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Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The late, great Chicagoan Ramsey Lewis…

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Afternoon roundup

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I’ve been telling subscribers about this. Nursing homes put a property tax break into an omnibus bill, the governor vetoed the provision and they’re now trying to override him during the veto session…

A trade group representing nursing-home operators says, with costs rising fast, the industry deserves the tax break. In an apparent effort to underline its point, the Health Care Council of Illinois PAC has donated to the political war chests of dozens of state lawmakers since mid-summer, with $100,000 going to a fund operated by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Pritzker and allies counter that the tax shift is not warranted, especially since the nursing home industry won an estimated $700 million in higher state Medicaid payments last year. Pritzker’s amendatory veto means lawmakers will have to consider the matter again, with a simple majority of both houses needed to concur and a 60% margin needed to override him. […]

The bill would grant the relief by cutting the tax rate on nursing homes from 25% of their market value (today’s standard for all commercial property in Cook County) to the 10% figure used for single-family residences. The fact sheet asserts the impact on taxing bodies and other taxpayers would be minimal.

But Pritzker in his veto message disagreed, saying he has been hearing from worried municipal officials, especially in the south end of Cook County, where many businesses long have departed and nursing homes comprise a disproportionate share of the property-tax base.

The nursing home owners are telling members that southern Cook County is where they’re being hit the hardest. That area has horribly high property taxes because so many businesses have left. If the nursing homes do receive their tax cut, everyone else’s taxes will have to go up and more businesses could leave. If they don’t receive the cut, some nursing homes may close.

That region needs a Marshall Plan.

* Cook County State’s Attorney…

One month into the implementation of the groundbreaking Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA), the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) takes a moment to reflect on the progress and challenges of this transformative legislation. As the pioneering state to eliminate cash bail for pretrial release, Illinois is leading the charge in championing a more just and equitable criminal justice system.

Key Updates from the First Month:

• A total of 649 detention hearings were requested, with detention being granted in 60% of the cases.
• Only in two cases was the detention request withdrawn.
• Domestic battery cases emerged prominently, with 216 detention hearings requested. Given that domestic battery is often classified as a misdemeanor, its detention grant rate stood at only 39%.
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon followed, with 105 detention hearings requested and a 64% grant rate.
• Cases involving Murder, Vehicular Hijacking, and Attempted Murder boasted the highest rates of detention requests granted at 93%, 94%, and 89% respectively.

Impact on Jail Populations:

• There has been a notable 12% reduction in the overall jail population, dwindling from 5,531 a year ago to the current 4,846.
• The count of those accused of non-violent crimes has reduced by 21%, shifting from 2,029 to 1,610.

These dwindling jail population figures, especially concerning non-violent crime, underscore the PFA’s targeted positive effects. The act aims to reduce people in jail for non-violent crimes by ensuring financial disparities do not dictate one’s ability to return to their life while awaiting trial.

* NORML…

Law enforcement officials made well over a quarter million arrests for marijuana-related violations in 2022, according to data compiled by the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.

According to the online database, which was updated on Monday with data for the year 2022, police made at least 227,108 arrests for marijuana violations last year. Of those, 92 percent were for possession only. This total is a slight uptick from 2021, when the FBI reported a total of 219,489 marijuana arrests.

However, these totals are underestimates because a significant percentage of law enforcement agencies still fail to report their data to the FBI. For the year 2022, 83 percent of agencies — representing 75 percent of the total US population — reported their data, up from only 63 percent of agencies in 2021. Therefore, it is unclear whether the year-to-year uptick in reported marijuana possession arrests is due to changes in police tactics or due to more agencies reporting, or both. (Adding to this confusion, in some instances, the raw data provided by the agency in its downloaded zip files is inconsistent with the data published elsewhere on the website.)

The FBI reports that 4,633 cannabis arrests were made in Illinois during 2022. Next door in Indiana, the number was 7,236, even though it’s about half our population. 8,863 cannabis arrests were made in Missouri that year, and Missouri is even smaller than Indiana. In case you’re wondering, the Chicago Police Department reported just 4 cannabis arrests in 2022, according to the FBI. Not sure what to make of that.

* On to mental health funding…

The Will County Board Thursday approved a $10 million tax levy to fund mental health services after voters approved creating a Community Mental Health Board in last November’s election.

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, a Democrat, cast the tiebreaking vote after 11 Democrats voted in favor of the levy and 11 Republicans opposed it. […]

Last year, nearly 53% of county voters supported the referendum to create the board that will help coordinate services dealing with mental health issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems. […]

In the referendum, voters allowed the maximum levy that could be assessed as 0.05% per equalized assessed value. The rate approved Thursday was less than that at 0.0362%. […]

“Money is not going to solve this,” [board member Julie Berkowicz, a Republican from Naperville] said. “Raising taxes is not going to solve this. By raising taxes, we are creating more people who are struggling.”

Every time there’s a mass shooting, people demand more focus on mental health, which in the real world requires more funding. The people of Will County voted for more funding, but then half the board decided it was too much, even though the rate is lower than what was approved, and at least one opponent claimed more money won’t solve anything. *Hard sigh*

* Nothing posted by Rep. Miller (R-No Relation) since the GOP caucus withdrew Jordan’s nomination after he went down in flames on the floor for the third straight time…

I look forward to voting for Jim Jordan for Speaker today! pic.twitter.com/uM6UcDlBHV

— Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) October 20, 2023

From within the GOP caucus…

Tally:
86 yay
112 nay
5 present

— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) October 20, 2023

Stuff like this certainly didn’t help…

IN THE MEETING yesterday between JIM JORDAN and hold outs, close Jordan ally WARREN DAVIDSON said it's not Team Jordan's fault that holdouts are getting death threats. They are getting the death threats, he said, because they voted against Jordan.

This was relayed to me from…

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 20, 2023

* Good news…

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of both the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, celebrated the release of two Illinois hostages, Natalie and Judith Raanan, who were taken by Hamas terrorists during their coordinated and inhumane attacks in Israel last weekend and who have been held in Gaza since while calling for the release of and access to immediate medical care for those still in captivity:

“The release of two Illinoisans, Judith and Natalie Raanan, who’ve been held hostage by Hamas since last weekend’s awful terrorist attacks in Israel is an undeniable relief—not only for those of us who’ve been working for their release but for their family, friends and all their loved ones who can breathe a little easier today.

“This is—and should be—a day of celebration for them, but I know there are still so many families going through the unimaginable anguish of worrying about the fate of their loved ones still being held hostage and my heart goes out to them today too.

“I, along with our entire government, remain hard at work doing everything I can to ensure the Americans—and anyone—still in Hamas captivity can return home safely. Hamas owes these families the swift release of all hostages, and they must immediately allow life-saving medical care to reach those still in their custody as we work to secure their safe release.”

* Isabel’s roundup…

* SJ-R | Ten days after withdrawing from ICC, Navigator cancels CO2 pipeline: Navigator said at the time that it had planned to refile with a new route, but those plans appear to be thwarted. “As good stewards of capital and responsible managers of people, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Heartland Greenway project,” Matt Vining, CEO of Navigator CO2 said in a statement. “We are disappointed that we will not be able to provide services to our customers and thank them for their continued support.”

* Bloomberg | BlackRock-backed CO2 pipe plan scrapped: Summit Carbon Solutions, which seeks to build an even bigger carbon dioxide pipeline, was denied a permit by North Dakota in August and is asking officials to reconsider the decision. Summit Carbon, a unit of Summit Agriculture Group, said it aims to gain from Navigator’s departure.

* Tribune | Clocked in 12 hours a day, 7 days a week: How staffing bills for migrant shelters swelled with overtime: Invoices reviewed by the Tribune show that hundreds of Favorite Staffing workers logged 84-hour workweeks — with the overtime, paid at a 50% premium, helping balloon bills that topped at least $56 million. At a Woodlawn shelter in early February, for example, two-thirds of the 50 staffers logged working at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week. At the Streeterville site one week in March, roughly 8 in 10 workers logged the same hours. … “A humanitarian crisis that requires 24/7 staff at multiple sites throughout the city unfortunately will result in staff working overtime,” Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in a written response to questions.

* Daily Southtown | Calumet City administrators knew stormwater pumps were in ‘poor condition’ a year before massive flood, report shows: The 2022 report from Farnsworth Group, a private architecture and engineering firm working as the city’s engineering consultant since 2021, was sent to Deanne Jaffrey, the Calumet City chief of staff and city administrator. The document states the mayor’s office and Jay Embry from Public Works were copied on the report. Also involved in the analysis of the pumps was Metropolitan Pump manager Keith Girup. Superior Stormwater Basin and Pump Station, and Stateline (Shirley) Stormwater Basin and Pump Station were both in “poor condition,” according to the findings.

* Tribune | County executive awards demolition contract for former Will County Courthouse: The county has been preparing to demolish the four-story, Brutalist-style courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, since 2019, but there has been a recent push by residents and county board members to preserve the building.

* Crain’s | Fraction of craft cannabis growers operational in Illinois, despite dedicated fund: The Illinois Cannabis Business Development Fund has handed out roughly $21 million to social equity entrepreneurs who were given the craft grow permits, the Illinois Answers Project reported. That’s out of $34 million that was intended to be devoted to the program.

* Pioneer Press | Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupy U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s Skokie office; police cite seven for trespassing: Schakowsky responded with a statement saying she led congressional colleagues in signing a letter to President Biden urging him to ensure that innocent civilians in Gaza are protected from violence and attacks and provided humanitarian assistance and safe passage.

* AP | Judge rules Alex Jones can’t use bankruptcy protection to avoid paying Sandy Hook families: The decision is another significant defeat for Jones in the wake of juries in Texas and Connecticut punishing him over spreading falsehoods about the nation’s deadliest school shooting. U.S. District Judge Christopher Lopez of Houston issued the ruling Thursday.

* Block Club | Decorated Senior Olympian Now Working To Mentor West Side Kids: Fresh off his wins in the Illinois Senior Olympics this summer, the East Garfield Park resident is now working to instill his love of physical fitness and friendly competition in West Side kids. […] His wins in the Senior Olympics coincides with his GOlympians Track Team group expanding its efforts to help Black West Siders discover opportunities for sports they may not have been previously given opportunities to play.

* Press Release | Homecoming flyover during national anthem features SIU alum: The Section Leader in command of the mission and Director of Operations for the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron is a Saluki grad, Lieutenant Colonel Sean “Flash” Gordon. He was also the 2004 SIU Homecoming king.

13 Comments

It’s just a bill

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Let’s start with a veto session preview from Capitol News Illinois…

When lawmakers return to the Capitol next week for their annual fall veto session, they have a full agenda, including a handful of vetoes from Gov. JB Pritzker to consider overriding, in addition to deciding whether to revive a private school scholarship program.

But additional state spending is unlikely to be on their agenda, according to recent comments from both the governor and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. […]

Another issue likely to come up during veto session is a change to the state’s labor laws that would allow certain legislative staffers to unionize. […]

Domestic violence advocates and a group of Democratic lawmakers are reviving a proposal left on the cutting room floor when the spring session ended in May. The bill would clarify existing law that mandates guns be taken away from an alleged abuser after a judge grants a certain type of domestic violence order of protection against them.

The staff union bill has been posted for a hearing in Tuesday morning’s House Executive Committee hearing.

* Rep. Adam Niemerg introduced a bill in response to the 5 killed in Teutopolis after an ammonia truck was hit. From the synopsis of HB4182…

Creates the Construction Zone Safe Detour Act. Establishes that a company that provides GPS travel services in the State is required to ensure that at least one person is available to receive official requests 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation for the purpose of implementing proper detours in the event of construction or emergency. Requires a GPS service provider to upload the detour and routing information provided by emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation into its navigation system to properly route users of the GPS service provider’s systems. Provides that a GPS service provider that fails to implement proper detour routing on an ongoing and emergency basis may be liable for treble damages. Allows an affirmative defense for GPS service providers if emergency services, including the Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police, fail to notify the GPS service provider with routing information. Prohibits the Department from conducting construction on a secondary route or parallel primary highway at the same time, except in an emergency. Requires the Department to reimburse local governments for damages caused to roads within the local government’s jurisdiction that arise from any detour around or near a construction zone authorized by the Department. Provides that the Department shall adopt emergency rules for the administration of the Act. Defines terms.

Here’s more on Rep. Niemerg’s bill from WAND…

The legislation was filed by State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis).

“The I-70 corridor between Effingham and Terre Haute has been an unmitigated disaster this summer, due to poor planning at the state level, along with navigation services sending people down dangerous routes during closures,” Sen. Rose said. “Our goal is to make sure that major projects like this are planned in a safer manner, and that when roads do have to be closed, drivers are following the best and safest detour route possible.”

The bill establishes that a company that provides GPS travel services in the State is required to ensure that at least one person is available at all times to receive official requests from emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation for the purpose of implementing proper detours in the event of construction or emergency.

The bill requires a GPS service provider to upload the detour and routing information provided by emergency services, Illinois State Police, or the Department of Transportation into its navigation system to properly route users of the GPS service provider’s systems.

It prohibits the Illinois Department of Transportation from placing a parallel secondary transportation route under construction while a primary route is also under construction, except in cases of emergencies.

* More from Sen. Sue Rezin on her new nuclear power plant legislation….

During the General Assembly’s 2023 spring legislative session, I filed such a bill, Senate Bill 76. After robust negotiations, it received large bipartisan support in both chambers. This legislation was set to usher in the next phase in our state’s new energy generation era and spark economic growth and environmental stewardship opportunities. […]

While I support calling for an override vote and believe that vote would be successful if the Senate and House leaders allowed it, I have also filed a new bill to address the concerns of the Governor.

The reality is Illinois cannot continue to allow the outdated moratorium to remain in place while other states throughout the nation are aggressively embracing advanced nuclear power technology. If Illinois does not adapt to the modern energy era, we will lose any nuclear advantage we currently enjoy.

The embrace of advanced nuclear technology by either overriding the veto of Senate Bill 76 or the passage of Senate Bill 2591 during the upcoming veto session will showcase Illinois’ commitment to the nuclear industry, preservation of the environment, and safeguarding local economies for generations to come.

In cases of road closures, GPS and navigation service providers will have to use detours provided by IDOT and ISP to make sure the safest detour routes are being sent to drivers in real time.

* Rep. Brad Halbrook filed HR449…

Condemns the attacks on the State of Israel and its people and strongly implores the government of Israel to bring the terrorist organization, Hamas, to an end. Reaffirms Illinois’ support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel. Recognizes Israel’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense to protect its citizens. Expresses Illinois’ support for Israel’s right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas until Hamas is permanently neutralized and public safety is assured. Conveys Illinois’ most heartfelt condolences to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities. Calls upon Illinois law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans, and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest at such times. Encourages all other American states to likewise condemn Hamas as well as any official body that refuses to recognize Israel’s right to act decisively in self-defense to protect its citizens. Calls upon the United States to provide assistance to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations that threaten its sovereignty.

* Center Square…

As issues continue at state-run mental health facilities across Illinois, legislators are again calling for change. […]

State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, filed three measures as part of his “Help Protect Us and Improve Our Home” initiative, which he hopes to discuss during the fall veto session.

“I hope we discuss some of these issues during veto. I just started drafting a bill yesterday on trying to do a pilot program with the workers,” Meier told The Center Square. “I think some Dems maybe will like it.” […]

Other changes suggested in the measures include a mass hiring of qualified staff, an increase in administrative and security inspections, and an improved effort to remind employees if they see something is wrong, report it.

4 Comments

Brighton Park Neighborhood Council denounces violence at anti-migrant encampment protest

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Background is here if you need it. Brighton Park Neighborhood Council…

This morning, 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez and her staff were verbally and physically assaulted upon arriving at the proposed migrant camp site on 38th and California to address protestors’ concerns. This is inexcusable behavior. Violence is never a solution.

We understand that the encampment development is not ideal for many reasons. The process has been unclear to the residents and families of Brighton Park who have called the neighborhood home for years. As a result, misinformation has spread across the ward, fueling anti-immigrant and racist remarks. We will not tolerate hateful speech and racism against any immigrant in Chicago or Illinois.

Everyone has the right to seek asylum in the United States, and Brighton Park has historically been a welcoming neighborhood for immigrant families. It is our responsibility to welcome these new families into our city, support them as they recover from their journey, connect them to resources and services, and help them resettle.

* But if you head over to the Brighton Park Community Facebook group, you’ll see angry push-back and denials of any violence. You’ll also see this posted several times…

That’s a news aggregator. The headline is from the Daily Mail…

Chicago is giving $9,000 in rental assistance to migrants in need of temporary housing - after it paid a medical firm a staggering $7.2million for staffing shelters for just one week, according to official records.

The original story is from Fox 32…

Currently, the state is funding temporary housing, including rented apartments and homes for migrants. The state is providing up to $9,000 in rental assistance over a 6-month period, which includes assistance with moving in and a starter kit to furnish the apartment.

“That rent lasts for six months and ideally people would have started their legal process, secured legal work authorization and be able to sustain that apartment. And so the cost, or I guess the payment toward the landlord is based on market rate, it’s based on the configuration of the parament – how many rooms, where it’s located – all those things. And so it varies from place to place,” said Ald. Pacione-Zayas.

The number of asylum seekers currently utilizing the rental assistance is unclear.

The money is actually from the federal government. But many locals have convinced themselves that this is city money and they’re being shorted.

Bottom line, though, every dollar that goes to the asylum seekers is money that can’t be used for rental assistance for residents. The feds have got to step up.

* From the Tribune’s coverage of the protest…

At the protest, a group of people, many who live in the houses surrounding the lot, blocked the entrances to the lot, preventing trucks and other city workers from entering.

A protester posted a pic of people blocking the entrance yesterday…

* Many of the most confrontational protesters yesterday were Asian Americans. This statement is from nearby Ald. Nicole Lee, who is the first Chinese American to serve on the city council…

Peaceful protest is the backbone of our democracy, and everyone has the right to make their voice heard. But what my friend and colleague, Ald. Ramirez, and her staff member experienced today in the 12th Ward crossed the line into physical attacks and other actions designed to intimidate. That is unacceptable.

Everyone is entitled to make their concerns heard by City Hall as it determines where and how to place shelters. But the only way we move forward together as a city is through mutual respect and conversations so we can arrive at feasible and sustainable solutions. I am always open to these very conversations and committed to ensuring the concerns of constituents, and the broader Chinese community are heard and addressed.

We’re facing huge public safety challenges, and as we head into winter, we must stop using police stations as de facto migrant shelters. That necessarily means neighborhoods across the city must welcome these individuals into alternative options that are safe, clean, adequately staffed, and warm - for the good of our residents, our police officers, and the migrants themselves.

Now, more than ever, we must work together to navigate this humanitarian crisis in the best interest of our city, and its future.

The neighborhood is represented in the House by Rep. Theresa Mah, the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Rep. Mah echoed Ald. Lee’s remarks online, writing “I could not have said it better.”

* I asked Isabel to take a quick look at how other places are faring…

* WaPo | Biden wants help on migrants, but Mexico faces its own surge: President Biden is also leaning on Mexico to step up its enforcement. But this country is struggling with a migration crisis of its own, as historic numbers of asylum seekers cross its southern border. As many as 6,000 migrants a day have lined up outside government offices in southern Mexico — some seeking refuge in this country, but many others headed for the United States. That’s up to 10 times as many as in the spring.

* Reuters | US to open migrant processing center in Ecuador: The U.S. Department of State said the so-called “Safe Mobility Offices” are already operating in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala to expedite refugee processing and other humanitarian and employment permits. The Ecuador office will initially focus on Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan and Colombian asylum seekers in Ecuador, the State Department announced on its website.

* The Guardian | More than 14,000 asylum seekers were sent to San Diego. Local support systems were overwhelmed: “The community is here showing up, the government should also,” said Reyes-Perrariz. “We want to continue welcoming asylum seekers but we want to do it in a safe manner that’s sustainable.”

* ABC NY | Rockland County says landlords are packing migrant families into homes for profits: Officials in the town say profiteers are increasingly illegally converting single-family homes in neighborhoods and packing in renters. The conditions in some after often dangerous for the families, as well as first responders.

* ABC NY | Approximately 25 people found to be living in single-family home amid migrant crisis in New York: In March, five people died in a fire at a home in Spring Valley that had been illegally subdivided. In response, Rockland County conducted numerous inspections. “How does a first responder get in to rescue those people? And how do they get out? How does a landlord allow that to happen?”

* The Hill | Healey says Massachusetts cannot guarantee shelter for migrants, homeless after end of month: “We are not ending the right-to-shelter law,” Healey said in a press conference Monday. “We are being very clear, though, that we are not going to be able to guarantee placement for folks who are sent here after the end of this month.”

* CBS Boston | Arlington neighbors concerned after neo-Nazi group NSC-131 protests outside Gov. Healey’s home: Members of the group stood outside Healey’s home and chanted “New England is ours, the rest must go,” an apparent reference to the ongoing arrival of migrants in Massachusetts. Their presence drew a large police response and left the neighborhood unsettled.

* Axios | Denver will start vetting process for migrant service providers: Contracts will likely be presented to the council for consideration by the end of the year. The city has spent $28 million to provide services to more than 24,400 migrants who started arriving last December.

* NYT | What to Know About the Migrant Crisis in New York City: As of mid-October, more than 130,600 migrants had arrived in New York City since the spring of 2022. Officials have struggled to respond as people from all over the world have arrived, sometimes by the thousands each week. Many have sought shelter with the city, which has a legal obligation to give beds to anyone who asks. Last fall, the city’s homeless shelter population hit a record. It has only grown since then.

* WMTW | Portland prepares to open a new shelter just for asylum seekers: Maine’s Total Coverage received an exclusive tour of the old beverage warehouse being converted to a temporary emergency shelter able to house 180 people in two open dormitories – 110 for men and 70 for women.

* WMTW | Maine’s refugee, asylum-seeker population is growing rapidly, expected to double: In fiscal year 2022, which ended Sept. 30, 2022, 18 asylees and 113 refugees arrived in Maine. In fiscal year 2023, which ended Sept. 30, 2023, that jumped to 62 asylees and 419 refugees. The vast majority of them went to Portland, Lewiston, Scarborough and Auburn.

6 Comments

Villivalam, Olickal ask IEMA to release state funds to help groups protect against rising threats

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From HB1187…

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is authorized to make grants to not-for-profit organizations which are exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code for eligible security improvements that assist the organization in preventing, preparing for, or responding to threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism.

To be eligible for a grant under the program, the Agency must determine that the organization is at a high risk of being subject to threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism based on the organization’s profile, ideology, mission, or beliefs. Eligible security improvements shall include all eligible preparedness activities under the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, including, but not limited to, physical security upgrades, security training exercises, preparedness training exercises, contracting with security personnel, and any other security upgrades deemed eligible by the Director.

* Sen. Villivalam and Rep. Olickal sent this letter to IEMA…

Secretary Alicia Tate-Nadeau,

First, we would like to extend our appreciation to you, the members of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, for your leadership and dedication in keeping Illinois families safe every day, but especially in emergency situations.

Today, we are writing specifically with regard to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

We are honored to have voted for a $20 million appropriation for this IEMA-OHS grant program in the Fiscal Year ‘24 budget.

Additionally, with the collaboration of IEMA-OHS and a coalition of community organizations, we voted for, and Governor Pritzker signed, House Bill 1187. The legislation expands the eligibility of this IEMA-OHS grant program to include organizations that are at a high risk of being subject to prior or current threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism based on the organization’s profile, ideology, mission, or beliefs.

As the state senator and state representative for the districts that likely have the highest concentrations of Jewish and Muslim populations in the state, we have heard the pain, anxiety, frustration and concern for safety in the voices and writings of our constituents.

Many of the organizations that are eligible for this IEMA-OHS grant program, including houses of worship, are places of safe refuge for our constituents.

We have two requests that we feel will provide some of our constituents assistance, given the volatile situation in the Middle East and recent hate crime activity:

1. It is our understanding that organizations were awarded these grants from the FY23 budget. We request the funding release of these awarded grants as soon as possible.

2. It is our understanding that the grant process for this program under the FY24 appropriation has not commenced. Given the safety concerns outlined above, we request the timeline for this process be expedited.

Again, we are incredibly grateful for all of the work you do and for our partnership.

Sincerely,

State Senator Ram Villivalam
State Representative Kevin Olickal

…Adding… Alex Gough with the governor’s office…

Hi Rich,

Wanted to let you know that earlier this week applicants for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program were sent a communication about next steps. Director Tate-Nadeau also responded to Sen. Villivalam and Rep. Olickal yesterday thanking them and indicating this.

* Meanwhile, background is here if you need it. From the Tribune…

An employee of the Illinois comptroller’s office was fired Thursday after the office learned she had made antisemitic comments during an exchange on social media. […]

Postings on social media identify the employee as Sarah Chowdhury, who worked as a legal counsel for the comptroller’s office.

Reached by telephone, Chowdhury told the Tribune she was “extremely” sorry for the “inappropriate and reprehensible” comments, apologizing to the person with whom she had the heated exchange and anyone who read her comments.

She said she was distraught over the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and grew frustrated by the way the conflict was being covered by the media and discussed through social media platforms.

Too late.

* Isabel did a related roundup…

The Hill | Illinois man accused of hate crime after allegedly threatening to shoot two Muslim men:

* AP | Illinois boy killed in alleged hate crime remembered as kind, playful as suspect appears in court: A 6-year-old Palestinian American boy who authorities allege was stabbed 26 times by his landlord in response to escalating right-wing rhetoric on the Israel-Hamas war was being remembered as a kind child, while multiple authorities investigate the attack that has become a symbol of larger struggles with hate crime in the U.S.

* Patch | IL Holocaust Museum Addresses Hate Crime Stabbing Of Wadea Al-Fayoume: “Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center mourns the death of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy who was murdered last weekend in Chicagoland,” museum officials said. “Wadea and his mother were targeted by their landlord just because of who they are. Their attacker was reportedly spurred on by the vicious language used across media to dehumanize Palestinians,” their statement continued.

* WIFR | Local mosque speaks out against hate crimes in Illinois: Imam of the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford, Dr. Mohamed Elgobashy explains he was terrified and sad to learn about the Plainfield tragedy, devastated that a child had to pay the price for something the child had nothing to do with. He says people cannot protect themselves from hate crimes alone, they need the help of political leaders.

* Journal and Topics | Illinois State Police Urge Vigilance, Awareness Against Violence, Hate Crimes: “Everyone in Illinois — both law enforcement and community members alike — must remain on guard against both terrorism and hate crimes during this period of volatility,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “If you see something, say something, before it’s too late.”

* NBC Chicago | Hate on the rise in Illinois, new report finds: Anti-Semitic incidents have risen dramatically in recent years. In 2022, the number of incidents increased by 128% from the previous year, rising from 53 to 121. There has been a 430% increase since 2016.

* NPR | 4 key takeaways from the FBI’s annual crime report: Last year, there were more than 11,000 reported hate crimes, which are motivated by certain aspects of a victim’s identity, including race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. Black people, Jewish people and gay men were the most likely to be targeted.

* The Hill | FBI crime statistics show anti-LGBTQ hate crimes on the rise: Hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people were up significantly compared to 2021, with 622 reported single-bias anti-LGBTQ hate crimes. Hate crimes motivated by an anti-transgender bias rose more than 35 percent year-over-year, reaching 338 incidents.

3 Comments

Today’s must-read

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* This is a really well-written piece…

What does Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city have to do with caring for the migrants now arriving in large numbers?
Nothing, I explain, except that made the city a🎯for former President Donald Trump & his more successful ally Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.https://t.co/tkDu5MVOb4

— Heather Cherone (@HeatherCherone) October 20, 2023

* Key graf…

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.

Go read the whole thing before commenting.

32 Comments

IFT official says Pritzker has aligned himself with ‘right-wing Republicans like Abbott and Desantis’

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tribune…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday that if lawmakers send him a bill, he’ll agree to extend a program that provides tax incentives for scholarships to children from low-to-moderate income families who want to attend private school.

But Pritzker stressed that it’s up to legislators, who head back to Springfield next week to begin their final session for the year, to come to an agreement on any extension of the “Invest in Kids” scholarship program.

“I will support it if it comes to my desk to extend the program in whatever form,” Pritzker said during a ribbon-cutting event for the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Living at the University of Illinois campus. “I mean, I can’t imagine it would show up in some form that I would be unwilling to. But again, the reality is that the legislature needs to go through this process.”

* Illinois Federation of Teachers’ director of communications…

You can’t align yourself with right-wing Republicans like Abbott and Desantis and still hold Democratic values.

Our joint statement below on Gov Pritzker’s support of vouchers. #saynotovouchers https://t.co/mLPaB73OPB

— ✊🏼Monica Trevino (@MonicaETrevino) October 20, 2023

…Adding… From Monica Trevino…

Hi Rich,

I have attached the 2020 party platform with the following language on page 67:

And Democrats oppose private school vouchers and other policies that divert taxpayer-funded resources away from the public school system, including the program at issue in the recent Espinoza decision.

The governor’s stance is a direct contradiction to the Democratic party.

Best,

Monica

Platform is here.

63 Comments

Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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The CCS Opportunity In Illinois

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

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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.

Learn more about the CCS opportunity in Illinois.

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

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Open thread

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* It’s Friday! What’s goin’ on with y’all?…

9 Comments

Isabel’s morning briefing

Friday, Oct 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Ald. Julia Ramirez issued a statement after being swarmed during the Brighton Park protest. NBC Chicago…

* Related stories…

∙ Tribune: Ald. Julia Ramirez swarmed at protest over construction of migrant tent city in Brighton Park
∙ WTTW: Ald. Julia Ramirez, Aide Battered by Crowd of Protesters Outside Brighton Park Vacant Lot Set to be ‘Winterized Base Camp’ for Migrants
∙ Block Club: Alderwoman ‘Attacked’ At Protest Over Brighton Park Migrant Tent Camp

* Isabel’s top picks…

* Sun-Times | Illinois lawmakers banned campaign contributions from red-light camera companies but take them anyway: In May, the General Assembly passed a bill to ban campaign contributions from the red-light camera industry that’s been embroiled in a bribery scandal still unfolding in federal court. […] Less than six weeks later, the Oak Park Democrat’s campaign accounts accepted two contributions totaling $5,000 from Redspeed Illinois, a contractor operating red-light cameras in a number of Chicago-area municipalities.

* Capitol News Illinois | State to pause enrollment in health care program for immigrant seniors as spending again outpaces estimates: It’s an expected move that the administration announced in June to control the rising costs of a program that has proven more expensive than its initial estimates since it became law in 2020. While no new enrollees will be accepted for the time being, those already in the program will not see any changes to their current benefits.

* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…

* Tribune | Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’ll agree to extend a tax credit program for private school scholarships if legislators send him a proposal: “I will support it if it comes to my desk to extend the program in whatever form,” Pritzker said during a ribbon-cutting event for the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Living at the University of Illinois campus. “I mean, I can’t imagine it would show up in some form that I would be unwilling to. But again, the reality is that the legislature needs to go through this process.”

* WMBD | One month in, No Cash Bail seems to be not as bad as some thought, officials say: “The past month has pretty much gone as expected,” said Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, who, along with her colleagues around the state, helped to craft the rules regarding the elimination of cash bail. The veteran prosecutor also noted that for the most part, judges are seeing the “same types of cases that they did before. We just removed cash from the equation.”

* WAND | IL lawmakers could pass plan taking guns from domestic abusers facing orders of protection: “Right now, the order of protection process is failing too many survivors and their families,” Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) told WAND News. “It is critically important that we get this bill passed so that judges and law enforcement have clarity to go in there and get guns out of the home in these types of situations.”

* Tribune | Illinois comptroller’s office employee fired over antisemitic comments in online exchange: In some of the posts during the exchange, the employee called the other Instagram user a “ZIONIST PIG” and said “all Zionists will pay.” The employee also wrote that “Hitler should have eradicated all of you.”

* Shaw Local | Former Dixon Mayor Arellano running for state Senate: Li Arellano, who served eight years as Dixon’s mayor, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the race for the 37th Illinois Senate District.
State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, currently holds the seat.

* Crain’s | Johnson, city’s largest police union nearing contract deal with significant pay raises: The deal, the first major union agreement that would be completed in Johnson’s first term, ensures labor peace with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, which represents all Chicago Police Department officers below the rank of sergeant. It could serve as a commitment that the new mayor, a former union organizer, plans to settle the city’s outstanding contracts without major labor strife.

* Sun-Times | Man who wounded toddler in road rage shooting gets 4 years in plea deal: Deandre Binion, 27, initially faced nearly 20 felony charges — including attempted murder — in connection with the April 2021 shooting that wounded 22-month-old Kayden Swann in the head. But under an agreement reached with the state’s attorney’s office, all charges, except one count of aggravated discharge of a weapon, were dropped Oct. 13.

* Tribune | President Biden speaks to father of slain Will County 6-year-old following Oval Office address where he described the boy as a ‘proud American’: Biden invoked the child’s death and the serious wounding of his mother during the speech, in which he sought to explain the strategic need to combat terrorism in both Israel by Hamas and in Ukraine orchestrated by Russia.

* ABC Chicago | Bridgeview Islamic school moves to e-learning after ‘threatening hate letter’: It is closing Friday “out of extra caution” after being on soft lockdown earlier this week. In a message to parents, the principal wrote in part, “Rest assured that we have been doing everything in our power to maintain the safety and well-being of all of our students…and we will continue in those efforts.”

* SJ-R | ‘Something in me died following the abuse:’ Two alleging clergy abuse speak out publicly: Stack, speaking at a Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests press conference in front of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, railed against the Springfield Diocese and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, saying they have to come to grips with the problem more “compassionately and pastorally” and with “a sense of basic human decency.”

* Sun-Times | Collision between deer and animal rescue van jeopardizes dozens of pets’ chance at rescue: The van is now unusable, with officials in the organization fearing it will need to be replaced. But the group had already arranged to make the several-hundred mile trip to Mississippi and Louisiana next week to rescue about 90 cats and dogs.

* Tribune | Metropolitan Brewing, one of Chicago’s oldest craft breweries, files for bankruptcy and may close this winter: Citing tepid retail sales, unsustainable debt and a yearslong rent dispute at its custom-designed taproom and brewery overlooking the Chicago River, Metropolitan Brewing has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Without reworking its debt, including more than $1 million owed in back rent and fees, the pioneering 15-year-old craft brewer said it will not survive the long Chicago winter ahead.