Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2023

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Cristobal Santana, a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of Adrianna Lopez, was taken into custody today after allegedly shooting an Illinois State Police trooper in Springfield, IL. According to media reports, Ms. Lopez had an order of protection against Mr. Santana, her ex-boyfriend, after a recent altercation.

Amanda Pyron, Executive Director of The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, released the following statement:

“We grieve for the family and friends of Adrianna Lopez as yet again, the combination of domestic violence and firearms has resulted in a tragic, deadly outcome. Last year, Chicago saw 36 firearm-involved domestic violence homicides and 79 non-fatal domestic violence shootings. When domestic violence survivors go to the courts for an order of protection, we must ensure that protection works — especially when a firearm is involved. For Adrianna Lopez, we failed.

“While we are still learning of the specifics of this case, we again urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation like ‘Karina’s Bill’ to help clarify and strengthen the law around firearms and orders of protection. The heart-wrenching murder of Adrianna Lopez is yet another devastating reminder of our collective failure to protect domestic violence survivors from firearms. We must act now.”

Related…

Recognizing the Illinois State Police trooper shot last night in Springfield by a murder suspect from Chicago, Rep. Fritts says the trooper is engaged to his legislative staffer. Called for leaders to pronounce support for police. Moment of silence recognized. pic.twitter.com/W8xmHvvwxS

— Bishop On Air (@BishopOnAir) October 25, 2023

More here.

* Press release…

Three months after Governor JB Pritzker vetoed a bill that would provide halal and kosher food options to students upon request in Illinois public schools in addition to those options being available at state facilities and the University of Illinois Hospital, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a measure that was agreed upon by stakeholders and the governor.

“I am proud of our collaborative work to make the technical changes requested by the governor to ensure the successful implementation of this legislation,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal. Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs and feel included.”

Villivalam worked alongside the governor to pass an agreed-upon bill that will provide culturally appropriate lunches to those who request.

“This bill will allow students to have halal and kosher lunch options regardless of where they reside in the state of Illinois,” said State Representative Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie). “This is yet another example of Illinois’ commitment to being a welcoming and accepting state.”

Specifically in public schools, the legislation would require the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into statewide master contracts from vendors across the state and give school districts access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide meals to students. […]

The prepackaged meals for schools would be required to meet both state and federal nutritional guidelines for school lunch programs. […]

The bill would only require a school district to provide the meals as long as ISBE is able to enter into any master contracts they may have. […]

Senate Bill 457 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the House for further consideration.

* ILGOP…

The Illinois Republican Party is thrilled to announce that Senator John Kennedy will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural “Bank Your Vote” Gala. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont.

The “Bank Your Vote” Gala is the first of a new annual tradition promoting the importance of utilizing early voting, vote by mail, and other pre-election day methods to energize the Republican base entering this election year.

Senator John Kennedy has been a strong advocate for conservative principles in the U.S. Senate, most recently putting Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on the defensive regarding pornography in books available in public school libraries accessible to children.

The Bank Your Vote initiative is a national effort aimed at supporting early voting and Get Out The Vote programs. It’s a unified effort led by the Republican National Committee displaying the commitment of Republicans to facilitating early voting.

In her address to the nation, Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel emphasizes the significance of early voting and its crucial role in our democratic process. Watch the RNC video here.

Stay tuned for more details as the February 9th Bank Your Vote Gala approaches.

* Isabel’s roundup…

WBEZ | Illinois is looking to overhaul how kids learn to read:

* Chalkbeat | Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces new agency to oversee early childhood: An advisory committee will provide input and gather feedback. It will be led by Bela Moté, the chief executive officer of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, the governor’s office said. Creating a separate agency focused on early childhood is another step in Pritzker’s work to make Illinois “number one” for child care access. In last year’s budget, the governor announced a $250 million four-year effort to expand preschool and child care.

* SJ-R | Illinois joins states filing suit against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta: In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the states say the company has profited from how it has designed Instagram and Facebook to maximize time spent on the platforms by teens and children, which led to increased advertising revenue. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said practices enacted by Meta have had major consequences on the mental health of young people, citing increases in depression, anxiety and body image dysmorphia.

* Tribune | Suspect in a Chicago homicide arrested after an Illinois State Police officer is shot in Springfield: A state trooper was shot in the leg while interacting with Cristobal Santana, 37, state police said, describing Santana as a suspect in a Chicago killing without detailing the crime in question. Santana was being held in the shooting of the trooper at midday Wednesday, authorities said.

* Daily Herald | Why land at center of fight in South Barrington could be headed to auction again: A Schaumburg-based nonprofit group called Fourth Avenue Gospel Building Inc. was the lone bidder for the property at a May auction, offering to pay about $1.7 million. […] Dozens of residents protested against the sale once the potential buyer was identified this summer, and eventually the deal was canceled.

* WCIA | Champaign schools seek second chance at ARPA funds, unveil new plan to curb gun violence: Earlier this month, some parents and students were upset when they found out they hadn’t yet used the money they got last year. The Champaign Unit 4 School District got $526,620 last year to help fix the root causes of gun violence in the city, but things didn’t go according to plan. The money was left sitting after the district’s plan fell through, which included hiring more staff to focus on the issue. Officials said they didn’t get enough suitable applicants.

* Elgin Courier-News | West Dundee to buy what remains of the Spring Hill Mall, including movie theater, for $7 million: The property will likely be marketed for a mix of commercial and residential uses, but the board wants to see “where the development community wants to go,” Nelson said. “There are certain things we will not entertain, like warehouses and intense uses that attract a lot of truck traffic. … There will still be some retail there.”

* PJ Star | Peoria won’t move forward with a water buyout. Here’s what led to the decision: Peoria will not be purchasing the city’s water infrastructure from Illinois American Water — at least for the next five years. The Peoria City Council voted 7-4 on Tuesday night not to move forward with buying the water utility from Illinois American, a decision the council must make every five years

* Block Club | Person Charged In Lincoln Square Halloween Decoration Fires: Someone has set at least 10 fires this month in the Lincoln Square and Roscoe Village neighborhoods, apparently targeting Halloween and autumn displays on sidewalks and residential porches as well as street-corner garbage cans, police said. […] It is not clear if Munoz will be charged in the other fires. Munoz is due in court Wednesday and more charges could be forthcoming, Ald. Matt Martin (47th) said in an email to constituents Wednesday.

* WBEZ | Is CTA getting better? We asked hundreds of riders.: Out of more than 460 riders who responded to a WBEZ survey in September and October, the majority said their opinion of CTA has either stayed the same (49.1%) or diminished (25.9%) in the last year. Only 20% of respondents say their opinion has improved. (The riders surveyed were among a larger pool of 2,000 who took an unofficial WBEZ survey about a year ago; we wanted to go back to the same riders and find out if things had improved.)

* AP | House chooses speaker — Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana has Trump’s backing: Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson as House speaker Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority. Johnson of Louisiana swept on the first ballot with support from all Republicans anxious to put the past weeks of tumult behind and get on with the business of governing.

* Crain’s | American Airlines will dial up O’Hare service next year: American, the second-largest carrier at O’Hare, says it’s scheduled to fly 10% more seats in April 2024 than it did during the same month this year. With the launch of daily service from Chicago to Venice next summer, American says that it will have the same number of international destinations as it did before the COVID pandemic.

* AP | UAW appears to be moving toward a potential deal with Ford that could end strike: The United Auto Workers union appears to be edging closer to a tentative contract agreement with Ford that would be critical to ending the union’s 6-week-old strikes against the three major Detroit automakers, two people with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday. The people said the union made a counter-offer to Ford that proposes a 25% general wage increase over the life of a new four-year contract and said that negotiations on Tuesday extended well into Wednesday morning. Previously Ford, Stellantis and General Motors had all offered 23% pay increases.

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House passes staff unionization bill 73-35-4

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The bill now heads to the Senate…

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Here’s How To Make The Tax Credit Scholarship Better

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

We’ve been listening carefully to the governor, legislative leaders, and many members of the legislature about how to make the Tax Credit Scholarship better – and we now have an amended program proposal that does exactly that. Thousands of vulnerable kids are counting on us to put them before politics.

In response to direct feedback, our bill offers substantive improvements along with good-faith compromises which justify extending the Tax Credit Scholarship Program:

2. Reduce the overall size of the program to $50MM (down from $75MM) and reduce the individual giving cap to $500,000 (down from $1MM).

3. Reduce the tax credit for donors to 55% (down from 75%).

4. Encourage more middle-income donors by crediting donations of up to $5,000 with a 100% tax credit.

Illinois, let’s do the right thing. It’s about the kids, not the politics. Save the scholarships.

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It’s just a bill

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Rep. CD Davidsmeyer…

With the surge in migrants coming to Illinois, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) has filed legislation to repeal the TRUST Act, ending Illinois’ status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants. The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, made Illinois a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants. The TRUST Act prohibits local law enforcement in Illinois from participating in immigration enforcement.

From the Illinois Attorney General’s website…

No federal law compels law enforcement in Illinois to assist with or participate in any immigration enforcement action. At the state level, Illinois law generally prohibits participation in immigration enforcement by state and local law enforcement. For example, a local law enforcement agency in Illinois cannot: give an immigration agent access to individuals in its custody; detain individuals pursuant to a federal administrative warrant; detain individuals pursuant to an immigration detainer request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); or share information about individuals in its custody with federal immigration authorities. Importantly, local law enforcement officers cannot arrest an individual for violation of a federal law without a warrant unless state law has granted them authority to do so, and Illinois law prohibits local law enforcement from stopping, arresting, searching, or detaining an individual based on his or her citizenship or immigration status. […]

The federal government cannot require local law enforcement to enforce federal law.

Also, asylum seekers are here legally, as Governor Pritzker pointed out again earlier this month.

And Heather Cherone from WTTW wrote an explainer about why Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city has nothing to do with the arrival of asylum seekers….

Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city does not require it to encourage immigrants to move to Chicago nor does the Welcoming City ordinance obligate officials to use taxpayer funds to care for immigrants in Chicago.

In addition, the 18,500 migrants sent to Chicago so far are in the country legally after requesting asylum after fleeing persecution and economic collapse. The ordinance focuses on protections for undocumented immigrants, so it does not apply to any of the migrants.

* HB4194 is sponsored by Reps. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, Lisa Hernandez, Kelly Burke and Marty Moylan…

Amends the Invest in Kids Act. Provides that a taxpayer may take a credit under the Act for tax years ending before January 1, 2029 (currently January 1, 2024). Provides that, beginning in calendar year 2024, the aggregate amount of credits the Department of Revenue may award under the Act in any calendar year may not exceed $50,000,000 (currently, $75,000,000). Provides that contributions under the Act may be directed to students whose permanent address is located in an underserved area but may not be directed to a particular student. Provides that, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the amount of the credit under the Act shall be 100% of the first $5,000 in contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, plus (i) 55% of the portion of the qualified contributions made by the taxpayer that exceeds the first $5,000 and is not directed to students whose permanent address is located in an underserved area and (ii) 65% of the of the portion of the qualified contributions made by the taxpayer that exceeds the first $5,000 and is directed to students whose permanent address is located in an underserved area. Effective immediately.

* AP…

In Springfield, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, a Hillside Democrat, won Executive Committee approval for a proposal allowing legislative staff, from partisan analysts to custodians, to join a collective bargaining unit. It would exclude managers and other confidential employees engaged in shaping policy.

“Something I remain firm on is that this legislation must give employees equal opportunity to join a union and make their voices heard,” Welch said.

Legislative staff jobs are taxing, with long hours. They also provide valuable experience and lead to future careers as lobbyists, liaisons with state agencies and even legislators, said Kelly Kupris, a House education analyst representing the Illinois Legislative Staff Association. But Kupris told the committee there is too much turnover and that a survey of staffers found that more than three-quarters struggle to pay bills and more than one-third have taken a second job.

Minimum starting salary for a legislative coordinator, which requires helping members develop their agendas, draft bills and follow them through the process, among other things, is $43,000, along with health and life insurance and a state pension.

Speaker Welch’s amendment was sent to the floor today.

* Rep. Suzanne Ness filed HB4190 yesterday…

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Changes the effective date of the Act from January 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. Effective immediately.

* Rep. Marty Molyan filed HB4196…

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Fleet Electrification Incentive Program to provide fleet owners and operators in the State grants to promote the use of eligible electric vehicles. Provides that the Program shall offer qualifying purchasers a grant up to specified base amounts toward the purchase of eligible electric vehicles based on the Class of vehicle. Requires the Agency to award grants under the Program on a competitive basis according to the availability of funding. Provides that to be eligible to receive a grant under the Program a purchaser must satisfy all of the required criteria. Provides that the Agency shall give weight to an application based upon the potential impact of the geographic location and route of the purchaser’s fleet on pollution affecting an equity investment eligible community. Requires the Agency to ensure that resale of a vehicle serving a public school or located within an equity investment eligible community shall result in the vehicle servicing a similarly situated community. Provides that grants under the Program may be combined with other public incentives but the total of governmental incentives shall not exceed a maximum of 80% of the purchase price of the vehicle. Requires the Agency to set aside 20% of the appropriated funds under the Program for grants to the purchaser of electric school buses. Provides that all awards granted are subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

* HB4186 filed by Rep. Amy Elik…

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning required high school courses, allows a pupil to take one year of a foreign language course (rather than 2 years), if, upon completing one year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil’s parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss the pupil’s postsecondary education or career goals, and, at that meeting, it is determined (i) that the pupil will take one year of career and technical education coursework, (ii) that a second year of foreign language coursework will limit the pupil’s access to career and technical education coursework, and (iii) that the pupil does not need a second year of foreign language coursework to meet the pupil’s postsecondary education and career goals. Provides that, following this meeting, the pupil’s parent or guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by the State Board of Education. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in this State. Provides that a university may not require a public high school student to have completed 2 years of foreign language coursework while in high school if it was determined in high school that the student was not required to and the student’s parent or guardian opted the student out. Provides that if the student completed only one year of foreign language coursework in high school, the university may require the student to take no less than one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the university. Effective immediately.

* Rep. Joe Sosnowski filed HB4191…

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of “employer” does not include forest preserve districts organized under the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act or the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act.

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*** UPDATED x1 *** Will the Democrats avoid the trap?

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* As I told you the other day, the Democratic legislative leaders had not yet spoken with their respective caucuses about how best to address the terrorist attack on Israel and resulting war. Those conversations have now happened.

What I’m hearing today is that some Senators in both parties will rise to talk about the war’s impact on the people of their districts. Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) told me she plans to speak, for instance. At least one House Democrat will likely do the same (regarding the murder of Wadea Al-Fayoume). We’ll see what happens.

* Some Republicans spoke yesterday…

On the House floor, Minority Leader Tony McCombie made a statement on point of personal privilege condemning the attacks. Republican state Rep. Brad Halbrook discussed his bill, HR 449, in support of Israel, also on point of personal privilege.

And in a follow-up statement: Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin called it “completely shocking” that Democrats wouldn’t speak up on the issue.

Rep. McLaughlin is running against Democrat Maria Peterson, who is allied with Rep. Nabeela Syed, the first Muslim woman elected to the General Assembly. He’s made a campaign issue out of Rep. Syed signing the progressive legislators’ letter after the attack, hence his statement yesterday.

* The Democratic super-majority in the General Assembly has mostly avoided the trap that at least some Republicans appear eager to set by engaging in the same sort of divisive, over-the-top vitriol that has afflicted the Chicago city council, first on asylum-seekers and then on this topic. Yes, there was some back and forth online at first, but that seems to have faded away with time.

Not to say that there aren’t deep emotions on this. There most certainly are. But a choice has apparently been made by members to not let their emotions completely disrupt their ability to conduct actual state legislating going forward.

House debate is here. Senate debate is here. We’ll see what happens. The House has canceled Thursday’s session, by the way.

*** UPDATE *** The Senate’s process is beginning. Click here. Four members will be recognized to share points of information about “events and occurrences happening in their districts to reflect what’s going on in our larger world,” according to Senate President Harmon.

…Adding… Sen. Laura Fine is talking about how two Hamas kidnap victims live in her district. The two women have been released…

I have a responsibility to those constituents as well as the hundreds of others who have family in Israel to stand up today and speak. And so I stand before you today to say on behalf of my Jewish constituents and myself, never again. Never again will we allow this kind of hatred and anti-semitism that led to the murder of 6 million people in places like Auschwitz and Dachau. Our world has been shaken and forever changed, but we are resilient and we will go on. […]

As Illinois legislators we must recognize that this conflict has torn a rift between individuals and communities here at home and commit ourselves to fighting racism, Islamophobia, and anti-semitism here in our own state. I’ve spoken to parents of children who are afraid to go to school. There are Holocaust survivors who no longer feel safe out in the community. This state of fear and violence is not an inevitable outcome, and we must not accept it in Illinois. […]

I urge all of us to go forward as leaders in our community with love and hope in our hearts, and a lasting secure peace as our goal.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

…Adding… Sen. Sara Feigenholtz…

When we called our cousins in the Old City, our hearts were shattered. One cousin had gone to the Nova music festival and was unaccounted for. We didn’t know how he was but we prayed for his safe return. And we prayed day and night. Then on Monday, we got the call that every loved one dreads. This beautiful 23 year old innocent soul, who was just starting his life was brutally murdered, along with 260 other festival goers. I was shattered. My whole family was shattered at the news. […]

[Reading from a letter sent by a constituent] Last week, our family attended a peaceful Israel solidarity rally and prayer in Skokie, in a sweet little banquet hall in Skokie that’s often used for Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. And during this gathering, protesters who learned about the [event] on social media made sure that they shuttled from downtown to bring their violence and hatred of Jews to our neighborhood. And to be honest, I must tell you that I feel that this hatred is a different hatred. It’s a deeper and more violent, hatred, than I’ve ever felt in all of the chapters of my family’s history. No longer can I say that we are part of a big human family. We can no longer kid ourselves. There are monsters among us. This attack was an attack on all of us. It is here in America. […]

The hostility to Israel is palpable. First it was religion. Then it was race. And now that those prejudices are not popular, It’s about the land. The reasons seem to change over time, the hate stays the same. The common theme is Jews, that we are Jews. […]

Jewish constituents in their neighborhoods and across Illinois are scared. They need to know you and other leaders are working to make us safe. There must be consequences. against those who preach and encourage violence.

…Adding… Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel…

I’d like to take a moment to recognize Wadea Al-Fayoume, the little six year old Palestinian American boy who was tragically killed in Plainfield during a senseless hate crime. I’m heartbroken by the loss of this young, innocent life. No person should ever have to bury their child. My heart breaks for this family and for his family and for the many people who fear for their life and safety solely because of their beliefs or the way they look. We have to respect and honor every faith race and religion. Let us never forget that hate has no home, in our community, in our state, or across our nation. We must stand together against any form of hate. So I ask for a moment of silence for Wadea Al-Fayoume.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Another update to today’s edition

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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The CCS Opportunity In Illinois

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Carbon capture and storage, or “CCS,” is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at their source and stores them deep underground. CCS is a proven and safe process and the Illinois State Geologic Survey has confirmed that our state’s geology is perfectly suited for this technology. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) enforces federal requirements to regulate the safety of the pipelines that will support CCS.

In addition to delivering a cleaner environment, CCS will generate $3.3 billion in value for the region and could spur 14,440 jobs. Now is the time to bring carbon capture technology and its environmental and economic benefits to Illinois. Policymakers must pass legislation to advance CCS and bring this opportunity to Illinois.

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*** UPDATED x2 *** Proponents abandon override attempt of ‘Right of First Refusal’ bill

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Some background from the Tribune editorial board…

In Ameren’s downstate Illinois territory, more than $3.6 billion worth of new transmission lines is planned, Pritzker said in his veto message. The bill he vetoed would give Ameren “right of first refusal” over building and operating those, effectively elbowing out competitive bids that could lower costs for ratepayers.

A major national priority of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the measure is designed to ensure members of IBEW locals get all the work tied to the projects. It was an eleventh-hour push by Washington, D.C.-based IBEW President Kenneth Cooper, who called Illinois legislative leaders personally in the final days of the spring session, that got Springfield’s attention. Opponents were blindsided.

The bill passed the Senate with a comfortable veto-proof majority. The House sent it to the governor, but a large number of members choosing not to vote kept the margin short of the veto-proof threshold. […]

Of course, as is often the case in the utility business — dependent as it is on public officials, who must approve its rates — there’s no shortage of hypocrisy here. Ameren, whose parent company is based in St. Louis and operates throughout the Midwest, lobbied against a similar proposal seven years ago in Kansas when the incumbent utilities there wanted the monopoly and Ameren was interested in bidding on work. That was then, this is now, Ameren says.

The Trib’s editorial board has upped its game and it showed with that editorial.

* The bill only received 63 House votes, not nearly enough to override the governor. Today, the proponents acknowledged the obvious and threw in the towel. House sponsor Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr…

Rright of first refusal is basically allowing the state of Illinois to give the incumbent utility first crack at building the transmission lines that we’ve had in the state for over the last 100 years to maintain their systems. And we’re gonna have more talk about what this policy does. But in my viewpoint, the simple fact of the matter is transmission lines and the electric grid is a regulated monopoly. Has been and always will. If we allow private entities to come in to build these transmission lines, you’ll have a patchwork of these systems throughout the state. And it’d be just like the tollway, six different companies own different sets of mileage. It’s not integrated into the way we should be doing things. I think it’s bad policy.

And our purpose here today is first and foremost to announce that we’re not going to try to override the veto the amendatory veto on House Bill 3445. We’re going to go and educate members, legislators. There was an argument that this thing was done in the dark, which it wasn’t. But the process is the process. We’re going to open that door. We’re going to put subject matters out in the spring. We’re going to work with legislators, the governor’s office, the rate-payers, the community on what right of first refusal,actually is. And when they hear that they’re going, I believe, agree with us. This is the right step for Illinois.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Toward the end of the press conference, Rep. Walsh, who chairs the House Public Utilities Committee, said this…

We’re looking at doing a full education swing in the spring, introduce a bill that puts the state of Illinois as a right of first refusal state for the whole state with no sunset.

“The whole state” would include ComEd’s turf. One of the ways that legislators have defended their votes is to differentiate Ameren, which has no history of federal corruption probes here, from ComEd, which most certainly does have a history of federal corruption probes here. If you thought this has been a heavy lift for Ameren, adding in ComEd is gonna be 10 times as difficult.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Rep. Ann Williams chairs the House Energy & Environment Committee…

I agree that we must use skilled Illinois union labor for these energy-related infrastructure projects. I look forward to more conversations this spring with organized labor, Ameren and environmental advocates to consider transmission issues as part of a broader conversation about creating the infrastructure to ensure a clean energy future, build capacity, put consumers first, and address the climate crisis.

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After legislative turmoil, DCFS will no longer license child care centers

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Illinois Action for Children press release…

[Yesterday], at the Carole Robertson Center for Early Learning, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the launch of a new, unified early childhood state agency-eliminating the need for multiple state agencies to administer the early childhood education and care system (ECEC) in Illinois. […]

The major programs that will be housed under the new agency will include the Early Childhood Block Grant at the Illinois State Board of Education, which funds the Preschool for All and the Prevention Initiative programs, the Child Care Assistance Program, Home Visiting, and Early Intervention programs at the Department of Human Services, and licensing for child care programs, which is currently administered by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Emphasis added because we talked about that topic last week. Some members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules were furious at the way DCFS was handling child care licensing and said they wanted to move that function to another agency.

Well, they’re getting their wish.

* Meanwhile, it turns out that one of the child care associations which has been complaining to JCAR members and other legislators about the problems with DCFS licensing rules was totally shut out of the process to create this new unified early childhood agency. And it claims others were as well. Excerpt from a press release by the Illinois Directors and Owners of Childcare Centers (ILDOCC)…

We agree wholeheartedly that new leadership and a fresh approach is critical to rebuilding and strengthening childcare access in Illinois. And creating a single agency focused exclusively on this issue is a positive step forward.

However, even with today’s announcement, it is important to note that the biggest trade organizations that represent providers of child care in every corner of the state were not involved, consulted or informed prior to this morning’s event. This is an example of what providers have faced far too often — where policy decisions are made without the input of the front line experts that provide these services which are relied upon by working families in Illinois. […]

As an organization that represents nearly 1,000 separate childcare facilities in Illinois, we look forward to the promise of our inclusion in this process. More importantly, we look forward to working with our legislative champions to ensure this process improves the industry, addresses the long-standing staffing crisis crippling the industry, and increases access to affordable childcare in every corner of the state.

In other words, if the administration keeps freezing them out, they’ll work with sympathetic legislators to make sure their voices are heard.

…Adding… I just received a call from the governor’s office. They point out that ILDOCC’s only major issue is allowing unqualified people to staff daycare centers and the administration refuses to allow this to ever happen. They also rightly note that this consolidation has been in the works for some time now.

…Adding… ILDOCC…

Yesterday, ILDOCC was happy to praise and state our gratitude to Governor Pritzker for his announcement on creating a new state agency for early childhood education. The change in licensing from the Department of Children and Family Services is something for which this organization has advocated for years.

We also shared our desire to work with the Governor’s office and other stakeholders as this moves forward. As an organization that represents nearly 1,000 licensed childcare centers in the state of Illinois, it is our hope that providers who are doing the work of caring for children will get to have a voice in these decisions being made, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together on this issue.

We are, however, disappointed with the statement from the Governor’s office this morning in response to our statement yesterday. While it is true that ILDOCC believes strongly that on the job experience should be given greater consideration in licensing standards, this is neither the only issue on which we advocate, nor does our organization support policies that are against the best interests of the children and families we serve.

It remains our hope that the Governor’s commitment yesterday to work with all stakeholders was an honest step toward a better system in Illinois where all voices are heard, and that this morning’s statement from his office was an unfortunate mistake.

We continue to look forward to working with the administration on an inclusive, transparent process toward passing legislation that genuinely improves the system in Illinois, and finally addresses the long-standing staffing crisis that has plagued this industry.

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No drastic overall changes yet reported

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Jeff Kolkey at the Rockford Register Star…

Average daily jail populations in Winnebago County fell from 802 in August to 765 in September to 742 so far in October. The jail has a capacity for 1,300 inmates and the numbers include more than 100 defendants being held on federal charges.

That is the lowest the average daily jail population has been in Winnebago County since it averaged 735 inmates in August 2021, when the numbers were still being impacted by the global pandemic, Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said.

Caruana said that it will likely take months to see how the pretrial fairness act will impact the jail.

So far, there have been few hearings in Winnebago County seeking the release of inmates held on bond from before the new law took effect, Caruana said. Numbers of the detained could swing back and forth when more are released under the new rules and then perhaps returned to jail for re-offending or missing court dates.

Other, smaller county jails in the region have seen larger percentage declines, but they had fewer inmates to start with.

* Meanwhile, some SAFE-T Act advocates were worried that they would see a big increase in the number of people confined by electronic monitoring. But here are Cook County’s numbers from the Chicago Reader…

The jail’s population has fallen about 10.7 percent since the law took effect.

There are, of course, individual cases that some are gnashing their teeth about, but some of those same accused criminals could’ve been on the street after paying cash bail under the old system, as we discussed just the other day.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to today’s edition (Updated)

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Open thread

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Veto session started off with Speaker Welch’s bill, that would allow the formation of a legislative staff union. State Journal-Register…

* Related stories…

∙ Pantagraph: Illinois fall session kicks off with legislative staff union proposal
∙ WAND: Welch champions legislative staff union plan, Republicans share veto session priorities
∙ AP: Pritzker wants to consolidate early education, speaker’s bill allows staff to unionize
∙ Farm Week: Midwife certification legislation in Illinois stalled

* Isabel’s top picks…

* 21st show | Pritzker’s National Ambitions: In 2022, Governor. JB Pritzker (D-Illinois) won reelection to lead The 21st state. But the billionaire governor continues to be the subject of national coverage. Pritzker’s name is often floated as a presidential candidate if President Joe Biden drops out of the the 2024 presidential race (Biden says he is running). In a 2022 interview, Pritzker told The 21st he is only focused on the state of Illinois. And recently, the governor launched a self-funded nationwide abortion rights advocacy organization. We’re talking to the writer of an in-depth profile story in The New Yorker on Gov. Pritzker.

* Tribune | Democratic legislators introduce bill to extend controversial private school tax credit program: In addition to extending the program through 2028, the proposal introduced Tuesday would reduce maximum annual contributions awarded by the state to $50 million from $75 million. Instead of the 75% tax credit, the donors would get a 100% credit for the first $5,000 they contribute, then a maximum 65% tax credit for any additional amount if the children they sponsor live in underserved communities and a 55% credit if the children don’t.

* Sun-Times | Chicago’s top cop vows ‘stringent’ efforts to root out officers with extremist ties after investigation by WBEZ, Sun-Times: “It serves the Chicago Police Department in no way, in no way good, to have members amongst our department who are filled with bias or members of hate groups,” Snelling said. “And we will not tolerate it.” His comments came days after WBEZ, the Sun-Times and the Organized Crime and Corruption Project began publishing a joint investigation, “Extremism in the Ranks,” which found 27 current and former Chicago police officers whose names appeared in leaked membership records for the Oath Keepers.

* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…

* Crain’s | J.B. Pritzker, Gavin Newsom juice Joe Biden’s campaign fundraising efforts: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has organized events with deep-pocketed donors, bringing in more than $1 million for Biden’s campaign, according to a person familiar with the fundraising. California’s Gavin Newsom is tapping grassroots contributors to ask them to pitch in small-dollar amounts, said the person, who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.

* Tribune | Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposes new agency for early childhood services: The creation of a new agency, which would require legislative approval, is intended to cut red tape for both families who need services for their children and the outside agencies who provide them, said Pritzker, who has long touted his desire to make Illinois “the best place to raise a family.” Despite increases in funding for preschool programs and other early childhood initiatives, “it’s clear that we’re not yet organized at the state level to reach that goal,” Pritzker said during a new conference at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.

* Rockford Register Star | Illinois jail numbers were supposed to drop with the end of cash bail. Did they?: Advocates for ending cash bail in Illinois are praising a 7.5% drop in the average number of people being held in the Winnebago County Jail since August as a positive early sign.

* Chalkbeat | Illinois lawmakers propose allowing Chicago’s school board members to be paid: State Sen. Robert Martwick and State Rep. Kam Buckner, who both represent parts of Chicago, announced at a press conference Tuesday morning a proposal to lift a prohibition in state law that prevents Chicago’s elected school board members from receiving compensation. The bills in the Senate and House, introduced during the fall’s veto session, would not mandate the school district to provide a salary or set minimums for how much school board members get paid.

* Tribune | Protesters scuffle with police ahead of emotional community meeting over tent city for migrants in Brighton Park: For the past week, protesters said they have been gathering daily, 24 hours a day, with signs in hand demanding the city halt the plan to turn the site into a tent city that would house about 2,000 migrants. City workers have been assessing the viability of the site, which has been unused since 2020 and records indicate is owned by Sanchez Paving Co., a private entity.

* Tribune | Residents’ uprising leads to rejection of multimillion dollar grant for migrant services in Joliet area: A copy of the grant application the Tribune acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request showed that the township had requested $12 million from the state, including $9 million for housing and shelter costs, three welcome centers and a medical clinic, and to hire 17 medical and social workers, four caseworkers and three paralegals. The reaction in Joliet reflects the opposition that Chicago and suburban officials have faced when trying to accommodate some 19,000 migrants who’ve been sent on buses to Chicago from the Mexican border.

* Chicago Reader | The end of money bond hasn’t led to an electronic monitoring spike in Chicago—for now: Since Illinois eliminated money bond, the number of people on electronic monitoring in Cook County dipped slightly from 1,846 the day before the law took effect to 1,831 on October 20. But it is too early to tell how long the success will last, says James Kilgore, advocacy and outreach director for the First Followers reentry program.

* Sun-Times | CPD plans to buy two helicopters by end of 2024, but Chicago still lags behind other big cities: Earlier this year, the department selected fully equipped Bell 407 helicopters for a total of $11.9 million, which includes training for one pilot per helicopter, department officials told the Chicago Sun-Times last month in a written statement.

* Tribune | Man arrested after altercation with Chicago alderman: Charges were still pending as of Tuesday afternoon. But the 47-year-old’s wife identified him as the man who had been arrested, and said the 7th Ward alderman reached for her husband first because he was filming Mitchell for a TikTok video and Mitchell wanted him to stop.

* USA Today | There aren’t enough RSV shots for babies. Here’s the new CDC guidance on who can get them.: The tightened recommendations came as the CDC reported a spike in RSV cases nationwide. The cases are primarily concentrated in the southeastern U.S. where the agency issued a heath advisory last month. In the U.S., about 58,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized for RSV each year, and several hundred die annually of the disease.

* AP | Recovering from attack that killed Illinois boy, Palestinian American mother urges prayers for peace: Hanaan Shahin issued a statement Tuesday through the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations after meeting with the group’s executive director a day earlier. The written statement marked her first public comments since the brutal Oct. 14 attack that left her with more than a dozen stab wounds and stitches on her face.

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Live coverage

Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Click here or here to follow breaking news.

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Republicans, Democrats, And Independents Agree – NO ROFR In House Bill 3445

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

A statewide survey in Illinois shows that voters are overwhelmingly against the higher electricity costs that would result from “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR) legislation.

Opposed to ROFR:

Voters know that ROFR leads to higher electricity costs. As one woman told her representative on Facebook: “Kindly vote no for higher prices on electricity. We already are paying high prices on everything else!”

ROFR is widely referred to as “crony capitalism” that kills competition, leading to rate hikes for consumers. ROFR has been found to be unconstitutional in some states – one reason why Illinois voters also believe passage would lead to wasteful spending on lawyers and lawsuits.

The Illinois Commerce Commission explains the benefits of competition: “…competition among transmission developers spurs innovative results and helps control costs.”

Transmission construction projects cost billions of dollars, and competition can deliver savings of 20-30%. Illinois ratepayers deserve affordable and reliable electricity. A vote for ROFR is a vote for higher electricity prices for consumers and a weaker grid.

Vote NO on ROFR!

See the survey results: https://www.fairenergyprices.org/il-rofr-survey

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Afternoon roundup

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* All that turmoil for this? Sun-Times…

Eleven acres of Southwest Side land being set up for a migrant tent camp has a long history of industrial use, raising questions about the polluted soil and the health impact for the hundreds of people who would live there.

City officials are performing environmental testing of the land at 38th and California in Brighton Park as they prepare for a possible temporary home for at least 2,000 migrants. The site for the camp, which is surrounded by a residential area, is zoned for heavy manufacturing use.

Despite residents’ protests about the proposed housing, the city says the area appears to be “viable” for the camp. That determination was made before environmental testing.

The site, once owned by a railroad, previously included a zinc smelter, a potentially toxic operation that uses heat and chemicals to extract metals, according to a historic map provided by a community-based environmental organization.

Oy.

* “That kind of crowd”? WTTW…

It will be much more difficult for migrants sent to Chicago from the southern border to get a municipal identification card before the end of the year after City Clerk Anna Valencia canceled the remaining events designed to bring City Hall into the city’s neighborhoods.

More than 1,000 people – mostly migrants – lined up hours before the city clerk’s event on Oct. 12 at Gill Park in Wrigleyville was scheduled to start, overwhelming the 15-person staff, Valencia told WTTW News.

“It was too much to manage,” Valencia said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen when you have that kind of crowd. It didn’t seem like it would be a safe event.” […]

Valencia said she did not ask the mayor’s office or other city departments to provide additional staff or resources to allow the scheduled Mobile City Hall events to take place, or to add additional events to meet the demand for the city ID cards from the migrants.

* Maybe Chicago could forgive the water bill for this church…

A west suburban church is calling on others to help after spending thousands of dollars in recent weeks to help migrants.

The Parish of St. Catherine-St. Lucy and St. Giles in Oak Park said they’ve opened up their doors for migrants to shower, dress and eat, and the bills have skyrocketed. […]

These shower days mean water bills, which used to be in the hundreds, have skyrocketed to close to $10,000.

“You can see this is wonderful, but it’s not sustainable, by no means, and we are over capacity,” Woznica said.

* ABC 7…

Four people were taken to the hospital from a Chicago police station, where many migrants are staying, Monday morning.

One of those transports, from the 1st District police station near 17th and State streets in the South Loop, was a child.

Several emergency crews were on the scene.

There are several tents set up outside, with dozens of migrants walking around the area.

Crews were called for a report of multiple sick people at the police station.

* OK, let’s change topics. Press release…

Today, Governor Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Deputy Governor Grace Hou, Deputy Governor Martin Torres, elected officials, and state agency directors at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning to announce a proposal to create a new state agency to house all early childhood programs and funding. The new unified agency will provide a more equitable, integrated, and holistic system of services for young children and families in Illinois.

“We need a governance system that is unified in its approach to serving families, working with providers, and promoting equity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our Smart Start Illinois plan served as the catalyst for this transition, but this new agency will cover so much more. From ISBE’s Early Childhood Block Grants and DCFS’ day care licensing program to DHS’ child care, home visiting and early intervention services, soon all of these programs will be administered under the same agency.”

Reaction from Dezaray Brookshire, State Government Director for Illinois Directors and Owners of Childcare Centers (ILDOCC)…

First, on behalf of ILDOCC, we want to applaud Governor Pritzker and his administration for acknowledging that the licensure and oversight of licensed daycares in the state of Illinois, as overseen by the Department of Children and Family Services, is broken and in desperate need for reform. We agree wholeheartedly that new leadership and a fresh approach is critical to rebuilding and strengthening childcare access in Illinois. And creating a single agency focused exclusively on this issue is a positive step forward.

However, even with today’s announcement, it is important to note that the biggest trade organizations that represent providers of child care in every corner of the state were not involved, consulted or informed prior to this morning’s event. This is an example of what providers have faced far too often — where policy decisions are made without the input of the front line experts that provide these services which are relied upon by working families in Illinois.

We welcome Governor Pritzker’s statement that the process must include all stakeholders, and his acknowledgement that the process will require legislation. This alone is a critical improvement over the status quo. As an organization that represents nearly 1,000 separate childcare facilities in Illinois, we look forward to the promise of our inclusion in this process. More importantly, we look forward to working with our legislative champions to ensure this process improves the industry, addresses the long-standing staffing crisis crippling the industry, and increases access to affordable childcare in every corner of the state.

* Isabel’s roundup…

* Tribune | Ald. Julia Ramirez issues statement ahead of meeting on potential migrant camp: ‘the mayor’s office did not consult with me’: “Additionally, to my frustration, the mayor’s office did not consult with me or my office about their current plans to construct a temporary shelter — meant to house 1,500 people — at 38th & California, nor did they inform my office that they would be sending work crews to conduct a site assessment last week,” she wrote.

* Crain’s | When her house sells, she’ll donate the proceeds to help homeless people and migrants: Robin Potter is selling her Logan Square home of 43 years with an unusual plan for more than $600,000 in proceeds she’s likely to collect when the sale closes: She’ll donate the entire amount to programs that help migrants and those experiencing homelessness in Chicago. “There’s need on a grand scale in this city, with 18,000 migrants and 68,000 people homeless,” says Potter, a labor and employment attorney. “They’re struggling, and it’s our duty to help them.”

* Tribune | 350 Horizon Therapeutics workers to be laid off, mostly from Deerfield offices, following acquisition by Amgen: As of late last year, Horizon had about 2,000 workers globally, including about 600 in its Deerfield offices, which were the company’s U.S. headquarters. Amgen acquired Horizon on Oct. 6 in a $27.8 billion deal. Amgen said in a statement that about 80% of Horizon’s workers will be placed into jobs at Amgen. The 350 who are being laid off are losing their jobs largely because of “overlap with existing teams at Amgen,” Amgen said in the statement.

* WTTW | City Health Official Watchdog Said Should Be Fired for Role in Smokestack Implosion Promoted, Will Oversee Environmental Inspections and Enforcement: The full 94-page report from the Office of the Inspector General, first reported by WTTW News, urged Graham’s termination, saying evidence demonstrated he was responsible for the “abdication of responsibility and willful bureaucratic negligence” for issues including the failure to adequately soak the ground prior to the implosion, which was led by Hilco Redevelopment Partners.

* WTTW | Cook County Prosecutors Won’t Charge Man Accused of Firing Gun Near Pro-Palestinian Rally in Skokie: Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office announced in a statement that after the office reviewed the events, it would not be filing charges against the man. “After reviewing the evidence, which includes surveillance video and witness statements, we have determined the individual, who holds a valid FOID card and Conceal Carry License and has no criminal history, acted in self-defense upon being surrounded by a crowd and attacked by some of those individuals,” Foxx’s office said.

* Block Club | Bring Chicago Home Advocates Rally To Get Northwest Side Alderpeople On Board With Proposal: Members of 39th Ward Neighbors United, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Communities United held a Monday rally at Ald. Samantha Nugent’s 39th Ward office, 4200 W. Lawrence Ave., to ask her to support the proposal. Over 50 people attended the rally, according to the sign-in sheet, said Mary Tarullo, associate director of policy and strategy at the coalition.

* Beacon-News | Kane officials say new solar field will save the county $200,000 a year: The solar field will be owned, operated and maintained by Nelnet Renewable Energy. The county will purchase the power from Nelnet at a reduced rate. The project was developed by the Kane County Environmental and Water Resources Department and members of the Kane County Board Energy and Environmental Committee.

* Daily Herald | $159 million redevelopment project at old Lombard seminary in jeopardy? Developer looking at options: Nearly three years ago, a suburban developer laid out an ambitious plan for a former seminary campus next to Lombard’s Yorktown Center mall. […] The mixed-use project, however, still hasn’t gotten off the ground. The Schaumburg-based development group is looking at their options, including taking on a partner to pursue the original plan, village officials say.

* Crain’s | MacKenzie Scott breaks donation record at another Chicago nonprofit: Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $8 million to Cara Collective, a Chicago-based workforce development organization. The gift is its largest donation ever, the nonprofit said. This is the latest donation to a Chicago-area nonprofit by Scott, who has donated more than $270 million to Chicago-based locations over the past few years.

* WAND | Owner of Macon Speedway plans to sell: According to the post, Kearns purchased Macon Speedway with the intention of running it with his family but medical issues have made it difficult. Kearns said that if the speedway does not sell in the off season to the right person, he and his son will continue to run it in 2024. The 2023 banquet to honor racers is still slated to continue.

* San Francisco | California DMV suspends Cruise’s driverless taxis in S.F., citing safety concerns: The DMV, one of the state’s regulators for self-driving cars, said there is no set timeline for the suspension. At this time, the DMV says the suspension of Cruise’s driverless ops is based on the determination that “the manufacturer’s vehicles are not safe for the public’s operation.”

* NBC | Tesla says Justice Department is expanding investigations and issuing subpoenas for information: The additional investigation topics and the subpoenas suggest that prosecutors have broadened their inquiry, and they have found the need to force Tesla to disclose information, legal experts say. The filing indicates prosecutors may be investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and whether the company has been candid in describing the features of its vehicles, they say.

* Block Club | Enjoy The 80-Degree Weather — It’ll Be In The 40s By Next Week: “There’s basically a lot of strong, southerly and southwesterly wind, which is pumping a lot of warmer air into the area from the southern plains and the Gulf Coast,” he said. “That’s allowed us to warm up.” Warmer weather in the high 60s and low 70s is expected through the end of the week, though rain is also part of the forecast. By the weekend, temperatures will drop into the 40s and 50s as a cold front passes through the area, Yack said.

6 Comments

Question of the day

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* In its ongoing series about anti-government extremists infiltrating law enforcement ranks, WBEZ, the Sun-Times and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project published a story entitled “He was a rising football star — then he met this state trooper.” You should read the whole thing to see what happened to the kid, but let’s talk about this…

In a statement last week, state police said they knew Dumais had appeared on the Oath Keepers list, but officials determined that he had only “isolated involvement” with the group in 2009, before he joined the force in 2013. In the leaked data, Dumais appears on membership rolls dated as late as 2015.

“At some point in early 2009 I donated an amount of money which I cannot recall to the Oathkeepers Organization through their website,” Dumais wrote in an internal memo in January 2023. “I do not consider myself a member of this organization.”

Dumais did not return messages. A state police spokesperson defended him as a “decorated officer with no discipline” who was lauded for saving a woman from fatally overdosing and for being the lead investigator in three solved homicide cases.

The spokesperson for the state police said the allegations against Dumais in Mitchell’s lawsuit had been reviewed and it was decided there was “insufficient evidence to support discipline” against the state trooper. The spokesperson also said the settlement with Mitchell was smaller than his initial demand of $1.5 million.

And state police officials said Monday they recently added questions to their job applications to screen aspiring troopers who have been involved in anti-government groups.

The Oath Keepers list was made public in September of 2022.

* One issue not mentioned in the story is that the Illinois State Police Merit Board is specifically prohibited from investigating most actions that took place more than three years before a complaint is filed. So even if a complaint was filed against that trooper, the board couldn’t do anything about conduct in 2009 through 2015, when he was listed as an Oath Keepers member. Here’s the rule…

The Board will not consider any complaint based upon conduct which antedates by three years the date the complaint is filed, except in those instances where the conduct complained of is parallel to criminal conduct as provided by the laws of this state, the United States or any governmental subdivision thereof, in which case this shall conform with the applicable criminal statute of limitations when the applicable criminal statute of limitations is longer. On Petitions for Review, the Board will reverse the suspension based on conduct which antedates by three (3) years the date the suspension was given.

The State Police Merit Board proposed getting rid of this rule in May of 2022, with the support of the ISP. Click here and scroll down to see it. However, I’m told, the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules asked the Merit Board to withdraw the proposed change due to lack of support among its bipartisan membership and opposition from police unions.

* The Question: Should this statute of limitations-style rule be rescinded, extended or left as-is? Make sure to explain your answer, please. Thanks.

…Adding… JCAR staff recalls this differently. They’re saying that JCAR took a pass because they learned an unfair labor practice charge was pending before the Illinois Labor Relations Board on this very issue, not on the policy per se.

20 Comments

Hard-right House Republicans reject Invest in Kids Act compromise

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, but take a look at the ad below by the Invest in Kids Act proponents for background if you need it. From the Illinois Freedom Caucus…

The IL Freedom Caucus today is issuing the following statement on the proposed Invest in Kids Act changes, which would keep the program going another five years but would reduce the maximum tax credit dollar amount from $1 million to $500,000 and would reduce the total overall scholarship opportunity amount from $75 million to $50 million.

“This proposal is a non-starter. It will not make the program permanent, and it reduces the available funding for scholarships. The best course of action would be to extend the program and to expand it. This school year alone, the scholarship program has helped 9,500 kids escape failing schools. There are 26,000 applicants in need of scholarship help. But instead of helping kids, it appears the Legislature is dead set on making it harder for this program to help kids in need.

The scholarship money for the Invest in Kids Act comes from private donations and amounts to just 0.9 percent of the budget for public schools. It does not use existing tax dollars or take away any funding from public schools. Illinois Education Association opposition to the Invest in Kids Act is a disgrace. We call on our colleagues to do right by our students, expand this program and make it permanent.”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Jed Davis (R-Newark) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability, and integrity in government.

All or nothing, apparently. Same as it ever was.

But that, as they say, appears to be the ballgame.

34 Comments

Raoul, other attorneys general file lawsuit against Meta

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* CNBC…

A bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general is suing Meta over addictive features aimed at kids and teens, the AGs announced Tuesday. The support from so many state AGs of different political backgrounds indicates a significant legal challenge to Meta’s business.

Meta is now facing multiple lawsuits on this issue in several districts. AGs from 33 states filed a federal suit against Meta in the Northern District of California, while 9 additional AGs are filing in their own states, according to a press release from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office. […]

Several of the practices the AGs focus on for Meta are similar to those exercised by other social media businesses, such as designing algorithms to keep users engaged.

“We share the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a statement. “We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.”

The lawsuit is here.

* From AG Raoul…

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that his office filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. (Meta), the company that owns and operates Facebook and Instagram, for its harmful business practices targeting children.

The lawsuit, backed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of 33 states, was filed today in the federal district court for the Northern District of California. In their lawsuit, Raoul and the attorneys general allege that Meta’s business model, which seeks to capture as much user time and attention as possible to sell advertising, has targeted youth, including teenagers and even younger children, in ways that take advantage of them.

“Our children are in crisis, and we need to act,” Raoul said. “The addictive features on Meta’s social media platforms interfere with sleep and education, enable cyberbullying, and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm. I believe the action we are taking today against Meta is one of – if not the most – important consumer protection actions my office will take. The consequences will affect an entire generation of young people. I am committed to holding Meta, and any other responsible actors, accountable for putting profits ahead of our children.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 10 and 14. During the decade since Instagram’s rise in popularity, the CDC reported that the number of high school students who experience feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and ideation increased by 40%. In that same time period, there was a 30% increase in the rate of high school girls who attempted suicide.

Raoul and the coalition allege that Meta designed its social media platforms to include features that exploit young users’ psychological vulnerabilities to keep them using the platforms longer, and that many of these product features are strongly linked to damaging psychological outcomes. The attorneys general allege that Meta is aware of the potential harms its products cause youth, including driving impulsive behavior; interfering with sleep and education; and exacerbating issues young people have with depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm. Meta’s own research confirmed that its social media platforms are among the worst in harming young users.

“Our son, Nate Bronstein, forever 15, is no longer with us because social media platforms have for far too long placed profits over children’s safety,” said Rose and Rob Bronstein, whose son, died in 2022. “Nate, a super-sharp, funny kid who loved making others laugh, was cyberbullied by fellow students at the Latin School of Chicago. These teens, blinded by the drive to get shares and views, and emboldened by features like self-deleting messages, relied on social media to send vile, threatening messages to Nate, leading to his tragic passing. Reasonable people everywhere have long realized the danger that social media poses to our children, yet the unsafe features remain, and the harm continues, while the profits grow. Thank you to our courageous elected leaders for holding the social media platforms accountable for this reprehensible behavior and protecting other families from having to endure the worst imaginable tragedy.”

“Smartphones and social media are almost universally in every young person’s hand and have the capacity to deeply harm and exacerbate mental health challenges for young people,” said NAMI Illinois CEO Alexa James. “This is a serious public health issue complicating a deeply serious mental health crisis our children and their families are already facing.”

According to the surgeon general, eighth and tenth graders now spend an average of three-and-a-half hours per day on social media. In Illinois, nearly a million Illinois teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 access Instagram every month. From 2020 to 2021 in Illinois alone, over half a million Illinois teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 accessed Instagram every day.

Raoul’s lawsuit alleges that Meta violated the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting the personal information of children under the age of 13 without obtaining parental permission as required by that statute. The coalition is asking the court to enter an injunction stopping Meta from continuing these unlawful practices.

Today’s lawsuit stems from a bipartisan nationwide investigation announced by Raoul in November 2021, and is part of the Attorney General’s efforts to protect children online and address the negative impacts of social media platforms on young Illinois residents. In May 2021, Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general urging Facebook to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. In March 2022, Raoul also announced a bipartisan nationwide investigation into TikTok for providing and promoting its social media platform to children and young adults despite its use being associated with physical and mental health harms.

…Adding… Sen. Rezin…

Illinois Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) issued the following statement in response to announcement that Illinois Attorney General has signed onto a multi-state lawsuit against Meta over the company’s use of addictive features aimed at kids and teens:

“I would like to thank Illinois Attorney General Raoul for his decision to join with 32 other state attorney generals to file a lawsuit to hold Meta accountable for the harmful and addictive algorithms they utilize to profit off of unsuspecting minors.

“I continue to remain committed to working with stakeholders to pass social media legislation during the General Assembly’s spring legislative session that will protect the well-being of our state’s children from every social media company that uses similar tactics that this lawsuit alleges.”

19 Comments

Even after numerous push questions, GOP pollster finds Durkin still only at 40 percent who would consider supporting him

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The wording here is kinda hilarious. To be clear, any Republican would have “support” against a Democrat in Cook County…

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Jim Durkin, the former House minority leader, is still mulling a run for Cook County state’s attorney — and he’s got polling that shows he’d have support against a Democrat.

The survey by Coefficient identifies Durkin, a former Cook County prosecutor, as being “tough on crime” but also backing the assault weapons ban. He was one of only two Republicans to do so when he served in the Illinois House.

By the numbers: The poll shows most people in Cook County support President Joe Biden. Then, it asks, “regardless of your vote for president, would you consider voting for a reform Republican like Jim Durkin?” The answers: 34 percent of women and 46 percent of men said yes.

Durkin would face the winner of the Democratic Party primary, which is a battle between Clayton Harris III, a lawyer and lobbyist who’s been handpicked by Cook County Party Chair Toni Preckwinkle, and former Illinois Appellate Court Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke.

The result is obtained after asking eleven questions, including blatant push questions about how Durkin is “tough on crime,” how he’d created a “multi-prong plan” to address crime, how he voted for the assault weapons ban and how he’d been given the “Defender of the Innocent” award, along with other questions about Kim Foxx, etc.

Also, the final question is misquoted by the above media outlet. The pollster doesn’t ask if respondents would “vote” for Durkin, it asks if they would “consider supporting a reform Republican like Jim Durkin to represent you as your Cook County district attorney” [sic]…

Yes 40 percent
No 25 percent
Unsure 35 percent

Man. That is one heckuva snowjob.

I have always loved me some Jim Durkin, but c’mon, man.

* Let’s move on to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s favorables…

Keep in mind that this is a county-wide poll, so the Chicago-only numbers have a significantly higher margin of error. Even so, not great.

More county-wide Mayor Johnson fave/unfaves, which might be useful when thinking about suburban legislative candidates…

* President Biden…

Coefficient was Gary Rabine’s pollster.

32 Comments

The CCS Opportunity In Illinois

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Learn more about the CCS opportunity in Illinois.

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Bruce Simon

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Bruce Simon was truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. He was a kind man. He was also an effective, highly knowledgeable lobbyist. Bruce was a great White Sox fan and often hosted charitable and other events at the park.

Bruce passed away last night. This world just won’t be the same without him.

* From Comptroller Susana Mendoza…

My heart aches at this loss, but I thank God for having put me in Bruce Simon’s path over 20 years ago. It gave me the opportunity to meet one of the most amazing, kindest and caring souls in the world. Every time I was lucky enough to see Bruce or spend time with him, it was like seeing and feeling warm sunshine on a cold and cloudy day. I will always treasure our friendship and time together.

Even though Bruce was an incredibly successful lobbyist, I never really saw him so much as a lobbyist but instead an amazing public servant and advocate for millions - someone I really looked up to. I am a better elected official today because of Bruce’s influence on me starting in 2001, as an incoming freshman legislator. He taught me early on how important it was for the most vulnerable among us to have a voice of advocacy fighting for them from those in positions of power to do so.

I genuinely loved Bruce and will miss him dearly. He left an indelible mark of goodness on our state.

My thoughts and prayers are with Marguerite and Bruce’s kids at this time. Bruce loved them more than anything in the world. Being a husband, father and a grandfather was his best and favorite job.

On this earth, Bruce’s lungs gave out. But I know that he got a VIP Express Pass into Heaven where he was able to take the deepest and most gigantic breath of well-deserved Heavenly air. He’s at peace now surrounded by those he loved who went before him, and keeping an eye on all of us. Godspeed my friend until we meet again. ❤️🙏🏼

* RIP…

18 Comments

Today’s quotable

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Former WLS Radio host Big John Howell writing in the Sun-Times…

I was saddened, but not surprised, by the news of the stabbing death of Palestinian American Wadea Al-Fayoume. An innocent 6-year-old victim of a racial, hateful and utterly inexplicable murderous rampage. Wait, maybe not inexplicable.

Prosecutors said in court Mondaythat the alleged killer had listened to conservative talk radio about the situation in the Middle East before the attack.

I don’t know if this is true, nor do I know any details on what programs might have prompted the attack. We’ll learn more regarding this in the future. I’m wondering if we’ll hear some familiar names?

I do know this: Radio companies, stations and especially hosts have to stop peddling lies, fables, conspiracies and corrosive content under the guise of “It’s just business.” I’ve said this a hundred times: If you break the stupid, you own the stupid. The excuse “I didn’t think they’d believe me” doesn’t wash in this environment. Too many crazies waiting for their marching orders.

I’m a 40-year veteran of the radio business, including the last 17 years as a prime time host on two of Chicago’s most conservative talk stations. I’m intimately familiar with techniques in how to influence an audience.

It’s one thing to exaggerate, embellish and utilize satire to make a point about pop culture and politics. It’s entirely different, and far more dangerous, to intentionally mislead and misinform an audience. Over the past few years, I’ve heard far too much of the latter. Extreme rhetoric from both sides is on the rise.

Radio hosts (and companies) have to exercise self control and discretion when presenting and discussing serious, incendiary, life and death topics. Don’t pander to the…(and I’m being kind here) under-informed. You’ll regret it. Those hosts who do so should be held accountable, and so should their enablers and sponsors.

Go read the rest.

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Here’s How To Make The Tax Credit Scholarship Better

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

In response to direct feedback, our bill offers substantive improvements along with good-faith compromises which justify extending the Tax Credit Scholarship Program:

2. Reduce the overall size of the program to $50MM (down from $75MM) and reduce the individual giving cap to $500,000 (down from $1MM).

3. Reduce the tax credit for donors to 55% (down from 75%).

4. Encourage more middle-income donors by crediting donations of up to $5,000 with a 100% tax credit.

Illinois, let’s do the right thing. It’s about the kids, not the politics. Save the scholarships.

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

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Open thread

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* We’re back in Springfield for the first day of veto session! What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Veto session begins today. AP…

* Related stories…

∙ WGEM: Nuclear power plants on agenda as Illinois veto session begins Tuesday
∙ Center Square: Illinois lawmakers plan to address several issues during the fall veto session
∙ 21st Show: Preview of the 2023 Veto Session
∙ WGN: State lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday for fall veto session
∙ Scott Holland: Lawmakers will decide if tax break program can continue

* Isabel’s top picks…

* Sun-Times | Pritzker urges residents to unite ‘across religions, across ethnicities to renounce hatred’: “We stand here united across religions, across ethnicities to renounce hatred. To show our Muslim and Jewish neighbors that we stand with them, and to chart a new course of solidarity, justice and humanity,” Pritzker said.

* WBEZ | He was a rising football star — then he met this state trooper: One evening in 2018, Dumais came looking for Mitchell’s brother at the family’s home on a cul-de-sac in south suburban Matteson. Dumais and another officer apprehended Mitchell instead, forcing him into a squad car before realizing their mistake and letting him go. In that incident, though, the police injured Mitchell’s right knee badly, and he says he never completely recovered his blazing speed, which at the time threatened his hopes of success as a Division I football player.

Governor Pritzker will be announcing a new early childhood initiative at 10:30 am today. Click here to watch.

* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…

* NBC Chicago | Illinois tech hubs to focus on crop production, quantum computing, White House says: According to the Biden Administration, hubs based in Chicago and Champaign were among 31 projects tabbed to receive funding through the program. […] According to a press release from the White House, up to $10 billion in funding is available through a bill, passed in 2022, that aimed to help address shortages in semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains, along with other tech-related issues in the U.S.

* Patch | Burr Ridge Mayor Not Running For State House: Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso said Monday he would not run for state representative in the 82nd House District.

* Sun-Times | No charges for man who fired gun in the air near pro-Palestinian protesters in Skokie: The 39-year-old man, who prosecutors declined to name, was released from police custody. In a statement issued Monday, prosecutors said the man, a Firearm Owner Identification Card and Concealed Carry License holder, had “no criminal history.” “After reviewing the evidence, which includes surveillance video and witness statements, we have determined the individual … acted in self-defense upon being surrounded by a crowd and attacked by some of those individuals,” according to the statement.

* Sun-Times | Over protests, city officials confirm Brighton Park tent plan, pending final ‘assessments’: “The City of Chicago has been identifying viable sites across the city to construct base camps as an alternative to new arrivals sleeping outdoors, at O’Hare and on the floors of police district stations as winter fast approaches,” the statement from the mayor’s office reads. “The site at 38th and California appears viable, and the intention is to construct temporary shelter at this site.”

* WTTW | Johnson Asks City Council to Reject Part of Deal He Inked with Police Union Amid Uproar Over Discipline Change: “While we recognize police officers’ right to arbitration, it is crucial that disciplinary cases be handled in a manner that allows for public transparency and true accountability,” Johnson said. “Since this is a matter that will require City Council action, I am asking the body to reject this measure when it comes up in the coming weeks.”

* Crain’s | What’s in store as the City Council gets set to scrutinize Johnson’s nearly $2B police budget: In Johnson’s $16.6 billion proposal, the CPD budget is increased roughly $91 million, from $1.907 million to $1.998 billion. The increase follows through on Johnson’s pledge to not take “one cent” from the department.

* WTTW | Chicago Program That Encourages Drug Treatment Over Arrest Shows Signs of Success, Research Says: But the program is only available to about 5% of all drug offenders. Only those who have not been convicted of a crime in 10 years and are deemed to pose no threat to the public are eligible.’ According to city statistics, 700 people have gone through the program since 2018.

* Illinois Times | City disburses $3 million grant to address homelessness: The grants will expand on the “co-responder” model the department has employed since 2019 in which police work in conjunction with mental health professionals to assist the homeless, Deputy Police Chief Joshua Stuenkel said. Comprehensive services also will reduce the number of trips police make to bring people to the Sangamon County Jail and Springfield hospital emergency rooms, said Mike Newman, the police department’s homeless outreach team coordinator.

* Chalkbeat | New federal program puts $12 million toward school integration in a dozen states: Among the winners are some of the largest districts in the country, including New York City and Chicago, where debates have long raged over how to address the inequities wrought by school segregation. Other winners include a cohort of Maryland districts and the East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana, both of which have been home to intense battles over school segregation in recent years.

* AP | UAW’s confrontational leader makes gains in strike talks, but some wonder: Has he reached too far?: People with personal ties to Fain say his approach, on the picket lines and at the bargaining table, reflects the bluntly straightforward manner he developed as he rose through the union’s ranks. He is, they say, the right man for the moment. People with personal ties to Fain say his approach, on the picket lines and at the bargaining table, reflects the bluntly straightforward manner he developed as he rose through the union’s ranks. He is, they say, the right man for the moment.

* NYT | Two Illinois Parishes Live on Either Side of a Catholic Divide: When the Rev. John Trout heard that Pope Francis wanted feedback from parishes before a major Vatican gathering this month on the church’s future, he decided that his suburban Chicago congregation would go all in. […] Less than an hour south of St. Joe’s, the Rev. Anthony Buś of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago said he viewed the gathering in Rome not as an opportunity but as a potential threat, or at the very least an irrelevance.

* WAND | Effingham Co. Coroner releases final report on deadly Teutopolis HAZMAT crash: Final an official autopsy reports were released for the five people who died from respiratory failure due to inhalation and exposure to anhydrous ammonia. This included severe chemical burns to the entire body, respiratory system, face, eyes, and lungs.