* From the other day…

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation have come to a new agreement that will streamline and accelerate the process of delivering proven and scalable safety measures on local roads and state routes within the City of Chicago.

Active Transportation Alliance…

While we’re thrilled with this progress, we still have work to do at the state level. Based on a 2017 state law, all intersections in Illinois must accommodate the turn radius of a semi-truck, regardless of the “design vehicle” being used.

This turn radius law prevents the city from building true protective infrastructure such as bollards or raised curb-bump-outs across the city.

Part of the Safe Streets for All platform calls for repealing or amending that state law to create safer intersections across our state. No neighborhood intersection should be designed to accommodate a semi-truck at the expense of human safety.

I did not know that. But here’s IDOT’s interpretation of that 2017 law…

The new legislation means a WB-65 should now, by policy, physically be able to traverse any intersection, including local street to local street intersections, through the utilization of possible encroachment.

A WB-65 is a full size semi truck.

* SGOPs…

Today, Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) introduced Senate Resolution 27 that calls on the Illinois Senate to protect the will of Illinois voters and reject any progressive income tax measure that is introduced in the 103rd General Assembly.

“The people have spoken, and they could not have been more clear that they do not want a progressive income tax,” Curran said. “The tax failed in the collar counties that I represent, and was crushed downstate where our caucus has the largest geographic representation. It is time to move in a new direction. We are standing behind the people of this state who resoundingly said no, and standing up for families who cannot afford to be overtaxed.”

In 2020, the “Fair Tax” Amendment fell more than 360,000 votes short of a simple majority and more than 760,000 votes short of a three-fifths majority of those voting on the question.

The 3,059,411 “No” votes cast against the proposed constitutional amendment were a majority (53.3%) of the votes cast on the question and were also a majority (50.2%) of the total votes cast in the November 2020 election as a whole.

“Bringing a renewed attempt for a progressive income tax back into the conversation while so many Illinois families are struggling to buy basic groceries is completely out of touch,” said Rezin. “It is time to utilize the increased revenue Illinois is already receiving to provide tax relief, not tax increases. I am proud to sign onto this resolution to help fight against increasing taxes on Illinois families and businesses.”

The Governor’s Office has been sharing news of record growth and financial success. The General Funds base receipts are up $2.034 billion year-over-year, including the one-time federal ARPA reimbursements received earlier in the year. Illinois also has the second-highest effective tax rate and the highest corporate tax rate in the entire nation.

“Nearly every county in the state voted against the amendment,” Anderson said. “This is just another example of the Majority Party saying ‘we know best’ and completely ignoring the will of the people. I am proud to join this resolution to defend their voice.”

Today, Senate Resolution 27 was read into the official Senate record. It now awaits to be assigned to a Senate committee.

* New Paul Vallas TV ad…

* Press release…

Today, the Chicago Federation of Labor launched a digital ad campaign in support of the city’s bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The ad, which can be viewed here, highlights Chicago’s strong union culture, its many union hotels and restaurants, and its legacy of labor activism.

“There is no better city to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention than Chicago, the hometown of the American labor movement,” said Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “From our many union hotels to our abundance of union convention workers, Chicago can guarantee a union strong DNC like no other city. Holding the convention in Chicago would make it clear the Democratic Party supports and honors the labor movement, a constituency we cannot afford to take for granted in 2024. Democrats must invest in winning the Midwest and winning working class voters, and holding the convention in Chicago will help us do just that.”

The multi-platform digital ad buy will target key decision makers and constituencies involved in the selection process. The Democratic National Committee is expected to pick a host city in the coming weeks. Four cities have applied to host the convention, including Chicago, New York City, Houston, and Atlanta. City and state officials hosted a delegation from the DNC last summer, along with labor and business leaders from across Chicago.

The ad’s narrator details why Chicago is the perfect choice for the 2024 DNC:

“As Democrats, we live our values every day. That means supporting working people. Chicago is the Hometown of the American Labor Movement. We lead the nation in union hotels, event centers and worker advocacy. When you come to Chicago, you’re in the heart of democracy, progress and innovation.”

Since 1896, the CFL has fought for economic, social, and racial justice for all working people. The CFL represents 300 unions, who in turn represent approximately 500,000 working people in Chicago and Cook County

* Press release…

The Park District of Tinley Park today announced it has received support from 14 additional members of the Illinois House and Senate for its proposed plan for the site of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center and Howe Development Center to transform the long-vacant property into a hub of athletic fields, track and field facilities, a domed sports complex and open recreational space.

This week, the 14 legislators, who represent communities surrounding the Tinley Park area, sent a letter of support, including: Reps. Dagmara Avelar, Kelly Burke, Will Davis, Anthony DeLuca, Marcus Evans, Fran Hurley, Thaddeus Jones, Natalie Manley, Nick Smith, Larry Walsh, and Sens. Napoleon Harris, Patrick Joyce, Elgie Sims, and Rachel Ventura.

The Park District has also previously received the support of three legislators who represent Tinley Park: Reps. Debbie Meyers-Martin, Bob Rita, and Justin Slaughter.

Last November, the Park District formally bid on the property located at 7400-7600 W. 183rd St. and laid out its vision to meet the needs of the Tinley Park residents and expand opportunities for neighboring communities.

The Park District’s Phase 1 of development for the property includes playground and sports facilities fully accessible for people living with special needs, multipurpose athletic fields, a domed sports complex with a full-size soccer field, a stadium with a track, a splash pad, concession stands, spectator stands, lighting, ample parking, as well as a pond, picnic areas and open green space.

In their letter this week to the Park District, the group of 14 legislators said the Park District’s Phase 1 plans would create an opportunity for people across the Midwest to attend tournaments, games and events at the site.

“Additionally, transforming this site into a place for all to enjoy addresses a critical need for many of our communities that could benefit greatly from access to more recreation opportunities,” the legislators wrote.

* Press release…

Today, Congresswoman and House Democratic Senior Chief Deputy Whip Jan Schakowsky endorsed Congressman Jesús “Chuy'’ García for Mayor of Chicago, the latest in a string of endorsements from elected leaders across Chicago.

“My dear friend Chuy García is a progressive champion with a real history of getting things done for everyday people. I proudly endorse Chuy for Mayor because he has the experience – and most importantly, the heart – to be an effective leader for all Chicagoans. He is the proven coalition-builder that Chicago needs in City Hall,” said Schakowsky. “Chuy is focused on the issues that matter – addressing the root causes of crime in our communities, improving our education system, and defending human rights. I trust Chuy to stand up for women’s rights, including the right to an abortion.”

* Nice gesture…

Yesterday we installed a commemorative plaque celebrating former Secretary of State, Jesse White, at the IL AFL-CIO headquarters.

Sec. White has always been a friend to organized labor and we are grateful for his endless service to the working people of Illinois. pic.twitter.com/IYg37YmfDD

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 25, 2023

* Isabel’s roundup….

* Crain’s | Garcia steps away from House financial panel—a move that resurfaces talk of crypto ties: Through a spokeswoman, Garcia says the decision not to seek a new term on the House Financial Services Committee was his and comes because now-minority Democrats have fewer committee assignments to pass around. Leaving Financial Services will allow him to concentrate on his work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is important for the Chicago area, the spokeswoman noted.

* WTTW | García Edits First Television Ad to Remove Uniformed Chicago Cops After Probe Launched: A spokesperson for the García campaign told WTTW News the ad was revised out of an “abundance of caution” after WGN-TV reported that it likely violated police department policy that prohibits officers from engaging in political activity while “wearing a uniform or any part thereof which would identify the individuals as Chicago Police Officer, or use property of the Chicago Police Department.”

* CBS Chicago | Illinois gets mixed marks when it comes to reducing tobacco use: The American Lung Association released its State of Tobacco Control report. More money for the Illinois “quit line” improved the access to services that help people quit. It went up from a “C” last year to “B” this year. One “F” grade was given because the state hasn’t banned the sale of flavored tobacco products, but Illinois got an “A” for its strength of smoke-free workplace laws.

* Daily Herald | Rosemont’s Stephens adds GOP House leadership post: Add one more title to Rosemont Mayor and state Rep. Brad Stephens’ business card: Assistant House Minority Leader. The Republican politician who has been the Northwest suburb’s mayor since 2007 and in the General Assembly since 2019 was named to new House Republican Leader Tony McCombie’s leadership team, which is otherwise composed of downstate Republicans.

* Mother Jones | How Nick Fuentes groomed a new generation of racist hate.: Nick Fuentes grew up in the relative comfort and stability of a two-parent household in the Chicago suburb of La Grange. He has said that his father, Bill Fuentes, a vice president at a ball bearing manufacturer, is half-Mexican, which Nick sometimes uses to claim he’s not a white supremacist—and sometimes brushes off as distant lineage irrelevant after decades of assimilation.

* Daily Herald | Rolling Meadows wants ‘attractive gateway’ to any Bears stadium, so no cars outside for body shop: Rolling Meadows officials may be willing to allow an auto body shop to expand its presence in the shadow of the Arlington Park property — so long as no vehicles are stored outside. The prohibition on vehicles waiting to be serviced from stopping, staging or parking in the lot is included as a condition in Body Builders Automotive’s request to operate a repair facility at 3737 Industrial Drive.

* Yahoo News | Granholm ecstatic at red state surge in renewable energy: ‘That is fantastic’: According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas is poised to overtake California in terms of solar power capacity, and aggressively pursued the construction of new wind, solar and battery storage projects in the second half of 2022.

* NYT | 2023’s Biggest, Most Unusual Race Centers on Abortion and Democracy: The election for a swing seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has huge policy stakes for the battleground state. Cash is pouring in, and some of the candidates have shed any pretense of judicial neutrality.

* WTTW | Cook County Sees 17% Spike In Overdose Deaths Tied to Veterinary Drug Xylazine. Harm Reduction Groups Say Its Presence Is Spreading.: Data from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office shows 146 opioid-related deaths last year where xylazine was listed as a primary cause, marking a 16.8% increase from 2021. The current numbers are preliminary and will likely increase as there are 564 pending toxicology tests from last year as of Tuesday.

* WTTW | Push to Reopen Public Mental Health Clinics Closed 11 Years Ago Defines Another Chicago Mayor’s Race: A majority of candidates hoping to oust Lightfoot from City Hall’s fifth floor office have pledged to reopen public mental health clinics and expand efforts to respond to calls for help not just with police officers, but also with social workers and counselors. While the candidates have differing plans, none have backed Lightfoot’s approach.

* Bloomberg Law | Jailed Illinois Lawyer Gets License Suspended After Fraud Ruling: he Illinois Supreme Court’s order Tuesday suspended Hassan Ali Abbas from the practice of law in Illinois “until further order of the Court.” Abbas, licensed by the state in 1991, was convicted in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts for wire fraud, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions, and money laundering conspiracy. He was sentenced to prison in October 2022.

* Block Club | Ald. Jim Gardiner Should Be Investigated For Harassing Challenger’s Volunteers, Ethics Board Tells City Watchdog: The November incident, which happened in Norwood Park, shows Gardiner drive up to volunteers collecting signatures for candidate Marija Tomic. Gardiner spends a few minutes speaking with the canvassers and tells them they should “run a clean campaign” and “know what you’re talking about,” according to the video, which was shared with Block Club.

* Daily Southtown | Tinley Park’s decision to hold Independence Day festivities prompts park district to cancel longtime event: At Tuesday’s meeting, before the Park District’s announcement of its cancellation, Trustee Diane Gallante questioned why the village would move forward with a separate event and fireworks show. “We’re one community,” she said. “We already have a beautiful event, it’s a community event.”

* AP | Chicago White Sox Pitcher Mike Clevinger Investigated by MLB for Domestic Violence: “MLB opened an investigation after learning of these allegations,” the team said in a statement. “The White Sox were not aware of the allegations or the investigation at the time of his signing. The White Sox will refrain from comment until MLB’s investigative process has reached its conclusion.”

* Tribune | EPA considers tougher regulation of livestock farm pollution: Food & Water Watch, whose lawsuit prompted the agency’s reversal, said a new approach was long overdue. “For decades EPA’s lax rules have allowed for devastating and widespread public health and environmental impacts on vulnerable communities across the country,” Tarah Heinzen, the group’s legal director, said Monday.

* CNN | Washington Post lays off 20 newsroom employees, shuts down gaming section: The layoffs hit multiple departments at The Post, and included pulling the plug on Launcher, the newspaper’s gaming vertical that launched in 2019, a spokesperson for The Post said. Spokespeople for The Post have stressed that the newspaper will not reduce headcount in 2023 as it will reallocate resources and invest in other areas.

* The Intercept | Elon Musk caves to pressure from India to remove BBC doc Critical of Modi: Officials from India’s ruling right-wing party said American tech companies like Twitter and YouTube complied with demands to remove the documentary.