Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent with ties to key backers of Democratic congressional candidates Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson, is endorsing them, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. […]
In a statement, Sanders said, “Ramirez has been a champion of working families in Illinois. As a state legislator, she has expanded Medicaid for all seniors regardless of legal status, has secured millions of dollars for affordable housing and defended reproductive rights by codifying Roe Vs Wade in Illinois. I am proud to endorse her campaign for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.”
🚨 NEW AD ALERT - The past two years, the PEOPLE have been paralyzed by FEAR and allowed J.B. Pritzker to rule as a KING. I'm running for Attorney General to Educate, Empower, and Equip the PEOPLE to take back their GOVERNMENT and restore the power where it belongs… within the hearts and minds of the PEOPLE of this great state. The time is NOW to restore the POWER to the PEOPLE and Law and Order to society.
With gas prices hitting record numbers in Illinois, local Republican lawmakers addressed the pain at the pump and potential solutions.
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey held a press conference on the state’s soaring gas prices. He said one of the biggest issues is Illinois’ gas tax.
In 2019, the gas tax doubled and now sits at 39 cents per gallon. Bailey said the first step toward relief is cutting out the taxes that he said are exacerbating the problem.
* CD1…
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund announced its endorsement of Karin Norington-Reaves to represent Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. Karin announced her run following Rep. Bobby Rush’s decision to retire from the House of Representatives.
A third-generation Chicagoan with an unparalleled passion for workforce development and decades of experience as a law professor, advocate, and non-profit leader, Karin is uniquely qualified to represent the families in Illinois’ 1st District. She recognizes the potential of individuals and communities in Illinois and has dedicated her life to connecting Chicagoans with economic opportunities. Under Karin’s leadership as the CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, roughly 100,000 people have been placed in lasting careers. She will be a fierce advocate for Chicago workers, families, and businesses in Congress.
“Over her 30 year career as a public servant and change agent, Karin has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to creating economic opportunities for all Chicagoans,” said Congressman Brad Schneider, Chair of the NewDem Action Fund. “In Congress, Karin will be a strong voice for strengthening the middle class and ensuring every American can climb the economic ladder.”
“My life’s work has been to create jobs and connect people to pathways to economic empowerment, giving them the hope and opportunity to better themselves and care for their loved ones,” said Karin Norington-Reaves. “With innovative solutions and hard work, I’ve seen that these jobs create thriving, safer communities. Being endorsed by the NewDem Action Fund is recognition that my work is making a difference, and that my experience is needed in Congress. When I’m elected to office, I will continue supporting working families and finding new ways to support economic growth in the 1st District.”
The New Democrat Coalition is the largest ideological caucus amongst House Democrats, counting more than forty percent of the caucus as members. The 98 NewDems represent a central core of the Democratic Party and advocate within Congress, and the party as a whole, for innovative approaches and constructive solutions to move America forward. Formed by Members of the New Democrat Coalition, the NewDem Action Fund helps re-elect NewDems and elect new, like-minded leaders who can help develop a positive policy agenda and message.
The state chair for former President Donald Trump’s 2016 Illinois primary campaign is challenging a member of the state Republican leadership in the Illinois House in a battle of contrasting styles in the new 95th District.
Kent Gray, a local attorney who has served as a Republican operative, member of the Lincoln Land Community College board and member of the advance office in two separate presidential administrations, is challenging state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, in the June 28 Republican primary in the newly redrawn district.
Gray is positioning himself as a more conservative, Trump-friendly option to Butler, who is a relatively moderate member of Republican leadership in the General Assembly.
Gray and Butler have known each other for 30 years, but the key difference between the two comes down to a fundamental matter in the modern Republican Party: to what extent should one support Donald Trump, in his prior, present and future roles in American society?
* CD1…
Alderman Greg Mitchell of Chicago’s 7th Ward is announcing his endorsement of Pat Dowell for Democratic Nomination for Congress in the First District of Illinois.
“Ald. Dowell and I share a vision for safe streets, quality schools, and economic development that ensures every community - especially those longest denied - thrives. I know she will be a workhorse in Congress to deliver resources to every corner of the district. It has been a pleasure to work with her on City Council to build coalitions and implement solutions that deliver real results for people. I look forward to continuing to work with her when she is in Congress,” said Mitchell, 7th Ward Alderman.
“Everyday Alderman Mitchell and I give voice to the residents of our wards. We have worked together to find solutions and then make sure those plans are turned into action,” said Ald. Pat Dowell, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District.
* More…
* GOP candidates for secretary of state offer contrasting messagesin bid for a post their party hasn’t held for more than two decades : In an interview, Milhiser offered few specifics about his vision for running the office, aside from improving technology and streamlining services for customers. Instead, he emphasized a need to “restore faith in government,” something he said he learned was needed, in part, from his most recent job teaching at the Lawrence Education Center in Springfield. … While praising White, Brady said the secretary of state’s office needs better computer systems and a greater focus on cybersecurity to more effectively prevent driver’s license or state ID data theft. With the secretary of state being Illinois’ official librarian, Brady has also talked about developing a better system for broadband Internet connectivity in libraries throughout the state, especially those in rural areas. He’s also called for more mobile driver’s services for senior citizens.
Disclosed campaign contributions made by his committee have so far totaled $1.37 million, almost all of that was contributed in the second quarter, which began April 1.
During the first quarter, Irvin reported spending about 85.5 percent of his expenditures on media placement. That means overhead was 14.5 percent, but it costs extra money to get things up and running.
* An ad buyer for a campaign not affiliated with any of the GOP candidates running for governor put together a detailed report for me detailing Richard Irvin’s media spending. I’m not allowed to post it, but here are the results…
* $1.705 million on social media (Facebook and YouTube);
* $27.048 million on thirty-second ads;
* $913K on sixty-second ads
* Grand Total: $29,665,712.67
That includes radio, but obviously doesn’t include mail. Irvin has spent a ton on mailers, including a recent 4-page newspaper. We got a glimpse at how much he was spending per mailer when his mail house in-kinded $152K for a mailer after failing to put the “Paid for by” on the original. My guess is he’s spent at least $3 million on mail, maybe more. We could say 5 just to be on the safe side, because some of those mailers were expensive because they were sent to a wide audience.
If he’s still spending about 14.5 percent on overhead, that’s $8 million or so, but I kinda doubt it’s that high. Say 5-7.
* So, that gives him somewhere around $7 to $9 million for the homestretch.
According to that buyer’s document, he spent about $3.6 million the last week of May on paid media. But then he spent $798,401.81 the first week of June.
Meanwhile, the other members of the “slate” have received very little money for their campaigns.
Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Family Bereavement Act, an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events impacting pregnancy and fertility. SB3120 also mandates leave after the loss of family members previously not covered in the act. The bill was originally proposed and written by Kyra Jagodzinski, a sixteen-year-old volunteer for State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).
“Illinoisans should have time to mourn and heal after an unimaginable loss like a miscarriage or stillbirth,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There are no words to erase such immense grief, but today, we take action to ensure that our residents are given the support and grace they deserve. This bill would not have been possible without the advocacy of one of Senator Bush’s dedicated volunteers, Kyra Jagodzinski. Illinois is a better, more compassionate state because of your hard work.”
The Support Through Loss Act requires employers in the state to provide for two weeks of unpaid leave for employees who experience a miscarriage, an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or other assisted reproductive procedure, a failed or non-finalized adoption match, a failed surrogacy agreement, a diagnosis affecting fertility, or a stillbirth. Employees can also utilize this time off to support a spouse or partner experiencing one of these losses.
The original Child Bereavement Leave Act, signed into law in 2016, allowed parents and guardians to take leave in the case of the loss of a biological or adopted child, a foster placement, or a stepchild. The amended act addresses the immense grief parents feel during pregnancy loss and failed adoptions, both of which are often under-recognized as traumatic events requiring time for recuperation and healing.
The act also requires employers to provide ten days of leave to employees attending the funeral of a covered family member, making arrangements necessitated by the death of a covered family member, or grieving the death of a covered family member. The bill expands the definition of a covered family member to include children, stepchildren, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents, parents-in-law, grandchildren, grandparents, or stepparents.
These provisions ensure employees across the state can take time to grieve before returning to work without fear of termination. The act also specifies that the employee does not have to identify which category of event they are taking leave for, even if they are required to provide documentation. The Department of Labor will provide forms for health care practitioners to verify the leave-inciting event without violating patient privacy.
“When we say we are one Illinois, we mean it. When an Illinois family faces the unspeakable grief of losing a loved one, we carry that sadness with them and we recognize there is no one definition of grief,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By signing this legislation, Illinois is enacting compassionate policy that provides residents comfort and support for healing at a time when it is needed the most. I commend Kyra Jagodzinski for having the vision and the heart to be a caring advocate for others.”
“The emotional anguish suffered after a miscarriage or stillbirth is often debilitating,” said Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). “Returning to work sooner than they’d like leaves little room for grief, mourning and healing. I am proud to have passed this law alongside the help of a passionate, young teen who saw the need for change and pushed to make it happen.”
“Over my life, I watched as my parents struggled with the loss of family, and saw people close to me struggle with fertility challenges and pregnancy loss,” said Kyra Jagodzinski. “As a 17-year-old, I did my best to comfort them but found a system that left them without support. The Act provides Illinois residents with time to grieve the loss of immediate family members and to-be family members. I am grateful to have worked with a leader in our legislature, Senator Melinda Bush, attorney Ashley Stead, Governor Pritzker, and the Illinois Legislature to support our communities in their time of need.”\
“Expanding bereavement leave to cover miscarriages, failed IVF procedures, failed adoptions, failed surrogacy agreements, the loss of a close family member and other similar losses is a vital step towards equality in Illinois,” said State Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). “All loving families are tragically impacted by the loss of a child or family member. This law will help deliver much-needed relief to workers who are overcoming huge personal tragedies, and I thank Governor Pritzker for his support.”
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker today announced the establishment of the Healthy Foods Access Program, furthering the administration’s efforts to provide equitable access to healthy food in every corner of the state.
“All Illinoisans deserve access to healthy foods,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Especially throughout the pandemic, food insecurity has been a major concern in our underserved communities. It has always been my administration’s mission to ensure that no child, no family, no elder goes without the food they need to stay nourished and healthy. That’s why I am proud to sign this bill into law to bolster the health and wellbeing of our residents while transforming food deserts into food oases.”
“No one should wonder where their next meal is coming from, but this is a reality for far too many people. Food insecurity is severely impacting the most vulnerable—children, college students, and seniors—who often live in our most underserved areas,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I am so proud that our state is taking a holistic approach to fighting food insecurity by uplifting the work of the Illinois Commission to End Hunger, along with collaborative efforts between state agencies, private partners, and community stakeholders that will launch this amazing program to increase access to fresh, nutrient-dense food.”
“Affordable and healthy fresh food is a necessity of life,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Every person and child deserves access to nutritionally balanced meals and this legislation helps our state provide that, especially for systematically disadvantaged communities. I want to thank Representative Sonya Harper for her continued passion in creating a sustainable food supply for communities in need.”
“This measure is necessary to ensure that our communities have access to food that will nourish their bodies and cater to their overall wellbeing,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “Food insecurity is one of the issues I’ve been fighting for a long time, and I am confident that this law will help end food deserts in our state, starting with addressing the gap left open by the departure of the Whole Foods in Englewood.
Our communities need access to affordable, nutritious food now.”
“Residents on the South and West sides of Chicago, as well as elsewhere in our state, continue to struggle to find places to buy healthy and affordable foods,” said State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicag0). “This has contributed to health disparities and even shorter life expectancies in these areas. I applaud Governor Pritzker for signing The Healthy Food Access Development Program into law today. Food is medicine and everyone deserves a right to access it. I’m hopeful this new law will help strengthen our small businesses and create new options for healthy food in our most vulnerable communities across the state while bringing in food and jobs to those that need them most.”
“There are too many neighborhoods across our state where people do not have access to fresh, healthy food,” said State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). “Let’s take advantage of our nutritional, locally-sourced food and spur connections with communities that have been left behind. Healthy food can have immense benefits for an individual, but we have to make sure it’s easily available.”
“One of the best ways to promote healthy lifestyles and overall wellness is to ensure access to nutritious, well-rounded food options,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “By bringing these options to communities across the state, we empower residents to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.”
House Bill 2382 enables the Department of Human Services in coordination with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to establish the Healthy Food Development Program to expand access to healthy foods in underserved areas. Grocery stores, corner stores, farmers’ markets, and other small retailers may receive assistance through grants, loans, equipment, or other financial assistance to be awarded on a competitive basis.
While the exact program design has not yet been established, too implement the program, DCEO and DHS may partner with non-profit organizations on implementation and DHS will designate a grocery ambassador to assist the state’s healthy food retailers by providing research and data on eligible areas with insufficient grocery access. Through this ambassador, small grocery retailers in the state will be provided technical assistance and support.
The establishment of this program builds on the administration’s efforts to increase access to healthy food in the state. These efforts include public-private partnerships to expand purchasing options for those who receive SNAP benefits, empowering the Illinois Commission to End Hunger to advance the From Food Insecurity to Food Equity: A Roadmap to End Hunger plan, a three-part strategy for connecting residents in need to nutrition assistance programs, and promoting equitable access to food for every Illinoisan.
In Cook County alone, one in six children experience food insecurity on any given day. Statewide, 17 percent of children live in poverty. Federal programs, such as SNAP, School Breakfast and summer meal programs, are widely underutilized. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, 1.6 million Illinoisans were participating in SNAP. During the initial months of the pandemic, SNAP applications soared to over 35,000 applications a week, up from an average of 9,000 weekly. In April 0f 2020, food insecurity doubled in the population overall and tripled for Illinois households with kids. In addition, Illinois has seen a 60% increase in food insecurity for older adults during the pandemic.
This legislation is effective January 1, 2023.
* Sen. Belt…
Burning toxic synthetic chemicals will be banned thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Wednesday.
“PFAS can harm people and the environment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This initiative stems from concerns that our neighbors have surrounding the waste incinerator in Sauget, which puts Metro East residents at risk of exposure to these harmful substances.”
The new law bans incinerating materials covered under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Release Inventory that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Thermal oxidation for the purposes of pollution control, combustion of gases at landfills, medical waste incinerators and byproducts generated by municipal wastewater treatment facilities are exempted.
The Veolia Environmental Services waste incinerator in Sauget will now be prohibited from incinerating firefighting foams, a product that often contains PFAS chemicals.
“I’d like to thank Leader Greenwood for championing this in the House,” Belt said. “We worked on this measure for over a year and I’m proud that we are able to prioritize Metro East residents.”
The new law takes effect immediately.
* Sen CP-Z…
A law to help identify families in need of additional financial assistance for college savings accounts was signed Tuesday, thanks to the hard work of State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas.
“A big part of helping families afford college is making sure they know what financial assistance resources are available,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “This law will not only allow for additional deposits in a Children’s Savings Account for students from financially unstable households, it will also help us understand who is taking advantage of the program and allow us to target outreach to families who might not be aware of it.”
The Illinois Children’s Savings Account program will go into effect in 2023. Under the current program, applicable families will receive a seed deposit of $50. The new law, formerly Senate Bill 3991, allows the state treasurer’s office to supplement CSA’s for financially insecure households with additional funds.
Additionally, the law requires the treasurer’s office to collect more data on program participants to keep track of the social and geographic makeup of those who are utilizing these accounts. This will help further ensure equitable roll out of the program.
“As a parent of three children, I have spent years advocating for a statewide children’s savings account program. I didn’t go to college, but my son was lucky enough to receive a scholarship,” said Liliana Olayo, Co-President POWER-PAC IL and member of the Steering Committee of Financial Inclusion for All Illinois. “With a statewide CSA program that promotes equity, more families like mine will have hope for the future and an investment in their children’s potential early on.”
The law was signed Tuesday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.
* Sen. Bush…
The burden of silence many people face when returning to the workplace almost immediately following the loss of a pregnancy can cause emotional upheaval. State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a newly signed law to allow people to take leave following pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or other fertility issues.
“The emotional anguish suffered after a miscarriage or stillbirth is often debilitating,” Bush said. “Returning to work sooner than they’d like leaves little room for grief, mourning and healing.”
Bush’s Senate Bill 3120 creates the Support Through Loss Act by providing up to 10 days of unpaid leave following a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or an unsuccessful intrauterine insemination, among other issues negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility.
The idea for the law came from Kyra Jagodzinski, a then 16-year-old intern of Bush’s who came to her with the issue and worked alongside the Senator, governor and the legislature to pass the measure to support families in their time of need.
“Over my life, I watched as my parents struggled with the loss of family and I saw people close to me struggle with fertility challenges and pregnancy loss,” Kyra said. “As a 17-year-old, I did my best to confront them but found a system that left them without support. The Support Through Loss Act provides Illinois residents with a time to grieve the loss of immediate family members and to-be family members.”
One in six women who have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy suffer from long-term post-traumatic stress, and approximately 15% of those who experience pregnancy loss develop severe depression or anxiety. Pregnancy loss not only has physical impacts, but mental and psychosocial implications. It also causes immense emotional stress for their spouses.
Bush’s law allows those impacted by these traumatizing circumstances to take time off work to address both their physical and emotional needs.
“It’s important that we recognize that anyone experiencing this kind of loss need time to grieve,” Bush said.
Under the law, people will also be allowed 10 days of unpaid leave for the death of an immediate family member.
When Democrats redrew the state’s Supreme Court districts last year for the first time in 58 years, they hoped the new map would maintain their party’s majority on the court.
A longtime Democratic justice had just lost his seat, and state legislators from his party knew that maintaining their 4-3 dominance of the state’s top court would require the party to win just one of the four districts outside of Cook County, which has already sent three reliably Democratic justices to the court.
But the retirement of a Republican justice created a rare open seat race in the northwest suburban 2nd District. And that could tilt the Democratic leaning 4-3 court into Republican hands — if the race in the 3rd District, where Democratic Justice Thomas Kilbride lost his bid for retention two years ago, also goes Republican.
The 3rd District does not have a contested primary.
That is far from the case in the 2nd District, where four Republicans and three Democrats are vying for the seat previously held for two decades by retired Justice (and former Chicago Bear) Bob Thomas. That district now covers a large part of northeastern Illinois, including DeKalb, Kendall, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
* Here’s Personal PAC’s social media ad for Supreme Court candidate Nancy Rotering…
* The Illinois Judges Association voted to elevate Rotering’s Democratic primary opponent…
Lake County Associate Judge Elizabeth Rochford was installed as 3rd Vice President of the Illinois Judges Association during the annual meeting on June 3, 2022. The Illinois Judges Association, which represents 1,250 active and retired Illinois state court judges, was founded in 1972 to provide services, support, and education to its member judges and raise public understanding of the Illinois judicial system.
Judge Rochford has been a judge for 10 years and is also an active member and past president of the Lake County Bar Association. Judge Rochford took the leadership role in Access to Justice by establishing the first family law courtroom committed to serving self-represented litigants, the Guardianship Help Desk, and the “Page It Forward” initiative to advance literacy.
Judge Rochford has been recognized by legal and social groups for leadership, advancing diversity, access to justice, and as a Woman of Vision.
* Same district, Republican Party…
The Lake County Bar Association released ratings this week of candidates for the Illinois Supreme Court, giving Judge Daniel Shanes their highest rating, “highly recommended.”
The Lake County Bar Association joins a growing list of organizations praising Shanes’s qualifications for the state’s highest court. The Illinois State Bar Association also rated Shanes “highly recommended,” and Shanes received the highest overall rating in a survey conducted by the ISBA among lawyers and judges in the Second Judicial District, easily outperforming his primary opponent as well as the Democrats running for the seat.
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police also endorsed Shanes, citing his “deep commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.” As a major crimes prosecutor, Shanes earned the respect of law enforcement for his fair and impartial application of the law.
Businesses know that an even application of justice impacts their environment as well, which is why Judge Shanes has also been endorsed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. They know that when the rule of law is supported in our state, businesses can thrive.
“I am profoundly grateful to the Lake County Bar Association for their faith in my qualifications for the highest court in our state,” said Judge Dan Shanes. “I have dedicated my career to supporting the rule of law and ensuring justice is done in the courtroom. To have these attorneys, judges, and members of law enforcement acknowledge my qualifications for the bench is an honor, and I promise to represent the people of the Second Supreme Court District with distinction as their Supreme Court Justice.”
Judge Shanes has received endorsements from legislative, law enforcement, and community leaders from across the Second District including former Rep. Jeanne Ives, the Lake County GOP, Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin, Sen Don DeWitte, Sen Craig Wilcox, Rep. Mark Batinick, Rep. Dan Ugaste, Rep. Chris Bos, Rep. Jeff Keicher, Rep. Tom Weber, and many more. See more endorsements of Judge Shanes HERE.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE: FUNDING TO BECOME THE EARLY FRONTRUNNER
• Provides instant credibility to a political newcomer, while raising name ID
• Unlocks the next round of large Chicago donors who will back the leading candidate
• Dissuades new entrants by establishing a dominant position
• Avoids a long primary that forces candidates to take more extreme positions that leave them unelectable in the general
Yeah, well, that didn’t happen.
And Sullivan has moved far to the right as Irvin took over the slot he hoped for. But now with Irvin fading in the polls and pulling his Downstate ads, can Sullivan make a move?
* Lately, Sullivan has been trying to poach Darren Bailey’s voters. Let’s look at some ads. Here he says “schools are the “front lines in this battle against the left’s woke agenda”…
Script…
Today, Illinois schools are the front lines in this battle against the left’s woke agenda. Our children aren’t allowed to say prayers at school, yet boys are allowed to play in girls’ sports. Our students are failing the basics, but they’re teaching sexuality to second graders. It’s crazy. As a parent, it is my right to have a say in my child’s education. As governor, I’m going to push back against the left injecting their ideology into our curriculum. And bring excellence back to our schools.
in 2004, I road a bus to March for Life. Today, my wife and I are foster parents because we try to live our pro-life values. But Governor Pritzker, he celebrates a culture of abortion over a culture of life, using our tax dollars to turn Illinois into the abortion capital of the Midwest. That’s wrong. I’m Jesse Sullivan. I will never apologize for my faith. And I will always fight for life.
* The Question: Considering all that’s happened this week, what’s Jesse Sullivan’s best path forward?
Irvin’s ad strategy: Finally, all sorts of political chatter Wednesday centered on why gubernatorial hopeful Richard Irvin has pulled down his Downstate TV ads with just two and a half weeks to go before the primary election.
He’s still up in Chicago. And candidates always shuffle their ad mix. But with the Irvin people loudly complaining that he’s been outspent by his opponents, Pritzker and the Democratic Governors’ Association—despite tens of millions of dollars in help from hedge fund mogul Ken Griffin—the move does suggest that whatever Irvin’s doing isn’t working and that he indeed may be trailing state Sen. Darren Bailey, as one recent poll suggested.
“We are reassessing our ad strategy,” campaign spokeswoman Eleni Demertzis told Playbook, rejecting the idea that it’s a case of a campaign low on cash. (The Republican candidate’s campaign does have all that Ken Griffin money coming in after all.)
“Richard Irvin’s strong record as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, combat veteran and mayor has the Democrats running scared as Pritzker and his Democrat allies are on track to spend the most money in a Republican primary in the history of our nation,” Demertzis said in a statement to Playbook.
“It could be someone’s pulled the money from him. Sometimes we hear of elections doing hard restarts and switching their messaging. I think two weeks out is a little late for that.”
“We’ve been counting on southern and central Illinois winning the primary for us from day one. I would suggest he’s realizing that as well.”
In a stunning snub to downstate voters, Richard Irvin has stopped running ads outside of the Chicago media market. Time and time again, Irvin has made clear he wouldn’t be a governor for all of Illinois, and this latest move solidifies that.
Irvin’s campaign is in free fall, with polling showing him down to far-right conservative Darren Bailey. For weeks, Irvin has been scrambling to course-correct his disastrous campaign, but with Bruce Rauner’s advisors at the helm, his train wreck of a candidacy is likely beyond repair.
As Irvin courts the furthest right wing of the party, lauds President Trump’s policies, and tries to court Bailey voters, it’s clear that Irvin’s lack of conviction isn’t resonating. His numerous policy flip-flops, failure to be honest about his record, and decision to write off millions of voters are just the latest moves in a series of failures from the Rauner Reboot candidate.
Ken Griffin’s $50 million can only go so far, as it is hard to prop up a candidate that lacks a backbone to begin with.
“Richard Irvin’s decision to abandon downstate voters reaffirms that he isn’t running to represent all Illinoisans,” said DGA Communications Director David Turner. “This is just the latest in a long string of missteps proving the Irvin campaign is completely out-of-touch and falling apart as Darren Bailey surges in the polls. If this is how he campaigns, how will he govern?”
That “abandon downstate voters” line is something that Bailey and everyone else in the race will likely be picking up on if they’re smart. Sullivan has so far been silent.
* Background is here if you need it. More to come, but these are the Richard Irvin campaign ads “that will be running moving forward,” according to a campaign spokesperson. This first one was from March…
I’m Richard Irvin. When I ran for mayor, Mike Madigan campaigned against me. I beat him. Now Governor Pritzker is afraid that I’ll beat him, too. There’s nothing the left fears more than Republicans who look like me and think like us; that all lives matter; that cops should be defended, not defunded; that handouts keep people down. But maybe that’s what liberal politicians want. I’m Richard Irvin. And I’m their worst nightmare.
* This state’s wealthiest resident has made billions and billions of dollars off of market-making. Here’s CNN…
The agency that oversees Wall Street has proposed major changes to the way millions of everyday investors buy and sell stocks. That could be bad news for so-called free-trading apps like Robinhood as well as the lesser known firms that underpin their business models.
Trading could be made fairer for everyday retail investors with some tweaks to the stock market’s plumbing, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler said at the Piper Sandler Global Exchange Conference in Washington Wednesday. Gensler asked the SEC to consider giving retail traders access to some of the perks available only to the biggest players on Wall Street, including the ability to buy stocks for fractions of a penny, get better visibility into the market’s mechanics and invite more buyers and sellers to ensure everyday investors are getting the best price on a purchase or sale. […]
Here’s how it works: When you tap buy or sell, Robinhood (or your broker of choice), takes your order to a firm known as a wholesaler or market maker — the middlemen who are supposed to get you the best price and who pay the brokers for the privilege of executing the trades. They typically make pennies off each transaction.
That process is known as “payment for order flow,” and it has come under intense scrutiny by regulators following the fallout from the January 2021 run-up in meme stocks like GameStop. […]
Gensler and other critics of the process say the brokers and market makers, such as Citadel Securities, have a clear conflict of interest, and that payment for order flow screws over everyday investors while amassing huge wealth for Wall Street firms.
The SEC is considering whether to add more competition at the middleman level to ensure retail investors are actually getting the best prices. In that scenario, orders would be routed into auctions where trading firms would have to compete to execute them.
* In most normal states (with some exceptions) it’s generally a given that governors control their state parties. That’s also been the case whenever this state had Republican governors. Yes, we did see challenges from the far right under Thompson and Edgar and Ryan, but those rebels were generally treated as the outliers they were because, well, governors ought to control state parties. Illinois Democrats have been different. One guy controlled the state party and made sure he always had a pliable majority on his central committee that would sit back and stay quiet and let him do whatever he wanted. The Democrats’ state central committee was, as a result, a backwater populated with a bevy of assorted characters, some more colorful than others.
When Mike Madigan stepped down as chair, US Sen. Dick Durbin saw an opportunity to expand his power beyond the County Chairs’ Association and he took it, deftly outmaneuvering the governor and installing his own choice to head the operation, with his longtime trusted aide Bill Houlihan working behind the scenes.
No doubt, some really good people have been brought in by Chair Robin Kelly. Some long-needed changes have been made. But just look at the tortuous committee they had to form to run the coordinated campaign to be extra special sure that Chair Kelly had no official role, because if she came too close to state money she could get everyone in trouble with the feds.
* No politician likes to lose. And I have no idea if Pritzker can win this time, either. But he’s the governor and governors everywhere are the titular heads of their parties and therefore, as far as I’m concerned, he has the right to intervene here…
The latest signs of a mostly behind-the-scenes but intense civil war of sorts came when an ally of state Democratic Chair Robin Kelly publicly released a letter to a close associate of Gov. J.B. Pritzker urging him to abandon the “destructive path” of trying to dump Kelly.
The letter was from Carol Ronen, the Democratic committeewoman from the 9th Congressional District, to Dan Hynes, a former top aide to Pritzker who still is involved with the governor’s political operation.
In the letter, Ronen took Hynes to task for allegedly working this spring to elect Democratic Central Committee members who will vote to replace Kelly when the chairmanship comes up for election after the June 28 primary. Pritzker aides have not confirmed that Hynes is working as the governor’s agent, but do concede that the governor now is involved in more than six committee races that are on the ballot.
“By every measure, Robin Kelly’s short tenure as DPI Chair has been a success,” Ronen wrote. “Why would we want to create division and strife among Illinois Democrats through an unwarranted effort to replace her just months before the November election?”
Ronen asks a good question, but, really, does anyone outside of DPI and perhaps a few of us in the news media actually care these days who the party chair is? It’s likely a low-risk move. We’ll see. But if people want to threaten to blow up the fall election because the governor didn’t respect their authoritah and came after their phony baloney jobs, well, that says something about them.
When one of us is at the table. That’s when change happens. Like when Delia Ramirez went to the Statehouse. Delia banned politicians from becoming lobbyists. In Congress, she’ll ban shady money too. But not Gil Villegas. He is a lobbyist for big oil, private prisons and for ComEd, which was caught giving out bribes. Gil is part of the problem. We need to send one of us like Delia Ramirez to Washington. I’m Delia Ramirez. I approve this message.
* Having a total of $751 million in a statutory rainy day fund (with an eventual target of a billion) would never be noteworthy in most other states. In Illinois, however, it’s definitely worth a mention…
Bond rating agencies in recent months have raised Illinois' credit rating in part because we are responsibly fortifying our long-neglected Rainy Day Fund to safeguard the state through rough patches. I'm proud to announce another big payment this week. Stay tuned for more!#twillpic.twitter.com/77ZDxRItYj
— Illinois Comptroller (@ILComptroller) June 9, 2022
* According to a search of Facebook’s ads, Richard Irvin’s campaign has been dark on that platform since May 27th. Irvin currently has $960,000 [UPDATE: It’s now $937K, down from $960K, but that was down by about half from $1.8 million] of ads on Chicago broadcast through next Monday, but has nothing on the air and nothing booked Downstate at the moment except for a little bit of cable. This explanation is kinda weird since he has so much Griffin money and Griffin said he was going “all in.” And if he stops talking to Downstate voters, he will lose even more of them to Bailey…
NEW: @IrvinBourne4IL will NOT air TV ads downstate for the next week, says 52% of electorate is in ChicagoTV markets. Irvin team points to —Pritzker/Dems/GOP challengers expected to spend $75M in the GOP Primary, that’s the most Dem spending ever in GOP primary ever.
I just didn’t buy that explanation, so, when pressed, the campaign told me they’re “reassessing” their ad strategy. Apparently, this darkness isn’t permanent. That would be a good thing because what they’ve been doing clearly isn’t working. They’ve been caught red-handed on their ridiculous claims that Darren Bailey is a Democrat. Crime is not polling as voters’ top interest.
“I’m willing to bet he’s up with all new creative and a more right wing brand to court the Bailey voters,” said one Dem operative, who I think could be correct.
But with 20 days until June 28th, and early voting happening now, it’s awful, awful darned late for a reboot. If that’s what is really going on.
*** UPDATE *** Here’s what I have been told since the post went up: Pritzker’s hard-hitting ads have put Irvin in the spot of either taking a hard right turn and risk killing his general election chances, or just say to heck with all this, be who he is on Chicago broadcast TV (because doing so Downstate would hurt him) and let the chips fall where they may. The Democrats would love him to lean hard to the right, but apparently, he isn’t gonna do it.
WTTW News today announced the launch of a comprehensive digital VOTER GUIDE in advance of the June 28, 2022 primary elections. Along with comprehensive digital resources, WTTW will produce and present a series of candidate forums and extensive, daily political coverage and analysis. The forums, which will feature candidates for federal, state, and county offices, will be part of WTTW’s flagship news and public affairs program Chicago Tonight. Viewers can watch on television at 7:00 pm each night (except June 9) and stream live and on-demand on wttw.com/news, Facebook, and YouTube.
Throughout the election season, Chicago and regional residents can rely on WTTW News and CHICAGO TONIGHT to gather facts, and present trusted information and analysis. WTTW News is committed to creating a forum for fair, balanced and commercial-free discussion from different perspectives.
“This election will have a significant impact on residents in our region, and as a leading public media organization in Chicago, it is our responsibility to ensure that voters have the information and resources they need to make informed choices when they head to the polls,” said Jay Smith, News Director for Chicago Tonight and WTTW News.
— Iris Martinez, clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and 33rd Ward Committeeperson, is endorsing Fernando “Sergio” Mojica for the 13th state House District. Mojica, a queer Afro-Latino who was formerly a Chicago Public Schools principal, is running to succeed Majority Leader Greg Harris.
— State Rep. Tim Butler, who’s running in the 95th Illinois House District, says he’s secured the endorsement “of every Republican official elected countywide in Sangamon County.” Republicans hold eight of the nine county offices.
— Protect Our Future PAC launched a new ad for Democrat Nikki Budzinski in IL-13. Protect Our Future is a new PAC funded mostly by a young cryptocurrency billionaire who spent $11 million on an Oregon congressional race for a Dem candidate who lost.
Today, Governor JB Pritzker met with leaders from the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois to discuss how his administration’s fourth balanced budget is helping first responders in every corner of the state. Alongside AFFI President Chuck Sullivan and area fire fighters, the governor reaffirmed his gratitude and commitment to Illinois first responders and their families.
“I’ve been proud to put Illinois on the side of first responders, not just in name but in action, by signing legislation that supports and invests in both active and retired first responders,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So long as I am in office, Illinois will continue to champion the needs of fire fighters, paramedics, and all first responders whose life-saving work keeps our communities safe and healthy.”
“Since day one, Governor Pritzker has stood with fire fighters and paramedics across the state,” said AFFI President Chuck Sullivan. “His support of issues that affect our retirement security, worker injury protections and ability to collectively bargain has never wavered. His record speaks for itself, and it is reassuring to know that the Governor has our best interests at heart.”
Following the previous administration’s devastating budget impasse, Governor Pritzker has made historic investments to support first responders across Illinois. By putting pen to paper and signing meaningful legislation that funds fire departments from Chicago to Carbondale, Governor Pritzker has transformed Illinois into a state that respects and uplifts the tireless work of first responders. The Governor remains dedicated to putting public safety first, recognizing that it starts with those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
The Democratic Party of Illinois is making a strong pitch to the Democratic National Committee to become one of the first states to hold a presidential primary, highlighting in its bid, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, that Illinois, on a variety of fronts, is a “microcosm” of the nation.
DPI chair Rep. Robin Kelly submitted a bid to the DNC on Friday, the deadline, and if successful, the 2024 primary in Illinois will be in February. […]
The DNC has to be convinced a state can switch primary dates, and Illinois has that one nailed.
The Illinois primary date is set by the Illinois General Assembly and is usually in mid-March. This June primary is an exception — due to late 2020 census results needed for redistricting.
The bid contains letters from Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and Gov. J.B. Pritzker basically promising the Democratic supermajorities expected in both chambers will, as the bid said, “pass the requisite legislation.”
We favor Casten, who stands firm on his liberal convictions on issues like immigration, gun control, government spending and - his particular field of expertise as the former owner of an environmental company - climate change, but presses his case with calm persistence that leaves room for reasonable debate and discussion.
Newman is not necessarily lacking in that department, but her campaign so far - including a notably tasteless TV ad built around a defecating dog and questionable, sometimes downright incorrect claims about Casten’s record - seems shaped to highlight inflexibility and pugnacity, even in defense of a congressional ethics investigation of claims leading back to her 2020 campaign that she adamantly denies.
* CD3…
Today, Abby Pariser, a long time reproductive rights advocate and member of Jane - the abortion counseling service, an underground network of women in the early 1970s who helped over 11,000 women obtain illegal abortions prior to Roe vs Wade, endorsed Delia Ramirez in her candidacy for 3rd Congressional District. In 1972, Abby Pariser was one of seven Chicago women arrested and charged with abortion and conspirancy to committ abortion. Their story is featured in Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes documentary The Janes, which premieres on HBO Max on Wednesday, June 8th at 8 pm.
“As someone who knows first hand what it is like to live in a world where women are not allowed the freedom to make decisions over their own bodies, I know that women across the country will be greatly hurt if Roe vs Wade is overturned. Elections matter, voting matters and this is the time to support only those candidates who have shown total unwavering commitment to women’s reproductive rights”, stated activist Abby Pariser. “Delia’s opponent - Gil Villegas, has a record on abortion and reproductive rights that raises serious concerns over his ability to represent women at this crucial time. He has taken money from pro-life Republicans and he voted to give 5.5 million dollars in TIF dollars to religious clinics that prevent women access to abortions and contraceptives. Other aldermen stood up for reproductive rights and Gil did not”.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of Abby Pariser, someone who exemplifies courage in a time when women were robbed of bodily autonomy. We enjoy the freedoms we have today because of women like Abby and we cannot reverse course on reproductive justice. I will fight to the end to make sure bodily autonomy remains for all those who seek abortions.”, said Representative Delia Ramirez.
*** UPDATE *** The First District Appellate Court has kicked Cook County Sheriff candidate Carmen Gercone off the ballot after she was reinstated by a lower court. Click here for the decision.
* More…
* Police were ‘coached’ to make Jan. 6 Capitol incursion look like a siege, candidate says: One of the Republicans running for Illinois’ 5th Congressional District seat claims police serving at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, incursion were coached “to make it appear that the Capitol was under siege.” Tommy Hanson of Chicago also claims he’s spoken with senators and congressmen who “knew it was not a harrowing event.”
Now the only way things are gonna change in Illinois is a political tidal wave. Only someone as arrogant and delusional as Pritzker would think he deserves to be reelected, reelected in November. Well, our next guest aims to send him packing. Joining me now is Richard Irvin, Mayor of Aurora, Illinois, and GOP gubernatorial candidate. Mayor, great to see you. Now back in March, there was something described as a Scared Straight incident in a House Democratic Caucus. A poll was floated showing Pritzker was facing big suburban headwinds and even trailing you. And the poll also showed that crime was driving his push for change. It’s only gotten worse since then. Does any of this surprise you?
Um, that “poll” was taken in the most conservative areas of the suburbs, including Republican-held districts. It was designed to scare House Democrats into working harder by essentially pulling a fast one on them.
The top item was not crime. The crime and violence issue was tied for 4th place with the price of gas and the cost of living, and 6th place if you look at those who were “extremely concerned,” similar to that Senate poll we talked about a while ago. The crime numbers were still very high, however. But, again, this poll was designed to frighten members, not to enlighten them about what’s actually going on in most of their districts.
Multibillionaire Democratic Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker and his allies are spending tens of millions of dollars to stop a black Republican veteran from challenging the incumbent in November.
In the last five weeks alone, Pritzker and the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) have dropped more than $12 million on TV ads meant to sink Republican Richard Irvin, an Army veteran who became Aurora, Ill.’s first black mayor in 2017—and to elevate his Republican primary opponent, state lawmaker Darren Bailey. Those ads attack Irvin’s record as a defense attorney and call Bailey “too conservative for Illinois,” an attack intended to boost him in the June GOP primary. With digital ads factored in, Democrats are on pace to spend a total of $32 million on similar spots before the primary’s conclusion, ad spending data obtained by the Washington Free Beacon show.
The massive spending shows just how much Pritzker fears a general election fight against Irvin, who was raised by a single mother in Aurora’s housing projects. The DGA started its anti-Irvin assault in March, just days after a Tulchin Research poll showed Pritzker trailing the Republican mayor in the state’s all-important suburbs.
*facepalm*
…Adding… From comments…
The Drudge Report picked up the Washington Free Beacon story with the ridiculous headline, but that wasn’t over the top enough, apparently, and needed a photoshopped picture of Irvin with boxing gloves.
Today, Rodney Davis’ campaign for Congress in the 15th District released a new ad titled “Coddle,” which highlights Mary Miller’s disturbing record, including her rhetoric that has encouraged illegal immigration and her allowing a convicted pedophile to serve as her personal driver and represent her at community events.
“Mary Miller and her DC allies are lying about Rodney Davis because they are trying to hide Miller’s disturbing record. Just like Joe Biden, Miller says it’s our responsibility to care of illegal immigrants. Miller even has a convicted pedophile working on her campaign, and she refuses to answer questions about it. Mary Miller isn’t who she says she is. She’s a fake conservative and can’t be trusted.” - Aaron DeGroot, Davis campaign spokesperson
Rodney: I’m Rodney Davis, and I approved this message.
Narrator: Fake conservative Mary Miller has DC insiders lying about Rodney Davis to hide her disturbing record.
Like Biden, Miller coddles criminal illegals and says it’s our responsibility to care for them.
Miller knowingly hired a convicted pedophile to be her driver, prowling our neighborhoods, putting our kids at risk.
Giving aid to criminals who illegally cross our border, embracing a convicted pedophile. Fake conservative Mary Miller can’t be trusted.
* Alexi Giannoulias fundraising appeal…
Dear Rich,
With less than three weeks before Election Day, we released our final television ad of the campaign today.
And, yes, the kids finally get their ice cream. […]
The ad — entitled “Double Scoop” — is the fourth of the series that features me teaching a group of kids the fundamentals of basketball and teamwork.
While our first two ads highlight my plans to modernize the office to cut down wait times and protect voter rights and expand registration opportunities, this one focuses on how I intend to curb political corruption by strengthening ethics laws.
As I say in the ad, “political corruption… it’s like ice cream. If you don’t act fast enough, it can get really messy.”
While fake conservative Mary Miller sided with DC liberals to defund our military and oppose pay increases for our troops, she was also getting rich at taxpayer expense. Miller’s family business pocketing $1 million in government bailouts, on top of her six-figure taxpayer-funded salary. Enriching herself with taxpayer money, abandoning our troops. Not Right. Not conservative. That’s the real Mary Miller. Illinois Values PAC is responsible for the content of this advertising.
Slamming “naysayers,” “pessimists” and “carnival barkers” who always talk trash about the state, Gov. J.B. Pritzker today laid out the business case for electing him to another four-year term in a speech to one of the state’s key business groups. […]
Lawmakers just passed the fourth balanced budget in a row under his leadership, paying off $17 billion in bills left behind by former Gov. Bruce Rauner and shortening the state’s bill payment cycle to just two weeks, he said. The state has restocked its rainy day fund with $1 billion, put another $1 billion toward old group health insurance debt and given taxpayers $1.8 billion in tax relief, he added. He cited these as reasons why, in his view, Wall Street rating agencies have given the state six credit upgrades after nine cuts in the Rauner years.
Illinois’ gross state product is now growing faster than it was before the pandemic, has the greatest growth in small business startups of any large state and gained people—not lost them—in the last decade, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Pritzker, a former venture capitalist who specialized In tech investments, said state progress in that field “gets my blood moving.” He noted, among other things, a new investment tax credit for data farms that has been successful, pulling in $8 billion in private investments, and other credits to incentivize electric vehicle producers and suppliers—a promising move but one which has not yet produced results.
Only at the end did the Democratic incumbent touch on a raging crime problem, especially in Chicago, that has business leaders concerned. “We continue to need to address our challenges,” he said.
* Irvin campaign…
– Last night Richard Irvin, Mayor of Aurora and gubernatorial candidate, discussed Illinois’ public safety crisis under J.B. Pritzker’s leadership with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham.
“I’ve got two words for you that Pritzker disregards, and that’s ‘protect’ and ‘respect’,” said Irvin. “Protect our residents in the state of Illinois and our children, and respect our law enforcement try to keep us safe every day. He doesn’t do that…He wants to protect criminals more than he wants to protect the innocent victims of crimes. And he shows this disrespect and disdain for our police officers constantly.”
Irvin said Pritzker’s anti-police policies aren’t criminal justice reforms; they are making families across Illinois less safe and our state as a whole more dangerous–the three law enforcement officers that were shot in the line of duty this week in Chicago are just another ramification of this poor public policy that has emboldened criminals and sidelined law enforcement.
What we need is a permanent reduction in taxes. We should permanently roll back the JB Pritzker / Avery Bourne gas tax. But if we can’t do this, we should at a minimum eliminate the sales tax on motor fuel. Friends, here in Illinois, we tax tax. That’s wrong. It’s an insane way of doing business. And even if gas prices were lower as a matter of principle, we should not place a tax on a tax. The sales tax on motor fuel is even more infuriating now that gas prices are soaring. Instead of finding meaningful solutions to this problem, JB Pritzker chose campaign year theatrics over genuine relief. JB’s plan to suspend the expected gas tax increase on July 1 is temporary and it is an absolute insult to working families. To combat inflation, we must reduce state spending and lower taxes. I proposed to start this process through a zero-based budget because Illinois families deserve real meaningful and permanent solutions to the crushing inflation, high taxes and rising gas prices.
I call on the House and the Senate leaders to bring the lawmakers back to Springfield to address the record high gas price in Illinois immediately. Today. I’m ready to go back to work so that Illinoisans can afford to go to work.
Please pardon any transcription errors.
Sen. Bailey also said “I have tried to reach out to Speaker Welch and to no avail.” Welch’s spokesperson said she checked with Speaker Welch and his staff and all said they hadn’t heard from Bailey.
Anyway, I’ve asked the four leaders and the governor’s office for comment. I’ll let you know what they say. In the meantime, what’s your reaction?
…Adding… Jaclyn Driscoll…
The Office of the Speaker doesn’t comment on Republican primary fodder. But as Senator Bailey knows, we’ve taken steps to freeze the gas tax and continue to explore additional options for relief for families dealing with the effects of global instability.
…Adding… House GOP Leader Jim Durkin…
This spring my caucus introduced several measures that would have provided relief from inflation and lowered gas prices for Illinois families - the Democrats refused to call them for a vote. If the speaker calls us back in session, we will be there.
…Adding… Ellie Leonard with the SGOPs…
Leader McConchie and the Senate Republican Caucus introduced and supported a measure during the spring session that would cap the sales tax on gas, preventing the state from receiving a windfall of cash and taking advantage of consumers in a time of crisis. That proposal, offering about $1 billion in relief, was ignored and instead, Democrats and the Governor are delaying the automatic two cent Motor Fuel Tax increase to trick Illinoisans ahead of the election that they are providing “relief.” Senate Republicans were ready four months ago to provide real relief to consumers and would return to Springfield in a heartbeat to do the same.
…Adding… Jordan Abudayyeh at Gov. Pritzker’s office…
As the nation grapples with high gas prices, providing meaningful relief to working families remains the Governor’s top priority. That’s why the Governor worked to enact Illinois Family Relief Plan, which suspends the gas tax increase, the grocery tax, and doubles property tax relief.
Background:
• The gas tax funds road improvements, which were ignored for more than a decade resulting in poor road conditions that cost consumers hundreds of dollars a year in repairs. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of jobs are supported through this work.
• With regard to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, 97 percent of Illinois tax filers will receive hundreds of dollars in property tax and income tax rebates in 2022 because of the $1 billion in tax relief Governor Pritzker signed into law in April as part of the FY23 balanced budget.
• Consumers will see relief from:
o A one year grocery tax suspension – saving consumers $400 million
o Six month motor fuel tax freeze – saving consumers $70 million
o A one-time, $520 million property tax rebate – 5% of property taxes paid, up to $300 per household
o Permanent expansion of the earned income tax credit from 18 to 20 percent of the federal credit while expanding the number of households covered – putting $100 million per year back into the pockets of working families who need it most.
o Direct rebate checks to working families
* $50 per individual
* $100 per dependent, up to three children per family
…Adding… John Patterson with the SDems…
The outrageous price gouging perpetrated on the motoring public needs to end. Nothing in Illinois caused prices of $5 or more a gallon. Washington needs to act. While we examine what else could be done here, I hope the senator and his allies will join the millions of Americans across this great country in calling on Washington to stand up to foreign oil interests, get to work and finally do something to address this national gas price problem.
A new survey released this week suggests Illinoisans are more moderate on the issue of abortion than the current Democratic-controlled General Assembly, but it is unclear whether that will cost Democrats votes in November.
The poll by the Chicago-based firm Ogden & Fry – which is owned by a Republican candidate for Cook County Board – found that 40 percent of those responding describe themselves as “pro-choice with some restrictions,” including limits on late-term abortions, while nearly 25 percent describe themselves as “pro-life with exceptions” for things like rape, incest and protecting the life of the mother.
That puts nearly two-thirds of those surveyed somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, with only 21.5 percent describing themselves as 100-percent “pro-choice” and 14 percent identifying as 100-percent “pro-life.”
First, there is a world of difference between being pro-choice with some exceptions and pro-life with a few limited exceptions.
* I passed on that poll result because of the wording…
Abortion is one of the most divisive topics of the day. How do you consider yourself?
100% Pro-Life
Pro Life with exceptions (rape, incest, life of mother, etc.)
Pro Choice with some restrictions e.g. partial-birth abortions, late term abortions, etc.
100% Pro Choice (legal until the moment of birth including partial-birth abortions)
“100% Pro-Life” is not defined, but all other stances are. Also, using “etc.” in a poll question is a bit odd. And, “until the moment of birth”? Yeah, not loaded at all. There was also this question…
Are you more or less likely to support a candidate who believes an elective abortion should be legal until the moment of birth?
I’m not sure what that actually means, but 51.9 percent said they’d be less likely. That’s usually not enough to move actual numbers in campaigns, however. You normally need a much higher result than that to see an impact on real life votes.
* There are some other significant poll results, though. Back to the article…
Perhaps more importantly, 78 percent of those surveyed said they believe parents should be notified before their minor child receives an abortion, including 35 percent who supported a judicial bypass in situations where parental notification is not possible or not in the child’s best interest.
Even among self-identified Democrats, 61.6 percent said they support some level of parental notification requirement.
Repealing PNA has never polled well, but there might be a political way to manage it. For example, I told subscribers recently about a mailer attacking Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) for voting against repealing PNA…
When the Illinois legislature took steps to protect access to abortion care for all people in Illinois, Mike Zalewski voted with every Republican in Springfield to block younger women from freely accessing reproductive care. His vote protected outdated parental notification requirements – even when a person is raped or the victim of incest – putting the health and safety of young women at great risk.
Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence former state Sen. Thomas Cullerton to up to 18 months in prison in his $248,000 embezzlement case involving the Teamsters labor union, which cost him his seat in Springfield.
In doing so, the feds revealed that former Chicago Teamsters boss John T. Coli claimed Cullerton had been hired for what turned out to be a do-nothing Teamsters job as a favor to an unnamed senator, identified in a court memo only as “Senator A.”
“[Cullerton,] who was a state senator at the time of his illegal conduct, clearly realized that he would be able to get away with pocketing this money without doing any work simply because he was an elected official,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu wrote. […]
But Bhachu wrote Tuesday that Cullerton went on to land “another do-nothing job” as a salesman for a video gaming company in 2017. There, Bhachu said Cullerton’s salary doubled from $1,000 a week to $2,000 a week, in what the company owner called a mistake.
Dealing a crucial blow to Chicago Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th) and his legal team, a federal judge Monday rejected hundreds of pages of defense motions in the once-powerful politician’s criminal case, finally clearing the way for a potential trial.
U.S. District Judge Robert Dow wrote that the combined motions from Burke, political aide Peter Andrews and developer Charles Cui “would have this court dismiss almost every charge of the indictment against all defendants.”
But the judge concluded that the motions “largely go to the strength of the evidence” and should be considered by a fact-finder — like a jury.
“It is a fact-finder’s role to assess whether the government has proven the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, not this court’s at the pleadings stage,” Dow wrote.
* And, hey, while we’re at it, here’s another one from Jon Seidel…
Federal prosecutors say former Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson should go to prison for two years for cheating on his taxes and lying to federal regulators.
But Thompson asked a federal judge to give him probation instead.
The two sides made their recommendations Monday ahead of Thompson’s sentencing before U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama, which is set for July 6.
“[Thompson’s] criminal conduct was repetitive and willful,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Petersen wrote in a court memo. “The defendant’s dishonesty was not a single lapse of judgment, but rather, involved years of deceit. He simply thought he could get away with paying less than what he owed. The sentence imposed must show otherwise.”
Chris Gair, Thompson’s lawyer, wrote in his own memo that Thompson has “suffered tremendous public humiliation as a result of his conviction” in February.
A couple accused of paying more than $281,000 in kickbacks to Bloomingdale Township’s disgraced former highway commissioner pointed the finger right back at him Friday, calling Robert Czernek a liar who can’t be trusted as their federal fraud trial got underway.
Debra Fazio and Mario Giannini were charged along with Czernek back in August 2020 and accused of an eight-year scheme in which Bloomingdale Township improperly paid more than $700,000 to Bulldog Earth Movers, an excavation company owned by Fazio.
On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Saurish Appleby-Bhattacharjee kicked off opening statements in the trial of Fazio and Giannini. He told jurors “greed” led the couple “to seek out easy money.”
Giannini’s attorney countered the case was really about “trust” — and whether jurors could believe Czernek, who is now the feds’ key witness in the trial.
Twelve Illinois residents are among nearly two dozen people who face federal charges for an alleged $26 million insurance-fraud scheme that lasted nearly a decade.
Prosecutors say the defendants filed false applications to get life insurance policies and then tricked carriers into paying death benefits by lying about the identities of deceased people.
The feds say the defendants would pay premiums on the policies for two years, until the period for contestability expired. Claims for death benefits would then be submitted using false death certificates. The defendants are also accused of lying to law enforcement, first responders, medical personnel, funeral home staff and cemetery employees.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of at least $26 million in alleged ill-gotten gains, as well as nine luxury vehicles, eight Rolex watches and properties in Orland Park, Bridgeview and Burbank.
Those charged from the Chicago area include James Mills, Juley Ely, Ginger Ely and Joe Rouga of Oak Lawn; Frank Costello of Hoffman Estates; Mary Bacco of Bridgeview; Steve Montega, Niko Ristick and Ricky Blanca of Orland Park; Mark Blanca and Diana Lumas of Burbank; and Joe John of Arlington Heights.
Governor Pritzker: “Margaret Croke has devoted her career to fighting for women, working families, and the LGBTQ+ community. She has been an invaluable asset to the General Assembly, leading the way on reproductive rights, economic opportunity, and public safety. I know that Margaret will continue to be a force for change and never stop fighting for Illinois and the 5th District. I am delighted to endorse Margaret for the State Central Committee.”
Margaret Croke: “I’m proud to have Governor Pritzker’s support in my campaign for the Democratic Committeewoman of the 5th District. Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, we have made Illinois the most pro-choice state in the country, passed balanced budgets to put our state back on a path to fiscal sustainability, and implemented commonsense reforms to help keep Illinoisans safe. I look forward to fighting to make Illinois the best place it can be for all who call it home as a member of the Democratic Party of Illinois.”
Croke is up against two other candidates, incumbent Nancy Shepherdson and MWRD Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos. Shepherdson has been endorsed by DPI Chair Robin Kelly.
Rep. Croke said she plans to use the money to mail to women primary voters. Croke had $59K in the bank at the end of the first quarter and has raised $77,000 since then, including the Pritzker check.
