* Memo…
CMS Memorandum
To: Agency Directors, Personnel Managers, Labor Relations Administrators and Payroll Managers
From: Tom Tyrrell, CMS Director
Subject: Collective Bargaining
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is currently in the process of negotiating successor agreements with the labor unions that represent State employees. The current collective bargaining agreements with the unions expire on June 30, 2015. CMS remains hopeful that it can reach agreement on the terms of successor contracts with all of the labor unions before June 30th. Whether it can succeed with every union, however, is doubtful. For those contracts on which agreements cannot be reached by July 1, it is likely that the parties will agree to continue to negotiate and that members of those unions will agree to work without a contract. If so, then (with the exceptions described below and until further notice) the State will operate as if the terms and conditions of employment set forth in the current collective bargaining agreements (e.g., procedures for filling vacancies, temporary assignments and layoffs) still apply.
Until new terms are negotiated, employees will continue to be paid their current wages and will remain at their current steps and/or in-hire rate. Therefore, no wage, in-hire, or step/lane increases, or semi-automatic advancements should be awarded under an expired agreement.
Once a contract has expired the State is only required to process certain grievances. Whether a grievance must be processed, in the absence of an agreement, is determined by the facts of the grievance. For example, a grievance over facts that arose before July 1st or a grievance that involves a right that accrued under the expired agreement, such as a denial of a vacation previously approved pursuant to the expired agreement, must be processed. For grievances by employees who are members of unions with which the State has no agreement after June 30th, agencies should consult with CMS Labor Relations before deciding whether to process a specific grievance. If, after consultation, a decision is made not to process a grievance, the Agency should notify the Union in writing that it is not processing the grievance because the collective bargaining agreement has expired.
In other words, no lockout is yet in sight. Time will tell, however.
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* Senate President John Cullerton is making the rounds this week. Here he is with Greg Hinz…
On workers’ comp, Cullerton said Rauner “needs to understand what we’ve already done.” Changes ordered a few years ago are just now showing up in reduced rates, he said.
“We’re always willing to work on fraud and savings,” he added. “But you don’t blow up the system. . . .If you say, ‘Employers don’t want to pay any premiums, we’ll abolish workers’ comp,’ I guarantee you, they’ll scream.” Why? Because, he reasoned, without workers’ comp, all sides will have to wage expensive court fights on tens of thousands of workplace injuries a year.
What Democrats won’t agree to is “a race to the bottom,” Cullerton said. “Workers’ comp is not an economic development tool.”
It’s not? Tell that to the governor and some business owners…
[Rauner] got a boost, in part, from the president of Tennant Truck Lines, the Colona firm he visited.
Aaron Tennant, the chief executive of the company, introduced Rauner while noting his company would save $450,000 in workers’ compensation costs if it moved to Iowa.
“I can go nine miles across the river and save a heck of a lot of money,” he said.
This situation cannot be ignored.
*** UPDATE *** Along the same lines…
Things got heated during Tuesday’s debate [of the House Committee of the Whole on DCEO restructuring] when the issue of public jobs versus private jobs was addressed. In a line of questioning between Democratic Representative Will Davis and DCEO’s Director, Davis expressed concerns about a loss of jobs for DCEO if there were to be the creation of a private-public partnership to spur on economic development. Schultz responded with what he believes is his role.
“So those individuals will not be working for DCEO,” Davis said. “Which means the workforce of DCEO will decline.”
“I didn’t come here to create jobs for DCEO,” Schultz fired back. “I didn’t come here to create jobs just for the State of Illinois. I came to create jobs for every citizen in the state of Illinois, all 12.9 million citizens. In the end I care about net jobs, not about a particular agency.”
The two sides are from different worlds and are speaking different languages.
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The “other” Mike Madigan considers Senate bid
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’ve known Mike Madigan (no, not the Speaker, the other one) since his days on GOP staff. After a stint with George Ryan, Mike decided he wanted to get into the private sector. He opened a franchised restaurant in Springfield, Hickory River, and has since prospered, opening several more in central Illinois.
The district he’s eyeing won’t be an easy race, to say the least, but he’s a good guy and I wish him nothing but the best…
Wouldn’t this be fun? A Republican named Mike Madigan running for the state Senate?
It could happen.
Madigan, an Urbana City Council member who grew up in Champaign County and owns a chain of four barbecue restaurants, said he’s considering running for the 52nd Senate District seat held by Democrat Scott Bennett of Champaign. Bennett, a former Champaign County assistant state’s attorney, was appointed to the seat earlier this year after Mike Frerichs’ election as state treasurer. […]
Madigan, 52, who owns Hickory River Smokehouse restaurants in Urbana, Decatur, Springfield and Peoria, said Illinois needs change, but he isn’t parroting Rauner’s “turnaround agenda.”
“We need change but I’m not saying that I’m going to throw down and be all-in on all of those positions,” he said. “I think you have to look at the district as well and be representative of the district. I don’t consider myself a hard-core idealogue. I think you need to consider the district and what it’s comprised of. We have a world-class university here and on some of these issues you have to take a harder look and not be terribly ideological.
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Procedural rules and the same ol’ same ol’
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Southern…
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, says he was turned down in multiple requests to visit the Hardin County prison work camp, which Rauner said will close if a deal to balance the state budget isn’t forthcoming. […]
“This is the first time I’ve ever been turned down,” Forby said. “I’ve been in every prison in my district. Once or twice a year I try to get around to talk to people at those facilities. I guess the governor doesn’t want me to talk to those people.”
* Perhaps this is a reason?…
Sen. Forby made his thoughts known the day after the governor’s visit to Marion by putting a T-shirt on his chair on the Senate floor that read “Not for sale” on the front and “Can’t be bought” on the back.
* Or maybe it’s more benign…
“Senator Forby has not made a request to visit through the legislative liaisons at the department or the governor’s office, which is standard operating practice for all legislative requests to ensure visits go smoothly and without interruption,” [Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson] said. […]
And, it comes three years after former Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration barred a Republican senator access to a youth prison in Murphysboro that Quinn was trying to close.
In the Murphysboro incident, state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, said barring him entry took him by surprise because there was a longstanding tradition that local lawmakers could visit state facilities without a formal agreement from the governor’s office.
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* The Senate Democrats plan to start sending the governor their appropriations bills next week, and they’re getting in some advance spin..
“The budget has been a public document since we passed it, so the administration has had time to review and analyze it,” said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman to Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. “It’s our intention to start sending him the actual bills for action next week….He has options. If he doesn’t want to sign it, if he would rather force a shutdown, then that is a problem that he would own.” […]
“He has options that include reducing spending lines to a level he feels appropriate and manageable for the administration,” Phelon said. “The other options include having conversations with the legislative leaders about how to generate income to bridge the gap by the revenue hole…We hope he will consider taking a balanced approach to budgeting just like a family would do … look at both sides of the ledger.”
Phelon said if Rauner outright vetoes the bills then a shutdown is “all but a certainty.”
“There are options, leaders like Cullerton are willing to find a way to work it out,” she said. “And there’s still time to do that.”
No comment yet from the Rauner administration. I’ll let you know.
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…
Hi, Rich –
The governor has made clear for weeks that the budget passed by Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls is unbalanced and unacceptable. The governor remains committed to working with legislators to enact reforms that protect the middle class, free up resources for the most vulnerable, grow jobs throughout the state and help produce a responsible, balanced budget. While the governor has compromised repeatedly, it’s disturbing that majority party legislators continue to reject reasonable reforms and a balanced budget. If they have any interest in real reform and a responsible budget, there is no reason a deal can’t be reached before July 1.
Thanks,
ck
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Others chime in on Rauner TV ads
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* UIS’ Chris Mooney as quoted in the Tribune…
Mooney, the political scientist, said he found the style of Rauner’s ad “baffling” at this point.
“It’s a classic (election) campaign ad but there’s no (election) campaign going on. What does he want people to do? Does he think this just puts pressure on Mike Madigan and the politicians?” Mooney asked.
The ad puts Madigan “in black and white, and the speaker can’t find that to be very nice,” he said. “Given his past history, he doesn’t respond well to direct criticism of that nature.”
At the same time, Mooney suggested the ad may be part of a sustained effort to try to portray Madigan as the cause behind any state government shutdown.
* David Yepsen at the Simon Institute…
“A lawmaker rises and falls based on his local connections. People may say they hate Mike Madigan but that they like Frank [Mautino],” Yepsen said. “Smart, influential local people realize that Mike Madigan is not the most popular guy but it’s good that our local guy is good with him. Most legislators have a state facility, park or agency in their districts that they have to take care of.”
Yepsen said he hasn’t heard Democratic lawmakers badmouth Madigan either publicly or privately.
“He is a powerful lawmaker,” Yepsen said. “If legislators have half a brain, they aren’t going to publicly alienate someone who may do something for their districts.”
* Mark Brown…
I would never try to tell you Madigan is one of the good guys. As I’ve said previously, I wish he’d hang it up.
But for right now, I’m really glad he’s down there in Springfield to stand up to the bully king, even if he’s doing it for the wrong reasons.
Madigan, a bully in his own right, does not currently see it as being in his best political interest to sell out the little people who rely on Democrats to protect their viewpoint in Springfield. That could change, for which I’m equally grateful for the Democratic majority in the Senate. […]
In Rauner’s commercial, the narrator says: “Mike Madigan and the politicians he controls refuse to change.”
I would translate that to mean Rauner doesn’t control enough politicians yet, but just like Madigan, he’s working on it.
* But if I had to agree with any of them, it would be this part of Eric Zorn’s piece…
Winning an office by using the power of advertising is one thing. We’re used to it by now.
Governing by using the power of advertising is another. And we’ve never seen anything quite like it. […]
It makes sense. Public pressure can play a big part in legislative negotiations. When government services start shutting down, as they are likely to begin doing next month, voters grow increasingly agitated, and rank-and-file lawmakers seek to protect their political futures.
Rauner is trying to win the inevitable blame game the same way he won the governorship: with a well-financed campaign of chesty if vague commercials that paint Democratic leaders as obstacles to progress and economic health. […]
But I concede it just might work, particularly in the context of a sustained, well-funded effort to win hearts and minds. Rauner’s PR campaign may not ever lead to flipping the 13 seats in the House and 10 in the Senate needed for Republican majorities in the General Assembly, but it just might give him a significant upper hand as the summer of our discontent grinds on.
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This just in… Auditor General to retire
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Auditor General Bill Holland just sent a letter to the four legislative leaders announcing that he will retire at the end of this year. The letter is here…
It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy my work. After nearly twenty three years, I think that time has come.
Holland has been an excellent auditor general. I just cannot say enough good things about his tenure. Bill is honest, trustworthy and clean and he professionalized the operation when he took over.
Good luck, Bill.
…Adding… The full letter…
Dear Leaders:
I have been honored to be Illinois’ Auditor General since August 1, 1992. My work here has been challenging and rewarding, both professionally and personally. Your confidence in me and respect for the Office has allowed us to fulfill a constitutional duty and provide an essential public service that, I am confident, has been valuable to the General Assembly and the citizens of Illinois.
It has always been my intent to leave my position while I still enjoy the work. After nearly twenty-three years, I think that time has come. I will be retiring from my position as Auditor General effective December 31, 2015.
I hope this timeframe is sufficient to provide an effective transition to a new Auditor General. Please be assured that I and my staff will be available to assist in that regards. Until that time, I will continue to perform my duties in the manner you have come to expect.
I cannot thank each of you enough for the support you have provided the Office of the Auditor General over the years. Your support has been the foundation for all the successes the Office has enjoyed and, undoubtedly, will enjoy many years into the future.
Yours truly,
WILLIAM G. HOLLAND
Auditor General
* And from the press room…
Auditor General Holland will hold a press conference today (6-17) at 1:00 p.m. in briefing room 010. He will be here to announce his retirement.
…Adding Still More… The press conference will be here. From Leader Radogno…
“Despite coming from a partisan background, Bill Holland’s tenure as Auditor General has proven his loyalties lie with the people of Illinois. He’s a class act and true gentleman. The taxpayers of Illinois have been well served. “
* Gov. Rauner…
“Auditor General William Holland is a true statesman having served the people of Illinois as Auditor General for more than 20 years with the utmost integrity, honor and respect. His appointment to a third term was unprecedented and well-deserved, and it underscores his professionalism and ability to do the job fairly and exceptionally well. The State of Illinois is better because of his service, and I thank him for all the work he has done on behalf of the citizens of Illinois.”
* House GOP Leader Durkin…
“Bill Holland has done a fantastic job as Auditor General. I personally will miss him when he retires at the end of the year. He is highly respected by members of both parties for being professional and fair. The citizens of Illinois are better off because of Bill Holland’s ability to root out waste and mismanagement in government.”
* Senate President Cullerton…
“Bill Holland has dedicated his life’s work to improving public policy outcomes and government services for the people of the state of Illinois. His knowledge, expertise and eye for excellence have been invaluable to all of those who have had the pleasure of working and serving with him. His contributions will not be forgotten. I wish Bill the best of luck in future endeavors.”
* Speaker Madigan…
“Bill Holland has made many important contributions to work of state government during his tenure as Auditor General. He has handled every challenge with skill and professionalism. He maintained the highest standards during several very dark periods in this state’s history. Illinois is a better place because of him.”
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Madigan, Democrats react to Rauner TV blitz
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* You can watch Speaker Madigan’s Tuesday press conference by clicking here.
From the Sun-Times…
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, on Tuesday called Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new TV ad blitz “extreme” and said a budget deal would come only “if everybody’s reasonable.”
Still, Madigan said he believed the Legislature was making “progress” toward breaking a budget impasse, despite entering the third week after adjournment without a balanced plan.
“That TV ad takes us to the extreme. It takes away from moderation. It’s just like the other non-budget issues,” Madigan told reporters in a Capitol news conference.
“I think we’re making progress,” Madigan added. “I’m working seven days a week on this.” […]
“In the House, we’re attempting to be responsive to the governor’s interests. That’s why number one, we passed a worker’s compensation bill. We provided four opportunities for Republicans to pass legislation that would freeze property taxes.”
* Illinois Review…
According to our count, during the 20 minute press conference, the Speaker used the term “moderation” 11 times, the term “reasonable” 10 times, “extreme” to describe the governor 16 times, and “non-budget issues” 13 times.
In referring to the House’s legislative session which has not yet adjourned and will meet every Tuesday until the budget is agreed upon, Madigan used the term “continuous session” 11 times.
He is being reasonable and moderate, the Governor is being extreme.
When a reporter asked why Rauner’s television ads would be considered extreme while Madigan-funded mailers attacking Republicans in their home districts were not problematic, the Speaker said the mailers the Democrats sent out “were not extreme, they were factual.”
* SJ-R…
Madigan said mailers critical of Republicans sent into Republican legislative districts by the Illinois Democratic Party he controls are different from the ads.
“We wouldn’t consider the mailers extreme,” Madigan said. “They are factual. They weren’t inflammatory. We’re not going to do any TV ads, I can tell you that.” […]
Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, who is not mentioned in the ads, “is encouraging the governor to pull back from campaigning and lean into governing,” said spokeswoman Rikeesha Phelon.
Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said discussion of the ads among Democrats was “almost non-existent.”
“I don’t wake up every day and worry about what the governor is going to do when it comes to political rhetoric,” Manar said. “It’s clear to me that we have priorities that we need to fund in the state budget, and we need to find solutions to break the budget impasse. Unfortunately, I don’t think this commercial that the governor is airing is going to get us closer to breaking that impasse.”
* Illinois Public Radio…
“We’re not campaigning,” Cullerton said. “The election’s next year. This is the year we should be governing and reaching compromise. So that’s what I would urge the governor to do. To come back to the table and stop the ads, and let’s just see if we can get together.”
* QC Times…
Cullerton, who wasn’t named in the governor’s ad but has taken his own lumps in Rauner’s remarks to media, also continued to pitch the “let’s talk” angle.
“It’s not the best way to start a conversation when you’re trying to reach an agreement,” Cullerton said about Rauner’s ad. “I think he (Rauner) is still in campaign mode, and we’d like him to get out of the campaign mode and start governing.”
“Let’s work together,” the Senate president said. “That’s what we’re willing to do.”
* AP…
“We need to be focusing on actually getting a budget put in place,” said Sen. Heather Steans, a Chicago Democrat. “We need to provide fiscal stability and security.”
But there were few hints of progress on the budget Tuesday as lawmakers gathered for the lackluster session. Attendance was visibly down from regular session, with several lawmakers wearing Blackhawks jerseys to celebrate the team’s Stanley Cup win the evening before. And Madigan, who called a solo news conference while his session was still meeting, said he couldn’t recall the last time he spoke to Rauner about the budget.
* This quote is gonna wind up in a TV ad…
(S)tate Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, isn’t shying away from Madigan, the longtime House speaker and chairman of the state Democratic party.
“I support him as the head of my party. He believes in the same things I believe in,” Mautino, the House’s deputy majority leader, said in a phone interview Tuesday. […]
“I believe the Turnaround Agenda is wrong for Illinois,” said Mautino, who represents the majority of La Salle County, including Ottawa and Streator. “Even the Republicans will not vote for the governor’s right-to-work initiatives.” […]
“The governor needs to stop pointing his finger at bogeymen and quit running for election,” Mautino said. “What I would hope is that he would come to the table and negotiate. The governor’s budget was short $3.5 billion. The Democrats were $4 billion short. The cuts the governor has proposed are hurtful and designed to make a point rather than save money.”
* Tribune…
“I suppose it could have been worse, but worse doesn’t mean that this was a good idea,” said Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat and Madigan’s top deputy. “I do think that personal attacks are not helpful if we’re trying to set a table, a table around which we hope to negotiate. So I think this was not the best strategy, if one really wants to solve the budget problem.” […]
“Why are we here? To listen to testimony?” asked Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights in a speech that drew applause from fellow Republicans. “Do you want to be here? Do you think it’s advantageous for us … to come from the north, the south, the east and the west, all over the state, to come down here just to listen to testimony from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity? I don’t believe that’s the best use of our time.”
Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, who chaired the hearing, had a pointed response.
“We hear all the time how the easiest way to raise revenue is to create more jobs, and most, if many of us, don’t want to raise taxes,” Franks said.
“Heck, I even saw a TV ad today about economic development put out by someone who might know,” he said in reference to Rauner’s ad. “So, (the governor’s) talking about economic development and I think that we all ought to be talking about economic development, and I believe that’s why we’re here today.”
* Hizzoner…
“Speaker Madigan believes firmly in his principles and believes firmly in fighting for those principles. I don’t think there should be any attack on character,” the mayor said.
“In politics, dialogue and trust are essential. Any time you break that up, you make coming to terms harder.” […]
“How do you create a context for people to make compromises so that people see there’s enough victory? Nobody is going to sign on to something where they lose and you win. And you’re not gonna sign onto something where I win and you lose,” Emanuel said.
“All of us have a role to play in creating a context where everybody has enough wins where they think that agreement is something that they are for because they see enough progress for the things that they care about.” […]
“Everybody should just lower the temperature and keep the conversation and the dialogue and the space for that conversation and dialogue, then create an ability for people to make the necessary compromises for people to reach an agreement that advances the city and the state’s interests,” the mayor said.
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Republicans explain Rauner TV blitz
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Republican lawmakers played down the initial Rauner TV attack as benign, though they indicated the tenor could change as the impasse continues. Still, GOP Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine said Rauner is using the ads to try to convey a message to taxpayers.
“I think the endgame is to try to drive Speaker Madigan to compromise and actually enact the will of the voters, which is to start running this state differently,” Murphy said.
Madigan has “been resistant to that so far, and I think the ads are an effort to try to persuade the people around this state to remind the speaker that they elected a governor to help change the direction of the state and they want (Madigan’s) participation instead of his intransigence,” Murphy said.
* Sun-Times…
“It’s understandable the speaker would not like the ads because they tell the truth about what he and the legislators he controls are up to in Springfield — protecting the political class at the expense of the middle class,” said Rauner spokesman Lance Trover. […]
State Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, called the ad “benign.”
“I didn’t think there was anything mean-spirited about it. I thought it was relatively moderate,” Sandack said. “I know the Speaker keeps saying ‘extreme’ but so far as all objective observers will state, the governor has tried to negotiate … the Speaker only wants to talk about one thing: and that’s a tax hike.” […]
“It’s difficult to understand how Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls can double the size of Illinois’ budget deficit to $4 billion and call that ‘progress,’ ” a Rauner spokeswoman said. “It’s this type of thinking that’s caused Illinois’ fiscal crisis and why Governor Rauner will continue to fight for reforms that help the middle class and working families.”
* ABC 7…
“For the first time, the people of Illinois are going to hear another point of view,” John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, to which Rauner is a major donor, admits the governor is using money in an attempt to influence public policy. He said that for decades unions have used their money to direct policies set in place by Democrats.
“They’ve liked having monopoly control of the narrative. Now they’ve got a competitor and I think it’s going to be good for the people of Illinois,” he said.
Discuss.
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Simple solutions are usually neither
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Illinois Policy Institute…
In his latest round of spending reforms, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced on June 12 that funding for Illinois’ Tobacco Quitline will be suspended, effective July 1. The program, a hotline for smokers operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health, was funded through a $3.1 million grant from the state.
Around 18 percent of Illinois adults smoke, and helping people quit is an admirable and important goal. In fact, it’s a goal the American Cancer Society is already helping to achieve – without Illinois taxpayers footing the bill.
The “Quit for Life” program is a free service that offers support resources to smokers who are interested in quitting. The program includes resources such as phone counseling with a “quit coach,” online education, web-based planning tools and even text-message plans to help people quit smoking.
With such a robust program being run through one of the leading cancer-prevention and awareness organizations in the country, Illinois taxpayers do not need to be paying for a separate program to accomplish the same goal.
* Since their program is at issue here, I asked the American Cancer Society to comment. The following is from Heather Eagleton, Illinois government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network…
“In April, Illinois unfortunately made history by becoming the only state in the country without a tobacco quitline. While this funding was eventually restored, the Quitline is once again at risk of being eliminated under the governor’s proposed July 1 budget cuts.
“There is a misconception among some that the American Cancer Society’s Quit for Life tobacco cessation program will easily replace the Quitline’s services. However, Quit for Life is a resource that contracts with employers, health plans and state departments of health to help clients’ employees and enrollees quit smoking. Illinois residents are only able to enroll in Quit for Life if their employer or insurance provider offers the service.
“Therefore, if Governor Rauner chooses to cut the state’s tobacco quitline, thousands of Illinoisans will still be without a lifeline to break their tobacco addiction.
“Last year, the Quitline answered 90,000 phone calls and led 43 percent of its callers to quit smoking.
“It should be noted that the Quitline is funded not through taxpayer dollars, but rather through the Tobacco Master Settlement, which gave Illinois $265 million this fiscal year specifically to support programs like the Quitline. With the elimination of this resource, taxpayers risk seeing an increase in tobacco-related Medicaid costs, which already total $1 billion a year.
“We understand Illinois continues to face tough financial choices, but fighting cancer should always be a top policy priority. We urge the governor and lawmakers to come to a budget decision that will not jeopardize the health of Illinoisans.”
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Simon considering state Senate bid
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Southern…
Former-Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, of Carbondale, said she’s seriously considering a run for state Senate in 2016.
“I’ve been asked by several folks to look into that, and that’s what I’m doing now is weighing the options,” she said. […]
Simon said she’s eyeing the 58th Senate District seat being vacated by Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville. While some have also encouraged her to run for the U.S. 12th Congressional seat held by Republican Rep. Mike Bost, Simon said she’s not as interested in that position.
She said the state Senate seat seems to be a “better fit,” given her interests in state-level issues and her frustrations with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Thoughts?
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Hizzoner was asked today about the governor’s new ads…
* Coincidentally, the mayor was at an event with the governor’s wife this morning…
* The Question: Caption?
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Illinois vs. Indiana – Workers’ Compensation
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Illinois is often compared to our neighbor Indiana when it comes to workers’ compensation costs for businesses. Unfortunately, it is not a fair or accurate comparison. Wages are the main driving factor when it comes to workers’ compensation costs. Workers’ compensation benefits (non-medical) are based on a worker’s average weekly wage. On average, Indiana pays its workers 27 percent less than Illinois. Illinois ranks 8th in the country for average weekly wages, while Indiana ranks 35th. Because workers’ compensation replaces lost wages, lower wages in Indiana naturally creates lower workers’ compensation costs.
Indiana businesses may have lower workers’ compensation costs for employers; however workers injured on the job have meager options for their health care under Indiana’s workers’ compensation laws. In addition, Indiana’s early return to work program often forces injured workers back to work sooner than they should be and often leads to re-injury or new injuries.
Workers in Illinois deserve better. A fair and reasonable workers’ compensation system in Illinois helps injured workers get back on their feet and back to work.
For more information on workers’ compensation, click here.
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Not helpful at all
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Gov. Bruce Rauner’s appearance in the south suburbs yesterday…
Union members screamed “you suck” and pressed middle fingers up to the windows of Rauner’s black SUV as his caravan drove off to the next engagement.
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Chicago eyes partial school pension payment
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s hand-picked school team is trying to persuade the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund to accept a partial pension payment — as little as $200 million of the $634 million due June 30 — because the Chicago Public School system doesn’t have enough cash on hand to make the full payment and still pay its employees. […]
In a statement Thursday, an Emanuel spokeswoman said: “Mayor Emanuel believes we are at a tipping point and that Springfield must take action to ensure the city is not forced to make a decision that forces us to choose between making a $634 million pension payment and the educational investments that our children need and deserve. The impact of this year’s massive payment means CPS would spend $1,600 less per student on education than every other district in the state, with severe and harmful consequences.” […]
Municipal finance expert Matt Fabian said a partial pension payment is the latest in a string of “budget gimmicks” that got CPS into this mess. It will make the long-term solution more costly.
But he said, “It’s the better of several fairly wretched options. It’s better than defaulting on their bonds. It’s better than not making payroll. Not making payroll becomes a direct operating issue. Then, they’re pushing cost onto students and families. They’d have to cut teachers. Politically, not making payroll is distinctly more negative.”
* Catalyst interviewed Charles Burbridge, the new executive director of the $10.8 billion Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund…
Catalyst: Where does the pension fund stand on the upcoming $634 million payment?
Burbridge: We’re expecting the payment. …We have not been told that we won’t get it or that we’ll get some discounted portion of it. Last year we got it.
Catalyst: What happens if it’s not paid?
Burbridge: If it’s not, then we’ll have to explore options that are available to us, see what the Board of Trustees is interested in pursuing. We’ll have to cross that bridge when it comes.
Catalyst: Explain what’s included in the outstanding payment.
Burbridge: One component is the money that should be paid for the benefits current teachers are earning. Last year that amount was about $145 million and it is similar this year. The second component, much larger, is the [amount] required to make the annual contribution toward the debt that’s been run up over the past 10, 15, 20 years. That total [debt] is now almost $10 billion.
Catalyst: Why such a huge unfunded liability?
Burbridge: Pension funding works when the employer pays for benefits as they are earned. When the employer doesn’t pay for those benefits, you get into problems.
Catalyst: What would happen if the district somehow in the next couple of weeks was able to get a ‘pension holiday’ again?
Burbridge: It would exacerbate the current situation. The unfunded liabilities – the benefits that the employees are earning – would not be paid and [there would not be] a contribution to reduce the outstanding debt.
There’s plenty of worry that CTPF will sue, but that will take some time.
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Chiraq attack rebuffed
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
For the second time in a week, a City Council member has backed away after threatening legislative action to protest the use of the title “Chiraq” for filmmaker Spike Lee’s Chicago-based movie.
The City Council Finance Committee was set Monday to hold a hearing on a nonbinding resolution asking the state to withhold a tax break from Lee and his company, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks, as long as the film kept its controversial title.
But the resolution’s sponsor, Ald. Will Burns, 4th, said the hearing would instead be held at a later date. Asked whether he still wants state lawmakers not to give Lee the break, Burns said the important thing was to hold a hearing so Chicagoans can air their thoughts on the term “Chiraq.”
“There are folks who want to talk about the movie title and they should be given an opportunity to do so,” Burns said in an email. He did not say when he plans to reschedule the hearing.
* Ald. Burns is a former House member. But the Illinois Senate voted 53-0 to pass a resolution in support of the film. From a press release…
In May, State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) led the Senate in commending director Spike Lee for his planned investment in Southside neighborhoods and supporting his choice of the title “Chiraq.” Collins reiterated today that there is broad consensus among elected officials statewide and, most importantly, her constituents, in favor of Lee’s project.
“As an elected representative of residents whose neighborhoods will be portrayed in this film and will benefit from the economic activity and jobs it generates, I have been overwhelmed with expressions of support for ‘Chiraq’ and introduced Senate Resolution 587 with this in mind,” Collins said. “More than 30 state senators co-sponsored the resolution in favor of a tax credit for ‘Chiraq,’ and while Alderman Burns is entitled to his personal opinion, what ought to matter is the perspective of local residents, along with the willingness of state government to give this project the same tax treatment as other eligible productions.”
Collins’ resolution urges the state to find Lee’s production company eligible for a tax credit designed to encourage television and film productions to employ Illinoisans and contract with Illinois vendors.
“The communities I represent are buffeted by unemployment, depressed property values and a chronic lack of investment,” Collins said. “This film will provide not only temporary jobs but also valuable training and experience for those hired, and local businesses will benefit from the opportunity to provide goods and services to the production.”
Lee is in the process of hiring nearly 3,000 extras, 100 crew members and 20 interns; most will be residents of Englewood, whose 21.3 percent unemployment rate far exceeds the state and national average, and neighboring communities. Englewood will also be home to ninety percent of the locations used in the film.
Spike Lee, best known for his compelling treatments of race in America in movies such as “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” has said that “everything I’ve done has led up to this film.” His proposed title – “Chiraq” – has generated controversy, but Collins says she and many residents welcome an honest look at the violent crime that helps perpetuate the cycle of poverty and economic neglect in Englewood and disadvantaged communities throughout the state.
“Communities such as Englewood need better statistics, not better semantics; a commitment to people, not perceptions and a focus on public safety and the public good, not merely public relations,” Collins said. “This film will challenge society’s acceptance of the unacceptable in its forgotten corners, and by generating jobs and economic growth, it will also serve as part of the solution.”
* Meanwhile…
A rookie alderman has backed off on his threat to withhold a block party permit for a prominent South Side church that collaborated with filmmaker Spike Lee on a movie that has the working title of “Chiraq.”
Earlier this week, Ald. David Moore, 17th, said he would not sign a permit for a block party to be held Saturday by St. Sabina Catholic Church being sponsored by Lee, who worked on the film with Rev. Michael Pfleger, the prominent anti-violence activist who is pastor of the church.
But on Friday Moore said that after speaking with residents on 1700 and 1800 blocks of Throop Street, where the party is being held in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, he has signed the permit.
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* A Hart Research poll conducted for SEIU Healthcare shows the public isn’t exactly “all in” on parts of the governor’s agenda. Click here for the memo, but keep in mind that the actual polling questions aren’t included in this summary…
MEMORANDUM
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Geoff Garin
DATE: June 15, 2015
RE: Voters Strongly Oppose Rauner’s Home-care and Child-care Cuts
Overview
Our recent survey of 1,051 voters in Illinois shows that there is an overwhelmingly negative reaction to Bruce Rauner’s proposed cuts to state home-care and child- care programs. Opposition to Rauner’s cuts crosses party lines, suggesting that legislators who back his cuts would be put in significant jeopardy regardless of the party composition of their districts.
Rauner already has deep vulnerabilities with Illinois voters because he is perceived to be more interested in doing what’s best for the wealthy and big corporations than in doing what’s best for average people in the state. Rauner’s proposed cuts to home care and child care exacerbate these vulnerabilities, as do his efforts to undercut the workers who provide these services. The survey results show that by a lopsided margin Illinois voters are more likely to side with home-care and child- care providers than with Governor Rauner in a major policy disagreement.
Key Findings
1. There is strong opposition across party lines when voters hear about Bruce Rauner’s proposed cuts to state home-care and child-care programs.
Fully 73% of all voters in Illinois say they would have an unfavorable reaction if they heard that Governor Rauner wants to make large cuts in state government funding for in-home assistance for seniors and people with disabilities, including 53% who are very unfavorable. Similarly, 68% react unfavorably upon hearing that Governor Rauner wants to make major cuts in government support for child care, including 47% who are very unfavorable.
Large pluralities of Democrats, independents, and Republicans react unfavorably to Rauner’s proposed cuts to home-care and child-care programs.
Rauner’s proposed cuts to home care and child care are unpopular even among those who recall voting for him last year. Rauner voters are unfavorable to his home-care cuts by 51% to 20%, and are unfavorable to his child-care cuts by 46% to 26%.
Negative reactions to Governor Rauner’s policies extend to his contract proposals for home-care and child-care providers.
74% are unfavorable to his proposal to cut or totally eliminate health insurance for home-care and child-care providers.
74% are unfavorable to his proposal to eliminate reimbursement for equipment, protective garments, and supplies (including latex gloves) for home-care providers.
73% are unfavorable to his proposal to eliminate training and professional development for home-care and child-care providers.
62% are unfavorable to his proposals to freeze the pay for home-care and child-care workers.
2. Illinois voters already are skeptical about Bruce Rauner when it comes to caring about people like them or understanding the challenges of working-class families, and the plurality say he is more interested in the wealthy and big corporations than in what’s best for average people. These negative perceptions create a significant vulnerability for Rauner in the debate on home care and child care.
Just 40% of voters in Illinois have confidence in Bruce Rauner when it comes to looking out for the middle class, while 50% have doubts about him.
Similarly, by 50% to 41%, voters express doubts about him on “caring about people like you.” Rauner especially lacks credibility with voters on understanding the challenges faced by low-wage workers and working-class families, with 58% expressing doubts about him.
When asked which matters more to Bruce Rauner, only 31% say his priority is doing what’s best for average people in Illinois, while 46% say he is more interested in doing what’s best for the wealthy and big corporations.
3. Voters in Illinois have positive feelings about home-care and child-care providers. In a fight between these providers and Governor Rauner, voters in Illinois side with home-care and child-care providers by a margin of close to three to one. Voters support the right of home-care and child-care workers to have a union, and they react unfavorably to aspects of Rauner’s contract proposals that would weaken the union.
Fully 75% of Illinois voters report having a positive opinion of child-care providers, and 72% are similarly positive to home-care providers. In a dispute between Governor Rauner and home-care and child-care providers, only 21% of voters say they would side with Rauner, while 61% say they would side with the home-care and child-care workers.
By 60% to 29%, voters support home-care and child-care providers being represented by a union to negotiate with the state on issues involving pay, benefits, working conditions, and training. Sixty percent (60%) of voters react unfavorably (including 45% who are very unfavorable) when they hear that Governor Rauner wants to weaken the union that represents home-care and child-care providers, and 66% are unfavorable when they hear that he wants to stop home-care and child- care providers from joining together to have a voice at work.
Voters are not persuaded by a defense that Rauner’s proposals are necessary because the state budget is “out of control” and that average taxpayers will end up paying the price “if we don’t take action now to hold the line on excessive union contracts.” Surprisingly, 60% say this line of argument makes them no more likely at all to support Governor Rauner’s proposals.
Given these results, it is safe to assume that voters across Illinois want their state legislators to stand with home-care and child-care providers instead of Bruce Rauner, and that those legislators who instead align themselves with Rauner’s unpopular policies would be creating significant political jeopardy for themselves.
The results in this memo are based on telephone interviews with 1,051 likely voters in the 2016 elections in Illinois. The interviews were conducted from June 2 to 7, 2015, and the statewide sample provides a representative cross section of the Illinois electorate.
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Credit Unions – Individual service, united in focus
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions hold a strong belief in giving back to their communities at the credit union level and on a geographic basis. Twenty-four chapters unite the state’s 305 credit unions and are integral to fulfilling their mission for nearly three million consumer members. Like the boards at credit unions, chapter boards are also run by volunteers.
The Illinois Quad Cities Chapter alone serves 10 credit unions and their 241,000 members in a three county area. Similarly to other credit union chapters, Illinois Quad Cities is particularly active in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes. This includes helping consumers protect their personal information by sponsoring community shred days to properly dispose of documents. The chapter also hosts “community nights” to provide local organizations a forum for requesting financial support. As a result, more than $17,000 has been provided to a variety of local charities. Motivated by their stories, credit unions separately hold fundraisers to support these groups, as well participate in events for others, including the local children’s hospital.
Members know credit unions will be there for their daily financial needs and support their community – just some of the many virtues that define the credit union difference.
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* From a Rahm Emanuel press release…
“On behalf of the City of Chicago, I am thrilled to congratulate hockey’s new dynasty — the Chicago Blackhawks — on winning the Stanley Cup for the third time in six years. To do it at home in front of the most dedicated fans in the world makes this title that much sweeter. I want to congratulate every member of the Blackhawks family, including Rocky Wirtz, Coach Joel Quenneville, and especially every player for their grit and determination to bring the cup back to Chicago. I want to also congratulate the Tampa Bay Lightning on a great season and a thrilling series. Be ready, Chicagoans, because in the coming days we will put on a world class celebration for a world class team.”
This is an NHL Stanley Cup open thread.
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