Pritzker signs SAFE-T Act trailer
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Governor Pritzker today signed HB1095, a series of amendments and clarifications to the landmark SAFE-T Act, originally passed in 2021. The bill addresses misinformation related to the Act, including clarifying the detention net, expanding processes for transitioning to cashless bail on January 1st, and specifying definitions of willful flight and dangerousness, among other changes.
“I’m pleased that the General Assembly has passed clarifications that uphold the principle we fought to protect: to bring an end to a system where wealthy violent offenders can buy their way out of jail, while less fortunate nonviolent offenders wait in jail for trial,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Advocates and lawmakers came together and put in hours of work to strengthen and clarify this law, uphold our commitment to equity, and keep people safe.”
The bill clarifies multiple aspects of the SAFE-T Act, which ends the cash bail system in Illinois effective January 1st, 2023 and creates a more equitable system where pre-trial detention is based on community risk rather than financial means. The clarifications to the SAFE-T Act are the result of the work of a bi-cameral legislative group who collaborated with advocates, public defenders, state’s attorneys, victim advocates, and law enforcement officials.
Changes to the Act clarify court authority in controlling electronic monitoring and escape, outline specific guidelines for trespassing violations, and create a grant program to aid public defenders with increased caseloads. The amendments strengthen and clarify the main principle of the SAFE-T Act- to ensure that individuals who pose a risk to the community aren’t released from jail just because they are able to pay bail while people without financial means sit in jail regardless of whether they pose a risk at all.
“The SAFE-T Act, including these important clarifications, will help right the wrongs of policies that have disproportionately harmed low-income, marginalized communities while helping to keep Illinoisans safe,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I commend members of the General Assembly for coming together to make these changes and provide us a clear path to ensure both accountability and justice. We must stop criminalizing poverty, and that is our goal as we end cash bail in Illinois and uphold human rights for all in our legal system.”
“We understand that public safety is not a static issue,” said Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). “This legislation strengthens the underlying SAFE-T Act with valuable feedback from survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors and other public safety advocates. If we want to make our communities safer, we have to work together. This update is a step in the right direction.”
“It’s vital the pretrial system in Illinois remains equitable and that all individuals are treated fairly, regardless of financial status,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). “After collaboration between a diverse group, we were able to create a measure that ensures public safety and maintains the intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act. I am proud of everyone’s collaborative effort and their commitment to make Illinois safe.”
“The SAFE-T Act was the result of hours of testimony and negotiations with domestic violence advocates, proponents of reform, law enforcement and states attorneys at the table working to create a pathway to a better and more equitable criminal legal system,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “However, due to the misinformation campaign led by opponents of the measure, we spent countless hours dispelling falsehoods and working to ensure that the law was not taken out of context. I thank the governor and my colleagues in both chambers for prioritizing a measure that clarifies the language of this transformational law while preserving the protections for crime survivors and ensures we stop criminalizing poverty in this state.”
“To say that I’m proud of all the work and advocacy that went into the passage of this act would be an understatement,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “My colleagues and I, with input from the Coalition to End Money Bond, the States Attorneys Association, the Sheriff’s Association and survivor advocates, were able to create something that will change lives and reform the criminal justice system for the better. This is our generation carrying the torch for civil and human rights, and Illinois will only become safer and more equitable because of it.”
“This legislation builds on the foundation we set in the SAFE-T Act by making certain that provisions are clearer, more effective, and less difficult to implement,” Representative Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) said. “Institutional barriers within the criminal justice system have disproportionately affect people in the communities that I represent and this legislation addresses that disparity. I am so proud of the work that my colleagues, stakeholders and I did to engage and collaborate to bring forth this bill.”
“This measure is part of a continued effort to address misconceptions and sincere concerns brought forward by law enforcement, survivors and advocates,” said Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford). “It’s a reminder of the need to work together, and of our shared mission to make every community safer for families across our state.”
“This is the result of hundreds of hours and a collaboration of all stakeholders to clarify and strengthen the language from the previous legislation. It’s been an honor to serve my constituents as part of the Public Safety Working Group and create common sense policy solutions that will improve the safety of our communities and the integrity of our justice system,” said Assistant Majority Leader Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). “This is a tremendous step toward a safer, fairer Illinois for all.”
“By strengthening the SAFE-T Act, we are continuing the vital work of keeping Illinoisans safe,” said Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “Maintaining a robust justice system will always be an ongoing task, one that we prioritize. Hundreds of hours of consultation with stakeholders from across the ideological spectrum went into producing this bill, which maintains the historic reforms of the SAFE-T Act while ensuring a successful implementation of new policy.”
“The SAFE-T Act was carefully crafted to promote a more equitable criminal justice system while simultaneously keeping our communities safe across Illinois. This legislation takes steps to ensure the SAFE-T reforms are carried out successfully,” said Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). “Our goal was to reinforce the principles we were proud to pass with the SAFE-T Act, which replaces a wealth-based pretrial detention system with one based on a person’s threat to the community. This legislation protects those goals.”
“When we passed the original SAFE-T Act, we did so with the understanding that more work would need to be done to implement these historic reforms. This legislation keeps that promise,” said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). “This legislation clarifies and strengthens the law, reflecting the input and agreement of law enforcement, survivor advocates, and reformers. The work of building a fairer justice system continues, and I am grateful for the partnership of my colleagues in the House Public Safety Working Group, our Senate colleagues, and Governor Pritzker.”
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Caption contest!
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Capitol News Illinois…
The Satanic Temple of Illinois debuted a new display in the Illinois Capitol rotunda Tuesday, taking its place next to the annual Christmas and Hanukkah displays. […]
On Tuesday “Minister Adam” of the Satanic Temple of Illinois, who declined to share his last name for security purposes, was joined by about 15 Temple members to dedicate this year’s display. It consists of a crocheted snake sitting on a book and a pile of apples crocheted by Temple members.
“Every year, we do a holiday display and a show of unity and religious pluralism within the state Capitol rotunda,” Adam said. “And this year, we wanted to focus on the book bans that people have been trying to do all over the country.”
A pal of mine took a pic earlier today…
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Lunchtime briefing
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Capitol News Illinois…
The final margin of victory for Gov. JB Pritzker over Republican challenger state Sen. Darren Bailey was a resounding one, about 12.54 percentage points. Pritzker notched more than 2.25 million votes to Bailey’s 1.74 million.
The lead vote-getter for Democrats was Comptroller Susana Mendoza in her third successful statewide election. Her 2.33 million votes to nearly 1.68 million votes for Republican candidate Shannon Teresi represented a win of just over 16 percentage points, down from her near 23-point victory total in 2018.
She assumes the mantle of most successful statewide Democrat that has for over two decades been claimed by Secretary of State Jesse White. The 88-year-old who has held that office since 1998 didn’t run again this year, paving the way for Democrat Alexi Giannoulias to win a contentious Democratic primary.
Giannoulias, the former state treasurer, received about 2.2 million votes to just under 1.8 million for state Rep. Dan Brady, of Bloomington, the Republican nominee. Last week, Giannoulias and Brady announced that the vanquished Republican would join the winner’s transition team. The margin of victory was about 10.69 percentage points.
From Comptroller Mendoza…
After the Illinois State Board of Elections certified its election results on Monday, December 5, the final stamp on Illinois’ 2022 General Election Results shows that Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza received more votes than any other candidate on the ballot throughout the state.
“The State Board of Elections’ newly certified vote totals confirm what we had set out to do and hoped for from the beginning of the campaign. Illinois voters have given me the highest vote total for any statewide candidate on the ticket in Illinois: 2,331,714,” Mendoza stated, “I am honored and humbled that you have once again placed your trust in me.”
SJ-R…
Democrats maintained their super-majority in the Illinois Senate and built on its existing advantage in the Illinois House but had several close calls. The results from ISBE showed Democrats won 78 of the 118 seats in the House and 40 of the 59 seats in the Senate.
In the local Illinois Senate District 48 race featuring state Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, and state Rep. Sandy Hamilton, R-Springfield, the final 50.9% to 49.1% tally favored the Democrat.
Turner distanced herself from Hamilton primarily in Sangamon County by 1,375 votes but also won in Macon County by 945 votes. Hamilton won Christian County by 913 votes although the county only had 2,667 votes of the nearly 77,000 cast in the race.
State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, overcame Republican challenger Patrick Sheehan in the Illinois Senate District 19 race by less than 1,000 votes. The race caught the attention of many as Pritzker called on Hastings to resign from the Senate in September due to allegations of domestic violence from his estranged wife.
* Apparently, Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) had some issues in Shelby County this year, even though he was unopposed…
Another one found its way to Reddit.
* WLS Radio’s John Howell…
Retired Chief from Riverside Illinois, Tom Weitzel, is our go-to guy for things law enforcement. We’d like to get his take. He’s had, as they say, boots in the sand. He’s had a lot of years of dealing with law enforcement. He regularly lets people in Springfield know what they should be doing and maybe what they shouldn’t be doing. Chief, welcome back, sir, and happy holidays to you.
Weitzel was then asked about the SAFE-T Act revisions…
Well, there’s some good points in there. And there’s some really bad points that are still left in. And I’m fed up by saying that, you know, it’s a 308-page trailer bill that was adopted on the very last date. I don’t think anybody really read through that in the time that they had. It’s almost you remember when the law was passed to begin with? It was over 700 pages at 5am. It seems to be a pattern here. I don’t know how you can thoroughly go through that. At least the law enforcement people that were supposedly involved in these negotiations to really see what’s in there,
Has this person ever been involved in legislative negotiations? Law enforcement representatives were at the table for weeks.
* Back to Weitzel…
But there are some good things to it. They did add a good amount of felony crimes that at least have to have a bail hearing. I found it kind of interesting, though, that they added aggravated battery to a public official as one of the new pieces of legislation that you have to be at least clear in front of the judge and get a bond set or be released. But they didn’t add aggravated battery to police officer. So you can continue to seriously injure police officers and they didn’t add that to that list.
They didn’t add it to the list because it was already in the original bill…
Upon verified petition by the State, the court shall hold a hearing and may deny a defendant pretrial release only if: […]
(7) the person has a high likelihood of willful flight to avoid prosecution and is charged with:
(A) Any felony described in Sections (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this Section; or
(B) A felony offense other than a Class 4 offense.
That charge qualifies. They also revised the willful flight language to make it more acceptable to law enforcement.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Tribune | Supreme Court readies to weigh in on ‘most important case’ on democracy: The court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a case from North Carolina, where Republican efforts to draw congressional districts heavily in their favor were blocked by a Democratic majority on the state Supreme Court because the GOP map violated the state constitution.
* Washington Post | As fatal police shootings increase, more go unreported: Even though federal records indicate that fatal shootings by police have been declining nationwide since 2015, The Washington Post’s Fatal Force database shows the opposite is true: Officers have shot and killed more people every year, reaching a record high in 2021 with 1,047 deaths. The FBI database contains only about one third of the 7,000 fatal police shootings during this time — down from half when The Post first started tracking.
* CBS Chicago | PepsiCo to cut hundreds of jobs, affecting workers in Illinois, New York and Texas: PepsiCo is reportedly planning to eliminate hundreds of corporate jobs in North America, mostly affecting its beverage unit. The company’s Gatorade, Quaker and Tropicana brands are headquartered in Chicago. According to the Wall Street Journal, along with Illinois, the cuts will affect workers in Texas and New York. Employees were sent a memo saying the company is streamlining to run more efficiently.
* Fox32 | Pritzker joins Gold Star families for Christmas tree lighting in Chicago: Gold Star families in attendance of today’s lighting were able to place a memorial ornament honoring their fallen loved one on the tree. Governor Pritzker is also encouraging families to think of those serving overseas during this holiday season.
* CBS Chicago | Volunteers for rival candidate say Ald. James Gardiner ‘accosted’ them and got in their face on sidewalk: As shown on Ring doorbell camera, three Tomic volunteers were just walking down a Northwest Side street on Saturday, Nov. 26 – collecting a petition signature from a woman on the sidewalk. It was all routine, until a blue truck pulled up out of nowhere. “The gentleman came out of the car and crossing the street, yelling, ‘What are you doing signing their petitions?’ Like, you know, ‘They’re lying about me?’” said Tomic volunteer Andrij Skyba.
* CBS Chicago | James Suh, who says Ald. James Gardiner tried to silence him, plans to run for alderman himself: The feud started more than a year ago. The claims against the alderman that resulted got him in trouble with the city’s Board of Ethics – and the matter is now in court. While that case between Suh and Gardiner is still pending, Suh is planning to file his petition to run for Gardiner’s seat next week.
* Tribune | ‘Chuy’ García gets $1 million from labor union as race for Chicago mayor enters ballot-challenge phase: Powerful labor union IUOE Local 150 is giving U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s campaign a $1 million donation in his bid to unseat Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 announced its support for García late last month, giving his candidacy a boost after some of his key backers in his 2015 race against Mayor Rahm Emanuel declared their support for Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.
* Center Square | Two Illinois state lawmakers set to retire after winning new terms: State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, announced Monday he will retire from the position at the end of the term on Jan. 10. He just won an uncontested race in his district. Barickman said in a statement he looks forward to spending time with family and not being taken away by phone calls…Last month, state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, announced he’ll be stepping down to become the president of the Illinois Railroad Association. He said the opportunity arose only a few weeks before he made the decision.
* Tribune | Gary LaPaille, former state Democratic chair, state senator and Madigan chief of staff, dies at 68: During his tenure as state party chairman, LaPaille played a major role in diversifying party leadership. Also a vice chair in the Democratic National Committee, LaPaille was influential in bringing the 1996 Democratic National Convention to Chicago for the renomination of President Bill Clinton. Four years later, Al Gore, who had become the Democratic presidential nominee, asked LaPaille to serve as DNC national chairman, but he turned down the offer to launch his career as a lobbyist.
* SJ-R | UIS Innovation Center officially has a new home in downtown Springfield, plans 2025 opening: The center will take over the three-story, 24,600-square-foot Illinois Sheriffs’ Association building at 401 E. Washington St. University of Illinois trustees approved $950,000 for the building purchase earlier this summer…Scheduled to open in 2025, the UIS Innovation Center will serve central Illinois as part of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) to drive innovation, economic growth, and workforce development across the state.
* Tribune | Chicago casino won’t be a ‘glitzy Las Vegas strip joint’ but a ‘series of experiences,’ developers say: As outlined Monday, the design now includes more greenspace and an additional road connections into the riverfront district to address traffic concerns. That followed an earlier decision to nix a proposed pedestrian bridge over the river following community pushback.
* Buffalo Grove | Father grew volatile, erratic leading up to Buffalo Grove family’s deaths: ‘So many red flags’: The five people found dead in a Buffalo Grove home Wednesday were likely killed in a murder-suicide carried out by Andrei Kisliak, police said Monday, as court records showed Kisliak growing more volatile and erratic in the weeks leading up to his family’s deaths.
* AP | Farmers of color sue government for promised federal aid: The federal government has illegally broken a promise to pay off the debts of a group of Black farmers, according to a class-action lawsuit. The group hopes to put pressure on officials to keep their word and to restore funding that was dropped after a group of white farmers filed legal challenges arguing their exclusion was a violation of their constitutional rights. The lawsuit filed in October remains active even as the U.S. Department of Agriculture moves forward with another effort to help farmers in financial distress in addition to paying farmers who the agency discriminated against.
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* Some background is here if you need it. I gave subscribers a brief heads up about this today…
Protect Illinois Communities launched today in support of efforts to pass much needed gun reform in Illinois that will make our communities safer. The newly formed organization will provide resources to engage voters across the state as well as members of the state legislature as they consider the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which was introduced last week by Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield).
The Protect Illinois Communities Act includes common sense measures to keep guns out of the wrong hands, starting with an assault weapons ban. Additionally, the bill would raise the minimum age to obtain a FOID card to 21, and increase resources to enforce red-flag laws and stop the influx of illegal weapons into Illinois. Illinoisans are too familiar with the devastating toll of gun violence, and voters across zip codes and political affiliations know that now is the time to take action.
“Complacency and inaction leave the door open for bad actors to obtain weapons with only one purpose: to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible. Communities across our state can’t afford to wait any longer to act on gun reform,” said Becky Carroll, Chair and President of Protect Illinois Communities. “Protect Illinois Communities is proud to join the efforts of lawmakers around our state as they work on passing this lifesaving legislation, and we will provide significant resources to communicate with communities across Illinois to ensure a successful outcome in January.”
Statistics and data overwhelmingly support a need for passing the Protect Illinois Communities Act immediately. Mass shootings using assault weapons result in nearly 22 times as many people wounded per incident on average. These excessively lethal weapons are capable of firing 30 rounds in 10 seconds and can hit bystanders one-quarter mile away. 18 to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 years or older, and current gun laws make it too easy for disturbed young people to access guns. The strength of our gun laws are undermined by weak laws in neighboring states, and we must empower the Illinois State Police to combat the influx of illegal guns into Illinois. Restricting who can access deadly weapons is crucial to protecting our communities.
Protect Illinois Communities is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation operating as a 501(c)(4) organization. To learn more or receive updates from the organization please visit www.protectillinoiscommunities.com.
The phrase “significant resources” jumps out.
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* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Campaign Staffer - Illinois Senate Republicans is a tie. Brent Ellis…
The Beast of the Metro East, Brent Ellis. As someone who has observed and worked in IL politics for quite some time, his experience there has paid off. He got Erica Conway Harriss elected in a district that hasn’t elected a Republican in decades. As the ONLY SRO operative with a flip this cycle, Brent Ellis has more than earned the Golden Horseshoe award.
Brent has now won this award two cycles in a row.
* And Matt Butcher…
Matt Butcher - a great operative who was outspent by a large margin and still came very close. Always runs a great operation and is always willing to help everyone out. Matt also does a fantastic job of mentoring younger people who want to get involved and is always willing to show them how to do things. He is a team player and the senate is lucky to have him.
* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Campaign Staffer - Illinois House Republicans goes to Mark Revis…
He ran and won a county board seat in Will County while managing several races for HRM. Was in the fight himself and did a solid job for the organization.
Zach Emberton wins runner-up based on this outstanding nomination…
(W)hat can I say…anyone who can sit in the clerk’s basement for three weeks with Rep. Mazzochi and watch ballots being opened…well…he deserves something more than a Golden Horseshoe.
Zach is a mechanic turned attorney. He knows what makes DuPage tick and he is one of the last guys who can run a race…nothing is below him. Putting up signs, taking midnight candidate calls, or rallying volunteers to phones…Zach is Golden.
Congrats!
* OK, let’s move on to today’s categories…
Spokespersons can be for federal, state and local offices/campaigns, but keep the nominations Illinois-centric, of course. Please do your best to nominate in both categories and make sure to explain your nominations or your votes won’t count.
* And after you’ve voted, please consider clicking here and donating to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to help them purchase presents for foster children. Here are some of those very kids making Christmas crafts…
We are just a few hundred dollars below matching last year’s online record, without factoring in inflation (I factored that amount into our newly stated goal). So, please, click here and give if you can. Thanks!
…Adding… That was quick. Thanks!…
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* Cook County Record…
A pair of longtime government reform advocates are pushing back against an attempt by Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to force them to pay the state $1.5 million, alleging they are being punished for opposing Pritzker’s bid to end decades of federal court oversight of corrupt state government hiring practices.
On Dec. 1, attorneys Michael Shakman and Paul Lurie filed a motion in Chicago federal court, opposing Pritzker’s efforts to force them to repay fees the court awarded them from the state as Pritzker argued in court that continued federal oversight of state hiring practices was no longer warranted.
“Granting the Governor’s request … would unjustly punish two civil rights champions who achieved massive reforms,” Shakman and Lurie wrote.
“It would set a dangerous precedent chilling civil rights plaintiffs from seeking appointment of masters to bring governmental bodies into compliance with the requirements of the Constitution.” […]
They noted Pritzker’s fee demand is essentially an ambush, as neither Pritzker nor Raoul gave any indication in the past two years of their intention to demand such a fee award from their opponents.
Shakman and Lurie said they reasonably opposed Pritzker’s attempt to vacate the decree, as they only backed the position of the special master, using information from her reports.
Shakman lost his appeal in August.
* From the state’s filing…
(U)nder black letter law and binding Seventh Circuit precedent, Plaintiffs no longer are prevailing parties with respect to the competing termination and expansion motions, and must shoulder their own fees for opposing the State’s termination motion and requesting expansion of the special master’s duties.
Similarly, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 53 requires the court to allocate payment for a special master’s services based on the “extent to which any party is more responsible than other parties for the reference to a master,” and allows reassessment of the allocation of special master payments between the parties “to reflect a decision on the merits.” The costs of the special master’s expanded duties and monitoring after Rule 60(b) was satisfied should be borne by Plaintiffs who sought the now-reversed order expanding her responsibilities over the State’s objection. In the wake of the Seventh Circuit’s repudiation of Plaintiffs’ arguments, there is no reason in law or equity that the State as opposed to the Plaintiffs should bear the cost of Plaintiffs advancing them and continuing special master monitoring and litigation past when it should have ended.
Thoughts?
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The two sides of Rep. Tarver
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Block Club Chicago…
Activist Will Calloway spent months securing state funding for a violence prevention program in South Shore — but now it’s taking so long to access the money, he’s worried it will come too late for the group to effectively do anything with it.
The Passports for Peace violence prevention program, announced in May, will offer out-of-town trips, job training, mentorship and social media monitoring to people at risk of being victimized by or perpetrating gun violence.
Usually, area legislators are quoted in stories like this one criticizing the state agency or governor and siding with their local groups. Or you’ll see reporters gloss over eye-popping things like in this unrelated story by the BGA’s Illinois Answers Project…
The future of a program aimed at helping formerly incarcerated Chicago residents hangs in the balance after the company that was supposed to pay for it, cryptocurrency giant FTX, has imploded amid accusations of fraud before paying most of its promised $1 million grant. […]
The nonprofit, also known as EAT, got the first installment of the grant — just over $393,000 — to support administrative costs. But, without the second payment — more than $600,000 — the program can’t be launched, according to Richard Wallace, EAT’s co-founder and executive director.
A 40 percent administrative overhead? Whoa. Are you kidding me?
* Anyway, let’s get back to the Block Club Chicago story and our original point…
Rep. Curtis Tarver, who represents the area, shares Calloway’s frustration with the process, as “funds aren’t hitting our communities as quickly as we want them to,” he said.
At the same time, a thorough vetting process is needed when spending state funds, Tarver said. […]
“There is a process” to vetting grant funding, Tarver wrote to Calloway in an email obtained by Block Club. “It seems to be being followed, and I do not want any suggestion otherwise by my email being included.” […]
Tarver’s support of the violence prevention program doesn’t mean the state has to “speed up the process, or do anything outside of what the normal process is,” he said. “I want to let the process play itself out.”
That’s really a model for how legislators should react. The state obviously needs to reexamine its contracting laws, but, if the agency is following the rules and nothing is untoward, then legislators shouldn’t pile on to score cheap news media points.
* On to Part 2. Rep. Tarver also wrote an op-ed this week in the Hyde Park Herald about why he didn’t vote on the SAFE-T Act trailer bill after having voted for the original bill in 2021…
On December 1, 2022 only after ensuring that there were enough votes in the Illinois House of Representatives to pass the latest purported “trailer bill” to the SAFE-T Act, I decided not to vote in favor or against the bill.
OK, right off the bat there’s a contradiction. He’s basically saying he would’ve voted for the bill if it was short. Not to mention that it was other people who were out there making sure the bill had enough votes. Rep. Tarver wasn’t even in the building last Thursday during the roll call.
And then he threw his colleagues under the bus…
To have voted in favor of the bill would have been to support those individuals who profess to care about the rights and needs of Black and Brown Illinoisans but at the first site of political pressure are willing to fold. The rights and needs of Black and Brown Illinoisans cannot only be important when wooing us for votes but then discarding us a few weeks later.
Ouch.
…Adding… From Rep. Tarver…
I did not throw my colleagues under the bus. My statement was more general than about this specific vote. It certainly was not to suggest that every colleague that voted in favor of the bill feigns concern about Black and Brown communities. Some people are genuine - others are not. That transcends the Illinois House of Representatives.
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Morning briefing
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Some interesting data…
* Here’s the roundup…
* Capitol News Illinois | State elections board certifies 2022 results: The Illinois State Board of Elections certified its election results Monday, putting the final stamp on another Democratic sweep of statewide offices. The board reported that 4,142,642 out of 8,115,751 registered voters cast ballots in the election, a turnout of roughly 51 percent. That’s down from a turnout of more than 57 percent in 2018, but up from a 49 percent turnout in 2014, according to ISBE.
* Center Square | Hearing on challenge to ending cash bail in Illinois delayed after amendments: Sources tell The Center Square the lawsuit dozens of state’s attorneys and sheriffs from both political parties have filed against the measure’s implementation continues. It’s now expected to be heard Dec. 20 in Kankakee County, instead of Wednesday as was previously scheduled. Amended briefs are due at the end of the week. A ruling is expected Dec. 28, just three days before no cash bail goes into effect.
* WGN | Rep. Bob Morgan addresses the assault weapon problem: Illinois State Rep. (58th) Bob Morgan joins Lisa Dent to comment on the new bill that aims to address ease of access to assault weapons, the urgency to ban them and raise the buying age of all weapons to 21.
* CBS Chicago | Illinois Supreme Court swears in new justice: Elizabeth Rochford was sworn in Monday morning to represent the second district. Rochford will serve the court for 10 years, representing DeKalb, Kendall, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
* WILL100 | Rep.-Elect Nabeela Syed talks identity, generational change, and more: In the 2022 midterms, not only did 18-to-29-year-olds turn out at a rate only outpaced by 2018’s midterms, many members of Gen Z also won seats in political offices across the country. 23-year-old Nabeela Syed is among them. She joined The 21st to discuss the intersection of politics and her identities as a member of Gen Z and an Indian-American, plus what it was like to win her seat and flip her district in the Illinois House of Representatives.
* Axios | Worst flu outbreak in more than a decade spikes hospitalizations: The worst flu outbreak in more than a decade has left nearly every state with high or very high levels of flu activity, underscoring how pandemic precautions may have left us more vulnerable to seasonal respiratory diseases.
* Tribune | 5 candidates for Chicago mayor — but not Lightfoot — face challenges that could knock them off the February ballot: Sawyer released a statement in response, saying in part: “Willie Wilson talks about being denied access to voting in his life, but now that he’s a wealthy man, he’s doing the exact same thing — denying people their choice of candidate by means of his wealth. That’s the height of hypocrisy.” Sawyer called it a “real insult” to the thousands who signed his petitions and to his volunteers.
* Sun-Times | Petition challenges could narrow field of Black candidates for Chicago mayor: Millionaire businessman Willie Wilson is trying to knock retiring Ald. Roderick Sawyer off the ballot. Community activist Ja’Mal Green is challenging Wilson. And former state Sen. Rickey Hendon, a top Wilson adviser, is challenging Green.
* WTTW | CTA Overtime Spikes as Agency Hit By Departures; Dozens of Bus and Train Operators Paid for Average Weeks of 80 Hours or More: A WTTW News analysis of CTA bus and train operator work records from 2015 to 2021 shows a growing number of employees paid for long average workweeks, which experts say raises questions about worker and passenger safety and the agency’s bottom line
* Crain’s | Warning of a looming ‘fiscal cliff,’ the RTA seeks more tax aid: A draft of the five-year regional strategic plan includes all sorts of things, from a call to its operating agencies—Metra, CTA and Pace—to work together to boost rider security, proposals to improve communication with passengers and to begin a pilot program of free or expanded reduced fares for low-income commuters. The RTA distributes tax subsidies to those operating agencies.
* Daily Southtown | Amtrak resumes full service on line that includes Homewood stop: Amtrak said Monday it has restored all services at its Homewood station, including on-site ticketing and the resumption of two daily round-trip trains on the Illini and Saluki line.
* Block Club Chicago | Howard Brown Health Workers, Protesters Blast Planned Layoffs: ‘I’m Fighting For My Job Because I Love This Work’: The health care center’s leaders say they must cut jobs to help reduce costs, but union members say they want proof layoffs are financially necessary.
* Daily Herald | Conroy sworn in, securing her place in DuPage County history and presiding over diverse board: Deb Conroy was sworn in as county board chair, a feat accomplished by no other woman before her. Conroy acknowledged the milestone in her inauguration speech but pledged to make history on multiple fronts, not just because she happens “to be the first woman elected to lead the county board.”
* WGLT | Inspector General slams Pontiac prison workplace culture: A scathing report from the State Executive Inspector General show a climate of hazing and sexual discrimination created a hostile work environment at the state prison in Pontiac, including stating there is reason for disciplinary action against 10 employees for discriminating against a guard who was perceived to be gay.
* Tribune | Sexual harassment allegations led to leadership shake-up at Pontiac prison, inspector general report shows: After the employee, who no longer works for the department, reported the incident to Corrections Department officials, he continued to be harassed based on his “perceived sexual orientation,” and higher-ups at the prison, including the warden, two assistant wardens and the department’s Office of Affirmative Action, failed to responded adequately, according to the inspector general’s report.
* WMBD | Bloomington Sen. Barickman announces retirement: Barickman won reelection in the Nov. 8 general election. Now, the next person to fill the seat will be appointed by the McLean County GOP.
* WGLT | ‘Timing is right’: Barickman leaving Illinois Senate in January: “Your kids develop so quickly. One year is quite different than another. I have really struggled with this for the better part of a couple of years, thinking when the timing is right,” said Barickman. He said his other work obligations have increased. He is a practicing attorney and a partner in a real estate development and management firm.
* ABC7 | ‘My time had come’: IL Secretary of State Jesse White hopes to help young people during retirement: “I felt as though my time had come. So, I’m going to devote the rest of my life to helping young people,” White said. The name on his door is going to change very soon, but White plans to meet with incoming Secretary Alexi Giannoulias next week to help with his transition into the office.
* Tribune | Uber to pay millions to Chicago restaurants in settlement agreement with city: Uber must pay millions in cash and provide free services to Chicago restaurants as part of a $10 million settlement with the city resolving claims the ride-share company listed restaurants on its UberEats and Postmates platforms without their consent and charged excess commission fees.
* Sun-Times | The Field’s Sue lends a hand to paleontologists studying why T. Rex arms are so short: Sue’s right arm was removed Monday so it can be CT scanned at the University of Chicago and used to create computer models that will give scientists a better understanding of Sue’s muscles and joints.
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Open thread
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A little off-topic, but fun…
What’s up by you?
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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* I’ve put off getting one of these, so this is good news for me…
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional two years, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. With this extension, current standard Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports for domestic air travel until May 7, 2025.
Illinoisans interested in applying for a REAL ID are encouraged to visit REALID.ilsos.gov and use the interactive document checklist. This checklist is designed to help ensure REAL ID applicants gather all the documents required by the federal government to obtain a REAL ID before visiting a Driver Services facility. First-time REAL ID applicants are required by DHS to visit a Driver Services facility in person.
Not everyone needs a REAL ID, and in Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office gives Illinoisans a choice. Illinoisans who do not fly domestically do not necessarily need a REAL ID. Additionally, a valid U.S. passport is a compliant REAL ID document; therefore, those with valid U.S. passports do not necessarily need a REAL ID.
As of Dec. 1, 2022, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has issued more than 3 million REAL IDs.
Do you have one yet?
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Lunchtime briefing
Monday, Dec 5, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Daily Herald | Who decides on making Route 53 extension land a state park? Enter Pritzker, and road bumps: After decades of agitation, a task force is poised to vote on whether to convert $54.3 million of Lake County land purchased for a highway into a greenway and possible state park. It took 48 years for the Illinois Department of Transportation to amass 1,100 acres for a Route 53 extension from Cook County into Lake County intended to relieve traffic. But in 2019, with Lake residents divided on building the $2.7 billion road, its last sponsor, the Illinois tollway, marooned the project shortly after Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.
* Daily Herald | Muslim Civic Coalition marks historic firsts: The celebration recognized the election of 23-year-old Palatine native Nabeela Syed, the first Indian American woman and, along with state Rep.-elect Abdelnasser Rashid of Justice, one of the first Muslims, to the General Assembly. Syed will represent the 51st state House District. Rashid is the first Palestinian American to be elected to the state legislature, representing the 21st House District.
* Sun-Times | Candidates for Chicago’s new police district councils split between staunch defenders of police and those who favor defunding: There are many factors driving the 122 candidates’ desire to become part of the grand experiment of civilian oversight at the grassroots level. Two major camps have emerged: Police supporters determined to take the shackles off officers and those who believe CPD has victimized communities of color and don’t trust police.
* Belleville News Democrat | COVID-19 cases spike in St. Clair County, across Illinois. Here’s the latest data: More than 60 Illinois counties are at elevated COVID-19 community levels, according to the latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal agency rated 51 counties at a medium level and 12 counties at a high level. Medium level counties include St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, Washington, Marion and others. Randolph County is at a high COVID-19 community level, along with Pike, Williamson, Johnson and others.
* WBEZ | Thanks to the ‘tripledemic,’ it can be hard to find kids’ fever-reducing medicines: If you stroll the cold and flu medicine aisle these days, you might notice shelves that are bare, or nearly so. Some medicines that can be particularly hard to find are fever reducers for kids, like children’s Tylenol, Motrin or Advil. Drug manufacturers point to a big spike in demand. That’s not surprising, given the surge in three respiratory viruses right now: COVID, RSV and influenza, what has been termed a “tripledemic.”
* Law Street Media | CVS Sued Over ‘Fraudulent’ Donations to American Diabetes Association: A consumer filed a class-action complaint in the Eastern District of New York against CVS Health Corporation for a purportedly deceptive charity campaign it held last year, which the plaintiff asserts was more like a reimbursement to CVS than a charitable donation. According to the complaint, prior to the completion of a customer’s transaction, the checkout screen would prompt the customer with several boxes of pre-selected amounts (and an opt out option) to donate to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The plaintiff alleges that CVS did not merely collect the customer’s donations and forward them to the ADA, but instead, counted the donations toward a legally binding obligation of $10 million that CVS had made to the ADA.
* Daily Herald | Lawmakers hope to rename Fermilab research center after noted physicist: Federal lawmakers from Illinois have introduced legislation to rename Fermilab’s Integrated Engineering Research Center after the late Helen Edwards, a particle physicist who worked at the Batavia facility for 40 years.
* Sun-Times | All aboard the Christmas tree ship: A special Christmas delivery aboard an icebreaker ship arrived Thursday at Navy Pier not from the North Pole but from northern Michigan. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw, also known as the “Christmas Ship,” docked with 1,200 trees onboard from Cheboygan, Michigan.
* Crain’s | The wild ride for weed companies isn’t over: Marijuana companies have experienced far more harsh than mellow this year. Weed stocks dropped twice as fast as the overall market. Sales growth has slowed as customers feel the pinch of inflation. New markets in Illinois, New Jersey and New York are opening more slowly than expected. The cost of borrowing is up 50% because of rising interest rates.
* Pantagraph | How can Peoria’s airport be called ‘international’?: As Gene Olson, the Peoria airport director, explained it to the Peoria Journal-Star: It an extension of an international port of entry that has existed in Peoria since 1856. Peoria’s long history as a distilling hub (Hiram Walker, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc.) necessitated the establishment of such back then. And Peoria has clung to its distinction ever since. Downing, by the way, was a four-star Army general who died in 2007 at age 67.
* WGIL | Hunters encouraged to donate harvested deer to Hunters Feeding Illinois: As the price of food skyrockets, Illinois is encouraging hunters to donate their deer to feed the hungry. “Hunters have big hearts,” said Pam Smyers, owner of Henry County meat processor Woodhull Lockers.
* Tribune | He was part of the original Jesse White Tumblers. Now 60, he’s a life coach in Roseland, seeking to forge paths for others.: Jelks works as a case manager and recruiter, getting young men off the streets and into CRED Chicago’s violence prevention program. Blackmon’s own career as a guide and an educator has been full of twists and turns. And the influence of one particular teacher in his life can be traced back to some of his earliest years.
* Axios | Walter Burnett takes over as Chicago’s longest-serving alderperson: Burke is the latest veteran alderperson to bow out, creating a brain drain of experience and political knowledge. Burke frequently started meetings by regaling his colleagues with stories of Chicago’s political past. Now, only 9 alders in the next council are expected to remain from the days of Mayor Richard M. Daley, who retired in 2011.
* Tribune | Chicago Red Stars will be put up for sale in the latest fallout from the incendiary Yates report: “For the last 15 years, my family and I have proudly poured our hearts, time, resources and efforts into founding the NWSL and transforming the Chicago Red Stars into one of the top women’s soccer clubs in the world. It is clear now that we needed to provide greater support for our players and we deeply regret that we didn’t do more sooner.“
* Sun-Times | Battle over Ryan Field in Evanston could be a seminar for the Bears: “We’re not opposed to redeveloping Ryan Field. What we’re opposed to is just completely upending the zoning code that has protected our community for years,” he said. DeCarlo said the university is proposing “a tax-exempt booze-and-entertainment center” that will upset the quality of life in north Evanston and south Wilmette. This part of the North Shore welcomes the football scene because the interruptions are infrequent and mostly fun. Local lore has it that the main exception is when Buckeye Nation descends and threatens the social order.
* Belleville News Democrat | Judge rejects four requests to dismiss citizens’ lawsuit over Cahokia Heights flooding issues: A federal judge has denied four motions to dismiss a 2021 lawsuit brought by residents in Cahokia Heights that alleges the local government mismanaged the sewer utility, failing to ensure basic sewage and stormwater services causing repeated flooding.
* Daily Herald | Justices spar in latest clash of religion and gay rights: The Supreme Court ’s conservative majority sounded sympathetic Monday to a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, a dispute that’s the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court. The designer and her supporters say that ruling against her would force artists — from painters and photographers to writers and musicians — to do work that is against their faith. Her opponents, meanwhile, say that if she wins, a range of businesses will be able to discriminate, refusing to serve Black customers, Jewish or Muslim people, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants, among others.
* As of 12:30 today, our LSSI fundraiser had reached $19,743. While needs vary for each child, $25 is the average cost of a Christmas gift. A big thank you to all who have donated. Let’s keep this going!
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* The official canvass book is here. Press release…
The Illinois State Board of Elections on Monday certified the results of the Nov. 8 General Election, in which more than 4.1 million voters cast ballots for a turnout statewide of 51.06 percent.
The certification also confirmed passage of an amendment to the Illinois Constitution guaranteeing workers the right to collective bargaining. The amendment passed with 53.42 percent “yes” votes among all ballots cast.
Based on pre-election ballot reports, the State Board of Elections estimates that more than 39 percent of the ballots cast in the 2022 General Election were cast before Election Day, with about 18 percent cast by mail and 21 percent cast early in person. By contrast, the 2018 midterms had roughly 34 percent of ballots cast before Election Day, with 9 percent of the total vote cast by mail and 25 percent cast early in person. (See chart below for details.)
The 51.06 percent statewide turnout — 4,144,125 ballots cast by 8,115,751 total registered voters – was the fourth lowest midterm turnout of the last 40 years. (See chart below for details.)
Official vote totals for the 2022 General Election can be found on the Board of Elections website’s Election Results page. The official Vote Totals Book is available as a downloadable pdf file in the Vote Totals section of the website’s publications page.
The State Board of Elections is an independent state agency charged with the responsibility of having general supervision over the administration of election laws of the State of Illinois. Elections are administered locally by the State’s 108 election authorities.
* Midterm election turnout, 1982-2022…
* Vote-by-mail and early voting totals, 2004-2022…
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* Office of Executive Inspector General…
On June 13 and 21, 2019, the Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) received complaints alleging that after [IDOC Employee 1] ticketed an inmate for sexual misconduct, Lt. Adrian Corley required [IDOC Employee 1] and another employee to draw a picture of the incident on a fictitious IDOC form, which was then distributed and shown to other IDOC employees.1 The complaints alleged that following this incident, Pontiac Correctional Center staff harassed [IDOC Employee 1] and treated him differently based on his sexual orientation.
The evidence gathered in this investigation revealed that Lt. Corley created a fictitious IDOC form that was used to conduct pranks and haze newer employees at IDOC. In this instance, Lt. Corley’s intended target was his subordinate, [IDOC Employee 1], who had been working at IDOC for [Identifying Information Redacted]. On October 26, 2018, [IDOC Employee 1] encountered an inmate who put his genitals through the cell bars and was masturbating towards [IDOC Employee 1]. After [IDOC Employee 1] wrote the inmate a sexual misconduct ticket, Lt. Corley directed [IDOC Employee 1] to draw a picture of the incident and sign his name to the fictitious IDOC form. Unbeknownst to [IDOC Employee 1], this fictitious IDOC form was not part of IDOC protocol but instead was done for Lt. Corley’s and others’ amusement. The fictitious form was shared with an extensive number of other IDOC employees, including other Lieutenants, Majors, Assistant Wardens and the Warden, without anyone taking any timely action to stop the dissemination or correct the wrongdoing. In the months following the widespread dissemination of the form at Pontiac, [IDOC Employee 1] experienced numerous incidents of harassment, including anti-gay slurs, prank calls at work, graffiti with sexual connotations about him, and one incident in which a coworker pressed his body against [IDOC Employee 1]’s.
[IDOC Employee 1] repeatedly reported the harassment he experienced, to high-level managers at Pontiac, as well as to IDOC administrators. Although [IDOC Employee 1]’s written submissions detailing the prank and subsequent harassment were referred to IDOC’s Office of Affirmative Action, and specifically stated that [IDOC Employee 1] believed he was being harassed based on his perceived sexual orientation, Affirmative Action elected not to open an investigation, on the basis that no covered class had been established. While [IDOC Employee 1]’s complaints were pending with Affirmative Action, he was reassigned to duty in the towers, and the harassment continued. On multiple occasions he requested a hardship transfer to another IDOC facility, but those requests were denied, and he ultimately left IDOC employment.
Based on this investigation, the OEIG found that Lt. Corley and other Pontiac managers engaged in conduct unbecoming of IDOC supervisors; [IDOC Employee 1] was subjected to a hostile work environment at Pontiac, for which IDOC is responsible; a Pontiac Correctional Officer sexually harassed [IDOC Employee 1], the Warden mismanaged Pontiac Correctional Center, and the Affirmative Action Administrator committed misfeasance by failing to investigate [IDOC Employee 1]’s harassment complaints.
* The higher-ups helped create this culture…
Regarding the culture at Pontiac, Maj. Wheat agreed that some hazing is done to test [Identifying Information Redacted] and see what they are made of and build camaraderie, and added that the “teasing never ends.” […]
Maj. Cooper said that hazing has been going on at Pontiac for years, but that the incident with the Fictitious Form went “above and beyond” the “everyday” hazing because Lt. Corley took the time to create a form. He said that it was inappropriate for Lt. Corley to direct [IDOC Employee 1] to complete the Fictitious Form. When asked if, as a higher-ranked officer than Lt. Corley, he had a duty to report the inappropriate conduct, Maj. Cooper said, “I’d probably say we all have a duty to do that.” However, Maj. Cooper said he never had any discussions with Lt. Corley about the impropriety of his actions, other than that the group in the Shift Commander’s office on October 26, 2018 might have told Lt. Corley that he was stupid. Maj. Cooper said he did not recall Warden Kennedy attempting to stop the spread of the Fictitious Form. […]
Asst. Warden Ruskin said she did not know who [IDOC Employee 1] was at that time, and that when she saw the Fictitious Form she laughed and thought it was funny that [Identifying Information Redacted] would fall for a prank like that.
Asst. Warden Ruskin said that news of the prank “went like wildfire,” and that it was “probably considered the most epic prank in Pontiac history.” […]
Asst. Warden French said that he thought the Fictitious Form was just a prank, but that in hindsight he should have talked to Lt. Corley or imposed discipline. […]
In her interview, Warden Kennedy recalled seeing the Fictitious Form for the first time in a text message when she was at a sporting event on a Saturday, and believes she may have received the text message from Asst. Warden Ruskin; she said she did not recall any dialogue about the image at that time.56 She acknowledged in her interview that it was not an official IDOC or Pontiac form. However, Warden Kennedy said she did not pay too much attention to it when she received it, and said that it “probably struck [her] as funny” because of the exaggerated male genitalia on the image.
* It wasn’t funny to the employee…
[IDOC Employee 1] told OEIG investigators that after the Fictitious Form was circulated throughout Pontiac, he experienced multiple harassing incidents at work, and that he submitted multiple incident reports and memoranda about them. He also submitted multiple requests to transfer to another facility, based on hardship. […]
[IDOC Employee 1] said that on one occasion, when he was leaving at the end of a shift, he was between the locked Gate 3 doors waiting for them to open, when [IDOC Employee 27] approached him from behind on [IDOC Employee 1]’s left side. He said [IDOC Employee 27] said, “hey [IDOC Employee 1]” in a lower- toned voice, then pressed his torso against the left side of [IDOC Employee 1]’s body, and touched his ([IDOC Employee 27]’s ) genitals against [IDOC Employee 1]’s left hand. [IDOC Employee 1] said [IDOC Employee 27] whispered, “do you want to draw this one?” into his ear. [IDOC Employee 1] said that this contact was unwelcome and unwanted, and that he immediately moved away from [IDOC Employee 27] . He said that another officer was also waiting for the gate to open, and asked [IDOC Employee 27] why he was standing so close to [IDOC Employee 1], and then [IDOC Employee 27] moved away from him.35 [IDOC Employee 1] described another incident, in which he heard someone shout from the East Catwalk, “[IDOC Employee 1]’s a fag,” so that inmates and other employees would have been able to hear; [IDOC Employee 1] said he did not see the person, but recognized the voice as [IDOC Employee 27] ’s. […]
[IDOC Employee 1] said that after he filed complaints against Lt. Corley, he was segregated from other Pontiac staff and inmates by being continuously assigned to Tower 21. He said that while he was working in Tower 21, he received many harassing telephone calls, which he said sounded like were [IDOC Employee 27] ’s voice. OEIG investigators obtained copies of [IDOC Employee 1]’s multiple incident reports dated November 24, 2018. The reports stated that [IDOC Employee 1] had received multiple calls that day in Tower 21, including calls in which the callers asked, “Are you done fingering your b*tthole yet?,” referred to him as a “f*ggot *ss b*tch,” and said, “I’m not f*cking with you.” […]
[IDOC Employee 1] also described several incidents of graffiti at Pontiac, which contained sexual references to him. He said he observed that someone had written on a refrigerator in Tower 20: “[IDOC Employee 10] wants [IDOC Employee 1] to call him and do butt stuff,” and that the name “[IDOC Employee 10]” was crossed out and “[IDOC Employee 21]” was written in. [IDOC Employee 1] said he saw [IDOC Employee 21] standing in front of the refrigerator, and then a short time later he observed that the name “[IDOC Employee 21]” had been crossed out and “[IDOC Employee 10]” was written in again. [IDOC Employee 1] said that he also observed that someone had written on the West Tower wall: “[IDOC Employee 10] wants to eat [IDOC Employee 1]’s tiny little butt hole.”
Investigators obtained copies of [IDOC Employee 1]’s two incident reports, which were dated March 18, 2019, described each incident of graffiti, and indicated that [IDOC Employee 1] observed both incidents on that date. The OEIG also obtained copies of photographs taken of the graffiti. The incident reports and the photographs were consistent with [IDOC Employee 1]’s description of the graffiti incidents in his interview.
* IDOC’s Office of Affirmative Action Administrator Fernando Chavarria was no help at all…
Mr. Chavarria said that as a result of [IDOC Employee 1]’s refusal to name a covered class in the interview, he made the decision to refer the complaint to Internal Affairs. Mr. Chavarria initially said that a complainant had to say the “magic words” in order for Affirmative Action to open an investigation, that is, the complainant had to tell him that he or she is in a specific covered class or is alleging sexual harassment.
Except, the employee’s statement included the phrase “sexual orientation.” And then there was this…
Mr. Chavarria was asked if he reviewed [IDOC Employee 12]’s report of her interview of [IDOC Employee 1], documenting that [IDOC Employee 1] had stated, among other things, that:
• on one occasion, [IDOC Employee 27] got “real close” to [IDOC Employee 1] and asked “Do you want to draw this one?”;
• [IDOC Employee 1] heard someone yell “[IDOC Employee 1] is a f*g” from the East Catwalk, and received calls referring to him as a “f*ggot *ss b*tch”; and that
• he felt like a target because of his perceived sexual orientation, and that he felt harassed and that it was making a hostile work environment.
Mr. Chavarria said that he did not catch the above statements in [IDOC Employee 12]’s interview report and memorandum to him, and added, “bad one on me”; however, he said he still would have needed [IDOC Employee 1] to want Mr. Chavarria to use that information as a covered class.
* From the Inspector General’s analysis…
Prisons are already difficult and dangerous working environments, where staff face challenges posed by inmate misconduct on a daily basis. It is entirely unacceptable that staff at Pontiac Correctional Center also suffer mistreatment at work by their own coworkers and supervisors, due to the unprofessional working environment that flourishes there.
* The warden…
As Warden, Teri Kennedy was responsible for setting a professional tone at Pontiac, and promoting a working environment that ensured that all of her staff could successfully meet the significant challenges of their jobs. Instead, she turned a blind eye to a culture where pranks and sexual jokes were commonplace, and that apparently allowed virtually the entire upper management at the facility to think such behavior by some staff at the expense of others was acceptable.
* Affirmative Action Office…
Even accepting Mr. Chavarria’s erroneous view that an Affirmative Action investigation is not warranted unless a victim explicitly states “magic words” such as “sexual orientation,” the information provided to his office did exactly that. Affirmative Action should have opened and conducted an investigation to determine whether [IDOC Employee 1]’s allegations were substantiated, but Mr. Chavarria failed to do so. Nearly six months elapsed between Warden Kennedy’s initial referral of [IDOC Employee 1]’s complaints to Affirmative Action on November 28, 2018, and [IDOC Employee 11]’s reopening of her investigation after Mr. Chavarria declined to open an Affirmative Action investigation, and during that time [IDOC Employee 1] continued to experience harassment at Pontiac. It is difficult to understand what purpose the Office of Affirmative Action serves if its staff do not recognize allegations received of harassment based on a covered class or are allowed to ignore such allegations unless a victim verbally states the “magic words.”
* Recommendations…
Based on these findings, the OEIG recommends that Lt. Corley, Asst. Wardens French and Ruskin; Majs. Cooper, Prentice, Shelton, and Wheat; [IDOC Employee 27]; and Warden Kennedy be disciplined up to and including discharge, along with any other personnel IDOC determines to have engaged in similar misconduct regarding these incidents. The OEIG further recommends that IDOC remove Mr. Chavarria from his role pertaining to Affirmative Action matters, and train all Office of Affirmative Action staff on their obligations under the Administrative Directives. The OEIG also recommends that IDOC implement written procedures or formal practices governing hardship transfer requests.85 Finally, the OEIG recommends that the current Pontiac administration take any and all necessary steps to promote a professional working environment and culture for all staff who work there, and to ensure that any future similar misconduct is immediately addressed and eradicated.
A house cleaning is most definitely in order here. And, by the way, I only hit the high points. There’s more.
I have asked the governor’s office for a response.
*** UPDATE *** From IDOC…
“This behavior is entirely unacceptable and IDOC took the most severe disciplinary action possible against involved employees, including senior leadership. This included terminating multiple employees. IDOC takes this matter extremely seriously and has brought in new leadership at Pontiac and retrained the affirmative action unit on conducting thorough investigations to build an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees moving forward.”
Background:
Ruskin-terminated 3/16/2021
French-terminated 3/16/2021
Prentice – Pursued termination, Discharge reversed via the grievance process; retired in lieu of return on 10/31/2021
Shelton- Pursued termination, Discharge reversed via the grievance process; served 25 day suspension
Chavaria- served 30 day suspension; resigned 8/31/2021
Kennedy- retired prior to termination 12/31/2020
Wheat – Retired prior to discipline 6/30/2020
Cooper – Pursued termination; Retired 11/30/2021
The affirmative action unit investigates harassment and discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also investigate sexual harassment and evaluate requests for reasonable accommodations. Additional trainings served to reinforce knowledge and skills related to conducting investigations in as thorough a manner as possible.
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Sen. Barickman to step down
Monday, Dec 5, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement announcing his retirement from the Illinois Senate.
“I have chosen to retire from the Illinois Senate, effective at the end of my current term, which expires on January 10, 2023.
“I have now served in the Illinois House and Senate for twelve years. My oldest son was born during the final days of my first legislative session, which quickly taught me about the sacrifices that would burden my family as I chose to serve. Those who know me are well aware of the priority I have continually attempted to place on my family. However, my other obligations have only increased, bringing further sacrifices. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have also had the honor to work as a full-time attorney, an adjunct college professor, and more recently as a partner in a real estate company that has grown much faster than I could have hoped for.
“Kristin and I have been blessed with a growing family, and our children deserve more of my time, attention, and involvement. My children are at special ages when parental involvement is critical, and I owe them my best attempt to make them the priority they deserve to be. However, for too long, Kristin and our kids (Augie, 11; Wally, 9; and Lia, 5) have tolerated a father who has had more obligations than time. I want to now give them more of me and am looking forward to getting more of them. My mom, dad and brother have also supported me at every turn. Now is a chance for me to give them more of my time as well.
“At the same time, the wonderful people of the 53rd Senate District need a representative who can make them the priority they deserve to be. Representing central Illinois, first in the House and then in the Senate, has been an incredible honor and privilege which I have never taken for granted. During my time in office, I have had the opportunity to play a role in historic changes in our state. My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate. Solving problems legislatively, and just as importantly, working to address constituent issues, has given me an opportunity to prove that our government, as frustrating as it can be, can actually still work.
“Throughout my career in public service, Kristin and I have met countless individuals who have become and will remain our closest friends. I am especially grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, and to the incomparable staff on whom we all rely. Kristin and I will be forever blessed by the kindness and friendship shown by far too many people to name here.
“What’s next for me includes more time with my kids - fishing, outdoor activities, traveling, participating in their activities, shuttling them around, and hopefully avoiding many of the phone calls, meetings and conflicts that have too often pulled me away from my family.
“I am announcing my retirement now to give the Republican Party leadership in my district time to fill this vacancy so that a new Senator can be seated at the inauguration of the new 103rd General Assembly in January 2023. I am very excited for this next chapter of my life to begin, and I wish nothing but success for the next Senator to represent the 53rd District. May God bless Illinois.”
…Adding… Press release…
On December 5, State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) announced he will step down from the Illinois Senate at the completion of the 102nd General Assembly on January 10, 2023. Upon learning of Sen. Barickman’s decision to retire, Senate Republican Leader-Elect John Curran issued the following statement:
“I spoke with Senator Barickman and wished him the very best as he leaves the Illinois Senate after 12 years of distinguished service. The Senator has been an instrumental voice and advocate for the 53rd Senate District in Central Illinois.
“Senator Barickman has been a fierce advocate for his constituents on a variety of important issues and has always led with a respectful tone and a willingness to reach across the aisle and work collaboratively.
“As a father myself, I admire his commitment to his family and wish them tremendous happiness.”
…Adding… Press release…
In response to Senator Jason Barickman’s announcement that he is retiring from the Illinois Senate at the end of his current term, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued the following statement:
“While we’ve been colleagues since 2016, it wasn’t until the summer of 2017 that I really had the opportunity to get to know Senator Barickman as partners in negotiations over school funding reform. During those long days and nights, I observed firsthand just how privileged the state has been to have him in elected office.
“Senator Barickman possesses a unique mix of traits. When dealing with a legislative adversary, he is committed to his philosophical worldview while simultaneously being a reasonable voice with the ability to bargain. In committee and on the Senate floor, he is a strong debater while maintaining a collegial demeanor and the ability to further relationships across the aisle. Behind the scenes, he always looked for opportunities to selflessly advance the interests of the state while ensuring he was taking care of his constituents at home. He has a keen sense of the political dynamic in Illinois and knew where the Republican Party should be going so it could best serve the people.
“In short, Senator Barickman was never simply a politician, but a statesman. The Illinois Senate will miss his presence and his impact on our great state.”
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* From Dave Dahl’s interview with Sen. Darren Bailey…
Dave Dahl: A second straight gubernatorial election with all Democrats on the whole statewide ticket. I mean, not even Dan Brady could make a dent. Does that mean we’re maybe a bluer state than you and folks who are with you can handle?
Darren Bailey: I don’t think so. I think that people, we saw that across the nation. You know, this is the same thing that we saw all over the nation. So I don’t think that we’re alone here in Illinois, although we do have our … trials and our pitfalls here. But, no, I certainly have hope that in the days ahead I think the Republican Party has got to regroup. A lot of people are saying rebrand, no, I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying let’s stick to our platform. We have the message of what we need, is men and women who with working moral compasses, as the Illinois Family Institute said, and spines of steel to stand up against this nonsense and quit wavering with some of the stuff that’s destroying our state.
* Republican DuPage County Board Chair Dan Cronin held on four years ago during a big Democratic wave and then decided not to run again this year. Here’s his analysis during a Politico interview…
“There were good people on the ballot that didn’t even get a look from a lot of voters because our nominee for governor had an offensive brand,” said Cronin. It was the same around the country, adds Cronin. “Candidates around the country lost because they looked like our candidate. We have to get away from that.”
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* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Campaign Staffer - Illinois Senate Democrats is a tie. Kevin Romo and Dana Stoerger with the Doris Turner campaign…
They were an incredible team and pulled off an amazing feat for Sen. Turner. I don’t think she could have won without them by her side. They didn’t take no for an answer when things got tough. They made you feel welcome and supported anytime you walked into their offices.
That was one amazing win.
* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Campaign Staffer - Illinois House Democrats goes to Craig Willert…
Craig Willert developed a strategy to win 78 seats. He’s the Republican slayer. People questioned the Dems decision to go on broadcast and to focus solely on abortion issues, but that gamble paid off. Craig knows how to develop and execute a winning plan. He also knows his limitations and has always given his trusted sidekick, Kylie Kelly, the opportunity to grow and show her real talents. I feel sorry for the GOP in 2024 because Kylie is going to crush it.
He also had a big hand in drawing the winning map.
* On to today’s categories…
Please nominate in both categories if you can, and don’t forget to explain your votes. Thanks.
* After you cast your ballot with your explanations, please click here and donate to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois so they can buy presents for foster kids like these…
Thanks to a generous donation from former state Sen. Susan Garrett, we’re now above $19,000 raised. Just remember, though, that the average gift price is $25, so every little bit helps. Thanks!
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Do better
Monday, Dec 5, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
The state legislative debate last week over amending the Pre-Trial Fairness Act provisions within the controversial SAFE-T Act featured many of the same obfuscations and outright misinformation that characterized the fall campaign by Republicans, and many of the same insufficient answers by Democrats.
One of the problems tthe super-majority Democrats have in both chambers is that when they know their bill is going to pass, they usually don’t take the Republicans’ objections seriously enough to fully engage with them. But on bills like this, misinformation can spread when points aren’t adequately rebutted.
For just one example, during the House debate, Republican Leader Jim Durkin and his leadership successor, Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), repeatedly blasted the Democrats at length for forcing victims of violent crime, via the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, to be dragged into court for hearings within 48 hours of an arrest.
Durkin has been making this argument in public venues for months, so the Democrats had to know this was coming.
Durkin appeared furious that the Democrats didn’t fix what he claimed was their egregious mistake in drafting the original bill back in 2021 and claimed it directly violated the Illinois Constitution’s protections for crime victims. He predicted it would have a horrible impact on victims by victimizing them all over again.
But the only answer provided by the sponsor, Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago), was that some victims’ rights organizations supported the law.
McCombie amped up the rhetoric even further than Durkin by asking if her 8-year-old niece was abducted by two men, brutally raped, buried alive and rescued, then would she be compelled to go to court for a detention hearing?
After saying the bill “didn’t make that possible,” Slaughter then said the law would make it more difficult for that to happen. McCombie said what Slaughter claimed wasn’t true, and that claim was followed by more emotional and unenlightening back and forth.
Slaughter was right, but the actual explanation he could’ve offered and didn’t is pretty simple. Before the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, judges were given full discretion to compel a victim to appear at a hearing on a defendant’s culpability and dangerousness. That’s no longer the case.
The law was changed in 2021 to force judges to explain why they were granting a request, and then they could “only grant the request if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant will be materially prejudiced if the complaining witness does not appear.” That’s one reason why victims’ rights groups supported the overall reforms.
Before the changes were first made in 2021, judges were admonished to “be considerate of the emotional and physical well-being of the witness,” and that particular statutory language was not altered.
The Pre-Trial Fairness Act even eliminated previous statutory language that gave accused criminals “the right to present witnesses in his favor” at those hearings. So, to claim this revision is a horrific sop to accused violent criminals just doesn’t make sense.
The Democrats decided to exclude legislative Republicans from the revision talks, perhaps because they believed the GOP was more interested in theater than responsibly negotiating the new bill. Rarely does one negotiate with someone who will undoubtedly wind up being a hard and public “no.” That’s understandable on one level. I get it.
But, again, this problem is not just about the Pre-Trial Fairness Act or the SAFE-T Act. Time and time again I’ve watched the Democrats stand mute while Republicans lambasted their legislation, which was drafted without GOP input and then jammed through with Dems’ superior numbers. It’s an arrogance of power, and it resulted in a whole lot of scrambling during this past election season as wild claims were made about the bill they had passed.
On the other side, though, the fact this amendment was not officially opposed by any statewide law enforcement groups (which tend to be dominated by Republicans) should’ve prompted an attempt by at least some legislative Republicans to find common ground and maybe steer the end product even further in their direction. Maybe they just didn’t have anyone who was open minded enough or who was brave enough to confront their fellow Republicans by negotiating. Neither is a good sign.
I guess what I’m arguing for here is more respect by both parties for each other, for the legislative process and for the state we all inhabit and the people they all represent.
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Morning briefing
Monday, Dec 5, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Are y’all into the Christmas spirit yet?…
* On to our morning roundup…
* Tribune | Illinois’ gun debate: Legislation, litigation and emotion fuel one of the state’s most polarizing conflicts: On Thursday, Democratic state Rep. Bob Morgan, who was marching in the Highland Park parade when a mass shooter opened fire in July,, filed legislation that would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and eliminate the ability for most people under 21 to get a gun permit in Illinois. It was the first step in what could be a long debate, if history serves as a guide, that could stretch well into next year, when Syed will be seated.
* Crain’s | With SAFE-T Act amended, Dems turn to gun legislation: Liberal as the proposed bill is, though, the General Assembly has balked at such measures in the past. Votes could come in the January lame duck session, but more likely in the spring when Democrats will have larger majorities.
* Tribune | Confronted by GOP critics and confused constituents, Democrats made fixes to their sweeping criminal justice law: “We actually moved from saying … throw out the SAFE-T Act totally to, ‘Let’s work on it and make it better.’ And that’s actually progress,” said Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat who backs the law. While some prosecutors took part in crafting the amendment, a lawsuit challenging the law brought by more than half of the state’s 102 county prosecutors is still pending, with a decision possible later this month.
* Herald and Review | With SAFE-T Act changes, prosecutors take ‘two-pronged’ approach: In general, state’s attorneys across Illinois have, at the very least, expressed concerns over some of the SAFE-T Act’s provisions. Many have gone further, with more than 60 — including some Democrats — having filed lawsuits against Pritzker and top Democrats. They argue that the process by which the law was passed violated the state constitution.
* SJ-R | Beyond the SAFE-T Act: These bills passed during the Illinois General Assembly veto session: In total, 12 bills passed both chambers ranging from the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund to more local interests with the Springfield High-Speed Rail Corridor Improvement Project. The bills will be sent to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk within the next 30 days who will then have 60 days to sign.
* Greg Hinz | Garcia faces crypto questions in mayoral race: Those congressional races now are history. But not the race for mayor of Chicago, where U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is running for a new job and has $200,000 in crypto baggage to explain… How and why did a PAC heavily funded by Bankman-Fried—he gave Protect the Future PAC at least $27 million before his company hit the rocks—come to spend $199,853 on ads and mailers this spring urging a vote for Garcia in a Democratic congressional primary race in which he was unopposed? Are Chicago voters really expected to believe that the money sort of fell off a truck and had absolutely nothing to do with Garcia’s service on the House Financial Services Committee, which regulates crypto?
* Sun-Times | Illinois keeping the spotlight on uplifting the wrongfully convicted: Wrongful convictions and exonerations of men and women who spent years wasting away in prison have made countless headlines in Illinois over the years…Recently, more than 20 cases handled by former Chicago Police Det. Reynaldo Guevara have been overturned, based on allegations of abuse and his refusal to answer questions on the stand about past trials.
* Sun-Times | CTA employee charged with stealing over $350,000 from the agency’s pension fund : Ayanna Nesbitt worked as a retirement clerk handling pension payments for the CTA. She allegedly created and approved fraudulent requests for death benefit payments and refunds on pension contributions, according to the federal charges. She then wired the money into bank accounts she either controlled or that were held by her family members, then used the funds for personal expenses for herself and others, according to the charges.
* WMBD | Illinois representatives, organizations fight for harm reduction resources: Illinois lawmakers and community organizations are pushing for more help in the fight against the opioid epidemic. State leaders said it’s an uphill battle but the status quo isn’t working. They’re advocating for more resources such as de-criminalization legislation of drugs and more harm reduction support.
* WJBC | Losing candidate for governor last month is preparing for whatever is next: In his election night concession speech, Bailey said his movement and message will continue, but, on the cusp of being out of office after a four-year run in the legislature, he said he did not know what platform would carry his message.
* Sun-Times | Secretary of State Jesse White honored for decades of community service: “He may be sunsetting his political career, but he thankfully will be continuing his humanitarian work,” Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) said during a sendoff Saturday at White’s namesake community center on the Near North Side.
* Crain’s | Pritzker pins electric vehicle hopes on subsidies: Compounding those disappointments is concern about the fate of existing Illinois auto plants in an all-electric future. Ford’s assembly plant on Torrence Avenue in Chicago and Stellantis’ Belvidere factory have anchored auto production in Illinois for generations, supporting thousands of well-paid jobs that send economic ripple effects across their communities. Yet neither company has committed to converting its Illinois plant to electric vehicle production. In an ominous sign for Ford’s Chicago plant, industry insiders expect an Ontario factory to make the initial electric versions of the Explorer SUV, a mainstay of Torrence Avenue.
* Anthony Moser | Gov. Pritzker, don’t sell the Damen Silos on the Chicago River to a polluter: As things stand, Illinois is getting ready to sell the Damen Silos, an abandoned industrial site on the Chicago River, to Michael Tadin Jr., the owner of a controversial asphalt plant that has plagued its neighbors since it started operating.
* WSIU | Cannabis education programs are sprouting up at Illinois colleges: There are currently nine Illinois junior colleges offering certificate or degree-bearing cannabis education programs, according to Matt Berry, chief of staff for the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) in Springfield. Courses can cover everything from plant cultivation to retail management aspects of the burgeoning cannabis industry, which accounted for $445.3 million in tax revenue for Illinois in 2021. Other higher learning institutions, such as Illinois Central College (ICC) in Illinois, offer free, non-credit bearing continuing education courses in cannabis education in partnership with local dispensaries.
* KWQC | 90-year-old Geneseo resident set to graduate from Northern Illinois University: 90-year old Joyce Viola DeFauw grew up a farmer’s kid in Geneseo, Illinois. At that time education looked much different than it does in 2022. “I went to a one-room country school, they’re were probably eight to thirteen of us at the most,” DeFauw said. “I was always in the class myself … The older grades would help the teacher with the younger grades.”
* Harvest Public Media | Bobcats made a big comeback in the Midwest. But not everyone is happy they can be hunted again: For 44 years, Illinois banned bobcat hunting. That changed in 2016, when the state started a lottery for permits to hunt the predators. And every year since Illinois has hosted a bobcat hunting season. So far, the state has hosted six hunting seasons and hunters have nabbed more than 1,600 bobcats. Stan McTaggart with Illinois Department of Natural Resources says that the lottery for hunting permits limits the numbers that get killed.
* The Southern | Three candidates file petitions to run for mayor of Carbondale: Three candidates filed nominating petitions to run for mayor of Carbondale in the spring Consolidated Election. They are city council member Carolin Harvey, who has been acting as interim mayor, Nathan Colombo and Harold J. Visser.
* Sun-Times | Illinois COVID-19 hospitalizations near 10-month high: Hospitals across the state were treating 1,509 COVID patients Thursday night, the highest number seen since Aug. 15 — and a figure that’s poised to hit a nearly 10-month high by next week. Admissions have jumped more than 26% in the last week alone, putting them on pace to hit numbers not seen since mid-February, when Illinois was on the way down from its worst surge of the pandemic.
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Live coverage
Monday, Dec 5, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Afternoon roundup
Friday, Dec 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* US Rep. Underwood turned 36 a couple of months ago. Here’s Lynn Sweet…
Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., poised to start a third term after a big November win, was elected to a spot in House Democratic leadership Thursday, the first Black female to win an elected position on the team since Rep. Shirley Chisholm, D-N.Y., back in the 1970s.
Underwood snared one of three co-chair positions on the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, known as the DPCC. Other winners in the field of seven who sought the posts were Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas., and Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn.
Underwood is now on a path paved by Chisholm, who in 1969 became the first Black woman in Congress, embracing a motto that became famous — “unbought and unbossed.” Underwood often cites Chisholm, who ran for president in 1972, as a role model. From 1977 to 1981, Chisholm was secretary of the Democratic Caucus — and that’s the last time, Underwood noted, that a Black woman was in an elected position — not appointed — at the House leadership table.
More from Lynn’s story…
The centrist New Democrat Coalition in the House on Thursday elected Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., of Highland Park, to be a vice chair and freshman Rep.-elect Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., from Springfield, to be the representative of the freshmen members who joined the group.
* Bummer…
She did better than Rep. Jackson, though…
There are 74 members of this year’s freshman class, but Rep.-elect Jonathan Jackson of Illinois was a no-show, meaning he defaulted to the last pick. (Members could send aides in their stead, but no one piped up for Jackson during the roll call.) The real work began later Friday morning, with each member-elect choosing an office space from whatever options were left. That happened during designated 5-minute slots, like a slower, less exciting version of the NBA draft being held immediately after the draft pick lottery.
* News…
* Fran Spielman…
United Working Families is launching a fundraising campaign to prevent what it calls “Chicago’s corporate donor class” from becoming an outsized influence in next year’s aldermanic elections.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier this week that Mike Ruemmler, who managed former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2015 reelection campaign, is chairing an independent expenditure committee bankrolled by business leaders to elect alderpersons who want to “be part of the solution and not lob bombs from the sideline.”
Ruemmler said he hopes to raise “into the seven figures” — enough money to “play in … somewhere between 17 and 23” wards. Former Sun-Times investor Michael Sacks, CEO of Grosvenor Capital Management, has agreed to be one of the donors. During Emanuel’s eight years in office, Sacks was his chief fundraiser and all-purpose adviser.
* Tim Novak and Frank Main…
More than a decade ago, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued an executive order that prohibited him and future mayors from taking any campaign money from lobbyists.
This year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has accepted more than $53,000 in 39 individual campaign contributions from 14 companies owned by Carmen A. Rossi, a registered city lobbyist.
Rossi — who is also a city contractor and restaurateur and nightclub owner and who holds the liquor license for the Lollapalooza music festival — didn’t make any of the contributions to Lightfoot in his own name.
It isn’t clear whether Lightfoot’s taking the contributions from his companies would violate the ban Emanuel imposed on mayors taking political money from lobbyists.
…Adding… From Gary LaPaille’s widow…
Hello friends. Gary passed away today from complications due to ALS. He was at peace and surrounded by his family. I want everyone who took the time to post a note to him to know that he really enjoyed hearing from all of you. We read every message to him, some of them multiple times. We were astounded by the heartfelt voices from his past; so many of you wanted to reach out to share your memories of him from years ago. We tend to get caught up in the day-to-day of our lives and forget that we are shaped from the people, places and experiences of our past. I know Gary treasured his time in Illinois politics and government. Your names were not unfamiliar to my kids, who heard the stories many times over the years.
Gary was the ultimate people person. His friends in Maryland and DC who visited with him these past few days said things about him that will sound very familiar to those of you who knew him back in another life: He was the most generous guy I ever met; he was the life of the party; he took care of everyone on the block; I owe my career to him. That is the Gary we all knew. I am blessed beyond measure that through him I also experienced the joy of knowing all of you.
On behalf of Joe, Sam and Grace and my daughters-in-law Ally and Irina, thank you for sharing your remembrances of your time with Gary. Thank you for your prayers. We are forever grateful.
Love,
Chris LaPaille
LaPaille was Speaker Madigan’s chief of staff, chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois and a state Senator.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* My Journal Courier | Legislative tool has its place, experts say: The Illinois Freedom Caucus said it wants to do away with the consent calendar that allows bills to be bundled and voted on in a single roll call. However, a longtime observer of Illinois politics thinks the consent calendar has a place in the General Assembly and that doing away with it would make the legislative process more cumbersome.
* St Louis Public Radio | Rural America is getting older, with a fifth of the population now over the age of 65: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual Rural America at a Glance report shows more than 20% of rural residents are over age 65 compared to 16% in urban areas. “The aging of the baby-boom generation will continue to contribute to the loss of working-age adults through the end of this decade,” the report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service stated.
* CBS Chicago | Illinois Secretary of State-elect Alexi Giannoulias brings opponent Dan Brady onto transition team: Brady: “I was pleasantly surprised. I thank the Secretary-elect, and I look forward to helping him in every way I can. People say: ‘Wow – that’s a great idea! That’s novel!’ We went as Illinoisans – we have people who are going to try and find a common ground. We know there are issues we disagree on – but how about the common things that we can come together on; the things that we can help improve in office, and efficiency?”
* Patch | Outgoing State Rep Denyse Stoneback Introduces ‘Truth In Politics Act’: “The voters have the ultimate authority to hold politicians accountable for what they say and do, exactly as it should be. Free and open elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said Plummer, the assistant Senate GOP leader.
* NBC Chicago | At Over $500 Per Ticket, Some Are Questioning This Chicago ‘Foodie’ Tour — Which Includes a Donut and Hot Dog: According to the tour description, the event includes five food items — a Portillo’s hot dog, a small Garrett’s popcorn, a six-inch Al’s Italian beef sandwich, a slice of deep dish pizza and a Do-Rite Donut — along with bottle of water, and an Uber ride.
* Block Club Chicago | 242 Cars Towed On First Night Of Winter Parking Ban, Highest Number Since 2019: Violators face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket and a storage fee of $25 per day their car remains at the auto pound, according to city officials. That means the unlucky car owners will spend at least $56,870 in penalties and fees to retrieve their cars. Many Chicagoans call the practice “predatory” as the mistake can set people back over $200, but city officials have continuously argued the ban ensures plows can quickly respond to unexpected snow on major roads.
* Patch | 5 Illinois Local Heroes Show Bravery, Selflessness, Compassion: When times are tough or there’s a community in need, we see them emerge: Compassionate local heroes who go above and beyond to help, serve and give back. Here at Patch, we’ve launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. And we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding people.
* Illini Inquirer | Will they stay or will they go?: Several Illini face NFL Draft decisions : Several Illinois players are valued by the NFL and have big decisions to make of whether to make the leap to their professional dreams now or to return for another season at Illinois.
* Sun-Times | Chicagoan Brenda McKinney to see the world after retiring from the Illinois Urban Fishing Program: Brenda McKinney went fishing once before she was hired for the Illinois Urban Fishing Program. “Idlewild, Michigan,” McKinney said. “Gentleman named Pops, back then, took me. I caught nothing. I never had a problem with fish or worms, I wasn’t that kind of young lady.”
* Sun-Times | Proposed IHSA rule would attempt to crack down on transfers: Schools around the state are set to vote on a new Illinois High School Association rule involving transfers and the hiring of high school coaches.
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The labor beat
Friday, Dec 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
The nation’s employers kept hiring briskly in November despite high inflation and a slow-growing economy — a sign of resilience in the face of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes.
The economy added 263,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate stayed 3.7%, still near a 53-year low, the Labor Department said Friday. November’s job growth dipped only slightly from October’s 284,000 gain.
* WBEZ…
So far, just three years after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation legalizing recreational marijuana use, Illinois cannabis workers have voted in 30 elections and reported a healthy 88% win rate, much better than the 61% of elections won by unions across the country in fiscal year 2021. […]
Illinois is one of the nation’s most lucrative cannabis markets, with about 110 dispensaries grossing $160 million in sales each month. Until recently, it has been growing at a frenetic pace, with another 192 dispensaries and 77 small growers — all licensed under the law’s “social equity” provisions — in the pipeline. […]
A second union — Teamsters Local 777 — has joined the party, winning 15 elections in a row and signing contracts with a company that owns two Chicago dispensaries.
“We can’t keep up with all the calls,” said Teamsters Local 777 President Jim Glimco said. At his union hall in suburban Lyons, bus drivers now mingle with budtenders.
* Meanwhile, Fox 32…
The city’s transit authority plans to fill 650 positions for bus operators and mechanics, and they say thousands have applied.
CTA President Dorval Carter says the key to improving service on the CTA is more employees. There has been a shortage since the pandemic. The agency hopes to fill 30 positions every two weeks to bring staffing up to normal levels.
Candidates got to hear from CTA employees talk about the jobs, benefits and increased wages. A full time driver can make $28.42 per hour, while a mechanic can make $39.42 per hour.
At that rate, hiring all 650 people will take almost 11 months, if the CTA can keep up the pace. And last month , and also back in September, the CTA said it had about 1,000 vacant positions. So, that hiring won’t solve the problem, even if they follow through.
Speaking of the CTA…
* Crain’s…
Illinois’ public health departments are receiving a funding infusion from the federal government, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s public health workforce and infrastructure.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is providing $86 million to the Illinois Department of Public Health through the American Rescue Plan Act, according to a statement from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office and IDPH. Some of those funds will be shared with other local health departments in Illinois. Chicago’s Department of Public Health got its own allotment: $28 million.
The money will be used to recruit, retain and train public health workers, like epidemiologists, contact tracers, laboratory scientists, community health workers and data analysts. The grant is intended to address public health needs in economically depressed areas, as well as in communities with people from racial and ethnic minority groups.
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* Known for buying the Tribune and slashing news rooms, Alden Global has turned to acquiring mobile home parks. Julie Reynolds Martínez…
While mostly focused on gutting your local news outlet, during the pandemic [Randall Smith, co-founder of the hedge fund Alden Global Capital] moved into one more investment area that’s having a devastating effect on working people’s lives: mobile home parks.
While Smith enjoys flitting between mansions in places like West Palm Beach and the Hamptons, his low-income tenants face rent hikes and evictions.
Smith Management, under names like Big Oaks MHP LLC, has acquired some 20 mobile home parks in North Carolina, where it immediately raised rents and threatened evictions. […]
Tenants at Big Oaks Mobile Home Park in North Carolina were immediately hit with 90-day rent increase notices during the height of the pandemic.
Smith’s company offered to buy tenants’ homes if they couldn’t afford the 60% increase. Worse, owners are prohibited from selling their homes to any other buyer, allowing Smith to set the price.
* NPR interview with Julie Reynolds Martínez…
SIMON: And Alden uses other companies to buy up these properties, according to your reporting.
REYNOLDS: Yeah, I have discovered scores of these around the country. I’m still counting. And they were bought up last year by a company called Homes Of America LLC. It’s an Alden affiliate. In all of these communities, I saw the same pattern. There were stories in local media. They were raising the rents 40 to 60%, putting up eviction notices. They were even evicting people in quite a few cases where the rent had already been paid. And I’ve seen the bills. I’ve seen the proof of payment. And these park managers are also refusing to do repairs. And a couple of weeks ago, the water was shut off at Massie’s Mobile Home Park in Virginia because they didn’t pay the bill.
SIMON: Does Alden want to be in the mobile home park business, or do they have another plan, best as you can tell?
REYNOLDS: It’s a little hard to tell. They bought most of these parks in 2021 using these LLCs that belong to other LLCs. They’re all under Homes Of America, and its financing arm in turn is actually owned by an entity called Tribune 2 Finance 1 LLC. And this led me to wonder if they’re actually using the Tribune newspaper money to pay for all of this. This follows Alden’s pattern of buying distressed businesses.
SIMON: Their interest is real estate, not the actual business.
REYNOLDS: Well, it’s also ringing out the cash until the business itself gets to the failure point, and then they can also profit from the real estate. I worked for an Alden paper for 10 years, the Monterey County Herald, and it was a similar situation. The hot water went off, they never fixed it - things like that. So this is a pattern for them.
SIMON: And can you tell how many properties, mobile home parks, they’ve purchased?
REYNOLDS: My count is up in the 80s, but I’m still counting. So I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more than 100.
* Cardinal News reported early last month on the acquisition of another mobile home park…
Many residents of a Montgomery County mobile home park, which has been purchased by a company linked to hedge fund Alden Global Capital, have received notices to vacate, or notices to face eviction unless back charges are paid. Some of the tenants are disputing the charges. A tenants’ meeting has been scheduled for Saturday at Belview United Methodist Church, according to a tenant organizer. […]
The new owner is listed in county records as Massie MHP LLC, care of Homes of America LLC, care of Tom Del Bosco, located in Englewood, New Jersey.
A 2008 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission notice of sale of securities, found online, identified Alden Global Capital as a division of Smith Management LLC. Thomas Del Bosco and Randall Smith are listed among the executive officers of Alden.[…]
“And when you look at the letter, it’s not an eviction letter, it’s a notice to quit,” Rupp said. “And it said, you basically have to pay up … $700 by Oct. 28, or you will be evicted. And she didn’t owe any money. She had been paying all of her rent on time.” The next day, another aide told Rupp that three other students’ families had also received similar notices.
Rupp provided Cardinal News with two documents. One is a “Notice to Quit” that requires the tenant to vacate the premises within 30 days due to an “incurable lease violation” described as an account delinquency of $20.
Another tenant received a “Material Noncompliance Notice For Failure To Pay Rent” stating that the tenant owed $713.49 in rent for the period Aug. 1 to Oct. 18. The tenant was given five days to pay in full or face termination of the lease.
* Cardinal News reported today that residents are suing over a water shutoff…
After water was briefly cut off to residents by the new owners of Massie Mobile Home Park in Montgomery County, some tenants are suing the park with the assistance of Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society.
A hearing is set for Jan. 6 in Montgomery/Christiansburg General District Court. At issue is a shutoff of water to park residents for a few hours on Nov. 15 by the county’s Public Service Authority due to nonpayment. The bill was owed by the park management, not by the individual residents.
Kristi Murray is a staff attorney with Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society. She specializes in housing and is based in the organization’s Christiansburg office.
“We started getting some phone calls from residents that morning that they had no water service. So we started calling our other tenants that we were already assisting … and we found that most all of our residents there did not have water service that day,” Murray said. […]
It is not clear why the park’s owner, Massie MHP LLC, delayed paying the bill. Creasy did not return a message requesting comment.
* Minot Daily News…
Nearly a year after Homes of America, LLC began buying mobile home parks in Minot, the issues and complaints being raised by residents remain the same. Communication remains a problem, with some waiting weeks or months for a response to their queries and requests. […]
Despite making contact with past and present employees of Homes of America, none were willing to speak on the record. Further attempts to contact Homes of America leadership directly were not responded to.
While Homes of America LLC was formed in Delaware, its filings with the North Dakota Secretary of State lists a New Jersey address that it shares with the firm Smith Management LLC, the parent company of the hedge fund Alden Global Capital. The COO of HOA is a man named Bryon Fields Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to Fields’ Linkedin page. Based on public records scraped by the website corporatewiki.com, Fields is also an officer of three other mobile home park LLCs located in Florida. His fellow officers include Alden President Heath Freeman, Smith Management Executive Vice President and CFO Tom Del Bosco, and Alden CFO Joshua P. Kleban.
A call to Alden Global Capital’s New York City office was answered, with the receptionist offering to direct the call to those overseeing Homes of America. After being transferred, no speaker announced themselves, and promptly hung up.
* More…
* From the bird app…
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* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best State Senate Staffer - Non Political goes to Policy and Budget Analyst Meredith O’Brien…
Meredith O’Brien is the gold standard when it comes to staffers who know their issues and how to get things done.
She handles some of the most complex issues in human services, including the sometimes dreaded Behavioral Health and Addiction bills that are never easy to write or pass. She has multiple groups and lobbyist in her ear from the first day of session until adjournment.
Everyone from her members to advocates to other staffers and lobbyist know if you have a human service related bill in the Senate, you had better have had a conservation with Meredith long before you try moving the bill.
Like most staffers, she works ridiculous hours during session but always has time to answer questions or provide input.
* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best State House Staffer - Non Political goes to Deputy Legal Counsel Kendra Piercy…
She is smart (without being condescending), self-aware, calm and can be counted on to handle many major issues for the House Dems. She was recently promoted to Deputy Counsel and is a strong asset to her caucus.
Congratulations to both winners!
* Let’s move on to today’s categories…
Please nominate in both categories if you can. Also, make sure to explain your nominations. Thanks!
* And here’s your friendly reminder to click here and help buy presents for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois foster children. Here’s a holiday greeting from one of those kids…
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* Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley (R) in a September Rockford Register-Star op-ed…
On Jan. 1, 2023, it is estimated that more than half of the inmates in the Winnebago County Jail will walk out the door. Approximately 400 criminal defendants will be released back into our community because our Illinois legislators passed the “SAFE-T Act” back in 2020. […]
Let’s hope that action can be taken during the post-election “veto session” in early December. Please call your legislators and advocate for such action — but don’t call me — or the sheriff.
We aren’t responsible for letting over half the jail population walk out the door on Jan. 1.
* Earlier this week, before the SAFE-T Act revisions were passed…
[Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley] wrote an op-ed in September stating that beginning January 1, “about 400 criminal defendants will be released back into our community.”
Hanley said both parties have delved into misinformation and acknowledged his role.
“I regrettably probably contributed to this in a way that I do regret,” Hanley said. “It’s not going to be a purge.”
And then he talked about the money aspect…
[Hanley] said counties throughout the state will face hard times financially with the loss of cash bond.
“If I’m arrested for a crime, I post my $5,000, I end up pleading guilty, and let’s say I get probation, my fines and costs might equal $3,000,” Hanley said. “That’s taken from the bond that I posted. And so, it’s almost more of a collection issue.”
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* Tribune…
Though Illinois is considered to have some of the strongest gun laws in the country, national researchers are recommending additional steps to ensure the public is safe from firearm violence.
A 16-page report by Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, released Thursday, recommends barring gun permits — even with parental or guardian sponsorship — for those younger than 21,banning large-capacity magazines and strengthening the state’s red flag law.
The report comes five months after a mass shooting in Highland Park, in which a man with a history of threatening violence and posting violent gun-related images online allegedly opened fire with a military-assault-type weapon, killing seven people and wounding dozens of others at an Independence Day parade. Three 30-round magazines were recovered.
The report also lands as the Illinois legislature is set to consider gun safety laws.
The report is here.
* HB 5855 was introduced yesterday by Rep. Bob Morgan…
Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Division of Criminal Investigation of the Illinois State Police shall conduct other investigations as provided by law, including, but not limited to, investigations of human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trafficking. Provides that the Division of Criminal Investigation shall provide statewide coordination and strategy pertaining to firearm-related intelligence, firearms trafficking interdiction, and investigations. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Eliminates provisions that permit a person under 21 years of age who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card with parental consent. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that when a person under 21 years of age is hunting under the supervision of a adult, the adult must possess a Firearm Owners Identification Card. Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Provides that the State’s Attorney of the county where the petition is filed may act as a friend of the court in any action filed under the Act. Provides that a petitioner may request a one-year (rather than 6-month) firearms restraining order. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, or purchased or cause to be possessed by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge. Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, except possession of weapons registered with the Illinois State Police in the time provided. Provides exemptions and penalties. Prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines terms. Provides exemptions and penalties. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
* From Rep. Morgan…
Illinois Democrats today introduced the Protect Illinois Communities Act into the state House of Representatives; HB5855 is a comprehensive legislative package that they hope will set a national standard for gun safety laws.
The package, introduced by House Firearm Safety & Reform Working Group Chair, State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), will:
Ban assault weapons immediately, require registration of existing weapons, prevent future sales of ammunition magazines with 10+ rounds, and prohibit rapid-fire devices that turn weapons into fully automatic guns;
Hold gun manufacturers or retailers responsible who market firearms products through deceptive marketing practices;
Establish an interdisciplinary state-wide strike team within the Illinois State Police, in concert with the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to combat the influx of illegal guns across state lines into Illinois;
Remove the ability for people under 21 to own firearms and ammunition, with exception for those serving in the U.S. Military or the National Guard, as well as allowing hunting and sports shooting for minors with guardian supervision;
Strengthen Firearm Restraining Order laws to keep firearms from dangerous persons.
Rep. Morgan, who represents Highland Park and several other northern suburbs, led the Illinois State House Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group, which met with gun violence survivors, policy experts, faith and community leaders, and law enforcement officials across the state in crafting the legislative package.
“Gun violence is destroying families and communities from East St. Louis to Highland Park to Chicago, and this moment demands urgency,” said Rep. Morgan. “It is time that we had the political courage to admit that guns are a problem, and that we can do something about it. This gun reform package will reduce gun deaths in Illinois, and it is long past time for us to step up and reform the laws which have enabled this gun violence to continue.”
“Whether you’re in the city, or the suburbs, or in a rural area, the reality is gun violence is affecting every corner of our state,” said Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, who serves as part of the working group. “Particularly when it comes to our youth, we are losing an alarming number of our children every year. Every loss is a lasting tragedy that permanently scars families, friends and communities. We have to take action.”
The legislation will be discussed at several subject matter hearings, and will first be heard in early December, more details to follow. Those interested in supporting the legislation are encouraged to submit witness slips in support in advance of the hearing. Status updates on the bill and steps supporters can take can be found at: https://www.repbobmorgan.com/firearm-safety-and-reform-working-group/
* Press release…
Today, the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC), Giffords, and Brady released the following statements in response to the introduction of a new bill that would ban the sale of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Illinois. The introduction of the possible new measure comes five months after the devastating July 4th tragedy in Highland Park. Illinois has experienced about 55 mass shootings this year, so far, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of the tireless work being done by Illinois’ gun safety advocates, who continue to lead the fight for the future of our communities,” said Kathleen Sances, President and CEO of G-PAC.“We applaud Representative Bob Morgan and the working group for stepping up to address the gun violence epidemic. In the absence of a federal ban, Illinois is long overdue for a statewide ban on weapons that continue to kill so many, not only in Chicago or Highland Park, but in Crest Hill, Decatur, East Saint Louis, Elgin, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, Romeoville, Wheeling, and Yorkville. We don’t have to live like this, and we certainly don’t have to watch our neighbors die senselessly. We look forward to reviewing the bill and continuing to work in support of needed gun safety solutions – too many lives are on the line.”
Earlier this year, G-PAC launched #HaltTheAssault, a new campaign dedicated to calling on Illinois state lawmakers to ban the sale and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The initiative hopes to make Illinois the eighth and ninth state, respectively, to enforce these measures.
“Months after the nation watched a small community’s 4th of July parade end in a senseless and horrifying mass shooting, the Illinois legislature is finally acting to prevent more tragedies,” said Sean Holihan, state legislative director for Giffords. “Giffords stands with the people of Highland Park, GPAC, and Rep. Bob Morgan, who are working towards banning assault weapons and large capacity magazines - the same weapons of war that were used on the 4th of July.”
“Brady applauds the introduction of these common-sense, comprehensive policies that will better protect communities across Illinois,” said Brady President Kris Brown. “Illinois already has some of the strongest gun laws in the country, and the policies in this bill, including new age restrictions and extended restraining orders, will add to that strong record. Most importantly, an assault weapons and large capacity ban would help prevent tragedies like Highland Park from occurring again. Weapons of war have no place in our communities, and every day we wait to renew and reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban, more lives will be lost. Brady thanks Representative Bob Morgan for his leadership on this important issue.”
Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines make mass shootings deadlier in Illinois. Research finds that in shootings where assault weapons or high-capacity magazines are used, 155 percent more people are shot, and 47 percent more people are killed.
Studies on both the lapsed federal assault weapons ban and state-level assault weapons bans show that such laws help prevent mass shooting deaths and decrease the diversion of assault weapons to criminal use.
I’ll post opposing viewpoints if/when I receive them.
*** UPDATE *** Richard Pearson with the Illinois State Rifle Association…
With the filing of HB5855 it seems Christmas has come early for G-PAC and other groups that are committed to taking away the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Illinois Citizens. We have consistently heard from anti-Second Amendment legislators that they “don’t want to take away your guns, we only want common sense gun reforms.” Under HB5855 their first step is to take away your magazines and force law-abiding citizens to register their firearms. The legislation goes beyond magazines used in semi-automatic rifles to also include magazines used in millions of commonly owned handguns. Their next step is to use that very registry to take away your firearms. The anti-gun crowd’s agenda has always been to incrementally peal back the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Illinois citizens. The Illinois State Rifle Association will not be entering into any negotiations on this piece of legislation. Elections have consequences. We will see the State of Illinois in court should this bill be enacted into law.
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Morning briefing
Friday, Dec 2, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Yep…
* Here you go…
* Sun-Times | Crossing their SAFE-T’s? State lawmakers pass criminal justice law fixes — no overhaul, but ‘good move forward’ to prosecutors: Among the most overt changes in the legislation approved by both the House and Senate is that those charged with crimes before Jan. 1 would be able to remain in the old cash bail system — or request to be moved to the new system.
* Tribune | Democratic state legislators approve changes to SAFE-T Act, GOP still blasts law as a ‘misguided, confusing scheme’ : An amendment that codifies the changes to the sweeping legislation, also known as the SAFE-T Act, passed along party lines in both chambers: 71-40 in the House and 38-17 in the Senate. The amendment now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who issued a statement late Thursday saying he was pleased with the legislators’ work.
* WTVO | Illinois Senate tweaks SAFE-T Act weeks before it becomes law: The Senate Democratic Caucus says any person charged on or after January 1st will have their pre-trial release determined under the new system. Anyone charged prior to then will remain under the current system, but they can try to have their case heard under the new rules.
* WCIA | Law enforcement, state’s attorneys, justice reform advocates agree to negotiated SAFE-T Act amendment: State’s attorneys and law enforcement were opposed to the original law while coalitions to end cash bail supported it. In the end, both groups said they are neutral to the new proposal and that they can live with the changes made to the SAFE-T Act.
* Daily Herald | Legislation would create safe spaces for using opioids: State Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, introduced the measure last year, before the country’s first injection sites opened in New York City. At a news conference Thursday in Springfield, Ford insisted that setting up safe spaces and bolstering other overdose prevention strategies would “save taxpayer dollars while saving lives.”
* Tribune | Illinois House Democrats unveil proposal to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines in response to Highland Park mass shooting: The legislation, filed on the final legislative session day of 2022, is a response to the mass shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, where seven people were killed and dozens of others injured by a shooter using an assault-style rifle and high capacity magazines.
* WQAD | Illinois lawmakers advance $1.8 billion unemployment fund bailout: On the final day of their fall veto session, Illinois lawmakers on Thursday advanced a pair of bills that would infuse $1.8 billion into the state’s unemployment trust fund, which was depleted during the economic shutdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Crain’s | Bill boosting EV incentives is headed for Pritzker’s desk: Under a measure approved by the House this evening and sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, both the amount and length of payroll tax credits for eligible employers will be increased, lasting as long as 30 years.
* Politico | Biden’s first state dinner brings out glamour and guests galore : Biden’s first state dinner comes nearly two years into his first term, after Covid put such pageantry on pause. The president’s selection of France as the guest is a testament to Biden and Macron’s close relationship — on full display Thursday as the two leaders referred to each other as “friend” in their chummy interactions, which included the French president frequently patting his U.S. counterpart on the back and referring to him as “Dear Joe.”
* FOX 32 | CPD whistleblower: ‘I did what was right and I got screwed.’: In his second day on the stand in a whistleblower case against CPD, Lambert choked up several times as he described his reaction to being “dumped” from his hard-won position as a detective sergeant and sent to work the midnight shift in patrol division after he refused to alter reports to list Officer Khalid Muhammad as a victim in an off-duty shooting of 18-year-old Ricardo Hayes.
* Tribune | Chicago police leaders say applications have increased in 2022 amid national cop staffing shortage: So far this year, more than 630 members of the Chicago Police Department have retired and collected their pension, according to data from the Policemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. In 2021 that number was around 660, after about 560 left in 2020.
* Tribune | National report released 5 months after Highland Park shooting makes gun safety recommendations for Illinois: A 16-page report by Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, released Thursday, recommends barring gun permits — even with parental or guardian sponsorship — for those younger than 21,banning large-capacity magazines and strengthening the state’s red flag law.
* Sun-Times | A list of every known Illinois resident charged in the U.S. Capitol breach: About 900 people have been arrested in connection with the breach in nearly all 50 states. That includes Illinois, where at least 34 known residents face charges for their role.
* Illinois Times | Is this the best use of prime farmland?: What should be grown on central Illinois’ prime farmland, seeds or solar panels? That’s the quandary facing central Illinois and other areas of the nation that grow the majority of the country’s crops. A new solar energy installation, labeled the Double Black Diamond Solar project, is now being built and takes up more than 4,000 acres of land in Sangamon and Morgan Counties. That land, until now, has been used to grow corn and soybeans.
* Chronicle Media | Current rural health care environment ‘not sustainable’: “It’s a terrible marketing line … but a great elevator speech when trying to communicate the uniqueness of rural communities,” said Alan Morgan, chief executive officer of the National Rural Health Association.
* Chicago Mag | HBO’s South Side: Finally, a Chicago sitcom that actually feels like Chicago. South Side, originally on Comedy Central and now streaming on HBO Max, is returning December 8 for its third season. (Keep an eye out for Chicago magazine’s cameo in episode 5.) Hyperspecific settings and insider references make this show a celebration of not just Chicago but Black Chicago. It’s also hysterically funny. Here’s a catch-up in case you missed the first 20 episodes. But, to paraphrase the CliffsNotes disclaimer, you are only denying yourself by not watching them.
* The Guardian | Largest LGBTQ+ health center in US midwest to lay off 15% of staff: Howard Brown Health, a nonprofit community health center in Chicago that is the largest provider of health and wellness care for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV in the midwest, has announced it wants to lay off at least 100 employees, or about 15% of staff.
* Southern Illinoisian | Gallatin County native helps decorate the White House: York is from Equality, a small village in Gallatin County. He was selected as one of more than 150 volunteers chosen from across the nation to assist in the three-day process of decorating the White House as part of a “We the People” theme, which features 77 Christmas trees, 25 wreaths and more than 83,600 lights, according to the office of first lady Jill Biden.
* PJ Star | Illinois eighth-grader hits miraculous full-court buzzer-beater to win game: The eighth-grader from Marseilles, Illinois, sank a running left-handed buzzer-beating shot from nearly full court to lift his Milton Pope team to a 34-32 victory over Marseilles.
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Live coverage
Friday, Dec 2, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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2022 veto session cheat sheet
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Someone else put this together, but I changed it a bit and updated it. Bills Passed Both Chambers…
• SB 1595 (Cunningham / Hurley) – Omnibus TIF extension
• HB 2406 (Stuart / Hunter) – Sunset extension package
• SB 1698 (Hoffman / Holmes) – UI Trust Fund substantive agreement
• HB 1095 (Peters/ Slaughter) – SAFE-T Act 2022 Trailer
• HB 5189 (Villanueva / Zalewski) – Revenue Omnibus
• HB 5049 (Hoffman / Villivalam) – SOS (Secretary of State) package
* Passed House, Awaiting Senate, which has adjourned…
• SB 1794 (Murphy / DeLuca) – Municipal Utility Audit reform
* Passed Senate, Awaiting House, which has adjourned…
• HB 1859 (Martwick/ Burke) – Cook County Forest Preserve full actuarial funding pension fix
• SB 1622 (Bush/ Gong-Gershowitz) – Applies Illinois Human Rights Act (deletes exemption) to elected officials’ personal staff
• SB 2951 (Hunter/ Zalewski) – Hospital tax credit sunset extension
• HB 1587 (Murphy / West) – Gov’t admin package
• HB 4846 (Gillespie / Walsh) – Healthcare 2022 trailer omnibus
* Passed Senate, Awaiting House’s Lame Duck Session…
• SB 2801 (Harmon) – Clean UI Trust Fund agreement appropriations bill.
• SB 2953 (Lightford/ Smith) – Increases ME/coroner’s cremation fee
• SB 4244 (Lightford) – Eliminates residency requirement for county school treasurers in Cook County
…Adding… House Speaker Chris Welch…
“I want to thank the diligent work of all members, staff, and everyone who had a hand in this successful veto session. I’m incredibly proud we were able to work together to pass important clarifications to the SAFE-T Act and reach a bipartisan agreement to eliminate the Unemployment Trust Fund debt accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though we are traveling back home for some much-needed time with our loved ones, our work continues. When we return for the lame duck session in January, our legislative body will have important and time sensitive issues to consider. I look forward to what 2023 will bring and I wish everyone a very happy holiday season.”
* Gov. Pritzker…
Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement after the conclusion of the 2022 legislative session.
“As we conclude the 2022 veto session, I want to congratulate the lawmakers and advocates who came together on behalf of the people of Illinois and made this session a success. Government is at its best when we come together across party lines to make Illinois the best it can be.
“For almost six months, working groups of legislators have been hard at work with victims’ advocates, state’s attorneys, public defenders, law enforcement partners and others to clarify language in the SAFE-T Act, which goes into effect January 1st. I’m pleased that the General Assembly has upheld the principles we fought to protect, including bringing an end to a system where those charged with violent offenses can buy their way out of jail, while others who are poor and charged with nonviolent offenses wait in jail for trial.
“I want to particularly thank the legislators who came together to make this work possible, with a special note of congratulations to Leader Gordon Booth, Representative Slaughter, Leader Sims and Senator Peters.
“This week a historic bipartisan agreement was reached to fully restore our unemployment system after the worst recession since the Great Depression. And the plan also includes adding $450 million more to our still under-resourced Rainy Day Fund. Earlier this week it was my privilege to stand with the leaders in both chambers from both parties who tirelessly sat at the table with business and labor to get this done. “Thank you again to: Leaders Cunningham and Holmes, Senators Rezin and Stoller, Leaders Evans and Hoffman, and Representatives Marron and Ugaste.
“Additionally, we were able to bolster the Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act by adding provisions which will give manufacturers the ability to ramp up production of EV parts and provide additional flexibility as the market evolves. By continuing to pass innovative measures that support the emerging electric vehicle industry in Illinois, we are well on our way to meeting our goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
“There’s still more work to do, so we’ll be hard at work getting big things done in the 103rd Illinois General Assembly.”
* Comptroller Mendoza…
Today’s vote to pay the remaining $1.3 billion owed to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund will save the state $20 million in interest payments and will shore up the state’s Rainy Day Fund in the long term. This is responsible budgeting that shows what can happen when business and labor leaders come together with legislators and state leaders to work out an agreed plan. My Office will collaborate with the Dept. of Employment Security to make the required fund transfers from state funds that will complete this loan. I am also supportive of strengthening the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund with an additional $450 million to help with future demands on the program and redirect payment back into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. I encourage legislators to also pass my Rainy Day Bill, HB 4118, to require annual payments into the Rainy Day Fund and the Pension Stabilization Fund.
* Cook County Public Defender…
Today, Illinois lawmakers passed technical amendments to the state’s SAFE-T Act, a historic reform that takes the next step in creating a more fair and equitable criminal legal system. The SAFE-T Act, which includes the Pretrial Fairness Act, puts our state in the national vanguard on one of the most important issues of our day – ending wealth-based pretrial jailing that weakens communities and is fundamentally unfair. On Jan. 1, 2023, Illinois will become the first state to fully eliminate money bond, which has made us less safe by needlessly destabilizing the lives of our most marginalized residents.
The passage of trailer bill HB1095, SA2 means that these badly needed reforms are fully ready for implementation on Jan. 1, 2023. The bill contains amendments and clarifications that are in line with the law’s original transformative intent and avoids worsening racial disparities or increasing pretrial jailing. The SAFE-T Act was passed in January 2021, allowing two years for preparation and clarifications ahead of implementation.
“We are immensely proud of the joint work by advocacy and community groups, lawmakers, stakeholders from every part of government, faith-based organizations and system partners who fought back against fearmongering and misinformation and preserved the essence of this landmark justice reform,” said Cook County Public Defender Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr.
* McCombie…
State Representative and House Republican Leader-elect Tony McCombie called the SAFE-T Act cleanup bill “flawed” and says it continues to ignore the blatant errors and disrespects law enforcement and victims of crimes.
“Once again, the Democrats chose to go it alone without involving viewpoints of Illinoisans around the state,” said McCombie. “While this is the fourth attempt to clean up a bad bill, it keeps zero cash bail in place, increases taxes, jeopardizes due process for police officers, and decreases penalties for repeat offenders — making our communities less safe. It is unacceptable to abuse victims in the way the SAFE-T Act allows.”
The SAFE-T Act “cleanup bill” was filed as Senate Floor Amendments 1 & 2 to House Bill 1095. The bill was passed through both the State Senate and State House this week.
“A sincere effort at a bipartisan fix would have involved the minority party, but Democrats chose to go it alone to continue to mislead Illinoisans. This bill does nothing but support criminals, make residents less safe and exploits victims of crime,” said McCombie.
McCombie voted NO on the Amendments to HB 1095, which ultimately passed the Illinois House by a vote of 71-40. Governor Pritzker has indicated he will sign the legislation ensuring the SAFE-T Act and its “zero cash bail” provisions will still go into effect on January 1, 2023.
* INPJ…
The following is a statement from the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice (INPJ) about their coalition’s success in protecting the Pretrial Fairness Act and ensuring that Illinois will end money bond on January 1st:
“Today, the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate passed House Bill 1095 Senate Amendment 2, a SAFE-T Act trailer bill that amends portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act. The passage of HB1095 SA2 is a testament to the fact communities across Illinois have stood by this legislation even as right-wing operatives sought to mislead them through a multi-million dollar misinformation campaign rooted in racism and outright lies.
“After nearly two full years of intense struggle led by communities across Illinois, we have successfully defended the Pretrial Fairness Act from being rolled back or repealed. On January 1, 2023, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to completely eliminate the jailing of people who are awaiting trial simply because they’re poor—a practice that has devastated Black, Brown, and poor communities across our state for decades.
“From the moment the Pretrial Fairness Act was first passed in January 2021, conservatives and some members of law enforcement have engaged in bad faith arguments and spread outright lies about how the law was developed and passed and the impact it would have on our communities. During this year’s election cycle, right-wing operatives spent tens of millions of dollars spreading anti-Black fearmongering and sending fake newspapers to homes throughout Illinois, attempting to turn Illinoisans against the elected leaders who fought to make Illinois criminal courts fairer. Those attempts to preserve the money bond system—one of the primary drivers of mass incarceration—have failed.
“In addition to protecting the law, the trailer bill passed today includes some significant wins for our movement. Over the last two years, the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice has worked with stakeholders from every branch of state government to prepare for the successful implementation of this historic law. During that time, we identified clarifications that we believe were needed in order to effectively implement the Pretrial Fairness Act and protect the rights of accused people in the new system. While we took a neutral stance on the legislation as a whole due to some provisions that our Network did not fully support, we are pleased to see many important measures we advocated for included.
“These amendments to the Pretrial Fairness Act are in line with the law’s original intent to lessen racial disparities and decrease pretrial jailing in our state. In addition to these changes, there were also some changes made to the safety and willful flight standards of the law, as well as making some charges previously only detainable under the willful flight standard also detainable under the safety standard. The trailer bill also allows for detention hearings to occur over video in some instances. While we do not support these changes, we do not believe they were significant enough to oppose this bill or delay the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act.
“For the last six years, the Coalition to End Money Bond and Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice have worked with people of all walks of life across our state to secure this monumental improvement to our criminal legal system. We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who took action with us and made this vision a reality. This transformation of our pretrial justice system is only possible because of the thousands of people who worked to educate and advocate with their friends, neighbors, and elected officials.
“We so deeply appreciate the work of our champions in the Illinois House and Senate that have worked so hard to ensure that our efforts were not in vain. We thank the chief bill sponsors Representative Justin Slaughter and Senators Elgie Sims and Robert Peters, working group leader Representative Jehan Gordon Booth, and Governor JB Pritzker and his staff, whose actions will positively impact the lives of millions of Illinoisans for years to come. We want to especially recognize the hard work and contributions of the legislative staff who shepherded this effort forward: Office of the Senate President Deputy Chief of Staff Ashley Jenkins-Jordan and Chief Counsel to the Speaker of the House of Representatives James Hartmann.
“In this moment, it is important that we remember this change became possible because of the national Black Lives Matter movement in response to police murders of Black people across our country. In 2020, millions of people throughout the United States and the world demanded that governments begin the essential work of addressing the systemic racism that permeates every aspect of our society. Pretrial jailing and unaffordable money bonds became a focal point of that movement following the earlier deaths of Kalief Browder and Sandra Bland. In Illinois, the 2020 COVID-19 spring deaths of Nickolas Lee, Jeffrey Pendelton, Karl Battiste and others awaiting trial in Cook County Jail exposed the potentially deadly consequences of pretrial jailing and increased the pressure to end money bond.
“While we celebrate this moment, we know that our fight is not over. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to ensure the law is implemented as intended. We look forward to working with people across the state to implement this law and continue the fight to protect our communities!”
* Freedom Caucus…
Chris Miller, the chairman of the Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the changes to the SAFE-T Act the Legislature approved today.
“The people of Illinois asked for changes to the SAFE-T Act but as is often the case, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. What we as Illinois residents got was not safer streets and real reforms but rather one of the most far-left pieces of legislation ever passed in Illinois history.
The SAFE-T act now includes provisions to allow criminals charged before the effective date on Jan. 1st to be charged under the new SAFE-T Act rules. It also reduces penalties for repeat offenders and makes consecutive sentencing permissive rather than mandated which means a criminal who awaiting trial could conceivably commit the same crime again and serve both sentences concurrently. The legislation also could put victims of sexual assault in the same room as their abuser within 48 hours of the assault for a detainment hearing.
The changes to the SAFE-T Act are not wholesale changes. They are cosmetic at best. The original intent of the legislation was to radically transform our judicial system and that is still the intent. We don’t need a new criminal justice system. We need a system that is fair and one that protects honest citizens. The concerns about the SAFE-T Act have always been centered on the ramifications this law would have on public safety. Nothing about what the Legislature did today alleviates any of those concerns. The intent has always been to codify the radical policies of far-left prosecutors like Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx into law and that is exactly what this legislation does despite the so-called improvements to the bill.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). 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.
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* Yesterday, I poked my head into Secretary of State Jesse White’s office and it looks like it will be getting a fresh coat of paint before Alexi Giannoulias moves in. White’s staff is removing dozens of awards from the walls that White himself put up. Thanks to spokesperson Henry Haupt for these photos of some of Secretary White’s walls before they took everything down…
* More…
* Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Spreads the Warmth With Coat and Sock Giveaway for Those in Need: On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will host his final public appearance with a coat and sock giveaway to those in need at the Jesse White Community Center at 11 a.m. Chicago-based entrepreneur Ann Jhin, CEO of Jinny Beauty Supply, the largest multicultural and ethnic beauty supply distributor in the world, graciously purchased and donated all 500 coats and 200 Bombas socks for this giveaway to the local community. Following the giveaway, there will be a performance by the internationally renowned Jesse White Tumblers, who have been helping impact the lives of thousands of young Illinoisans for more than 60 years.
* WGEM | Retiring Secretary of State Jesse White reflects on his legacy: “We have put in place a process by which individuals can come to the Secretary of State’s office and be treated in a highly respectful manner and receive the documents that they’re seeking in a timely manner,” White said. White noted that a lot has changed in driver services facilities since he first took over the Secretary of State’s office. People can now avoid long lines at the DMV by setting up appointments over the phone or online. White said he is glad that his offices have the policy to allow seniors, disabled people, pregnant people and military veterans to get to the front of the line for services.
* WLS | Alexi Giannoulias: “I am Thrilled for What We Are Going to do in the Secretary of State’s Office”: Alexi Giannoulias, IL Secretary of State Elect, joins the John Howell show. They discuss Giannoulias’ win, the state of politics today, and plans for the Secretary of State office. Giannoulias also speaks on the launch of the Rev Up Illinois website, a place for IL residents to give their input as to what they want to see in our state.
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Lunchtime roundup
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Congrats…
* Floor action…
* Politico…
On the Illinois GOP’s divisions between conservative and moderate views, Bailey said he wishes the party would unite around conservatism — even in wake of losses in the midterms that favored moderates. He acknowledges, however, that the party needs to find a unified message on certain issues, including abortion.
The party already has a unified message on abortion and that uniformity has cost it dearly.
* What apparently passes for an oppo dump at Illinois Review…
Here in Illinois, Dot Foods, Inc. – a family-owned company that employs more than 6,000 people in the US and Canada – is the nation’s largest distributor of food and related products. Headquartered in Mt. Sterling, IL, the company is owned by twelve siblings, including IL GOP chairman Don Tracy.
Tracy is very proud of the family business, where he is an owner. He brings it up frequently in speeches and it’s even on his bio on the IL GOP website under the section, “Meet Our Chairman.” […]
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, owners made a $6,193 donation to Joe Biden.
By contrast, in 2018, owners made a $250 donation to President Donald Trump.
And in 2022, owners made a $3,900 donation to US Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R.; a $4,900 donation to US Rep. Rodney Davis, R.; and a $51,000 donation to the Republican Party of Illinois. […]
In 2020, US Rep. Rodney Davis was one of 35 House Republicans to support the January 6th Commission to investigate the attack on the US Capitol – a move that angered Trump.
More from IR…
Several names have surfaced in the last week as potential candidates to replace Tracy, including state central committee member for the 8th District, Dean White; state central committee member for the 15th District, State Sen. Jason Plummer, 54th District; Will County grassroots activist and founder of Illinois Patriots group Christina Clausen; former US Senate candidate Peggy Hubbard; and businessman and former candidate for governor Gary Rabine.
Peggy Hubbard? The person who claimed, with zero actual evidence, a massive conspiracy to steal the Republican primary from her? Who the heck is floating that name?
…Adding… Tribune last year…
In the last election cycle, federal campaign disclosure reports show Tracy gave more than $400,000 to various Republican candidates and causes including $93,300 to Trump Victory, the joint fundraising committee for Trump’s reelection, the Republican National Committee and 11 state GOP organizations. He also gave another $2,800 to the president’s personal reelection fund, $92,200 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and $100,000 to the victory committee established by Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell.
Tracy has donated more than $400,000 to state candidates and causes since 1999, campaign finance records show, primarily to himself and his sister-in-law, but also to local GOP causes and candidates in Springfield. He also gave $25,000 to the successful effort to defeat Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s effort to have voters approve a graduated-rate income tax amendment to the state constitution on Nov. 3.
Tracy also has given more than $10,000 over the years to Family PAC, a socially conservative group that has fought abortion and gay rights in Springfield, state records show. Tracy has long opposed abortion rights and has touted his support of gun-owner rights.
* Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson reported a $350,000 contribution today from the Chicago Teachers Union. Johnson has reported raising $791,100 since he filed paperwork to run for mayor last month.
Speaking of the mayor’s race…
* Today in DuPage…
* And lastly…
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* Senate Democrats’ backgrounder…
Pretrial Fairness Act – 5 key points
Transition to new system
Q: What happens to those currently detained on Jan. 1?
A: Those currently detained can request to have the new system applied to their situation. To make this manageable for courts, there will be a tiered system for granting hearings on these requests. These hearings are to determine whether they should be released.
• Lowest level offenses (example: petty shoplifting) hearings must be within 7 days of request.
• Those detained but considered flight risks would get hearings within 60 days.
• Those considered to be potential threats to safety get hearings within 90 days.
This system is designed to give the court extended time to examine requests involving more serious cases.
Trespassing
Q: Can police detain or arrest someone from trespassing?
A: Yes. The Pretrial Fairness Act always allowed this. This amendment clarifies that a police officer can arrest someone for trespassing if …
• The person poses a threat to the community or any person;
• *Arrest is necessary because criminal activity persists after issuance of the citation; or
• The accused has an obvious medical or mental health issue that poses a risk to their safety.
If the above conditions are not present, a citation would be issued.
*Note: This provision was added to clarify the intent of the initial Pretrial Fairness Act.
Dangerousness standard
Makes consistent throughout the entire act what a prosecutor must show to detain an individual on grounds the individual is a threat. This “dangerousness standard” is: the person poses a real and present threat to any person or persons or the community, based on the specific, explainable facts of the case.
Detention net
Adds non-probationable felonies, forcible felonies, hate crimes, attempts of crimes that are otherwise detainable, and others to the list of crimes that qualify someone for detention. The underlying goal for all of this is that dangerous people should be detained while those who merely lack resources and do not pose a threat should not.
Judicial arrest warrants
Clarifies that judges can issue arrest warrants or summons when someone misses their court date. They currently lack this flexibility.
A summons is an official notice to appear in court.
An arrest warrant tells police to arrest and detain.
Also clarifies what constitutes “willful flight” to stress that the intent is to detain those who are actively evading prosecution, not someone who failed to appear in court because, for example, they missed their bus.
Discuss.
*** UPDATE 1 *** List of groups registered as neutral on the bill…
Religious Action Center of Illinois, Labor Council, Troopers Lodge 41, Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice, ACLU of Illinois, Live Free Illinois, Chicago FOP Lodge 7, IL Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Council of Chief Defenders, Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, Illinois Justice Project, Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, Illinois Assn of Chiefs of Police, SAFER Foundation, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
FOP and the ACLU. Not bad.
No groups have registered in opposition as of this writing. The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation has registered as a proponent.
…Adding… Good point…
*** UPDATE 2 *** Senate President Harmon just said there was a “technology issue” that kept members from voting. Could be a redo…
*** UPDATE 3 *** Harmon moved to reconsider the vote. Motion passed. They’re checking the equipment now.
*** UPDATE 4 *** New roll call…
*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…
Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement today after the Senate passed legislation clarifying certain portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act:
“Our goal when we passed the Pretrial Fairness Act nearly two years ago was to overhaul a broken criminal justice system, one in which dangerous people could buy their way out of jail while people accused of non-violent crimes remain detained as they await their day in court simply because they lack resources.
“The measure we passed today preserves that goal while providing clarifications to eliminate any misunderstandings and ensure the implementation of this groundbreaking reform is smooth.”
*HB1095 is now pending before the Illinois House.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Since this topic was repeatedly mentioned during the debate…
*** UPDATE 7 *** Just barely passed. Democratic Reps. Tarver and Yingling did not vote…
…Adding… Very close…
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It’s just a bill
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s yesterday…
Just a year after passing major new tax incentives to lure electric vehicle makers here, the Pritzker administration is aiming to sweeten the pot.
Legislation introduced in Springfield today that [quickly passed the Senate 49-5] would both widen and extend to up to 30 years payroll tax credits for those who work here under the existing Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois law, known as the Rev Illinois Act. […]
Mark Denzler, who heads the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and worked on both Rev Illinois and the new plan, said the state has learned something from those losses and by talking to other companies whose plans are not yet final.
“We’ve seen we’ve come up short in some cases, so we’re tweaking,” Denzler said after testifying on behalf of the bill. “It means we’re listening to what we’ve heard from the companies that didn’t choose Illinois, and from companies that are still considering if they want to come here.”
Fact sheet from the Pritzker administration…
HB 5189, SA#3 is an initiative to provide improvements to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) Act. The changes in this amendment are in direct response to conversations with industry stakeholders as we aggressively recruit companies in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector for Illinois investment.
Updates the Definition of “Component Parts Manufacturers” to Reflect Current Market Conditions
20 ILCS 686/10
In response to the reality of market conditions, these changes support existing Illinois manufacturers in the ramping up of their production of EV component parts while giving them flexibility to decrease their more traditional lines as demand decreases.
• Removes the need for a component parts manufacturer under the Act to primarily produce EV component parts
• Removes the “substantially” portion of definition of “retained employee” for component parts manufacturers
• Allows production of any component part of an electric vehicle to be considered eligible for the credit
Supports Existing Illinois Automakers to Transform Their Current Plants to EV
20 ILCS 686/30
• Improves the REV retention credit by increasing the tax credit available against incremental income tax attributable to retained employees at applicant’s project to 75% (from 25%) statewide or 100% (from 50%) for those locating or expanding in an Underserved or Energy Transition Area
Allows for Renewal of REV Agreements
20 ILCS 686/15 & /40
• Enacts a renewal clause that allows for businesses to renew the incentive for one additional term
• Allows the Department to put in parameters (i.e new & retained jobs, capital investment) for renewal
Allows Businesses Flexibility in Determining Which Incentives Work Best for Them
20 ILCS 686/20
• Provides the authority for EDGE recipients who are REV eligible to trade in their EDGE agreement for a REV agreement and receive REV benefits
• Provides that if a manufacturer falls out of compliance with REV because they are no longer producing EVs or component parts, but they are otherwise meeting employment and investment thresholds, then they can receive EDGE benefits without having to restart the process
Note: HB 5189, SA#3 also includes a technical change to ensure 120% wage requirement is met utilizing quality data compensation calculation under REV
* Center Square…
The Predatory Loan Prevention Act instituted a 36% interest rate cap on loans in Illinois, but some lawmakers say pawnbrokers are skirting the law.
A Sangamon County judge issued a preliminary injunction against the cap after pawnbrokers filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Legislation is pending in Springfield that would close the loophole and require Illinois pawnbrokers to charge no more than 36% APR for their loans.
A Woodstock Institute investigation showed that Illinois pawnbrokers were overcharging active-duty service members on loans with interest as much as 240%. Federal law is also supposed to cap those interest rates for service members. […]
Kelly Swisher, president of the Illinois Pawnbrokers Association, said the loans they deal with are usually short term.
“Typically 30 to 60 days, so we are captured under [the Truth in Lending Act], so we have to put down the 240%, but in actuality, it is a very short period of time,” Swisher said.
Woodstock Institute notes that nationally, annual interest rates on pawn loans are as low as 12%, much lower than the proposed 36%.
SJ-R…
Moving to Chicago last year, content creator Jazmine Thompson needed some extra cash to cover rent and expenses. She pawned her laptop computer and three professional cameras, receiving with it two $800 loans.
The interest rate on the loans was about 150% requiring her to pay $8,000 in loan fees over the course of 12 months. Not able to cover those expenses, Thompson decided to stop paying back the interest on her loans and has not regained her property. […]
“I’d like to point out that during COVID, the shutdowns, we were considered an essential business by this government,” Swisher said, who owns a pawn shop in Arlington Heights. “Now, all of a sudden, we are the enemy.”
IPA represents more than 200 pawnbrokers with a variety of specialties throughout the state, including three in Springfield, which makes setting a statewide standard a challenge. Above all, Swisher claims the measure will cause many shops to go out of business.
* Center Square on a bill that has been stuck in House Rules Committee since April…
A measure some at the Illinois statehouse hope to advance would give voting rights to incarcerated individuals serving time in county jails or state or federal prisons.
Senate Bill 828 is sponsored by state Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, and, if passed, would overturn current law that states anyone serving a sentence in a federal or state prison, county jail, or on work release is ineligible to vote. […]
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, claims the legislation was brought forward for the wrong reasons.
“A voter block such as this raises some questions about the unintended consequences of this piece of legislation,” Niemerg said. “Perhaps, they are the intended consequences of this being a Democratic voter drive, so to speak.”
By framing it this way, isn’t he also saying he’s opposed because he’s protecting Republican political interests?
* Politico on the measure to implement the unemployment insurance trust fund agreed bill…
As we mentioned Wednesday, this would be a supplemental budget that might prompt lawmakers to try to tack on additional goodies. But Republicans are saying they won’t be on board unless the measure is strictly focused on paying off unemployment debt. That will be fine with Pritzker. He wants the measure to have bipartisan support and doesn’t need the drama of add-ons.
Yesterday…
Watch for hiccups: The proposal will be part of a supplemental budget, which could become a Christmas tree for lawmakers who want to negotiate items or bills for their own purposes.
This is an agreed bill. There’s no mucking around with agreed bills. And it’s also not an appropriations bill, supplemental or otherwise. We’ll see a supplemental approp next year.
…Adding… There is an approp bill, and the Senate is debating it now. However, there was no mucking around with it.
…Adding… The actual implementation bill passed the House by a wide, bipartisan margin.
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* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager - House Democrats goes to Ricardo Montoya-Picazo with Rep. Dave Vella’s district office…
Ricardo is a tireless civil servant who dedicates himself to the 68th district constituents both on and off the clock. He has overseen one of the most engaged and active offices I have ever seen, hosting hundreds of community events and services annually. Outside of the office, Ricardo serves on several boards for local organizations, and can always be spotted out-and-about supporting his community. This guy is amazing and the definition of above and beyond when it comes to civil service!
Runner-up is awarded to Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s chief of staff Torrence Gardner.
* The 2022 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Legislative Assistant/District Office Manager - House Republicans goes to Megan McGuire with Rep. CD Davidsmeyer’s office…
An incredible advocate for constituents, Megan is not afraid to ask tough questions to get results for those she’s helping. She’s organized and tireless, tenaciously digging into complex issues to get questions answered or issues rectified. The result is a professional operation that does a tremendous job serving constituents on a diverse set of issues in an area where services and resources are sometimes in short supply. It would be difficult to estimate how many folks she’s helped in the western part of the state in this role.
Runner-up is awarded to Carrie Andre with Rep. Steve Reick’s district office.
Congratulations!
* On to today’s categories…
Communications staff will have their own category this year, so save those nominations for later. Please try your best to nominate in both categories and don’t forget to explain your nominations. The object is to sell your pick to the rest of us.
* And, if you get a minute today, please consider clicking here and donating to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois to help buy presents for foster kids like these…
Thanks!
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* From the US Department of Homeland Security…
Summary of Terrorism Threat to the United States
The United States remains in a heightened threat environment. Lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat to the Homeland. Domestic actors and foreign terrorist organizations continue to maintain a visible presence online in attempts to motivate supporters to conduct attacks in the Homeland. Threat actors have recently mobilized to violence, citing factors such as reactions to current events and adherence to violent extremist ideologies. In the coming months, threat actors could exploit several upcoming events to justify or commit acts of violence, including certifications related to the midterm elections, the holiday season and associated large gatherings, the marking of two years since the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and potential sociopolitical developments connected to ideological beliefs or personal hostility. Targets of potential violence include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, the LGBTQI+ community, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents.
Duration
Issued: November 30, 2022 02:00 pm
Expires: May 24, 2023 02:00 pm
Additional Information
• Several recent attacks, plots, and threats of violence demonstrate the continued dynamic and complex nature of the threat environment in the United States.
• Some domestic violent extremists who have conducted attacks have cited previous attacks and attackers as inspiration. Following the late November shooting at an LGBTQI+ bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado—which remains under investigation—we have observed actors on forums known to post racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist content praising the alleged attacker. Similarly, some domestic violent extremists in the United States praised an October 2022 shooting at a LGBTQI+ bar in Slovakia and encouraged additional violence. The attacker in Slovakia posted a manifesto online espousing white supremacist beliefs and his admiration for prior attackers, including some within the United States.
• Recent incidents have highlighted the enduring threat to faith-based communities, including the Jewish community. In early November 2022, an individual in New Jersey was arrested for sharing a manifesto online that threatened attacks on synagogues. The individual admitted to writing the document, in which he claimed to be motivated by the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) and hatred towards Jewish people.
• While violence surrounding the November midterm elections was isolated, we remain vigilant that heightened political tensions in the country could contribute to individuals mobilizing to violence based on personalized grievances. Over the past few months we observed general calls for violence targeting elected officials, candidates, and ballot drop box locations.
o In October 2022 in San Francisco, California, an individual allegedly broke into the home of a Member of Congress and attacked their spouse with a hammer. The individual arrested for this crime was allegedly inspired by partisan grievances and conspiracy theories.
o Several elected officials, candidates, and political organizations received threatening letters with suspicious powders, which, while found not to be dangerous or toxic, were likely intended to target the political process. Voting for the midterm elections has concluded, but certifications for some elections will continue through December 2022, and some social media users have sought to justify the use of violence in response to perceptions that the midterm elections were fraudulent, citing technical difficulties at voting sites and delays in certifications.
• Perceptions of government overreach continue to drive individuals to attempt to commit violence targeting government officials and law enforcement officers. In August 2022, an individual wearing body armor and armed with a firearm and a nail gun attempted to forcibly enter the Cincinnati, Ohio Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). When uniformed officers responded, the individual fled the scene, resulting in a pursuit and eventual shots fired by responding officers. In the days preceding the attack, the individual called on others to acquire weapons and kill federal law enforcement, claiming he felt he was fighting in a “civil war.”
• Some domestic violent extremists have expressed grievances based on perceptions that the government is overstepping its Constitutional authorities or failing to perform its duties. Historically, issues related to immigration and abortion have been cited by prior attackers as inspiration for violence. Potential changes in border security enforcement policy, an increase in noncitizens attempting to enter the U.S., or other immigration-related developments may heighten these calls for violence.
There’s more.
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Morning briefing
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here’s the roundup…
* AP | Illinois Dems tighten parts of criminal justice overhaul: More crimes would be added to a list that could disqualify defendants in court from being released while awaiting trial under follow-up legislation to a contentious criminal justice overhaul
* Tribune | Illinois lawmakers file amendment in effort to clarify SAFE-T Act’s most controversial elements: It was unclear if the amendment pitched by Peters had enough support to pass both chambers of the General Assembly, but legislators were expected to take up the issue before Thursday’s scheduled adjournment for the year. Under the proposal, defendants charged before Jan. 1 would have the option to remain under the old bail system, or be moved to the new system.
* NBC Chicago | Expansive Changes Proposed to Illinois’ SAFE-T Act Just Before New Laws Slated to Begin: The proposed changes to the SAFE-T Act would expand the number of and types of crimes that could keep people in jail as they await trial, among other changes
* Crain’s | Pritzker moves to bulk up state’s EV tax incentives: Other provisions would loosen the definition of an EV worker and appear aimed at existing automakers in Illinois, especially Stellantis and Ford. They have huge conventional auto assembly plants in Illinois that could be converted to EV production, but likely only after years of preparation and work.
* Northwest Herald | Unemployment fund solution an apparent win-win: On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker had a press conference to announce plans to resolve the remaining balance. Subject to lawmaker approval, $1.36 billion will directly pay off the outstanding balance and the state will loan $450 million, interest free, to the fund. Over the next decade, the fund can pay back that money, and the state will funnel it to reserve funds.
* Crain’s | Billionaires are getting their tax bills, too. Here’s what they owe.: Crain’s took a look at the biggest residential bills in the city for the full tax year. If your tab feels big, take heart: Citadel chief Griffin, by far the biggest residential property taxpayer in the city, is on the hook for a little more than $1.96 million.
* Sun-Times | Illinois Dems target assault weapons, age of gun owners in response to Highland Park mass shooting: ‘It really can’t wait’: The measure would ban the sale of assault weapons immediately, prevent sales of ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds and raise eligibility for a state firearm owner identification card to 21.
* ABC 7 | Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke reflects on her career on last day on bench: “For someone who is dyslexic and dropped out of college and didn’t go back until I was married and had kids, I can’t believe the opportunities that I’ve had,” Burke said. Burke says work to make the courts more accessible and equitable is on the right track but more needs to be done.
* Rockford Register Star | US Rep. Cheri Bustos prepares for life after Congress: As she looks back at her time in Congress, Bustos said she was proud to be among the most successful at bringing back money to projects and programs throughout her district.
* Tribune | State commemorates Barack Obama’s 2007 presidential announcement with marker at Old State Capitol: The roughly 47–by-44-inch marker, which stands on the southeast corner of the Old Capitol grounds in downtown Springfield, also commemorates Obama’s 2008 announcement that then-Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware would be his running mate. It adds historical resonance to a building most famous as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech to the 1858 Republican State Convention.
* WBEZ | As Mayor Lori Lightfoot runs again, a look at who’s backing her and who’s looking elsewhere: Acree’s endorsement, along with the support of several other prominent figures, helped Lightfoot gain the support she needed within the city’s Black communities — building on the momentum she garnered among white liberal voters along Chicago’s lakefront. Lightfoot will likely seek support from Black community leaders again as she works to build a base among voters on Chicago’s South and West Sides in her 2023 reelection campaign. But Acree is one of many who endorsed Lightfoot in 2019 and is not sure whether he’ll make the same choice again.
* Block Club Chicago | Chicago’s Youngest Mayoral Hopeful, Ja’Mal Green, Wants Cops, Not Taxpayers, To Pay For Police Misconduct: “I spent so many years fighting for a better city for the next generation of Chicagoans and hoping that leaders that I’ve met, consulted with and brought forward ideas to would start to understand the real underlying problems,” Green said. “I’m still at a point where all of my life, I cannot name a time where there was a leader in our city that really did the right thing.”
* Sun-Times | Ald. Lopez wants probe into Fire owner’s $25K contribution to Mayor Lori Lightfoot: Ald. Ray Lopez says the contribution from billionaire Joe Mansueto “represents a gross & familiar abuse of power.” Chicagoans with disabilities protest plans for the training center on land slated for affordable housing.
* ABC 7 | Metra riders closely watching rail strike actions that could affect their service: Six Metra lines could be impacted by a freight rail strike, and riders are carefully watching negotiations and actions by Congress. With so many of the nation’s economy dependent on freight transportation, by some estimates $2 billion a day, a rail strike has the potential to be incredibly disruptive. Congressional action to block a work stoppage is needed to avoid the December 9 deadline.
* Slate | Without Abortion, Doctors in Texas Are Forced to Witness Horrible Outcomes: We’re supposed to be able to give patients choices on how to handle high-risk pregnancy complications. A new paper shows what happens when we can’t.
* Larry Yellen | After a swastika was sprayed on my parents’ headstone, it seems like hatred toward Jews will remain forever: The Jewish cemetery in my hometown of Waukegan, Illinois is so small that I recognize the names of almost everyone there. Many of them danced at my Bar Mitzvah, or played mahjong with my mother. All of them were members of a thriving Jewish community in Waukegan that has since disappeared. But on the Monday following the recent Veterans’ Day weekend, a new name appeared in the Congregation Am Echod Jewish Cemetery. It was spray-painted onto a headstone. “Kanye was rite.” (sic).
* Block Club Chicago | Neighbors Vow To Fight Proposed Black-Owned South Loop Dispensary: Some residents want to block a plan to open a Black-owned dispensary in the South Loop, saying the business would exacerbate crime and traffic. Family Roots is proposing a $650,000 project to convert an old Potbelly’s into a dispensary at 1147 S. Wabash Ave. The proposal received key zoning approval in September but requires signoff from the Zoning Board of Appeals before it’s a done deal.
* WJBC | At the state Capitol, the sights and sounds of the season are in full force: The Rotunda of the state Capitol is starting to fill up with holiday displays. So far there is a tree, a Nativity scene, a menorah, and a poster from the secretary of state’s office explaining the First Amendment. If past is prologue, they’ll soon be joined by a poster from the Freedom from Religion Foundation and a sculpture from the Satanic Temple of Illinois. One year there was even a Festivus pole.
* Politico | Never mind, Musk says — accusation against Apple was a ‘misunderstanding’: Elon Musk publicly retracted his accusations that Apple had threatened to remove Twitter from its App Store — two days after his claim unleashed a tsunami of Republican attacks and threats of reprisals against the iPhone-maker. In fact, the billionaire said in an unusually cordial tweet late Wednesday it was all just a big mix-up that Apple CEO Tim Cook managed to resolve in a “good conversation.”
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Open thread
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Thursday is looking to be one for the books. What’s are your thoughts on what’s going on in Illinois today?
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Live coverage
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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