* Not sure how much posting there will be today, but this is a good way to keep track of today’s session and committee hearings. Watch live House video here, Senate video here. Blackberry users click here…
The photo sent from the Kevin Burns campaign for Kane County chairman shows county auditor candidate Laura Wallet, coroner candidate Rob Russell, 33rd State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay and a smiling U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren on a Huntley constituent’s porch.
They were campaigning together Jan. 28 for the March 20 primary and all got a ride on Burns’ campaign bus back to their cars, Burns said.
And the news release from the Burns campaign stated that Hultgren told voters Burns was “the best candidate for this important office” of county board chairman. Burns is currently Geneva’s mayor.
Then this weekend, Hultgren, R-Winfield, endorsed Burns’ opponent, State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, at Lauzen’s winter barbecue fundraiser on Saturday.
The endorsement caused a bit of a dust-up, as Burns said he was “taken aback” by the apparent about-face. But according to Lauzen, there is no about-face. Lauzen disputes that Hultgren said anything like Burns was the “right man for the job,” which the release claimed Hultgren had said.
“While I respect Randy’s right to do what he wants,” said Burns, “I was obviously taken aback by this action. It was only last week he told voters we encountered in Huntley that I was ‘the right man for the job,’ so you can understand my surprise when I read the news.”
According to Burns, Hultgren did not contact him to tell him about his switch until late this afternoon. “I spoke with Randy, and he said, ‘I hate doing this. I absolutely hate it. This sucks.’ ”
* It’s not inconceivable to think that a highly contentious Daily Herald editorial board interview of both the candidates might also have played a role…
By including a statement that he [Lauzen] is a pro-life, pro-marriage candidate who supports, “honest, competent administration,” the gloves came off.
“Chris obviously hates homosexuals, is afraid of women and believes that only he has the answers to everything,” Burns said. “That’s sad.”
“Are you joking?” Lauzen responded.
“No, I’m not joking,” Burns replied. “I’m dead, fricking serious.”
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said Monday that he did not violate House ethics rules when he had a longtime friend and fundraiser buy a plane ticket for a woman who had a secret relationship with the congressman.
Jackson likewise defended his actions amid an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations that the same fundraiser was part of a scheme to raise $1 million for convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in return for the governor appointing Jackson to the U.S. Senate.
The 17-year congressman’s remarks came during an often contentious appearance before the Chicago Tribune editorial board with his March 20 Democratic primary opponent, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, who said the House investigation was keeping Jackson from doing his job.
Jackson’s response to the ethics concerns raised new questions when he was asked about his extramarital relationship. He noted he had apologized to “my absolute best friend, my wife,” Ald. Sandi Jackson, 7th.
Jackson apparently interrupted Halorson during the debate and she scolded him for it…
Caption?
* And Republican Congressman Don Manzullo has a new TV ad. Rate it…
Spurred by a Tribune report documenting an explosion in Taser use by police, a state legislator from Chicago is pushing a bill that would force local police departments to inform the state of every shock an officer delivers to a civilian.
The proposed law would compel officers to report details of any use of a Taser or other electroshock weapon, including information about the incident that led to the weapon’s deployment and whether the subject was armed, aggressive or intoxicated. Officers would also be asked to report the race of each person shocked by one of the devices. […]
In Chicago, where Taser use mushroomed after hundreds more officers were armed with the weapons, police logged 853 uses in 2011, a fivefold increase over 2008, according to figures compiled by the Independent Police Review Authority.
Davis’ bill faces opposition from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. The measure would force an “unfunded mandate” on local police departments, many of which don’t have the money for software or computer systems that might be necessary for the tracking effort, said Laimutis Nargelenas, a lobbyist for the organization.
* The Question: Do you support this concept of compelling the police to report Taser usage? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Thanks.
When ousted 36th Ward Ald. John Rice started a new job recently in Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration, Rice said he did not rely on clout but rather applied for the $84,420-a-year position after seeing it posted online.
But Rice’s job application was not filed until the same day he started his new job with the Illinois Department of Transportation in November, according to state records obtained by the Chicago News Cooperative. And the management opening was never posted, the documents show. […]
Rice’s hand-written application was dated Nov. 21 – the same day that his appointment became effective.
One of three references that Rice listed on his application was Mark Altman, a Chicago Fire Department captain who was accused of assaulting a police officer as police and fire marine units rescued two men from the Chicago River in November.
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office has denied the governor was involved with the hiring. IDOT blamed Michael Stout for the decision. Stout, who has since resigned, denied he hired Rice.
* Way back in 1980, this is how Quinn’s tenure during Gov. Dan Walker’s administration was described…
“His only problem was that he loved power and was vicious in doling out patronage and taking it away. He is not politically naive.”
* If true, this potential budget cut could indeed be devastating for that Peoria program. But WMBD may have crossed the line into outright activism with this story…
A vital program for kids with autism could be the next victim of Governor Quinn’s budget ax. […]
He’s expected to propose major cuts to The Autism Program of Illinois, or TAP. It’s possible the program could even be eliminated all together.
The autism program at Easter Seals of Central Illinois gets money from TAP. If money is completely cut off, it would mean layoffs and a blow to services for the families Easter Seals serves. […]
Easter Seals is asking you to take action. It wants you to send letters to Governor Quinn asking to keep the funding.
The station then supplied a link to a webpage that allows people to send letters to the governor.
* Roundup…
* Editorial: State’s eavesdrop law should be changed
* Sheriff’s office criticizes new cemetery rules signed by Quinn: “The individuals that did the horrific tragedy at Burr Oak, the way that this language is currently written and passed and signed now, would allow them to come back to work at Burr Oak without any questions,” said Frank Bilecki, a spokesman for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
* Illinois to extend immunity for drug users who report overdoses: The measure is meant to address scenarios in which friends let friends die from overdoses rather than risk being arrested themselves for drug use after calling for emergency help.
* And here’s a ScribbleLive feed. I’ll post some background stories in a minute or two for those of you who need to get up to speed on the issue. Blackberry users click here…
Depending on the other components of a pension bill, Cullerton said, the state could also consider revising its current goal of having the pension systems funded at 90 percent by 2045. That level was “artificially determined in 1995,” he said.
“I always thought 80 (percent) was the acceptable percentage,” Cullerton said. “A hundred percent would be if everybody retired on the same day, that’s how much money you’d have to have. Well, that doesn’t happen.”
As long as the state wasn’t also responsible for paying the interest every year on that remaining 20 percent unfunded liability, the idea would significantly lower the pension payments. I’m not sure how it will be received at the Statehouse, but this is a start.
The idea is intended to be one component of an overall pension reform plan, which could also feature concessions by public employee unions in exchange for some sort of mechanism to make sure the state pays what it owes to the systems, said Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat. […]
One approach to the problem could be giving pension payments priority over other state obligations, similar to the status now enjoyed by bonds the state issues, Cullerton said.
This is not something that can be negotiated with the unions during collective bargaining. The state Constitution’s “contract” on pension benefits is with individuals, not collectively. And the mechanisms he’s referring to aren’t quite clear yet. Subscribers know a little bit more, but this isn’t going to be easy, either.
* Gun-owner rights supporters thought they had a shot at winning this federal case. No such luck so far…
U.S. Judge Sue Myerscough wrote in an opinion issued Friday that the Second Amendment is narrow and merely gives citizens the right to possess lawful firearms in the home.
Four citizens and the Second Amendment Foundation Inc. and Illinois Carry — both pro-gun lobbying groups — filed suit in May 2011. They argued that Illinois laws that prohibit people from carrying guns in public, whether concealed or not, violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Myerscough, however, found no constitutional problem with the state laws.
“The United States Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit (Appellate Court) have recognized only a Second Amendment core individual right to bear arms inside the home,” Myerscough said in her ruling. “Further, even if this court recognized a Second Amendment right to bear arms outside of the home and an interference with that right, the statutes nonetheless survive constitutional scrutiny.”
* An appeal is already in the works. From a press release…
In her ruling, Judge Meyerscough stated, “This Court finds that the Illinois ‘Unlawful Use of Weapons’ and ‘Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon’ statutes do not violate Plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights. The United States Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit have recognized only a Second Amendment core individual right to bear arms inside the home. Further, even if this Court recognized a Second Amendment right to bear arms outside of the home and an interference with that right, the statutes nonetheless survive constitutional scrutiny.”
In response, [Second Amendment Foundation] founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb suggested the judge’s ruling defies common sense.
“We look forward to winning this important case on appeal even if it means going back to the United States Supreme Court for a third time,” Gottlieb stated. “The Second Amendment does not say, the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed except outside your home or that it only applies inside your house. We don’t check our constitutional rights at the front door.”
Judge Myerscough denied SAF and its co-plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against two laws in Illinois that make it a crime to carry loaded firearms outside the home for personal protection. Instead, she supported the state’s motion to dismiss the case.
Discuss, but keep your tempers cool, please. Let’s not let this get outta hand. Also, as usual, no drive-by comments and bumper-sticker slogans. Elevate yourselves or go somewhere else.
“Senator Kirk is making good progress in his recovery. He is visiting with family and even watched the Super Bowl last night. He has been upgraded to good condition and we anticipate he will be able to start the rehabilitation phase soon. We are very pleased with his continued improvement,” said Richard Fessler, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and professor of neurological surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
* Had to give a speech then went out to lunch with an old friend and lost track of time. I’ll be posting in a bit. This caption contest will serve as our question of the day. Mike Cramer, my former cartoonist, drew this one of me while I was giving a speech. We’re using this graphic on the invites to our March 31st charity fundraiser to benefit Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Tickets will go on sale very soon…
* Michael Sneed has had a direct line to Gov. Quinn for many a year, so if she says he’s signing the bill, he’s signing the bill…
Sneed has learned Gov. Pat Quinn is giving a thumbs up to a controversial bill to protect children as well as fill the city’s empty coffers.
To wit: Quinn is giving Chicago the green light to install speed “safety” enforcement cameras around schools and parks, which could generate a fortune in city fines!
$$$$: The bill, which was backed big time by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, calls for fines of $50 or more for cars going 6 to 10 miles over the limit near schools and parks. Driving more than 10 miles over the limit triggers $100 fines. Last year, Chicago earned $69 million from red-light violators caught by curbside cameras already in place.
Backshot: Installing new cameras has been a hot-button issue for Quinn, who had to weigh child safety versus privacy issues caused by camera glut.
Backshot II: Emanuel had been cautioned by Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy and Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard that the city has a speeding problem “unique from other cities,” which was endangering kids.
Background: “The governor spent two months studying the ramifications of this bill,” said a source. “Some critics feared cameras would blanket the city, but the bottom line for the governor was the same for the mayor: it all came down to safety. … Quinn came back to an old quote from scripture: ‘If you save one life you save the world,’ and ultimately he felt the safety of children comes first.”
February 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:
Bill No.: SB 965
An Act Concerning: Transportation
Authorizes the city of Chicago to use automatic speed enforcement cameras within one-eighth of a mile around schools from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during schooldays. Also authorizes use of automatic speed enforcement cameras within one-eighth of a mile around parks from one hour prior to facility opening to one hour after facility closing.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: July 1 […]
Bill No.: SB 1865
An Act Concerning: Local Government
Reduces fines set out in SB 965. Sets fines for driving six to 10 miles per hour over speed limit at a maximum of $50 with an additional $50 if late. Sets fines for driving 10 miles per hour over limit results at a maximum fine of $100, with an additional $100 if late. Requires cameras can be operated from Monday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: July 1
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Mayor Emanuel’s office…
Today is a good day for Chicago’s children. With the opening of our libraries this afternoon, and Governor Quinn’s signing of the speed camera legislation, our children will be both smarter and safer. I commend Governor Quinn’s signing and the legislature’s bipartisan passing of this legislation. All this requires is that drivers obey the law near schools and parks to ensure the safety of our kids. Since day one as Mayor, my top priority has been to ensure that Chicago’s children can focus on their studies, not worry about their safety. We have introduced stronger curfew laws, supported after-school and safe passage programs and put more cops and crossing guards closer to our schools. I am grateful to Governor Quinn for supporting one more step in our comprehensive strategy to keep Chicago’s children safe.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Gov. Quinn faced some harsh questions about the bill during his press conference today…
It has always been assumed that the speaker is preparing a path by which his daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, might one day become governor. And yet a rumor has been gaining steam that Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton are quietly pushing the idea that County Board President Toni Preckwinkle should jump in the 2014 primary. And run against fellow Democrat and incumbent Pat Quinn, whom they disdain.
Preckwinkle’s approval numbers, after all, are a lot better than the sorry state of Quinn’s most recent polls.
Nobody from Preckwinkle, Cullerton, Madigan or Quinn’s camps offers any credence to this rumor. Which could mean it’s true. But also problematic.
Thoughts on this?
*** UPDATE 1 *** Senate President Cullerton’s office just called to say that Cullerton adamantly denies the story. Cullerton, according to the spokesperson, was “shocked” to hear this rumor for the first time when Marin brought it up and is said to be worried that the story could harm his relationship with the governor during the spring session. The spokesperson called the story “irresponsible” several times during the conversation.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From President Preckwinkle’s staff…
The President will be a guest of Governor Quinn at his speech to the City Club
* On Friday, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released a six-month forecast of state economic conditions. If the forecast is correct, Illinois will out-perform both Indiana and Wisconsin…
The models include the state’s related coincident index and variables that lead the economy: state-level housing permits (1 to 4 units), state initial unemployment insurance claims, delivery times from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing survey, and the interest rate spread between the 10-year Treasury bond and the three-month Treasury bill.
* We have our problems, but we’re not the ultimate horror show that some people insist we are. And that fits in with the theme of my weekly syndicated newspaper column…
After more than a decade of extreme scandal and gross government mismanagement, far too many Illinoisans seem to be wallowing or even perversely reveling in our state’s embarrassing failures.
Just try to point out a positive aspect of this state, and you’ll be shouted down by all sides as a naive homer.
But accentuating the positive is just what Gov. Pat Quinn tried to do last week and, man, was he hammered for it.
Putting aside all the resulting uproar for a moment, the governor’s State of the State address was probably the best speech I’ve ever heard Quinn give, at least on a technical basis.
It was well-written (his 2010 speech was horribly ad-libbed), well-delivered (he’s given some real snoozers) and, as far as a State of the State speech goes, it hit all the right high notes.
Yes, it was heavily criticized for being way too light on budget specifics, but, hey, this was not a budget speech. Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said Quinn was “putting dessert on the table before the vegetables.” Well, yeah. But the broccoli address will be delivered in just a couple of weeks. Next year’s budget will be the toughest one Quinn has ever crafted. I can wait a couple of more weeks to see what he’s going to do.
Then there’s this, from Article V, Section 13, of the Illinois Constitution: “The Governor, at the beginning of each annual session of the General Assembly and at the close of his term of office, shall report to the General Assembly on the condition of the State and recommend such measures as he deems desirable.”
The annual State of the State address is not supposed to be about the government. It’s supposed to be about Illinois itself. So, much of the over-the-top hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth this week about Quinn’s address not being focused enough on the government itself was misplaced.
Yes, I agree that he should have tried harder to steel our collective nerve for the fearsome battles ahead. But, overall, the governor delivered a pretty standard State of the State address as required by the Constitution.
Quinn’s no Roosevelt or Reagan, but not many are and Illinoisans knew that when they elected him.
The speech was roundly slammed for being too “rosy,” but was Quinn really exaggerating when he extolled the virtues of our state’s reviving manufacturing base, our skilled workers, our creative entrepreneurs, our technology, our recently amazing successes with exports?
Are we really at a point in history when a governor cannot extol the true goodness of Illinois without being thought of as a clownish optimist?
Despite what you’ve read in most of the papers and saw on the TV, there were some positive reactions to Quinn’s speech, including from some folks you might not have expected.
Illinois Chamber of Commerce president Doug Whitley’s press release all but gushed over Quinn’s proposals. The Illinois Manufacturers Association’s Greg Baise not only praised Quinn’s ideas but said Illinois should do even more.
Trouble is, neither of those guys have a vote in the General Assembly. And when you looked around the Legislature, it was tough to find many positive remarks about the governor’s address.
The main reason, apart from partisanship, was a Civic Federation report released last week that projected an almost unimaginable $35 billion stack of overdue state bills by 2017.
The disastrous projections have gut-punched the entire Statehouse. So, legislators were in no mood for happy talk when Quinn took the podium.
Most of their negative reactions focused on the $300 million or so Quinn wants for tax breaks and increased spending.
The Republicans were predictably unanimous in opposition to Quinn’s ideas, despite having adamantly insisted on a far costlier corporate tax cut package just a couple months ago.
We have serious problems in Illinois. But it’s time to stop wallowing in all our failures and divisions.
Admit mistakes, face up to the problems like grown-ups and move forward together. Is it really too much to ask?
Discuss.
* Related…
* Election year for entire Legislature makes vast agenda more daunting - With all 177 lawmakers up for re-election in new territory, not much is expected to get done
