to lead the Illinois Delegation at the 53rd Annual Joint Meeting of the Midwest U.S. – Japan Association Conference (MWJA) in Tokyo, Japan. Lt. Governor Stratton has held meetings with Japanese Governors, dignitaries and corporate business leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen connections and economic partnerships between Illinois and Japan.
* Sun-Times | Blackhawks project, Fulton Market towers get OK from City Council zoning panel: In the largest of the approved plans, the committee endorsed a zoning change to allow Vista Group to proceed with a three-tower residential or commercial complex at Kinzie and Morgan streets. The long-term plan, with a reported budget of $448 million, allows for up to 1,450 residences.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news.
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* OEIG…
In 2022, the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) initiated a large-scale fraud investigation project, to examine whether State of Illinois employees improperly obtained federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. PPP loans were issued to provide relief to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and were eligible for forgiveness if used for qualifying expenses.
Using publicly available information, the OEIG identified PPP loans obtained by individuals with personal identifiers matching those of employees under the OEIG’s jurisdiction. Because a preliminary review of the data revealed a large number of such loans, the OEIG initially focused the investigation on PPP loans of approximately $20,000 or more. In order to be eligible for a PPP loan of that size, a business typically would have needed to generate approximately $100,000 or more of annual net profit or gross income—earned outside of the employee’s full-time State work hours. Once the OEIG identified these PPP loans, the OEIG conducted further investigation to determine whether employees received those loans in a fraudulent manner.
To date, the OEIG has conducted the following investigative activity since beginning its PPP investigation project:
As of 9/12/23
PPP investigations initiated: 438
PPP investigations concluded: 204
PPP referrals to any law enforcement agency 177
The State of Illinois Code of Personal Conduct requires State employees to conduct themselves “with integrity and in a manner that reflects favorably upon the State.” In addition, various agency policies prohibit employees from engaging in conduct that is unbecoming of a State employee. In 177 cases to date, the OEIG determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that a State employee violated the State of Illinois Code of Personal Conduct and/or agency policy by obtaining PPP loans based on falsified information. The OEIG has, so far, issued these founded reports to the employing State agencies, as indicated below:
To date, the improper loans identified in these founded reports total more than $4.5 million in public funds. The OEIG’s PPP investigation project remains ongoing. These numbers do not reflect a final total of OEIG founded reports or a final total for any particular agency.
State employees are expected to maintain the public’s trust and confidence, and misappropriating public funds is far from acting with integrity, or conducting oneself in a manner that reflects favorably upon the State. Acting in such a manner may result in the loss of employment. Employees also are reminded of their duty to cooperate with OEIG investigations, and that failure to cooperate can also be grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal.
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Lee Enterprise | Public defenders work 3 times too many cases, milestone study and new data show: In Illinois, public defenders in St. Clair County each handled more than 350 felonies in 2022. The old standards indicate that’s slightly more than double the recommended maximum while the updated standards suggest it’s at least six times too many cases, assuming the felonies were all low-level.
* Daily Herald | Elgin U-46 joins lawsuit targeting social media companies for harming youth: More than 300 school districts across 11 states have joined the mass lawsuit against social media giants like Meta, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok. The lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in California.
* Sun-Times | Black CPS teens benefit most from shift from suspensions to restorative practices: Black male CPS students historically have had the highest baseline suspensions and arrests. Over the last decade, rates for students dropped the most as schools switched to restorative practices, Education Lab Research Director Fatemeh Momeni said. This study focused on high schools, but the authors say the benefits were also seen in elementary schools.
* Rockford Register Star | Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges: An investigation into Bliss began in April 2023 after an employee with the county clerk’s office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts. […] The county has hired Sikich, LLP, an accounting firm, to assist the Illinois State Police in the investigation.
* Chalkbeat | COVID relief helped Cook County child care providers stay open, but advocates say more support is needed: The federal Department of Health and Human Services says child care should only cost 7% of a family’s income according to the report. For many families who don’t meet the threshold for the state’s child care assistance program and have infants or two or more children, child care consumes a large portion of household income. In 2022, the monthly income limit to qualify for assistance for a family of four was $5,203. According to the report, the average price for center care for a 2-year-old accounted for 15% of family income in 2021, two times higher than what’s recommended. Illinois Action for Children recommends increasing eligibility for the state’s child care assistance program to support more families.
* WBEZ | Here’s what we know about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to set up migrant ‘base camps’: As for the structures themselves, Ramirez-Rosa said they would be more like “prefabricated buildings” rather than tents, and that the rendering he saw looked like the walls were made of some type of metal, not canvas — though he wasn’t sure, and it’s unclear from a provided photo.
* BND | Closing of agency that has helped metro-east residents since the ’70s leaves ‘a big gap’: Maya Sansard was shocked to hear the “bad news” from her counselor at Call for Help Inc. that the East St. Louis nonprofit known for assisting people in need since the 1970s was shutting down. The group has “worked tirelessly to ease the burdens of people with mental illness, homeless individuals, people suffering abuse, people with major unmet immediate needs, people in despair, and families at risk,” according to a statement from Call for Help.
* WBEZ | Robberies in Chicago are at a six-year high: Robbery sprees are being reported on the West and Northwest sides of the city in larger numbers, University of Loyola Chicago criminal justice professor Arthur Lurigio said. The well-orchestrated robberies target small businesses such as liquor stores or body shops that tend to have lots of cash on hand, he said.
* Reuters | Yield hopes decline in Iowa and Illinois: The latest dry spell, which began in mid-August, has featured periodic heat and has pushed U.S. Corn Belt crops toward maturity too quickly, preventing maximization of yields. Some Crop Watch producers say their crops are now shutting down, meaning weather benefits are waning.
* SJ-R | HSHS restores MyChart electronic health records platform after two-and-a-half week outage: HSHS representatives said “federal law enforcement” was investigating the case. Rebecca Cramblit, a public affairs officer for FBI Springfield, told The State Journal-Register last week that “per FBI policy, we cannot confirm or deny whether we are or are not conducting an investigation.”
* Sun-Times | Riot Fest owner says ‘things finally made sense’ after his recent autism diagnosis: “I’m sure I’ll be thinking back on [this diagnosis] for the rest of my life in a way. … When I talked with my doctor, it was like a floodgate opened, and things finally made sense,” Petryshyn shares. Such as why he can focus on seven to eight things at a time but has trouble verbalizing them, why he can think of solutions to problems, but struggles with execution, or why he was into punk music so early on in his life that ultimately led to his calling.
* Crain’s | Northwestern, U of C move up in rankings of startup founders: Northwestern University and the University of Chicago moved up in PitchBook’s annual ranking of MBA programs for producing founders of venture-backed companies. Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management improved from ninth to sixth place, edging out U of C’s Booth School of Business, which cracked the top 10 by moving to seventh from 11th place in last year’s ranking.
* Tribune | ‘Heartbreaking’: Moroccan community across Chicagoland rallies to help after country’s devastating earthquake: As of Monday afternoon, more than 2,600 people have died and 2,500 are injured following a rare and powerful earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday. Authorities anticipate that the death count will rise as rescuers work to reach isolated mountain areas that are difficult to access. Historic sites in Marrakech, the nearest major city, were also damaged.
* Naperville Sun | Washington Post names Naperville pizzeria as the best New-York style pizza in the state: For New York-style Pizza, Naperville’s Little Pops NY Pizzeria came in first, followed by Zazas Pizzeria in Chicago and Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe in Chicago. Nearby Pomodoro E Mozzarella in St. Charles ranked fifth.
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Illinois State Fair claims attendance record
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced record-setting attendance totals for the 2023 Illinois State Fair. The more than 700,000 attendees over the 11-day event make the 2023 fair the most highly attended fair since industry standards were enacted.
“Once again, the hard work of the Department of Agriculture and hundreds of dedicated fair staff have resulted in shattered attendance records, serving as a testament to the value of our increased Fairgrounds funding and the spirit of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Attractions like the new Multi-Purpose Arena and our highly attended concerts drew in hundreds of thousands of fairgoers from across the state and the country, bringing our community together in an unprecedented way.”
“While mother nature will always be a driving force in attendance for any outdoor event, the 2023 Fair benefited from a return of programming at the newly renovated Multi-Purpose Arena (MPA), a result of Governor Pritzker’s $58.1 million dollar capital investment to address years of deferred maintenance on our historic state fairgrounds,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “The 2023 Fair also greatly benefited from new promotions and big attractions aimed at bringing visitors to the fairgrounds mid-week to capitalize on discount admission days.”
The Illinois State Fair also unveiled new theme and discount days to enhance the fairgoer’s experience. On Thursday, August 10, the Fair started with a full day promoting County Fairs and Horse Racing Day. On Tuesday, August 15th, the Fair discounted admission as part of the new weekday theme – TWOsday. This new promotion resulted in more than 27,000 additional fairgoers. The week also allowed for more opportunities for families to attend before the start of school.
“Enhancing the fairgoer’s experience is a vital part of the planning process,” said State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Providing additional entertainment on Opening Day, exposing more Illinoisans to our state’s number one industry, and offering more ways for families to affordably enjoy the Illinois State Fair are priorities that proved to be a driving factor in the growth we experienced at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.”
The high attendance numbers reflect the second highest Grandstand tickets sold in the last five years; an 86% increase from 2021 ticket sales for events at the MPA which sat dark in 2022 due to construction; and record-breaking carnival revenue ($1.58 million) led by robust sales of Mega & Jumbo passes. Thanks to dry weather on the final weekend, race fans were able to enjoy two popular auto races in the Grandstand. […]
2023 State Fair Impact by the Numbers:
• $89,800 in scholarships awarded to youth exhibitors
• 600 new first-time exhibitors
• 60 charities volunteered 20,000 service hours
Governor Pritzker has obligated over $80 million in infrastructure investments on the fairgrounds. Construction resumes this fall on Phase 2 of the Coliseum, which focuses on an electrical overhaul, underground plumbing, new seating, new restrooms, an elevator, and adding an HVAC system that will allow for year-round use.
Other projects slated to take place include:
• $9.5 million: Road construction along 8th Street between the IDOA building and the IDNR building and along the backstretch on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds; provides funding to make structural improvements to the south pedestrian tunnel leading into the fairgrounds from Gate 6/infield parking;
• $4.57 million: Roof replacements on the Junior Livestock Building, Sheep Barn, Hobbies Arts and Crafts Building, and at least three barns along the backstretch;
• $11.9 million: HVAC replacements on the Orr Building, Illinois Building, Junior Livestock Building, Artisans Building, Hobbies Arts and Crafts Building, and Grandstand;
• $2.99 million: Tuckpoint work in the Grandstand, Artisans, Hobbies Arts and Crafts, Emmerson and Block (IDOA headquarters) buildings.
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* Media advisory yesterday…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will testify [Tuesday morning] before the Senate Judiciary Committee about his landmark, first-in-the-nation legislation designed to prevent book bans and protect First Amendment Rights. Giannoulias initiated Bill 2789, setting a nationwide precedent in the fight to combat censorship of books and resources. The bill was signed into law on June 12, 2023, as Public Act 103-100.
Public Act 103-100 allows Giannoulias’ office to provide grant funding to libraries that adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states that reading materials should not be removed or restricted because of partisan or personal disapproval. Libraries can also issue a statement prohibiting the practice of banning books or resources. Libraries that do not adhere to the law will be ineligible for state grants from Giannoulias’ office.
Giannoulias’ law banning book bans in Illinois illuminates a path for other states to follow in an effort to turn the tide on the scourge of censorship sweeping the nation. His office has launched a website – banbookbans.com – that enables visitors to share their stories and to learn how to protect their state’s Right to Read.
* From today’s hearing…
Sen. John Kennedy: So tell me what you want, who gets to decide? All I’ve heard is ‘the librarians’ and parents have nothing to do with it. And if that’s your response, what planet did you just parachute in from? Or what country, more appropriately? This is not China.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias: Senator, with all due respect, parents absolutely have a say. My parents were immigrants, came to this country. We never checked out books without our parents seeing what books we were reading. They encouraged us to…
Sen. Kennedy: Mr. Secretary, I understand this is good for your politics back home.
Secretary Giannoulias: It’s got nothing to do with my politics.
Sen. Kennedy: It has everything to do with your politics.
Secretary Giannoulias: I’m here to…
Sen. Kennedy: But you came here with a problem and I’m trying to understand the solution and you don’t have one, other than [cross-talk] other than to tell us that ‘We don’t agree with you. You’re on the wrong, we’ll be on the wrong side of history’
Secretary Giannoulias: We solved the problem in Illinois. We fixed it.
* Giannoulias campaign email pitch at 11:35 this morning…
I just finished testifying in front of the U.S. Senate to discuss book banning. Frankly, I can’t believe this is even a conversation we have to have.
Being chief librarian was one of the duties that drew me to the Secretary of State’s office. I believe we have an opportunity to help children get ahead, to make unprecedented gains in adult literacy and aid everyone’s search for knowledge.
Books open doors and enrich minds. The last thing we should do is ban books, to censor the very freedom expression on which our country was founded, or demonize the LGBTQ community to run up the political scoreboard.
I’m willing to fight for that point, and I hope that you will too. Will you rush a donation right now to take a stand against extreme book bans?
Good government can definitely be good politics. No shame in that. Embrace it.
* Somewhat off-topic because this isn’t about a library, but it is in Illinois…
Students in Yorkville High School’s English II Rhetorical Analysis class will not be using the book “Just Mercy” as part of their coursework after all.
The Yorkville school board has reversed its decision to allow teachers to use the book as an anchor text for the class.
Earlier this year, the parent of a student in the English II course complained about use of “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, triggering the district’s uniform grievance procedure. […]
According a statement released by [school board President Darren Crawford] as well as the meeting minutes, [board members] Knoll and Houston deemed the book “too controversial.”
The course is designed to engage students’ critical thinking skills.
About the book…
Just Mercy tells the story of Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system.
It was also made into a movie.
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A solution in search of a crisis
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I hate to complain too much because the Better Government Association’s David Greising has finally come around to reality on a constitutional amendment for pension “reform”…
The Civic Committee and others — including me — have argued in the past for a constitutional amendment that might enable some renegotiation of retirement benefits. The state has other obligations to residents that sometimes might trump commitments it made to its retired workers, the thinking goes.
But Pritzker opposes an amendment, and he says he couldn’t pass one even if he tried. I have come to believe pension reform can be accomplished without a constitutional amendment. And one of the most interesting features of the Civic Committee plan is that this stalwart of the Chicago business community has also stopped calling for a pension amendment.
The Civic Committee’s plan relies on expanding the sales tax to services, which has gone nowhere in the past, but is still somewhat more realistic than changing the state constitution to reduce future pension benefits (which it may not be allowed to do anyway). They’ve also proposed jacking up the income tax by half a point on individuals and 0.7 percent on corporations, after having staunchly opposed a graduated income tax. Convincing Illinoisans to pay more money in taxes to fund public employee pension systems would be a very heavy lift.
* The real problem is this continued belief that pensions are still a main driver of state spending…
Illinois’ $50.4 billion budget this year is up 26% from Pritzker’s first budget, passed in 2019.
One of the biggest factors behind that increase: pensions, of course.
Pension payments in Gov. Pritzker’s first budget (FY20) totaled $8.113 billion. The FY24 appropriations plan budgets $10.135 billion, a 25 percent increase - slightly below the rest of the state’s budget growth. It’s not some outsized burden.
More importantly, pension payments represented 20.2 percent of base state expenditures in the FY20 budget as passed, and 20.1 percent of base state expenditures in the current budget. High? Yes. Manageable? Yes.
Greising also mentions pension bonds. Pension obligation and acceleration bond payments have fallen from $1.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2017 to $1.024 billion in FY24. Adjusted for inflation, the $1.6 billion FY17 payment would be $1.998 billion today, so that particular spending item has dropped almost by half in real dollars.
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Undergraduate enrollment strong across Illinois
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* WAND…
As the fall semester rolls on, universities across central Illinois have released their ten-day figures. These numbers are the traditional benchmark for reporting enrollment at colleges and universities.
Enrollment of first-year freshman at University of Illinois System universities hit a record number of 13,231 students. Total undergraduate enrollment also reached a record high with 60,013 undergrads. […]
Eastern Illinois University reported strong numbers in targeted areas. International enrollment reached record highs with both the number of students (880) and the number of countries represented (60). […]
Illinois State University welcomed its largest incoming class in 36 years with 4,147 freshmen. The student body is becoming more diverse as approximately 41% of this year’s freshman class come from traditionally underrepresented groups.
* ABC 7 Chicago…
The top brass at U of I is flying high after a new admission trend. Numbers we’ve just obtained show more and more students from Illinois are going to U of I. Foreign students remain attracted to the Urbana-Champaign campus, but those numbers are shifting some.
“We have record enrollment for the incoming freshman class, extremely strong representation from Illinois at 74% of the class,” said Provost John Coleman.
Freshman enrollment for 2023 includes 6,100 incoming students from Illinois who just arrived for the fall term. […]
Almost 1,100 students from other states are new freshman on campus, and about 1,100 from other countries.
China remains the overwhelming foreign feeder nation. Almost 57% of overseas U of I students are from China. But it is a portion of the student population that has fallen some in recent years, ever since 2017 when a Chinese scholar was kidnapped from a U of I bus stop and then murdered. The story received global attention. Chinese student enrollment dipped.
* WGLT…
With over 4,000 freshman students on-campus this fall, Illinois State University is marking an enrollment high not reached since 1986.
ISU officials release enrollment totals once the data is more finalized following days of classes. Data released on Thursday show a total of 4,147 freshmen, marking a 4% increase from the prior academic year. Total enrollment — at 20,989 — is up by 1.5%, according to ISU. […]
Other enrollment figures include:
1,814 transfer students (up around 2%)
2,539 graduate students
741 international students
* We’ve already talked about SIUC…
For the first time since 2014, enrollment at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has grown. Overall enrollment for fall 2023 is 11,359 — 252 students, or 2.3%, more than last year — the highest overall boost in the number of students in 21 years and highest percentage increase in over 30 years. […]
In addition, 1,621 new freshmen are starting their college careers at SIU, which is 103, or 6.8%, more than last year. This is the first time in at least 50 years the university has increased its freshman class for four consecutive years. […]
The university also saw a 10.8% increase in new transfer students to 1,188. Part of that success can be attributed to Saluki Step Ahead agreements signed with more than 40 community colleges in Illinois, Missouri and Texas since 2021. Saluki Step Ahead provides a seamless path for students who earn associate degrees in participating community colleges to obtain their SIU bachelor’s degrees online in select programs. About 130 students, 121% more than last year, are earning their degrees through Saluki Step Ahead.
* Muddy River News…
Western Illinois University’s fall 2023 total new student (freshman, transfer and graduate for both Macomb and Quad Cities) enrollment is 2,145, according to 10th-day data released by WIU’s Institutional Research and Planning. Western’s total fall 2023 enrollment is 7,073.
Western’s 2023 Fall class contains 1,226 full-time freshmen, up by 152 students.
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* Didn’t get to this last week, but here’s COGFA…
August base revenues deposited into the State’s General Funds slowed from July’s strong start, with a slight decline of $34 million. However, when combined with July’s base growth of $396 million, revenues are up a combined $362 million to start the fiscal year, perhaps indicating a timing element to the first two month’s collection activity. The value of the August decline falls to -$214 million when factoring in last August’s $180 million in ARPA reimbursements. August had the same number of receipting days as last year.
Overall, the value of the increases/decreases in August were relatively modest. Personal Income Tax receipts experienced the largest decrease with a decline of -$38 million or -$36 million when accounting for distributions to the Refund Fund and the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Corporate Income Taxes also slowed from its strong July numbers with a decline of -$23 million, or -$17 million on a net basis. Other State tax sources with declines include Other Sources [-$26 million]; Public Utility Taxes [-$14 million]; and the Corporate Franchise Tax [-$5 million].
The August declines were mostly offset by gains in several other State revenue sources. The largest year-over-year improvement came from Interest on State Funds & Investments, which grew $23 million thanks to comparatively higher interest rates (see page 4). Insurance Taxes bounced back from its low July numbers with a gain of $20 million. In addition, Inheritance Tax receipts were $18 million higher. Sales Tax receipts saw modest improvement with growth of $15 million. But this growth falls to only +$3 million when accounting for the non-General Funds distributions to the Road Fund and certain other transportation funds.
* Context from the Civic Federation…
Total General Funds resources are expected to decrease from FY2023 year-end estimates by approximately $2.5 billion, or 4.7%, from $53.1 billion to $50.6 billion. The largest source of this decrease is due to the end of federal COVID-19 recovery funding directed to the General Funds. During FY2023 the General Funds received transfers of $1.06 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $1.36 billion in Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) funding, both of which were allocated by the federal government as part of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The FY2024 budget does not include any appropriations from these federal funding sources within the General Funds. Additionally, the amount of refund fund transfers—accounted for in the “Other Transfers” line—decreased significantly, by nearly $1.2 billion in FY2024, from an unusually high amount in the FY2023 budget due to above-average income tax receipts in that year.
Net Corporate Income Tax is also expected to decline by 12.2%, or $712 million. The decline is due to a reallocation in fund distributions that will occur in FY2024 as part of the Department of Revenue’s annual statutory reconciliation of business-related tax payments, which will result in a decline in corporate income taxes and an increase in individual income taxes. The decrease is offset by an estimated increase in Net Individual Income Tax receipts of nearly $2 billion. Sales Tax, Public Utility Tax and other revenues are expected to decline by 0.3%, 4% and 9.1%, respectively.
General Funds receipts from other State-source revenues are projected to decrease by $176 million, or 0.4%. Lottery, gaming and adult-use cannabis revenues transferred into the General Funds are all estimated to increase over FY2023. Other Transfers are expected to decrease in FY2024 by $1.2 billion, or 51.2%, again based on a larger-than-usual transfer into the General Fund from the Income Tax Refund Fund in FY2023. Federal sources, aside from ARPA and CURE funding, are expected to increase by $80 million, or 2.1%, to $3.9 billion.
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Something I did not know
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I didn’t know that the Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company has been around for so long. Press release…
Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that the Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company has been awarded a $7,816,274 contract from the Defense Logistics Agency for temperate weather combat boots. The boots will be supplied to the U.S. Army for the next two years.
“Since World War I, the Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company has played a critical role in equipping the men and women serving our nation in the armed forces,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Today, I’m thrilled to announce that this local institution has been awarded a $7.8 million contract to continue providing combat boots to the U.S. Army. I’ve worked on a bipartisan basis to support domestic military equipment manufacturing and I look forward to continuing to support the important work happening in Belleville.”
“Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co. welcomes the opportunity to once again serve the men and women of the U.S. Army in providing the essential Army Temperate Weather Combat Boot,” said Mark Ferguson, President of the Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company.
The Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company is the oldest and leading manufacturer of boots for the U.S. Military – beginning with their first combat boot supply order during WWI. Belleville Boot supplies the largest selection of certified boots to the U.S. Military and develops an assortment of styles to meet specialized needs.
In July, Congresswoman Budzinski introduced a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act with Congressman Mike Bost that would require the Department of Defense to examine current military footwear regulations and provide recommendations on improvements to support the footwear needs of our troops. The amendment aims to support domestic military-grade boot manufacturing, like that done by Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company, and was included in the House-passed legislation.
More history on the company is here.
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Open thread
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* WBEZ | What to expect now that cash bail in Illinois is ending: The new law requires more robust courtroom hearings to decide if a person is held in jail. Those hearings will require more time from defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges. Many experts also predict that without the cudgel of pretrial detention, fewer defendants will strike plea deals, which will mean more resource-intensive criminal trials.
* Illinois Answers Project | Greising: The Challenge to Erase Illinois’ $140 Billion in Pension Debt: So it often goes in Illinois: Well-intended efforts to fix the state’s pension problems somehow run aground. Even so, Pritzker and others in state government have not given up. And civic groups are stepping into the breach, introducing ideas that could lead to a permanent fix for a pension problem that has dogged the state for more than a generation.
* WAND | Illinois could address problematic video gambling, underage customers buying alcopop: The Illinois Gaming Board hopes the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will approve a policy to deter video gambling addiction. Gambling terminal operators could be required to provide signs with information for customers seeking help with problematic gambling.
* Shaw Local | Simpson announces Illinois Statehouse campaign: Shabbona Village Trustee David Simpson has announced he is running as a Democrat for state representative in Illinois’ 74th District as he seeks to fill the seat currently held by first-term incumbent Republican Bradley Fritts.
* Metropolis Planet | Windhorst seeking re-election: “I believe my constituents are best served when their conservative values are heard in Springfield and when I can stand in the way of radical liberal legislation to ask tough questions and point out flaws in bills,” Windhorst said. “In my position as Floor Leader, I help to organize and direct debate on key bills and that means greater representation of the values of the people that I serve.”
* Sun-Times | Facing ethics questions, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin pauses Congress bid: The allegations include questions about whether Conyears-Ervin asked staff to run personal errands and whether she leaned on a bank to issue a mortgage for the building housing the aldermanic office of her husband, Ald. Jason Ervin (28th). There are also questions about why the treasurer’s office made a $100,000 confidential settlement with employees.
* Tribune | Chicago Ethics Board defends handling of Melissa Conyears-Ervin allegations, referred case to inspector general: The allegations against Conyears-Ervin and the lack of resolution highlights central weaknesses in the city’s internal system to mete out accountability. The Board of Ethics is hamstrung by a lack of investigative power and instead must rely on the IG’s office, which generally operates in secrecy until it releases quarterly reports.
* WBEZ | Is the worst behind us? What unemployment data for metro Chicago indicate: In recent months, however, the industry appears to have rebounded. Restaurant-related unemployment has been below 4% in six of the eight months between December 2022 and July 2023. And the region’s estimated number of workers in that industry topped 340,000 in July 2023, the highest such figure since June 2019.
* Sun-Times | Comptroller candidate grilled, then approved, by City Council committee: Exhibit “A” for Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) were comptroller-designate Chasse Rehwinkel’s own social media posts after campaigning for three candidates who want to reduce the Chicago Police Department’s $1.94 billion-a-year budget: U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill.; Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd), running for ward committeeperson; and state Sen. Graciela Guzman.
* Block Club Chicago | Chicago’s ‘Migrant Camps’ Will Be Modeled After New York City’s Tent Shelters: Even behind closed doors, mayoral officials did not specify locations but “have places they’re working on, and talking to leaders in those communities first,” Hadden said.
* Tribune | Chicago City Council set to vote on $25 million payout to 2 men wrongfully convicted in murder of Chicago basketball standout: In 2016, Tyrone Hood and Wayne Washington independently of each other sued the city, alleging police, including then-Detectives Kenneth Boudreau and John Halloran, fabricated evidence and coerced testimony to win murder convictions in the May 1993 killing of Marshall Morgan Jr. The Tribune reported last month about a tentative deal to settle both lawsuits simultaneously for a total of $25 million, pending approval by the City Council.
* Tribune | Two ex-DCFS workers go on trial for child endangerment in murder of 5-year-old AJ Freund in Crystal Lake: McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally argued that the two were “lazy and heartless,” saying they were, “two criminals who didn’t give a damn.”
* Tribune | Migrant mother charged with felonies over bathroom dispute with Chicago police speaks out: The migrant mother from Venezuela who was arrested Saturday after allegedly blocking traffic and scuffling with police said the confrontation began when police officers wouldn’t allow her to bring her 3-year-old child into the public bathroom inside the Southwest Side police station. “I was desperate,” Dayrelys Coy, 21, told the Tribune Monday. “All the children and women needed to use a clean bathroom.”
* AP | Illinois appeals court to hear arguments on Jussie Smollett request to toss convictions: If the appeal before the Chicago-based First District Appellate Court fails, Smollett would have to finish a 150-day stint in jail that his trial judge ordered during his 2022 sentencing. Smollett spent just six days in jail before his release pending the outcome of the appeal. A ruling is expected to take several weeks.
* Crain’s | Chicago groups take part in ambitious bid to cure cancer: Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the Chicago biotech companies and health systems involved with President Joe Biden’s “cancer moonshot” project.
* Sun-Times | Chicagoans to be told this week where they can receive free updated COVID-19 vaccine: The new vaccine is specifically created to cover all current strains of COVID-19. ‘We already have the vaccine in Chicago,’ said Dr. Geraldine Luna, medical director for the Chicago Department of Public Health. ‘We are just waiting for the CDC to make their final recommendations before we begin the rollout.’
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news.
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