Former Rep. Stoneback files defamation suit
Monday, Jun 12, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Former Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback (D-Skokie) has filed a lawsuit against G-PAC and Rep. Kevin Olickal. Press release…
Former State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback (D-Skokie), announced that she has filed a complaint including claims of defamation and false light, which can be downloaded at mlo.bz/stoneback. Stoneback stated:
“I have worked to reduce gun violence for the past decade. Since the Sandy Hook school shooting, I created a non-profit, a coalition, and a national working group to reduce gun violence. I also have passed gun safety legislation and stopped the largest gun shop and range in the Midwest from locating near schools in my community.
Unfortunately, my reputation as a well-known advocate and voice for gun violence prevention was severely damaged by statements in the 2022 primary election that intentionally described my record falsely, and portrayed me as an enemy to gun violence prevention.
Due to the harm these statements have done to my reputation, the distress the situation has caused me, the damages and harm I suffered, and the need to attempt to right a wrong and prevent it from occurring in the future, I felt compelled to file my lawsuit, pursue remedies available to me, and, at the same time, set the record straight.
The truth matters. The public deserves reliable facts as they make critical decisions about who will represent them. Prohibiting false statements in political campaigns in some manner is law in 27 states, but not in Illinois. In the fall of 2022, I introduced a bill to prohibit false statements, libel, and defamation in political advertising in campaigns and ensure that candidates commit to our state’s Code of Fair Campaign Practices. I encourage state legislators to pass this legislation, and I encourage all candidates for elected office to sign on and commit to observing the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
Undoubtedly many other candidates have faced situations similar to mine. By shedding light on the facts, I hope others will join me in calling for these changes. Together we can take an important step towards improving the way we conduct political campaigns in Illinois.
I will not allow the unfortunate occurrences of the 2022 election to get in the way of progress and the work that needs to be done. Despite what has happened, I remain committed to reducing gun violence, and hope to continue my work in this area.”
* Stoneback and G-PAC both supported a Fix the FOID bill which included mandatory submission of fingerprints. The bill passed the House, but stalled in the Senate. G-PAC eventually decided to support a compromise bill for voluntary fingerprint submissions. Stoneback refused to go along, conflict ensued, yada-yada-yada, G-PAC backed Kevin Olickal in the primary. It was quite a negative campaign. Stoneback lost, then introduced a “truth in campaigning” bill before leaving office and eventually filed suit. From that lawsuit…
Defendant [ Friends of Kevin Olickal], created and published a mailer flyer that included an excerpt quoting statements from Kathleen Sances, President and Chief Executive Officer of Defendant GPAC (“FOKO First Mailer Flyer”).
Specifically, the FOKO First Mailer Flyer stated that “… [Ms. Stoneback] turned her back on the people that elected her by not supporting life-saving universal background checks, fingerprinting for gun license applications, and mental health and trauma support funding for survivors.”
The FOKO First Mailer Flyer also stated that “Rep. Wang Stoneback failed to keep our children, families, and communities safe from illegal guns that have led to an increase in violence.” […]
These statements are false. […]
In June 2022, Defendant FOKO created and published another mailer flyer that falsely stated “Denyse Wang Stoneback Chose to Stand with the NRA” (“FOKO Second Mailer Flyer”).
In addition, the FOKO Second Mailer Flyer emphasized this false statement by including a photograph of Ms. Stoneback next to a photograph of the National Rifle Association (“NRA”) logo.
Additionally, the FOKO Second Mailer Flyer stated that, “[w]hile Mass Shootings Terrorized Ou[r] Country, Denyse Wang Stoneback Stood With the NRA And Ignored Victims of Gun Violence. […]
These statements are false. […]
The Defendant GPAC created and published a third mailer flyer that contained false statements about Ms. Stoneback (“Third GPAC Mailer Flyer”).
The Third GPAC Mailer Flyer stated: “Why did Denyse Wang Stoneback tell grieving mothers NO to supporting universal background checks on gun purchases? … because for politicians like Denyse Wang Stoneback it’s my way or the highway.” […]
These statements are false. […]
The Defendants knew their Defendants’ False Statements did not accurately reflect Ms. Stoneback’s record on gun safety legislation. […]
Additionally, the Defendants sought to destroy Ms. Stoneback’s reputation as a gun safety advocate. […]
As a result of the Defendants’ False Statements, Ms. Stoneback lost the primary election in June 2022. […]
As a result of the foregoing conduct of Defendants Kevin Olickal and FOKO through the publication of the FOKO Flyer Statements, Ms. Stoneback has suffered and continues to suffer damages including, but not limited to, harmed reputation, harmed standing in the community, and, loss of income.
In addition to the foregoing, Ms. Stoneback has suffered economic harm in the form of lost income as a state representative and the monies expended on her campaign.
It goes on, so go read the rest.
9 Comments  
|
*** UPDATED x1 *** Afternoon roundup
Monday, Jun 12, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
*** UPDATE *** I just now noticed that Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) has resigned from the Senate. Let the appointment games begin.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Crain’s…
Former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore could see ComEd parent Exelon seek recovery of legal costs the company has paid on her behalf, as well as past incentive compensation, if the expected appeal of her conviction on conspiracy and bribery charges fails.
That’s the recommendation of a special committee appointed by Exelon’s board to respond to shareholder lawsuits filed following the bribery scandal that led to jury convictions last month of Pramaggiore and three others. Exelon’s board last month endorsed the committee’s proposed settlement of a handful of such lawsuits, according to a court filing. […]
“If Ms. Pramaggiore and/or Mr. Hooker’s convictions were ultimately affirmed after all appeals are exhausted, the SLC (special litigation committee) believes that the Exelon board would have a strong basis to pursue any available civil claims against Ms. Pramaggiore and/or Mr. Hooker, including for recoupment of previously advanced legal fees, compensation subject to clawback pursuant to the Company’s clawback policies and/or other claims for damages,” according to the May 26 filing by the committee in federal court in Chicago. “Particularly in light of certain changes that have been made to the company’s leadership and board, and consistent with the corporate governance reforms already put in place and to be put in place in accordance with the settlement terms, the SLC believes the board will be well-positioned to determine whether the pursuit of such claims is in the best interest of the company at that time.”
* Crain’s…
Both Chicago and Illinois have been screaming hard in Washington trying to get the feds to come up with more to help care for the influx of refugees arriving here from the Southern border. They’re about to get their wish — but only in part.
A knowledgeable source says the next tranche of refugee aid to be announced early in the week will include $19.3 million for Illinois, with just over half of the aid — $10.5 million — allocated for Chicago.
Both surely wanted more; the Chicago City Council just appropriated more than $50 million to pay for food, shelter and other expenses through June. But it’s a lot better than the $8.5 million they had to split in the last award in May.
…Adding… Chicago’s $10.5 million is on top of the state’s $19.3 million, I’m told. So, almost $30 million. That ain’t too horrible.
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers today at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois. This nation-leading legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremists targeting literature, libraries, and books in an effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Targeted books cover a wide range of categories and predominantly consists of stories by and about People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. […]
This legislation, HB2789, protects the freedom of libraries to acquire materials without external limitations. Prior to this, Illinois law did not provide such protections and according to Chicago-based American Library Association (ALA), there were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022. Just this past year, PEN American reported 1,477 instances of books being banned nationwide during the first half of the 2022-23 school year, affecting 874 individual titles.
HB2789 tasks the Illinois State Librarian and the Illinois State Library with adopting the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, statewide. This bill of rights indicates that reading materials should not be proscribed, removed, or restricted because of partisan or personal disproval. Illinois libraries would only be eligible for state-funded grants if they adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
Alternatively, the State Librarian and State Library can work together to develop their own written statement declaring that every library or library system must provide an adequate collection of books and other materials to satisfy the people of Illinois
DPI responds…
“I applaud the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker for taking action to defend our schools and libraries from attacks on access to accurate information and diverse stories, and I’m grateful to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, our State’s Librarian, who led this effort to defend Illinoisans’ freedom. Removing books from our shelves represents a dangerous backslide into a world where a small but loud minority can silence anyone who looks, loves, or believes differently than they do. As extreme right wing groups attempt to place candidates with their regressive values into local offices across Illinois and the nation, it’s as important as ever that we step up to defend our children, their freedoms, and their futures,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
Earlier this year, the Democratic Party of Illinois took action to prevent extreme candidates who supported policies including book banning from taking over school and library boards. DPI successfully prevented 73% of the candidates it communicated against from winning their elections. Throughout this unprecedented program, DPI reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and households in Illinois via digital and mail communications as well as organizing support. This initiative was brought forth as part of the new party building directive under the leadership of Chair Hernandez to provide year round support to Democrats through grassroots organizing and continuous voter engagement. The legislation signed today will act as an additional safeguard against far-right efforts to limit access to diverse ideas and inclusive education.
* Press release…
With attacks on same-sex couples and marriages on the rise across the nation, State Senator Mike Simmons successfully sponsored a law signed Friday to strengthen marriage equality for same-sex couples in Illinois.
“As the first openly gay senator in Illinois, protecting and strengthening same-sex marriage laws in this state is significant to who I am and what I fight for,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am proud to support legislation that protects same-sex marriages in Illinois and creates avenues for same-sex couples in other states coming to Illinois seeking those same protections.”
House Bill 1591 protects same sex marriages in Illinois by repealing the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act. This bill provides that same-sex couples can receive a marriage license in Illinois without requiring a signature from an official from their previous state. This will make it easier for same-sex couples who resided in other states to marry in Illinois.
“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many are suspecting of the Supreme Court’s intentions regarding Obergefell v. Hodges, which protects marriage equality,” said Simmons. “This bill makes marriage equality stronger for Illinoisans and provides security to same-sex couples.”
* From Gov. Pritzker’s Northwestern University commencement address today…
Thank you to President Schill for your kind introduction. To the Class of 2023: congratulations on your graduation from one of the finest universities in the world.
Look, I know there were more than a few of you who may have groaned when you heard that the Governor was going to be your commencement speaker. Believe me, I too would rather be listening to Beyoncé give a speech today.
But rest assured, as a Northwestern Law School alum, I studied up before crafting my remarks, mostly by watching a whole bunch of YouTube videos of other people’s commencement addresses. And I’ve come to the conclusion that the best graduation speeches are a lot like your favorite sitcoms. They are short. They make you laugh. And they feature an oddball but lovable character.
Well, I’m your oddball character, folks.
Today, graduates, I want to invoke a seminal piece of twenty-first century culture to help send you forward on the right path in life.
I am, of course, talking about the Emmy award-winning sitcom known as “The Office” – which in its two-hundred episode run gave us all the wisdom you need to make your way in this world.
Now look, the younger members of my staff made it clear to me that your generation might consider “The Office” to be sort of “cheugy” – which I learned is a pejorative term meaning “uncool” or “you’re trying too hard.”
That’s fine. I don’t care. I’m a dad. By definition, dads are cheugy. We try too hard every day. Mostly to get our kids to turn off the lights when they leave a room. We don’t care if you don’t think we’re cool – we are determined to plunge ahead anyway.
Turns out, Steve Carell was in the audience, according to Tina Sfondeles…
But the Democratic governor didn’t know he’d be delivering a commencement address in front of Michael Scott himself, according to his office.
Actor Steve Carell, who played Scott on the show, along with his wife, Nancy, who also appeared on the sitcom, were at Ryan Field to celebrate their daughter’s graduation from the university. […]
Pritzker’s office said Carell and the governor met briefly after the address, with Carell telling him he liked his speech. Both Pritzker and his chief of staff, Anne Caprara, wrote the speech before learning Carell would be in the audience — and both are self-avowed die-hard “The Office” fans.
* Durbin endorses the Democratic primary opponent of Rep. Jonathan Carroll…
Hon. Tracy Katz Muhl, Democrat for Illinois State Representative in the 57th District, held her first campaign event on Saturday, June 10. The Northfield Township Committeeperson spoke to a packed room of supporters, including prominent politicians at Northbrook’s Techny Prairie Activity Center.
A former District 28 School Board President, Katz Muhl laid out how her experience, collaborative nature, and tenacity ensure her ability to raise the voices of constituents and make progress on issues most important to residents of the 57th District. A number of state leaders spoke at the event in support of Katz Muhl, including U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider, IL State Senator Laura Fine, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Cook County Board Commissioner Scott Britton.
“I am running for state representative to enact meaningful legislation that will make a genuine impact in people’s lives,” said Katz Muhl. “As your township Democratic Committeeperson, your school board president, a gun violence prevention advocate, and a grassroots organizer, I have listened to, coordinated and amplified the voices of our community to make real change. Now it’s time to scale that up to give the voters of the 57th District a stronger and more representative voice in Springfield. It’s time to get things done.”
While unable to attend the event in person, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, sent his endorsement in a statement that said, “Tracy is an effective leader who knows how to get things done. Her experience as a lawyer, school board president, and community organizer proves she has the skills to make a difference in Springfield. Tracy is a lifelong advocate for gun safety, reproductive freedom, and the LGBTQ+ community. We need her working for us in Springfield.”
* US Rep. Mike Bost announced he’s running again…
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) formally announced the launch of his reelection campaign at a meet-and-greet with supporters in White County on Saturday.
“Joe Biden and the crazy liberals in Congress are attempting to fundamentally change our way of life. Their woke, radical agenda is causing chaos with our economy, confusion in our schools, and a crisis at our southern border,” said Bost. “I’m honored to run for reelection because Southern Illinoisans deserve a fighter they know and trust to stand up for constitutional conservative values. We’ve got enough show horses in Washington as it is; that’s why I remain laser focused on serving the people and delivering real results for Southern Illinois, the place I’ve proudly called home my entire life.”
During his time in Congress, Bost has compiled a proven, conservative record, previously receiving endorsements from the NRA’s Political Victory Fund, Illinois Right to Life, and Illinois Farm Bureau. He was also endorsed by President Donald Trump the last three election cycles. Bost served as a state representative, small business owner, professional firefighter, and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
He will probably face former state Sen. Darren Bailey, a noted show horse.
* Up until this morning, the Will County Board’s June 15 agenda included this…
HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. Recognizing the Juneteenth Holiday
2. Recognizing June as Pride Month
3. Recognizing MOMS for America
Those three oddly paired items have since been removed.
…Adding… The County Board Chair, not the Executive sets the legislative agenda, I’m told.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Shaw Local | Illinois hospital to close: The St. Margaret’s Health board of directors met recently and finalized the Spring Valley hospital will close 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 16. […] St. Margaret’s had announced in mid-May a June 16 closure was imminent without emergency state funding. A state budget passed without any assistance for the hospital. The closure - combined with January’s closure of the Peru hospital - will leave western La Salle and eastern Bureau counties without an emergency room throughout the summer.
* Crain’s | Paul Vallas’ new role might reveal something about his true political leanings: But, later In the interview, Vallas spun his hiring [by the Illinois Policy Institute] as a good thing of no ideological significance. “I’m a research wonk. They do research,” he said. “They know my Democratic credentials. That suggests they want a diverse staff.” Vallas declined to discuss whether his new job suggests he misled voters. “I’m not a candidate now,” said Vallas. “I’m not going to go into that. It is what it is… I’ve done research for a number of groups through the years.”
* Daily Herald | Why Illinois consumers will soon pay more for groceries: The yearlong suspension of the state’s 1% tax on groceries ends July 1. […] “It’s usually cheaper to cook it yourself than go out, so people will still shop for groceries and cut back elsewhere,” [Rob Karr, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association] said. “It would also be a big difference if it were a 10% tax coming back and not 1%. We don’t expect this will affect grocers much.”
* Tribune | Cook County says employees and pensioners can breathe a little easier with long-awaited fixes: Following years of consternation about whether Cook County’s two main pension funds would fulfill its obligations to its 39,000 employees and retirees, county leaders are saying they are on track to reform. A pair of moves within the past year has freed up access to more pools of cash to help shore up the county’s long-underfunded pensions, though fiscal experts say the county will have to be careful not to overcorrect and tie their hands on spending for other needs.
* Tribune | Ex-state Sen. Terry Link back on witness stand in bribery trial of Chicago businessman: Under questioning from Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau on Wednesday, Link spent about an hour and a half taking the jury through his role spearheading the state’s massive gambling overhaul legislation in 2019, as well as a shouting match he had with Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, about it on the Senate floor and a secretly recorded meeting at a Highland Park Wendy’s where prosecutors say the proposal to pay off Link was first made four years ago.
* Tribune | What makes a fair election? Recent redistricting the most politically balanced in years: The dissatisfaction once voiced most loudly by Democrats in states gerrymandered by Republicans is now also rising from Republicans in such places as rural Macoupin County, Illinois. A Republican represented the former coal mining county in Congress during the past decade. But a Democrat won the redrawn district in 2022 after it got transformed into a slender snake-like shape — with a head in the twin university cities of Champaign and Urbana and a new tail in the Democratic suburbs of St. Louis.
* SJ-R | Bill regulating cryptocurrency stalls, possibility remains for veto session: HB 3479 would create the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act and Digital Assets Regulation Act, where the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Secretary would issue annual licenses and overall regulate digital asset business activity in the state.
* Tribune | Overcrowding, cold food and uncertain futures a way of life for migrants in Chicago’s shelters: The condition of the city’s 12 shelters cannot be assessed fully because the city has repeatedly denied a request from the Tribune and others for access to them. According to a letter in May from Chicago’s congressional delegation, the city has spent more than $75 million in the past nine months on over 10,000 new arrivals who have come to Chicago since August, and Chicago aldermen recently voted to spend an additional $51 million on migrant care through June.
* NBC | An Illinois hospital is the first health care facility to link its closing to a ransomware attack: Suzanne Stahl, the chair of SMP Health, the hospital’s parent organization, said last month that the hospital was planning to close this year. “Due to a number of factors, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the cyberattack on the computer system of St. Margaret’s Health, and a shortage of staff, it has become impossible to sustain our ministry,” she said in a Facebook video.
* Crain’s | How Chicago companies are testing the potential — and peril — of ChatGPT and AI: JPMorgan’s approach reflects the mix of wariness and excitement ChatGPT has stirred up among local companies as they consider possible uses of a new technology that burst on the scene in a tsunami of hype. In recent months, Chicago-area businesses from United Airlines to Morningstar have started experimenting cautiously with ChatGPT and its artificial-intelligence siblings.
* Chicago Tribune Guild | UNEQUAL: A study of pay at the Chicago Tribune: There is an unconscionable pay gap between journalists of color and white journalists at the Chicago Tribune. The median wage for a full-time journalist of color is $10,000 less than a white full-time journalist. Comparing median pay for our full-time workers, for every dollar that a white journalist is paid, Alden values our journalists of color at 86 cents. From the data we can crunch, this gap can’t be attributed to differences in worker’s ages/ experience.
* Crain’s | Grubhub lays off 400 workers: “After much consideration and evaluation of our business, we have made the difficult decision to reduce Grubhub’s workforce by 15%, impacting approximately 400 of our corporate employees,” the company said in a written statement. “These changes will enable Grubhub to invest in the growth of our core business and better position the company for long-term success.”
* SJ-R | Celebrating Juneteenth in Springfield: here are some events to attend: From a parade and street fair to talent shows and an outdoor revival, there’s plenty to do to celebrate Juneteenth in Springfield.
* AP | GM to invest $632 million at Fort Wayne assembly plant: The investment in new conveyors and equipment in the body shop and assembly areas won’t create any new jobs. But GM said on Monday it will keep jobs for about 4,000 people who work at the plant.
* SJ-R | Sangamo Club to close doors Friday after 133 years: The Sangamo Club’s management cited a changing social environment and declining membership for the end of a Springfield institution. In a letter sent Saturday to club members, president James Ackerman said that the club had been losing money for some time, without the kinds of recreational activities that could keep a similar organization afloat.
* Daily Herald | Glen Ellyn’s Sean Hayes wins a Tony: Former Glen Ellyn resident Sean Hayes won the Tony Award for leading actor in a play Sunday night for his tour-de-force performance as pianist/raconteur Oscar Levant in “Good Night, Oscar.”
37 Comments
|
* Background is here if you need it. Illinois Public Media is reporting that the site of an as-yet-unopened Danville abortion clinic has been vandalized a second time. You’ll recall that a man was arrested last month after he repeatedly slammed his car into the building that will eventually house the clinic. According to the police affidavit, the man brought several containers filled with gasoline with him.
Recently, “a new vandal tore down the temporary repairs from the last attack,” reports Farrah Anderson.
* Meanwhile, from a press release…
Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) has experienced a 54% increase in abortion patients, both medication and procedural, since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. PPIL data also show that more patients than ever are coming to one of our health centers at a higher gestational age that requires a procedural abortion. Abortions over 16 weeks gestational age now makes up 13% of all procedural abortions, compared to 8% pre-Dobbs decision. The number of patients needing financial assistance or travel support to get care at PPIL has more than doubled in the year since Dobbs. These trends demonstrate how bans and restrictions force patients to delay and travel farther for care. […]
PPIL data also indicates since the Dobbs decision:
• Over the course of the year, nearly a quarter (25%) of PPIL patients traveled from another state compared to 7% before Dobbs.
• Patients traveled from 34 different states.
• The number of patients needing financial assistance or travel support for care more than doubled, and the average amount increased from $250 to almost $500 because of expanded distances, time delays, and costs of travel.
• PPIL provided over $1.5 million in financial support to abortion patients through a combination of sources over the last year.
PPIL anticipated the surge in patients seeking abortion and gender-affirming care and took many steps to expand access. In July 2022, PPIL announced a partnership with Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) for abortion care providers from PPWI to travel to Illinois several days a week, expanding access to care at our Waukegan Health Center and across the state. In September 2022, PPIL unveiled the expansion of the Champaign Health Center to offer procedural abortion services to meet the demand of patients in central Illinois and Indiana. Since June 2022, PPIL grew its abortion navigation team from one to four with the sole purpose of helping out-of-state patients overcome barriers in traveling to Illinois for care. The team is now expanding services to help out-of-state gender-affirming care patients.
PPIL’s volunteer base also grew by 700 new people. PPIL volunteers provided over 6,200 hours of assistance, compared to 2,000 hours the year prior. PPIL also has 300 volunteer escorts, who put in over 3,500 hours at health centers, more than double the hours from the previous year.
17 Comments
|
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
Back in February, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago proposed some sweeping revenue changes designed to significantly boost the state’s credit rating to “AA” over time and help accelerate the state’s pension payments to bring down its huge unfunded liabilities.
The group’s proposals were striking because their members are some of the wealthiest people in the state. In the country, even.
The Civic Committee led the charge several years ago to slash pension benefits for government employees and has long been known to be on the same side of the fence as the loud legions of Illinois government bashers. Heck, they helped build that fence. They also helped lead the fight against a graduated income tax proposal.
The committee surprised almost everyone by proposing a temporary, 10-year personal and corporate income tax “surcharge” to raise $2.9 billion per year, or, as an alternative, a tax on retirement income. The committee also proposed expanding the sales tax to services, which it said could bring in an additional $1.2 billion a year if the state adopted Iowa’s model. Much of the money would be used to pay off state pension debt.
In exchange, the committee proposed repealing the corporate franchise tax and the estate tax.
The franchise tax was lowered during the spring session. And lowering or even repealing the estate tax was also on the Senate’s discussion table this year. Senate Republicans at one point thought they might make some headway, even though the governor has long expressed reservations.
As a billionaire who inherited great family wealth, Gov. J.B. Pritzker wasn’t exactly eager to sign such a bill into law. But Republicans apparently saw some signals that the governor would be open to such a plan this year if the legislature decided to go ahead.
Senate President Don Harmon reminded me last week when we spoke that the Senate had already passed a repeal of the estate tax.
“I am more convinced than ever that the estate tax, more than the income tax, determines people’s residency,” Harmon claimed. He has said for a while that he believes many people move away from Illinois not because they want to lower their current tax rates but to assure their heirs inherit more of their money when they pass away than they would if they were still in Illinois.
Harmon said getting rid of the estate tax is “worth discussing but only in a broader tax reform package. It’s not something we can do as a one-off. It has to fit within a broader tax reform package.”
A top Senate Republican source suggested recently the state budget talks veered away from the estate tax issue because Harmon wanted a broader deal down the road. The source also said it sounded like the Civic Committee’s plan could be a blueprint, or at least a starting point.
Harmon confirmed that he was indeed looking at the recommendations.
“I think that the Civic Committee offers a very interesting blueprint,” Harmon said of the tax hike proposals the group proposed. “And if in fact the Civic Committee can generate broad support from the business community and from Republican lawmakers, it’s absolutely worth a longer conversation.”
That’s a big “if” at this point, but we’ll see.
The Civic Committee also recently announced that it plans to raise tens of millions of dollars for Chicago violence reduction programs, including finding meaningful jobs (with wrap-around services) for people who had gone through violence prevention training, many of whom have extensive criminal records.
Instead of a traditional “get-tough-on-crime” approach, the Civic Committee emphasized “constitutional policing” and other police reforms. The group also announced that it had hired Robert Boik to help spearhead that effort. Boik oversaw Chicago’s 2019 federal consent decree to overhaul policing until he was fired after criticizing his superiors.
Harmon seemed quite encouraged by the group’s proposals and its entire approach these days.
“From our research,” Harmon said, “there’s a dichotomy in the public perception. People want to be safer. But people understand that the root causes of crime are far more complicated.”
He said he believed people were moving away from the “locking up and throw away the key” types of people.
“I confess, it’s not what I expected” Harmon said of the Civic Committee, which has long had a conservative bent.
“I think that the Civic Committee is approaching major problems with a very different perspective,” Harmon said.
More on that topic next week.
* Meanwhile…
Former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas is joining the Illinois Policy Institute as an adviser. […]
Vallas reiterated themes from his campaign, saying, “The city of Chicago is at a breaking point. Our public agencies are about to fall off a fiscal cliff, the kids in our public schools are falling behind after Covid-19 lockdowns … our economy is lagging and businesses are unable to operate in a high-crime, high-tax and high-regulation environment.”
36 Comments
|
It’s a law: Pritzker signed 90 bills Friday
Monday, Jun 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* WJBD…
Governor JB Pritzker signed 90 bills into law on Friday.
The laws range from requiring large music venues to have Narcan on hand in case someone overdoses to eliminating any mention of the death penalty in state statutes. One, from Representative Amy Elik of Alton, makes September 17th Constitution Day at school.
“Constitution Day celebrates the US Constitution and also new US citizens. The US Department of Education states that schools that receive federal funds are required to provide education about the US Constitution each year, but we found it wasn’t in the school code.”
Another new law requires school administrators to let parents know if their child has been bullied within 24 hours of learning about the incident. There’s also a new law prohibiting utilities from shutting off a customer’s electricity or gas because of overdue bills if the temperature is over 90 degrees or there is a heath watch or advisory.
Here’s the full list
* Center Square…
Among the 43 House bills his office announced were signed, one prohibits insurance companies from increasing premiums if someone owns a certain breed of dog. Another makes Constitution Day a commemorative holiday. Music venues over certain sizes must have opioid antagonists starting June 1, 2024 with one measure.
House Bill 1596 “Replaces certain pronouns with the nouns to which the pronouns refer.” House Bill 2389 “Prevents stops and searches by the police if a driver has an object hanging from the rearview mirror.” House Bill 2907 “Prevents striking workers from being sued for unintentional property damage as a result of a strike.” House Bill 3396 “Provides that any person with the intent of obstructing, impeding, or otherwise interfering with a picket line commits a Class A misdemeanor and a minimum fine of $500.”
Of the 47 Senate bills Pritzker enacted Friday, Senate Bill 40 “Establishes requirements for electric vehicle capable parking spaces.” Senate Bill 201 “Provides that the court may seal any foreclosure action filed during the COVID-19 emergency and recovery period.” Senate Bill 1351 “Allows a retiring teacher to forgo an evaluation in their last evaluation cycle before they retire.” SB 1527 “Requires insurance coverage for medically necessary compression sleeves” beginning Jan. 1.
Illinois legislators approved 566 bills during spring session. Hundreds more have yet to be sent to the governor’s desk for his action.
* WAND…
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to ensure utility companies can’t shut off your power on the hottest days of the year.
This plan could help protect the state’s most vulnerable from losing their gas or electric if they can’t pay their utility bills.
The law will only apply when the temperature is 90 degrees or hotter and situations where the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, advisory, or warning. […]
The Illinois Attorney General’s office led the effort for this change. However, some House Republicans argued that this plan would push the costs of power onto other customers.
* Jurist…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills on Friday safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights in the state.
HB 1591 amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The Act previously prohibited out of state couples from obtaining and Illinois marriage license. The language before amendment stated, “no marriage shall be contracted in this State by a party residing and intending to continue to reside in another state or jurisdiction.” The amendment will now allow couples from outside the state to receive a marriage license.
The amendment in HB 1591 works in conjunction with the federal Respect for Marriage Act passed in 2022. Under federal law, states are now required to recognize legal marriages performed in another state, including same-sex marriages. Congress passed the Respect for Marriage Act due to concerns the Supreme Court could overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. A more conservative Supreme Court indicated in their decision eliminating a federal right to abortion that other rights extended under marriage and privacy, including Obergefell, may be reviewed.
Pritzker also signed HB 1596. The bill amends the Children and Family Services Act by removing gender specific pronouns. The removal of male and female pronouns is intended to make the statute more inclusive and representative.
* 25 News Now…
A measure sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler and Reps. Travis Weaver and Bill Hauter to create a task force highlighting the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois has been signed by Governor JB Pritzker.
The task force will develop a statewide plan to connect existing local and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, according to a release from Sen. Koehler.
The task force will identify the location of historical sites, connections they may have to one another and will paint a picture to recognize the Underground Railroad’s history. […]
Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman initiated the bipartisan bill, in the hopes of bringing awareness to this part of Illinois’ history.
“Currently, there are many regional landmarks of the Underground Railroad throughout the state, but there is really no way of connecting them together,” said Ackerman. “This task force give us the ability to tie all of these regional pockets together to tell the story of just how long the path the Underground Rail Road was in Illinois, and the lengths that abolitionists and slaves took in search of freedom.”
* WJOL…
Illinois has a new law on the books to put a stop to misleading fake “final notices” sent in the mail, thanks to State Senator Rachel Ventura. […]
When someone buys a car or home in Illinois, “final notice” letters regarding warranties, protection plans and insurance are often mailed out by third parties to scam recipients into providing information or buying products under the guise of maintaining their home or vehicle.
Ventura’s legislation amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to require that senders clearly state that their mailing is not a bill but rather a solicitation of services. […]
Senate Bill 1440 was signed into law June 9th and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
11 Comments
|
Open thread
Monday, Jun 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Howdy! Hope you all had a relaxing weekend. What’s going on?…
11 Comments
|
Isabel’s morning briefing
Monday, Jun 12, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Center for Illinois Politics | What is the status of the ever-complicated Illinois Assault Weapons Ban?: There are now four state court cases. Two were filed in Effingham County, one was filed in White County, and one was filed in Macon County. The Effingham and White County cases were filed by downstate attorney Tom DeVore, renowned for his pandemic work against mask mandates in Illinois schools. These three cases were later consolidated by the Illinois Supreme Court and are still pending in Effingham County.
* Tribune | Illinois government among victims of attack by global ransomware group, state IT agency says: The FBI and the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have attributed the attack, which hit Illinois state government May 31, to a ransomware gang called CL0P, which exploited the popular MOVEit Transfer file-sharing software.
* Bond Buyer | Actuarial report puts $5.6B price tag on an Illinois pension fix: Pension experts have long warned the Tier 2 benefits for at least some of the workforce are likely violate rules that require publicly sponsored benefits for participants who don’t also receive Social Security to at least match Social Security in benefits.
* WMAY | Former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is finally back in Illinois: Rauner and his wife Diana moved to Florida shortly after he lost his bid for a second term to Democrat JB Pritzker. Rauner will visit the State Capitol Monday for the unveiling of his official portrait.
* Tribune | School choice or a drain on public education? Backers aim to save controversial private school tax credit left out of new Illinois budget: The program has become a linchpin issue for Republicans who have railed against the Democratic-led legislature and its recently enacted state budget. That budget did not include an extension of Invest in Kids beyond the next school year. But Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has repeatedly left the door open to renewing the program, an indication that there’s a variety of interests at play. He’s said he would consider keeping it, in modified form, if lawmakers approve it in the fall legislative session.
* Sun-Times | Ban the ban, not the book? Giannoulias caps return with string of legislative wins, including anti-censorship law: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias told the Sun-Times he was “blown away” after reading about book bans across the country. “To me, this is a slippery slope, and it goes against what education is about,” he said.
* Sun-Times | Arlington Heights still odds-on favorite to land Bears as team huddles ‘to squeeze out the best deal they possibly can’: It’s too early to tell whether the team was bluffing when it said Arlington Heights has competition and introduced Naperville to the stadium game. Were the Bears angling for an Arlington Heights tax break?
* Sun-Times | Parking meter deal keeps on giving — for private investors, not Chicago taxpayers: Results of the latest parking meter audit by accounting giant KPMG shows meter revenues reached a record $140.4 million last year, up from $136.2 million in 2021 and $91.6 million during the stay-at-home shutdown of 2020.
* Sun-Times | City again delays moving migrants from shuttered YMCA to Daley College: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration had planned the transfer for last week, then announced Friday it would occur on Sunday. But it put off the transfer for a second time after many of the people affected said they prefer not to be moved across town.
* Tribune | Chicago’s Walking Man wandered alone for decades. Loved ones say: ‘He observed everything. That was his adventure.’: Then came the attacks, the first in 2016 when a man beat him with a bat. Amid the resulting media attention, Kromelis’ given name was revealed, along with a few details about his life: He was a former street peddler who had lost his rented room to redevelopment a few years earlier. Strangers donated thousands to help the Walking Man get back on his feet. And then, one year ago, something even more serious happened.
* Tribune | Lion Electric’s new school bus factory in Joliet aims to rewrite the rules for manufacturing in Illinois: Pritzker convinced the Canadian company that in suburban Will County, electricity is not just cheap, reliable and abundant. It’s also — thanks to a statewide commitment Pritzker was then shepherding through the legislature — on its way to being carbon-free by 2050.
* Media Matters | 200+ Things that Fox News has labeled “woke”: Fox News host Jesse Watters said, “Silicon Valley Bank is a woke Biden bank. They were holding seminars on Lesbian Visibility Day and national Pride Month.” He added, “This was Biden’s Green New Deal bank. So if this bank fails, so does Biden’s green agenda. Biden can’t let a woke green bank blow up on his watch. He’s got an election to win.”
* Knowable | Dealing with rats, and their health, in America’s ‘rattiest’ city: We study how rats interact with people, wildlife and the environment to better understand public health risks from rats and improve their management. We do this using a holistic approach known as One Health, which looks at all aspects of health and the interconnections between the health of people, animals and the environment. Academic and public interest in One Health has increased dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly because it can help to find win-win outcomes that protect both the environment and human well-being at the same time.
* SJ-R | It’s official: Anchors Away to return as Norb Andy’s: Now building owner Dave Ridenour has confirmed the tabarin, and its familiar menu line up, will be returning. “We’re reopening it as Norb Andy’s,” said Ridenour, who purchased the Hickox Building in 2010 and has been the face of Norb Andy’s on multiple occasions since then when other operators couldn’t be found.
* Tribune | How Chicago football players’ mental health journeys led them to focus on wellness for Black communities: Giving up football was traumatizing, White said. “It was tough for a while because I truly did feel lost … especially for a young Black man with golden aspirations of playing at the next level, which would have been professionally eventually,” he said. “I didn’t know exactly who I was or who I could be at that point.”
6 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
Afternoon roundup
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I told subscribers about this a couple of days ago…
The Illinois House Speaker’s Office says it’s been informed that the complaints against state Rep. Jonathan Carroll “have been resolved and closed” by the “ Legislative Inspector General’s office and determined “unsubstantiated.” Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller scooped the story.
Carroll was accused by former staffer Elly Fawcett-Neal of wrongly firing her because she was pregnant. Carroll had denied the accusations. (See The Buzz.) He did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday.
Carroll has already been appointed chair of the House Police and Fire Committee after being sidelined from a leadership position while the IG investigation was going on.
Still outstanding: Fawcett-Neal told Playbook her complaint is still being investigated by the EEOC and the Illinois Human Rights Commission. “I stand by everything I reported. I think his appointment is premature,” she told Playbook.
* Gov. JB Pritzker signed 90 bills into law today. Click here for the list. RIP my inbox.
* Muddy River News…
QUINCY — A Texas man who is the founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn will speak Friday night in Father McGivney Hall at the Knights of Columbus, 700 S. 36th, about the process for achieving a city ordinance that would call for prohibiting abortions in Quincy, a move that would be in direct conflict with state law.
Mark Lee Dickson is a director with Right to Life of East Texas and calls himself a pro-life activist. He claims to have helped 67 cities and two counties in the United States pass ordinances outlawing abortion. The first was in Waskom, Texas, which lies on the border with Louisiana. Waskom has no abortion clinic, but the City Council decided in June 2019 that prohibiting abortion was necessary as a preventive measure.
“What a Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn ordinance does is goes as far as (one) possibly can go in an effort to keep abortion out of a community,” Dickson said in a phone interview. “(Friday night’s) interest meeting will establish the background of what these ordinances do and what the process would look like if they’re in Quincy. Any abortion provider that wants to set up shop in Quincy would not be allowed to under these ordinances.”
Danville is the only sanctuary city in Illinois. City Council members were split 7-7 at a May 2 meeting on an ordinance that would impose fines on anyone shipping or receiving abortion pills or supplies in the mail. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. made the tie-breaking “yes” vote. […]
“I think it is time for Illinois to let Gov. Pritzker know just how pro-life Illinois really is,” Dickson said.
Somebody is gonna learn something, but I’m not sure it’s that.
* Media advisory…
Harvey city employees to protest Mayor Clark’s refusal to bargain new union contract
Fighting for a new union contract seven years since the last agreement expired—and more than eight years since their last across-the-board pay increase, in January 2015—city of Harvey employees plan to leaflet outside and speak at Monday night’s City Council meeting. […]
Background
About 30 Harvey city workers—primarily public works employees as well as clerical employees in various departments—are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2404.
The local’s last contract with Harvey expired in 2016. Three years later, Christopher Clark took office as mayor; his promises of reform after his predecessor’s tenure included finally settling a new agreement. But now, in his second term in office, Mayor Clark refuses to even meet for contract negotiations. The parties last met in November; the city cancelled bargaining dates in December and March, and has refused to schedule any since.
Citing this pattern, the Illinois Labor Relations Board last week issued a complaint against the city of Harvey for failing and refusing to bargain in good faith, a violation of state labor law.
* This week…
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office announced Tuesday it will no longer object to waiving court fees for low-income defendants, a move it said was aimed at reducing racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
“One of the tragedies of the criminal justice system is that a disproportionate amount of its financing is shouldered by people of color and those living in poverty,” State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said in a statement. “Rather than end the cycles of racial disparities and criminalization, fees and fines perpetuate them.”
Fines and fees are used to cover court expenses.
That’s odd because more than five years ago, the Illinois Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act set up a procedure for people to request a full or partial waiver of criminal fees and fines based on their inability to pay. Foxx the progressive is only now getting on board?
* I totally understand despising someone for what they’ve done to others. I will never understand hating someone simply because of how they’re born…
* Isabel’s roundup…
* The 19th | Lawmakers in blue states are linking protections for abortion and gender-affirming care: Blue states are crafting a new kind of legislation to respond to a dramatic wave of restrictions on abortion access and gender-affirming care across the country. Democrats are invoking the fall of Roe v. Wade as a reason to protect both areas of health care simultaneously — while aiming to create safe havens for those fleeing surrounding Republican-controlled states. Lawmakers in five states — Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington state and Vermont, which has a Republican governor although Democrats control the state legislature — plus the District of Columbia have enacted such “shield” laws so far this year.
* Sun-Times | Ex-Cook County judge, accused of stealing decorated Tuskegee Airman’s life savings, is ordered to pay $1.2 million: Wilkerson sued Martin last September, saying she took advantage of him as he sought to get back his money, plus damages. Martin had “placed the vast majority of it into cryptocurrency before transferring it away into as-yet unknown locations,” according to his lawyers’ motion for a default judgment.
* Daily Herald | After meeting with Chicago and Naperville mayors, Bears president coming to Arlington Heights: Warren’s visit follows meetings in recent days with the mayors of Chicago and Naperville, and the NFL franchise’s declaration that its proposed $5 billion Arlington Park redevelopment is “at risk” and no longer its “singular focus.” The statement came amid tense negotiations over property tax assessments and payments for the 326-acre site the Bears purchased in February.
* Block Club | Trans Bus Operator Sues CTA And Union, Saying Agency Fired Him After His Gender-Affirming Surgery: In court documents, lawyers for the CTA said Brown provided “false statements” about an unrelated medical leave, which led to his termination. But Brown said he was fired after the agency “ran me in circles” on requirements to validate his leave, alleging the process was retaliation for his advocacy to receive gender-affirming care.
* WBEZ | How the Waukegan cops behind a teen’s false confession to a shooting avoided discipline: “The Police Department can’t and shouldn’t be trusted by the public if the department itself does not undertake an inquiry into whether its officers, and possibly even its command chain, broke the law,” said Joseph Ferguson, who oversaw high-profile police misconduct investigations during a 12-year tenure as Chicago inspector general.
* Sun-Times | Benedictines’ world leader calls on Chicago-area monks tied to Benet, Marmion high schools to fully report clergy sex abuse: “I think that they should be” posting such lists of abusive members “because it’s been actually asked of us by the larger church,” Polan said in an interview from Rome, where he is based. “I think we need to do what the larger church is asking of us.”
* WTTW | Aurora Mayor’s Girlfriend Didn’t Disclose Previous State COVID Relief Funding When Asking for Local Taxpayer Cash: Before the Aurora City Council voted to approve a slew of taxpayer-funded grants to local businesses last month, Mayor Richard Irvin said he’d heard repeatedly how “professional and precise” the staffers overseeing the program were. […] After Irvin recused himself from the vote and left the room, the council swiftly approved the grants to aid businesses suffering lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic — including $10,000 for the furniture store owned by Irvin’s girlfriend, Laura Ayala-Clarke.
* WTTW | Chicago Public Schools’ Special Education Chief Steps Down Amid Calls For Her Ouster: CPS confirmed Friday that Stephanie Jones, the district’s chief of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS), is stepping down from that role after four years effective immediately. “We sincerely thank Dr. Jones for her commitment to serving students in Chicago with diverse learning needs, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” a CPS spokesperson said in a statement Friday.
* CBS Chicago | Naperville woman sues Bank of America for discrimination over mishandling $24,000 check: Warren said she brought the check to a Naperville bank branch on April 17. She went back the next day with her daughter to check on the availability of the money and got odd responses. “I went over to the teller,” Charlotte said. “She said ‘No, you don’t have an account.’”
* Crain’s | Indicted crypto CEO selling Trump Tower condo: The three-bedroom condo on the tower’s 68th floor came on the market Thursday, priced at $2.5 million. Public records show it was purchased in June 2022 for a little more than $2.17 million by a legal entity controlled by Sonny Meraban.
* Daily Journal | Bradley eyes homeless shelter zoning: A recent inquiry from a Realtor into where a homeless shelter could be sited in Bradley turned up an issue within the municipality. The village did not have an ordinance anywhere within its codes regarding something like a homeless shelter, thereby making it impossible to even consider such a request.
* Tribune | In the wake of rooftop standoff on West Side, more questions than answers remain: “He walked around the community and could have been arrested,” she said. “This is just an incident that highlights the unchecked and untreated mental health issues that are ongoing, not just in our community, but in the greater Chicago area.”
* Crain’s | The Big Ticket: Old Town and Wells Street art fairs, plus music, dance and more: The Old Town Art Fair is the older of the two long-running events. It first took place in 1950, making it just a few years younger than the 57th Street Art Fair, which bills itself as the Midwest’s oldest juried art fair. Old Town’s event occupies residential streets north of North Avenue and books music from the eclectic mix of genres typical of the Old Town School of Folk Music, a neighbor in its early days.
* Daily Herald | How can the suburbs get tourists racing back for a visit? New tech, big attractions: Before the pandemic, the region was overcoming the non-pedestrian-friendly stereotype of the suburbs in attracting meetings and trade shows to venues including the Schaumburg Convention Center. But the ramping up of plans for entertainment, restaurants and stores in Schaumburg’s 90 North area — including Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, expected to break ground next to the Renaissance Hotel this year — should make those efforts more successful, Larson said.
* Tribune | Post-pandemic work, travel patterns leave questions for longtime summer commuter service: the Chicago Water Taxi: Behind the taxi’s schedule dilemma is the post-pandemic reality for downtown Chicago: Tourists have returned in force, but office workers haven’t, Sargis said. The taxi company has also faced lingering labor challenges after losing and furloughing employees during the pandemic. While many crew members are in training, it can take years to get the certifications needed to drive a boat, he said.
* Sun-Times | Digging into the mysteries of fireflies: Considering the Chicago area seems headed for a drought, I wondered if weather impacts the communications of fireflies. She replied that especially moisture and temperature did. “Most firefly species rely on having a moist environment. Some even concentrate on/near water bodies [1],” she emailed. “Ambient temperature can alter the flash pattern of some firefly species, making them flash slower (low temperatures), or faster (high temperatures) [2,3]. This is crucial because each species of flashing firefly has a unique flash pattern (used for mating recognition). As temperature changes, some patterns might start overlapping.”
* SJ-R | It’s county fair season around central Illinois. Here are the details: The county fair season kicked off with the Greene County Agricultural Fair, now in its late May slot. The Pike County Fair closes on Saturday while the Macoupin County Fair in Carlinville wraps up on Sunday. The Sangamon County Fair in New Berlin opens its five-day run Wednesday featuring headliner Blackberry Smoke with Stoney LaRue on Thursday.
14 Comments
|
* The bill is here. It was an initiative of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, but the governor has been a strong supporter. Memo to reporters from the governor’s press office…
We’re writing today because you have expressed interest in when the Governor will sign HB2789. The day has come, Gov. Pritzker will sign the bill Monday afternoon in Chicago.
Across the nation, extremists are targeting literature, libraries, and books in a despicable effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Governor Pritzker’s goal is to preserve Illinois libraries as bastions of knowledge, creativity, and truth. In Illinois, we embrace facts, and we trust librarians to continue maintaining a standard for what books students have access to at school. During his State of the State speech in February, Governor Pritzker outlined his vision for fighting back against these extremists and since then has taken a number of actions to protect the availability of books in schools.
HB2789 tasks the Illinois State Librarian and the Illinois State Library to work to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, statewide. This Bill of rights indicates that reading materials should not be proscribed, removed, or restricted because of partisan or personal disproval. Alternatively, the state librarian and State Library can work together to develop their own written statement declaring that every library or library system must provide an adequate collection of books and other materials to satisfy the people in Illinois.
Illinois libraries would only be eligible for state funded grants if they adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights indicating reading materials should not be proscribed, removed, or restricted because of partisan or personal disapproval.
In addition to signing this legislation, Governor Pritzker has taken action over the past several months to continue fighting censorship in the classroom. In January, the Governor sent a letter to the CEO of the College Board, demanding they reverse the decision to remove crucial parts of curriculum from the Advanced Placement course in African American Studies after being criticized by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
This past week, Governor Pritzker joined a number of other governors to urge textbook publishers the Association of American Publishers, Cengage Learning, Goodheart-Willcox, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw Hill Education, Pearson, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, Savvas Learning Co., Scholastic, and Teachers Curriculum Institute urging them to not censor educational materials in the face of additional pressure from Republicans.
Governor Pritzker also included $1.6 million in the FY 24 state budget to launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide.
The new law will take effect January 1, 2024.
Attached you will find:
• A letter to textbook publishers (Association of American Publishers, Cengage Learning, Goodheart-Willcox, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw Hill Education, Pearson, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, Savvas Learning Co., Scholastic, Teachers Curriculum Institute) urging them to not censor educational materials in the face of additional pressure from Republicans.
• A letter to Dr. David Coleman, CEO of The College Board in response to their decision to remove crucial parts of curriculum from the Advanced Placement course in African American Studies following pressure from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Background:
• The Governor highlighted protecting education during his State of the State speech: “This afternoon I’ve laid out a budget agenda that does everything possible to invest in the education of our children. Yet, it’s all meaningless if we become a nation that bans books from school libraries about racism suffered by Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron, and tells kids they can’t talk about being gay, and signals to Black and Brown people and Asian Americans and Jews and Muslims that our authentic stories can’t be told. I’m the father of two children. I care a great deal about their education. Like every good parent, I want to be involved in what they learn. I’m also a proud American. Our nation has a great history, and much to be proud of. I want my children to learn that history. But I don’t want them to be lied to. I want them to learn our true history, warts and all. Illinois’ young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world. I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next. Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it. That’s what makes us strong.”
• Gov. Pritzker included $1.6 million in the FY 24 state budget to launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide. Additional details will be announced Tuesday, 6/13/23.
4 Comments
|
* Background is here if you need it. From the Illinois Department of Human Services…
Secretary Hou requested a review of resident safety reporting practices in September 2022 to provide additional context and recommendations related to abuse and neglect cases at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center (Choate) over the past decade. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is grateful to the IDHS Office of the Inspector General for their diligence in putting together this report. IDHS leadership continues to be deeply concerned by the events investigated and reported on by the OIG. The report underscores the importance of actions that IDHS has taken since the beginning of the administration, including substantially expanding training, hiring new staff, and installing security cameras. IDHS has also received guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be able to install additional cameras in indoor, common area locations and will be installing those expeditiously.
Most importantly, the report affirms IDHS’ plan for a system-wide transformation aimed at providing better care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois. This transformation is already underway with a focus on moving residents from Choate to community-based settings and other State centers and repurposing the existing campus. System-wide the department has hired a chief resident safety officer, implemented additional safety enhancements, and continued to invest in the community-based system, with funding nearly doubled under this administration. As we move forward, our top priority at IDHS is ensuring the safety of all our residents as they live and receive support in the setting of their choice that best meets their needs.
* As mentioned above, the OIG’s report recommends installing cameras to catch and perhaps prevent wrongdoing. But it also includes this recommendation…
OIG recommends that CMHDC conduct a top to bottom analysis of all processes related to the reporting of abuse and neglect, including training, because at the present time there appear to be fundamental problems with all aspects of that system, including: (1) repeated instances of CMHDC staff deliberately covering up misconduct—sometimes in coordination with other staff—that they either engaged in or witnessed; (2) repeated instances of CMHDC staff failing to report misconduct, or seeking to report that misconduct anonymously, in fear of possible retaliation from their fellow employees; (3) individuals experiencing retaliation after making reports or being threatened with potential harm for making reports; and (4) a lack of accuracy and thoroughness regarding the allegations that are reported to OIG or documented through CMHDC’s incident reporting system
* Enforcing the code of silence and resisting change…
CMHDC employees noted multiple obstacles to individuals [defined as people receiving services] reporting allegations, including that individuals must ask staff to use the phone and tell staff who they are calling and that OIG hotline posters—which include the number to call to report an allegation—are sometimes removed. […]
Another individual similarly stated that they had reported things and nothing was done. After reporting, staff come back to work and are even worse. The individual asked why individuals would put themselves out there and risk getting staff madder at them. […]
Retaliation was also identified as a concern for reporters of abuse and neglect. According to ISP- DII, people at CMHDC believe they are going to be punished for speaking the truth. Even security officers do not want to speak up. […]
A CMHDC employee related that an RN was reported for neglect because the RN had turned in the lower ranking staff for neglect. According to this CMHDC employee, lower ranking staff retaliate against individuals and higher-ranking staff. […]
A different CMHDC employee stated that as a trainee, you did not speak up for fear of losing your job. … The employee said that they regularly went home and cried over the way individuals were treated.
According to a CMHDC employee, by the time some allegations get to OIG, the paperwork or story has already changed. […]
Although changing a facility’s culture is by no means a simple task, the first step in that process is recognizing that there is indeed a problem. Stated plainly, the status quo at CMHDC is not acceptable. Every CMHDC employee has to understand that the reporting of misconduct is one of their fundamental responsibilities and that not reporting misconduct is what could lead to their discharge. That message is clearly not getting through right now. CMHDC must take steps to identify how it is that certain CMHDC staff are so effectively able to indoctrinate and intimidate new staff and counteract the training that is being provided regarding reporting.
* One of the report’s last lines…
Preventing and eliminating abuse and neglect should be considered the floor, not the ceiling, regarding individual care.
…Adding… AFSCME Council 31…
“AFSCME-represented Choate employees are dedicated, compassionate and deeply committed to the individuals they serve. The well-being of Choate residents is employees’ top priority, which is why the AFSCME local union at Choate has called repeatedly for more staff, better training and the installation of security cameras throughout the facility—the same recommendations now found in this report.”
10 Comments
|
Lacking context
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The latest Illinois Policy Institute story about the Chicago Teachers Union is entitled “CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions”…
An entity’s witness slip for or against a bill doesn’t indicate a reason for the stance. It’s more of an up or down vote. But examined together, an entity’s slips over time provide a solid idea of its priorities and agenda.
CTU has used the process to slip at least 1,361 times on 480 bills in the past six legislative sessions, according to data obtained by Illinois Policy Institute from the Illinois General Assembly.
So, it filed witness slips at the astounding average rate of… 40 bills a year?
* Back to the IPI story…
CTU slipped against a bill requiring a school district to notify parents a school employee has been charged with a sex offense within seven days of receiving that information.
Also slipping against the bill were such far-left groups like the Illinois Principals Association, ED-RED, Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
* Next…
It also slipped in favor of at least three bills that could allow a school district to hide from a student’s parents that he or she has been a victim of sexual violence. Parents could inspect the student’s records only if the student consented. If the student had any “health or safety concerns” that were not “satisfied to the student’s satisfaction,” then the student’s status as a victim of sexual violence “shall not be disclosed.”
All three of those bills were supported by Diana Rauner’s Ounce of Prevention Fund, among other groups.
* Another one…
As for curriculum, CTU slipped against a bill requiring school districts with 300 or more students to post a list of learning materials and activities that were used for student instruction in the previous school year. That would include, for example, the title and author of textbooks or any guest lectures.
That Republican-sponsored bill was also opposed by the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education, Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education.
* Another…
CTU slipped against a bill allowing a school board or other district leaders to suspend (up to 10 days) or expel (up to two years) students convicted of violent felonies. “Violent felony” included first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and aggravated arson. Set a fatal fire at school and CTU sees no reason to oust that student?
Also slipping in opposition were the Illinois State Board of Education, Equip for Equality, IL Statewide School Management Alliance, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, Beverly Area Parents for Special Education, Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, Illinois Accountability Initiative, Chicago Public Schools, etc. The bill cleared the House and died in the Senate.
* Last one for me…
Similarly, it slipped against a bill, which still passed, requiring a district superintendent’s notification to the state superintendent related to a teacher’s dismissal or resignation because of an intentional act of abuse or neglect to include the teacher’s education identification number and a brief description of the alleged conduct.
The CTU did slip against the original bill, along with the IEA and IFT. The existing statute revoked pension benefits for certain felony convictions “relating to or arising out of or in connection with his or her service as a teacher.” The proposed legislation would’ve revoked teacher pensions for any Class X felonies, regardless of where those felonies took place. An amendment took out the pension language and the CTU and the others didn’t slip in opposition and the bill passed both chambers unanimously.
* OK, one more…
(T)he union also opposed the use of metal detectors in schools, slipping against a bill requiring public schools to install walk-through metal detectors at public entrances and directing the Illinois State Board of Education to make grants available, subject to appropriation. The bill also would have required medical detectors at institutions of higher education, hospitals and courthouses.
Joining the CTU in opposition were the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Health & Hospital Association, the Illinois State Association of Counties, the IL Statewide School Management Alliance, as well as several universities and regional offices of education.
* Point being, you may totally disagree with the CTU on any number of bills. But I clicked on a few other bills besides those mentioned above, and I didn’t see any that positioned the CTU as a clear outlier on anything. I may have missed some, so click here if you’d like, go through the bills and see if the union stood alone on anything. I’ll update the post if anyone finds one. Thanks.
22 Comments
|
A bit of good news
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chicago Tribune…
More than a half century’s worth of toxic coal ash will be excavated from the flood plain of Illinois’ only national scenic river as part of a deal announced Thursday that could establish a precedent for other hazardous waste dumps throughout the state.
Under a legal settlement brokered by environmental lawyers and Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office, Texas-based Vistra will drain pits of water-soaked coal ash along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, about 120 miles south of Chicago. The company also will dig a trench to collect contaminated groundwater and monitor the fast-eroding riverbank after major storms.
Within the next three years, Vistra is required to apply for a permit to build a landfill nearby to safely dispose of enough coal ash from the former Vermilion Power Station to fill the Empire State Building nearly two and a half times.
Vistra previously had sought permission to cap the coal ash and leave it behind a wall of rocks nearly six football fields long. The company backed down after a Chicago Tribune reporter and photographer paddled the Middle Fork in 2018 with a trio of river advocates who documented how previous efforts to wall off the waste had failed. […]
Concerns about the Middle Fork also helped persuade state leaders to adopt new regulations requiring Vistra and other energy companies to clean up coal ash dumps near two dozen other power plants, most of which will be closed by the end of the decade.
* Kind of unrelated, but here’s another river story for ya…
Organizers of Floatzilla are kicking off their campaign for this year’s paddle, trying to create the largest raft of canoes and kayaks in the nation.
Last year, 1,648 people registered for the paddling event. Floatzilla will need 1,500 more people to beat the world record of 3,151.
“We are hoping to make this the largest paddling event in the nation,” Michael Corsiglia, River Action events manager, said. “River Action will be investing in the event more than ever before, both in terms of the variety of our approach and the total resources allocated.”
Participants must paddle their way to Lake Potter in Rock Island for the world-record attempt.
* The Tribune…
Three years after near-record high lake levels decimated parts of Chicago’s shoreline, some beaches are making a comeback.
Robin Mattheus, a coastal geologist with the Illinois State Geological Survey, said that after the Chicago Park District closed a few beaches due to severe erosion, establishing dune fields to stabilize the sand and encouraging plant growth allowed beaches like Rainbow and 63rd Street to stabilize.
“Those were the areas that took the brunt of the impact of lake level rise,” Mattheus said. “We’re actually seeing in our measurements, our sonar, our drone data, that the beaches are rebounding; they’re reforming. They seem to be doing so quickly in the areas that saw the most destruction.”
However, the outlook for some beaches isn’t clear. For the stretch between Fullerton and North avenues, where large sand trap bags line the shore to mitigate wave action, city officials have not said when the barriers will be removed.
1 Comment
|
Because… Madigan!
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s…
In surprisingly strong terms, Illinois House GOP Leader Tony McCombie is castigating her Democratic counterpart, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, for his performance this spring in producing the state’s new $50.4 billion fiscal 2024 budget.
During an interview in which McCombie expanded on comments she made during the House budget debate, she not only called the budget unbalanced and preparatory to an eventual tax hike but went so far as to suggest former Speaker Mike Madigan was more candid in his dealings with the minority party than his successor has been.
“I think Madigan would have point blank said, ‘We don’t need you, want you. We’re going to pass our budget,’ ” McCombie said. “Whereas Welch kind of led us on.” […]
“It’s not a fiscally responsible budget,” the Savanna Republican charged. “I think it’s setting us up to revisit the graduated income tax,” which was rejected by voters in a 2020 referendum, she said.
* The article also quoted Speaker Welch’s spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll. I asked her for her full statement. This sentence didn’t make it into the Crain’s story…
It’s almost remarkable that in just two years Republicans went from vilifying the former speaker at every opportunity to now wishing Speaker Welch was more like him.
Oof.
* The rest of Driscoll’s statement…
The fact is Speaker Welch met with Leader McCombie every time she requested and House Democrats held bipartisan budget meetings for weeks. It was made clear, early on in the process, that Republicans were not going to vote in favor of the budget. Unfortunately, when one group comes to the table only to say no, that disrupts the process for all of Illinois.
Democrats have passed five balanced budgets in a row and restored fiscal sanity to this state. Democrats have earned eight credit upgrades and returned Illinois back to an A-rating. Democrats have made sure that we are both financially responsible and compassionate. It’s up to the Republicans to decide whether they want to continue to try to obstruct this progress or work together. We hope they choose the latter.
As far as the Leader’s comments regarding this year’s budget, we’re going to take the word of economists who are already praising it.
* Back to Leader McCombie’s graduated income tax claim. Other House Republicans are making the same argument…
“We built into the agencies’ budget. We have, as you know, we have quite a number of agencies. We built in what we thought might be the appropriate amount of money for what we expect from that AFSCME negotiation,” Pritzker said.
The AFSCME contract is still being negotiated and there is yet to be a final number for the expense.
State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, told The Center Square that there is no way to prepare for the final cost and that if the contract is not fully funded in the 2024 budget, Democrats could offer a new tax on residents.
“I’m still afraid this budget will have holes when it gets later into the year, and then you will hear the talk right after the first of the year that we are going to have to put the progressive income tax back on the ballot,” Meier said.
This is not a particularly new post-budget-signing warning. From a year ago…
“Democrats in Illinois, like they have in the last several years, will have no choice but to come back to taxpayers and say ‘we need yet another income tax increase,’” [Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon] said.
18 Comments
|
* Last August…
An objection has been filed against the nominating papers of Donny Anderson, who is running as a Republican in the 18th District for the Sangamon County Board. […]
The three [petition objectors] allege that Anderson filed papers that included signatures of persons not registered to vote or not registered at the proper address; that some people did not personally sign their own names and that some signers’ addresses were incomplete.
Gray said Anderson would have had to submit nine valid signatures to get on the ballot.
Nine valid signatures. Nine. Keep that in mind.
* The next day…
A Republican-appointed candidate for the Sangamon County Board seat in District 18 has withdrawn his nominating papers.
Donny Anderson, whose nominating papers had been challenged on several fronts, withdrew his nominating papers late Wednesday afternoon.
* Today…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a former candidate for Sangamon County Board was arraigned on charges he knowingly delivered forged candidacy petition signatures, resulting in those petitions being filed with the Sangamon County Clerk.
Attorney General Raoul charged Donald Anderson, 44, of Springfield, Illinois, with four counts of perjury, Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison, and four counts of forgery, Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. Anderson was indicted by a Sangamon County grand jury on May 24 and pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Sangamon County Circuit Court. His next court date is scheduled for July 31.
“Any candidate for public office in Illinois must follow election law, which starts with obtaining genuine signatures from members of your community,” Raoul said. “Individuals who aspire to serve the public in elected office cannot violate the public’s trust from the outset, and I appreciate the work of the Springfield Police Department in investigating this case.”
According to Raoul, Anderson was a candidate for Sangamon County Board in the July 2022 election and is accused of delivering both pages of his candidate petitions with signatures that were not genuine. According to Raoul, Anderson falsely swore in his circulator’s affidavit that he observed the voters sign the petition in his presence, and that the signatures were genuine. Anderson withdrew his petition for the Sangamon County Board before the election took place.
The Springfield Police Department assisted in investigating this case.
“The election process is one of the most integral components of identifying leaders in our communities,” Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette said. “Those who seek election must demonstrate moral turpitude, both during elections and once in office. Mr. Anderson violated this sacred tradition in an attempt to defraud the constituents. As demonstrated in this investigation, the Springfield Police Department remains committed to thorough investigations which result in justice being fairly administered.”
The public is reminded that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorney General Mara Somlo is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau.
Dude allegedly couldn’t be bothered to find nine qualified people to sign his petitions. And now he’s looking at 8 felony counts. Unreal.
17 Comments
|
* Illinois’ Fifth District Appellate Court…
Held: The circuit court’s order dismissing plaintiffs’ complaint for declaratory judgment
is affirmed where the circuit court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.
Plaintiffs, consisting of 45 individuals employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections, appeal the trial court’s dismissal of their complaint for declaratory judgment based on the court’s lack of subject matter jurisdiction. For the following reasons, we affirm.
On April 14, 2022, plaintiffs filed their amended verified complaint requesting a declaratory judgment based on section 2 of the Department of Public Health Act (20 ILCS 2305/2 (West 2020)), against defendants, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). The complaint alleged that CMS managed the employment relationship with state employees on behalf of IDOC and Governor Pritzker demanded state employees be vaccinated or tested to limit the spread of COVID, “subject to bargaining.” The complaint alleged that plaintiffs’ union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), engaged in interest arbitration with the State, which resulted in a final opinion and award as to how Governor Pritzker’s directive would be handled. The complaint further alleged that, pursuant to the final opinion, if state employees refused to submit to vaccination or testing, their livelihood was threatened as they could be placed on “no-pay administrative leave” into perpetuity or until the employee complied. […]
While plaintiffs claim the issue is one of statutory rights, the first count of their complaint requested a declaratory judgment stating that defendants had no lawful authority to compel plaintiffs to vaccinate or participate in testing. However, this issue, i.e., “the lawful authority of the employer,” was the basis of the December 29, 2021, interim interest arbitration award. In re Arbitration Between State of Illinois & AFSCME Council 31, No. S-MA- 22-121 (Dec. 29, 2021). The interim decision found it was “long and well established that governmental entities can mandate vaccinations.” […]
While plaintiffs claim the State violated their statutory rights under section 2 of the Health Act and their claims thereunder were not precluded by the arbitration award, we disagree. Plaintiffs’ argument ignores well-established law holding that waiver of a statutory right is a permissive subject of bargaining. […]
The default for any negotiation is that required by the statute; however, thereafter, “the Union may waive its rights on its own accord.” Accordingly, we find that plaintiffs’ claimed rights herein were waived pursuant to AFSCME’s request, and the State’s agreement, to submit the issue of mandatory vaccination to interest arbitration. Further, any dispute contesting the union’s waiver of the employee’s rights would be considered an “unfair labor practice” claim which lies within the province of the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Tom DeVore and his firm filed this suit in Christian County last year.
…Adding… Here’s something I didn’t know. Darren Bailey walked away from his lawsuit against Gov. Pritzker last year…
12/13/2022
Entry Regarding Administrative Review
Case comes on for administrative review. Mr. DeVore was allowed to withdraw as attorney of record on 5/23/22 and Mr. Bailey was given 21 days to obtain new counsel. No attorney has entered their appearance nor has this case been prosecuted since April of 2022. The case is dismissed for want of prosecution. Case closed cause stricken.
Judge: GRISCHOW Reporter: N Clerk: N
Cause Stricken
Status: Cause Stricken Report: Terminated Dec 13, 2022
Civil Division Case Closed
Status: Cause Stricken Report: Terminated Dec 13, 2022
12 Comments
|
* Stephanie Zimmermann has a fascinating story in today’s Sun-Times entitled “Chicago’s catalytic converter theft epidemic: How thieves operate, what you can do.” I learned a lot. For instance…
Catalytic converter thieves have struck more than 17,000 times in Chicago since 2019. And they almost never get caught.
Only 34 of those reported thefts — 0.2% — ended with an arrest, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis has found.
And…
An Illinois law enacted last year targeting scrap metal sales has barely put a dent in the illegal trade. In the months after it took effect, the number of thefts rose even higher.
And…
Some of the worst neighborhoods in Chicago for catalytic converter thefts, adjusted for population, were: West Town, Avalon Park, Irving Park, Logan Square, North Center, the Lower West Side, Lincoln Square, the Near West Side, Jefferson Park and Avondale.
* The feds need to be more involved since the thefts likely feed into interstate networks…
In its multistate case announced last November, the FBI and authorities in nine states stretching from California to New Jersey charged 21 people with operating a network of thieves, dealers and processors that pocketed $545 million from stolen converters between 2019 and 2022.
* Something to look at, perhaps…
[Lt. Adam Broshous of the Illinois secretary of state police, who heads the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Taskforce] says some states have prohibited cash sales of catalytic converters entirely.
* In the meantime…
[Ambrosio “Red” Montaño, who manages Value Plus Mufflers at 4321 N. Western Ave. in North Center] says a better way to protect the converter is to install a large metal shield over the entire area. These are sold online for $100 and up, customized for different vehicles and installed at auto shops.
“It’s a lot more work for them to cut around,” he says. “So they’ll just go to the next car that doesn’t have a shield.”
Go read the whole thing.
6 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
Isabel’s morning briefing
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Injustice Watch | ‘I call it pretend freedom’: Older adults coming out of Illinois prisons face steep roadblocks in their reentry journey: At least 17,000 adults age 50 and older have been released from Illinois prisons since 2014, and thousands more are in line to come out soon. Older adults are less likely to reoffend than their younger counterparts but face more hurdles to successful reentry.
* Crain’s | Illinois House GOP leader rips Speaker Welch over new state budget: During an interview in which McCombie expanded on comments she made during the House budget debate, she not only called the budget unbalanced and preparatory to an eventual tax hike but went so far as to suggest former Speaker Mike Madigan was more candid in his dealings with the minority party than his successor has been. … Welch spokeswoman Jaclyn Driscoll denies that. In fact, she says, “Speaker Welch met with Leader McCombie every time she requested and House Democrats held bipartisan budget meetings for weeks.” Another source familiar with what occurred says a series of meetings did get canceled late in the budget process. But that source blames the situation on bad staff work by Welch’s office, not on the speaker himself, and suggests that McCombie has internal reasons in a right-leaning caucus to battle Welch.
* Lake County News-Sun | Lake Forest councilman resigns amid police investigation; cites ‘personal reasons’: However, city police confirmed they are investigating a recent situation involving Mieling at the downtown Starbucks in the 600 block of Western Avenue. “We interviewed the alleged victim, and at least one witness,” Deputy Chief Rob Copeland said. Copeland said he could not confirm, nor deny the investigation involves photos allegedly taken by Mieling. He added that no charges had been filed in the case.
* Tribune | Legal settlement ensures toxic coal ash will be removed from flood plain of Illinois’ only national scenic river: Under a legal settlement brokered by environmental lawyers and Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office, Texas-based Vistra will drain pits of water-soaked coal ash along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, about 120 miles south of Chicago. The company also will dig a trench to collect contaminated groundwater and monitor the fast-eroding riverbank after major storms.
* Patch | Elmhurst Church Leaves Conference: An Elmhurst Methodist church is leaving its national conference, part of an exodus of churches opposed to a greater role for the LGBTQ community. Faith Evangelical United Methodist Church is among eight in northern Illinois that have ended their longtime affiliation with the United Methodists, the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church announced Tuesday.
* Injustice Watch | Cook County Judge Vazquez loses retention vote: The vote comes after months of Injustice Watch reporting about Vazquez’s actions inside and outside the courtroom. In December 2021, Injustice Watch found Vazquez was the Cook County judge who most frequently sentenced defendants to wear electronic alcohol monitors as a condition of probation, despite scant scientific evidence that the monitors help address substance abuse. Vazquez sometimes assigned the monitors even in cases in which the underlying charges were unrelated to alcohol, and in at least one case used the threat of jail time to compel a defendant to wear the device, according to the woman and her attorney.
* Tribune | Feds ‘stepping into shoes’ of former Crestwood mayor in grab for his state pension contributions: A recent filing in the case looks to take $13,570 in contributions made by Presta to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund as part of restitution, that includes a bit more than $72,000 to the Internal Revenue Service, according to sentencing documents.
* Sun-Times | Justice Department officials take interest in Chicago anti-violence programs: The visit to UCAN, which was followed by a meeting in Little Village with a panel of parents who had lost children to gun violence, was not the first time Gupta has been to Chicago. As head of the department’s Office of Civil Rights during the federal investigation of the Chicago Police Department, Gupta announced the DOJ report that led to federal oversight of the department by a court-appointed monitor.
* Tribune | Third airport would create jobs needed to grow Southland economy and tax base, panelists say: All the Southland’s problems are interconnected. High rates of violent crime are directly related to a lack of economic opportunities. Abandoned buildings, declines in municipal services and struggles to maintain quality education and health care can all be link Leaders in government and the business community identified this dynamic years ago and have worked to solve problems. Some measures, such as granting tax incentives to private employers and investing public funds in infrastructure, have paid modest dividends.
* Sun-Times | Inside Chicago’s catalytic converter theft epidemic: Catalytic converter thieves have struck more than 17,000 times in Chicago since 2019. And they almost never get caught. Only 34 of those reported thefts — 0.2% — ended with an arrest, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis has found. “They just zip, zip, and Sawzall it out and leave,” says Shannon Cason of Edgewater, who had a catalytic converter stolen in December. “Nobody knew.”
* Chicago Reader | How the FBI used ‘Cop City’ protests to snoop on activists in Chicago: It took less than two weeks for the FBI to flag the account, which was the focal point of a sprawling federal inquiry that collected information on several Chicago-based activist and community groups. Those groups appear to have done little more than promote or attend events affiliated with the Atlanta-area activists. According to 28 pages of FBI records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the Chicago case file is part of a larger federal law enforcement assessment related to “Anarchist extremism” and domestic terrorism.
* Tribune | Some Chicago beaches making a comeback after Lake Michigan’s high water levels ate into the shoreline: “Those were the areas that took the brunt of the impact of lake level rise,” Mattheus said. “We’re actually seeing in our measurements, our sonar, our drone data, that the beaches are rebounding; they’re reforming. They seem to be doing so quickly in the areas that saw the most destruction.”
15 Comments
|
Live coverage
Friday, Jun 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
Comments Off
|
* The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability hired the actuarial firm Segal to look at “safe harbor” questions surrounding the Tier 2 pension systems. The report was written by Senior Vice President & Consulting Actuary Matthew Strom…
As requested, we are providing narrative and analysis regarding the impact of changes to the projected costs of the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS), State Employees’ Retirement System of Illinois (SERS), and State Universities Retirement System of Illinois (SURS), based on potential benefit formula changes needed to maintain exemption from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes.
* Tier 1 survives the test, of course. Not so with Tier 2…
• The following benefit formulas do not satisfy a safe harbor under the applicable IRS regulations
As such, individual testing may be required.
* Important point…
Note that the sample safe harbor tests shown in this letter (as defined below for FICA purposes) are included for illustrative purposes only. Neither Segal nor CoGFA is in possession of the data needed to determine the number of members who are not in compliance with the current safe harbor provisions. It is our understanding that, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual employers within each System to determine whether they qualify for exemption from FICA taxes.
* What that individual testing means…
The IRS has provided guidance on determining whether a system’s benefits are comparable to Social Security in Revenue Procedure 91-40. The guidance provides for three levels of testing:
• If the benefit provisions meet certain requirements, then the System qualifies under a safe harbor and no further testing is required.
• If the System does not satisfy the safe harbor requirements, then individual testing can be performed to confirm that the benefits for active members of an employer meet the minimum benefit requirements.
• Treas. Reg. 31.3121(b)(7)-2(e)(2) permits employers to compare the actual retirement benefits accrued by Tier 2 members to the estimated retirement benefits such members would receive from Social Security on an individual-by-individual basis. If the System’s benefit were greater for some or all Tier 2 members, those Tier 2 members would continue to be exempt from FICA taxes.
* Anyway, much actuarial language later, you get to the bottom line cost to put the pension systems in compliance…
Change in Total State Contributions Through FY2045 $5.606 billion
That works out to about $254.82 million a year if Illinois changed the program this year. The annual cost grows with any delays, of course, and it will grow because the budget has already been approved. A $2.1 billion up-front payment would wipe out the debt, but that isn’t likely.
33 Comments
|
Afternoon roundup
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Center Square…
The Illinois Psychiatric Society is offering a blueprint of policy pillars to drive conversations about the needs to treat the mentally ill.
The group’s reform ideas fit broadly into three categories: increasing equitable access to care, ensuring the various mental health systems of care are coordinating for patients’ benefit, and doing more to prevent mental health issues from developing and worsening.
“And how do we teach people about mental health, and really addressing families, parents and even faith leaders because a lot of times that’s really the place where you can reach people is at their churches,” IPS president Andrew Lancia said.
Several measures moved through the General Assembly during the spring session, including a bill that would increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students.
Another measure, Senate Bill 724, would create an interagency youth services team to implement new technology for referring families to resources and improve service coordination to address behavioral health for children.
The bills cleared both chambers.
* Press release…
First-in-the-nation legislation introduced by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias aims to protect the privacy and safety of individuals seeking abortion care by restricting the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).
Giannoulias joined the sponsors of House Bill 3326, State Rep. Ann Williams (11th District – Chicago) and State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (6th District – Chicago), along with Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and other supporters today to underscore the importance of this model legislation.
House Bill 3326, which passed the Illinois General Assembly last month and awaits the governor’s consideration, would prohibit the use of license plate readers from tracking individuals seeking abortion care or assisting them. No other state specifically prohibits ALPRs from being used to track or penalize individuals seeking abortion care or from criminalizing a person’s immigration status.
“No one seeking abortion care in Illinois should be harassed in any fashion, and I’m committed to enabling individuals to pursue and obtain the lawful healthcare they need without government interference,” Giannoulias said. “License plate readers are an important tool for law enforcement – especially when apprehending suspects in violent crimes or recovering stolen vehicles in car jackings – but we need to regulate these cameras so they aren’t abused for surveillance, tracking the data of innocent people or criminalizing lawful behavior. This legislation sets common-sense standards and protocols to ensure that license plate data is used properly.”
* Press release…
The General Assembly passed and Governor JB Pritzker has signed a fiscal year 2024 state budget that includes a historic appropriation of $2.53 billion for higher education, an increase of $279 million (12.4 percent) compared to the previous fiscal year and the largest increase in over 20 years. Notable highlights from the budget include a $100 million increase for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), an $80.5 million (7 percent) increase for public universities, $19.4 million (7 percent) increase for community colleges, a $3.8 million increase to the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (MTI) to recruit and retain minority teachers, and a $15 million increase for the AIM HIGH program.
The budget also includes an investment of $6 million for Grow Your Own (an increase of $3.5 million), $15.75 million for Golden Apple (an increase of $8.5 million) and $975,000 for the Teachers Loan Repayment Program (an increase of $535,000) – all of which are key in helping address teacher workforce needs.
“This year’s budget steps up our direct support for higher education institutions by $100 million—the largest dollar and percent increase in more than twenty years,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “And by raising the number and amount of college scholarships to a record-breaking, all-time high of more than $750 million, we’re making it possible for nearly every student from a working-class family to attend community college tuition free and fee free—a huge step towards closing the education gap and advancing equity here in Illinois.”
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker today announced the opening of a new homebuyer program designed to help increase home purchase accessibility for low- and moderate-income individuals, families and seniors interested in purchasing a home in Illinois. Administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois HFA1 provides $10,000 for down payment and/or closing cost assistance to make buying a home more affordable. By offering a competitive interest rate and limiting the total fees charged to the borrower, IHDA programs are designed to be as affordable as possible. This can allow for substantial savings over the life of the loan. Funding for Illinois HFA1 is expected to assist more than 1,500 new homebuyers.
* Press release…
Today, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced $2 million for Illinois to strengthen the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) network – focusing on emergency preparedness, response, and health equity needs. Funding for the first-ever MRC State, Territory and Tribal Nations, Representative Organizations for Next Generation (MRC-STTRONG) grant program is from the American Rescue Plan.
The MRC of Illinois, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, will use the funding to strengthen MRC’s capacity to respond by developing and implementing standardized training, grow and develop four new MRC units throughout the state in areas with greatest need and offer sub-awards to 50 MRC units in Illinois.
* Press release…
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) filed an emergency rule on May 26, 2023, to protect the public from confusion between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages of the same brand and to prevent the marketing of alcohol to children. A “co-branded alcoholic beverage” is any alcoholic beverage containing the same or a similar brand name, logo, or packaging as a non-alcoholic beverage. The emergency rule applies to all establishments in Illinois that sell packaged alcohol for off-premises consumption.
Under the emergency rule, establishments with larger retail sales floors (exceeding 2,500 square feet) are prohibited from displaying co-branded alcoholic beverages immediately adjacent to soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, candy, or snack foods portraying cartoons or youth-oriented photos. Establishments with retail sales floors of 2,500 square feet or less must either: (1) comply with the display requirements for establishments with larger retail sales floors; or (2) post clear signage on every display that contains co-branded alcoholic beverages and is immediately adjacent to soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, candy, or snack foods portraying cartoons or youth-oriented photos.
* Sen. Andrew Chesney is, believe it or not, flat-out wrong…
Hidden within the pages of the 3,425-page budget and the accompanying 898-page BIMP is hundreds of millions of dollars toward free healthcare and other programs for illegal immigrants. Governor Pritzker’s own financial analysts put a price tag of $1.1 billion on this free healthcare program for illegals. In spite of his analysts’ cost estimate, the budget our Governor is touting as “balanced” only funds the healthcare program at $550 million. Gov. Pritzker has said no one currently eligible will be removed, so it’s pretty ridiculous to think the cost of the program will be half of what his own agency claims.
*facepalm*
The $1.1 billion was a projection for next fiscal year’s increase if nothing was done to rein in costs ahead of time. The governor had already set aside somewhere around $230 million extra for next fiscal year, so he can now use managed care (the recipients were among the few still receiving fee for service coverage), enrollment caps, etc. to stem the rest of the cost. This ain’t difficult to understand, unless possibly if you’re somebody who believes in the kitty litter myth.
* Media advisory…
40 years later Honoring Rudy Lozano
Black Brown Unity
BBQ + Showcase + Press conference
June 8 2023 5pm-7pm
Healthy Hood 2242 S Damen outdoor
During the 2020 unrest, after the assassination of George Floyd, the Black and Brown communities were pitted against each other. Grocery stores closing caused the crossing over of neighborhood borders with threat of violence so June 8 2020 the first Black Brown Unity event was held honoring Rudy Lozano and Harold Washington and the Rainbow Coalition
Now we see a similar tensions between our black brown communities around the immigrant refugee crisis.
That is why on June 8th 2023, the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Rudy Lozano a pillar in the Latino Community and across the city for his activism work in the labor movement and perhaps most notable role in the building of the black brown coalition during the Harold Washington campaign for mayor that ultimately made him a target and resulted in his assassinated.
SEIU Health Hood will come together to provide the education truth and transparency and love necessary and desperately need to meet the moment. A showcase of young leaders and change makers in music, poetry and art, who are tackling the issues of today with the examples of leaders of the past with a true people first approach.
* Wait. Nobody goes to Chicago…
More here.
* .435 ball and only 4 games out…
I’m going to my first Sox game of the season this month. I was dealing with session, but I also didn’t want to spend money to watch the dumpster fire when I could just watch one in Springfield…
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Illinois Times | Preparing for the centennial of Route 66: The effort, being coordinated by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission with a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, is taking place alongside planning to sketch out options for revitalizing housing stock and neighborhoods along a smaller section of Route 66.
* Daily Southtown | Protesters removed after disrupting Oak Lawn police commission meeting: Before Wednesday’s meeting, the groups said the commission removed three people from its May meeting, who shouted and interrupted the commissioners, and told them they were banned from the next meeting. The protesters claim that violates the Open Meetings Act.
* Illinois Times | Spreading fear about transgender people: YMCA of Springfield officials say “untrue statements” have been made online that a child was inappropriately exposed to male genitalia in a Y locker room by either a transgender female or a man pretending to be transgender. “These statements are false,” the nonprofit organization said in a news release June 2. “Any report of this nature would have been documented to authorities for investigation. The YMCA takes the protection of children very seriously.”
* Daily Herald | Bears have video chat with Chicago mayor ahead of possible stadium talks: “Today we met and discussed our shared values and commitment to the City of Chicago, the importance of deep roots and the need for equitable community investment throughout the city. We are both committed to the idea that the city and its major civic institutions must grow and evolve together to meet the needs of the future. We look forward to continuing the dialogue around these shared values.”
* Sun-Times | Johnson extends 12 weeks of parental leave to CPS: “I’m the mayor who said, ‘This is a really good idea. That we should get it done.’ And we got it done for the city. What sense would it make for me to then say, ‘But I want to deny it to every other person outside of the city of Chicago government proper’? That doesn’t make any sense. Think of the logic and the absurdity of that,” Lightfoot said on that day.
* Sun-Times | A list of every known Illinois resident charged in the U.S. Capitol breach: Thomas B. Adams Jr. of Springfield, an associate of Roy Franklin, was found guilty after a stipulated bench trial of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting; and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. He carried a “Trump” flag on the floor of the U.S. Senate during the breach. His sentencing is set for June 16.
* Fox Chicago | Thornton Township assessor says she was locked out of office after dispute with supervisor Tiffany Henyard: Not only had Elston been locked out of her own office, but boxes of sensitive documents she kept in her office were spread around the common area. “This was under lock and key,” Elston said, pointing to a box of files. “Now it’s just out in the open. So it has taxpayer’s names, addresses, telephone numbers, some of them even have a Social Security number.”
* Daily Herald | ‘Would you want this behind your house?’: Neighbors decry Elgin affordable housing plan: Development plans have been in the works since late 2020. A variety of projects involving up to 72 townhouses came to the city but failed to win the favor of staff members after the running afoul of the density and design guidelines that govern the city’s vision for the area.
* Block Club | At These Chicago Churches, Drag Performers Are Welcomed With Open Arms: ‘God Is Calling On Us To Expand Our Circles’: A few churches throughout the city regularly invite drag artists to perform in their sanctuaries, help lead worship services and read storybooks to children. Drag artists say that these experiences have helped them to better connect with their spirituality through safe community spaces. Church leaders say developing a more inclusive community has attracted more parishioners and helped to counteract traditional church structures that have harmed people for centuries.
* Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora Pride Parade on Sunday to feature largest number of registered marchers in event’s history: Ciesla believes the increase in participants is due to people’s excitement that the parade is occurring after last year’s parade permit was touch-and-go for a bit due to issues stemming from not having enough police officers signed up to work overtime or extra-duty shifts to provide security for the event.
* Crain’s | Moving to Miami? Go for the weather — not for the tax break, Chicago.: For people with a $650,000 salary who move from San Francisco to Miami, the savings is ballparked at around $150,000. But for residents of Chicago, where the cost of living is cheaper than San Francisco or New York, the savings were only about $10,500.
* SJ-R | City of Springfield will pay out over wrongful death lawsuit from 2008: Without discussion, the Springfield City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance Tuesday executing payment in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of a teenager who drowned at Lake Springfield Beach in 2007. It included a $750,000 judgment plus a little over $100,000 in accumulated interest and costs, Mayor Misty Buscher said afterwards.
* Sun-Times | 10 years after mass CPS school closings, enrollment is even worse. What can be done?: This time, Chicago’s path forward falls to Johnson. He strongly opposes closing schools, calling it an ineffective and harmful strategy. But the new mayor faces powerful headwinds in his attempts to find alternate solutions.
* Sun-Times | Chicago area air quality improving, but wildfire effects may linger a few days: The air quality in some parts of southern Cook County, near Tinley Park, Dolton, South Holland and Chicago Heights, was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups due to a high level of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere from smoke blown into the area.
* TPM | Climate Crisis Is On Track To Push One-Third Of Humanity Out Of Its Most Livable Environment: The research, which adds novel detail about who will be most affected and where, suggests that climate-driven migration could easily eclipse even the largest estimates as enormous segments of the earth’s population seek safe havens. It also makes a moral case for immediate and aggressive policies to prevent such a change from occurring, in part by showing how unequal the distribution of pain will be and how great the improvements could be with even small achievements in slowing the pace of warming.
* Crain’s | Muddy Waters house museum gets $1.1M grant, its biggest financial boost yet: The grant will go toward restoring the basement level, which will become the main exhibit space in the red brick two-flat at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave., and “will catapult us to the next level in the project,” Chandra Cooper, great granddaughter of the musician and president of Muddy Waters Mojo Museum, wrote in an email to Crain’s.
* Sun-Times | Chicago Blues Festival to kick off full force after pandemic cancellations, constraints: Nearly 50 acts will be spread across three stages this year, down from a pre-pandemic number of six stages — a change meant to eliminate sound bleed. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion will serve as the main stage and feature big names like John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band at 7:45 p.m. Friday and Los Lobos at 7:45 p.m. Sunday.
* Daily Herald | A bear in the suburbs? Police investigate sighting near Gurnee Mills mall: The Chicago football team may not be the only bears exploring a move to the suburbs. Gurnee police said a real bear may have been spotted near Gurnee Mills mall on Wednesday.
6 Comments
|
Question of the day
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Illinois’ first-ever student loan assistance program targeted to engineering students working at the Illinois Department of Transportation has become law with Governor JB Pritzker’s support and approval. The measure, sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and supported by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) creates a pilot program enabling the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide student loan repayment assistance to qualifying employees that meet certain requirements, helping to attract and encourage educated professionals to work on the state’s highest priority infrastructure projects.
Introduced by Sen. Ram Villivalam, the program was proposed by ACEC Illinois, passed into law and funded by the General Assembly with the provision of $750,000 in the budget to support it pending the Governor’s approval. The proposal provides for higher education student loan repayment assistance in the form of annual after-tax bonuses of $15,000 per year for not more than 4 years, for up to 50 engineers employed by IDOT. This will help address the shortage of skilled talent in the industry and help IDOT attract engineers and other qualified professionals to work on the state’s infrastructure projects.
“The inclusion of funding in the budget gives Illinois a competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining engineering talent and ensures that IDOT attracts educated professionals to work on our state’s road and transportation infrastructure,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. There is currently a shortage of about 82,000 professionals in the industry and the provision of student loan assistance will help draw talent both in-state and out-of-state to deliver key projects on time and within budget. We look forward to working with our policymakers on further incentives that will help transform Illinois into the top destination for engineers.”
“The promise of ReBuild Illinois can only be realized when we have the best professionals working on our infrastructure projects,” said Sen. Ram Villivalam. “The provision of incentives to attract the engineers to our state is a key element in ensuring the success of that promise and I will continue to work with my colleagues and other stakeholders on more initiatives to attract the best engineers so that the state’s infrastructure projects are delivered to the highest professional standards.”
* The Question: Should this $15,000 per year student loan assistance program be expanded and, if so, to whom? Make sure to explain your answer. Thanks.
17 Comments
|
I’ll believe it when I see it
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s…
Illinois’ efforts to lure a major electric vehicle battery plant here finally may be close to striking gold, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker is personally negotiating with multiple companies to come here.
Among the lures: hundreds of millions of incentives, in part coming from a recently authorized state “deal closing fund,” and in part a willingness by local municipalities to consider the type of long-term property tax breaks that factory owners are demanding. […]
Much of the chatter is about a site just off of Interstate 80 in Morris, 24 miles southwest of Joliet and 62 miles from downtown Chicago in Grundy County.
The deals are serious enough that Pritzker interrupted leadership talks in Springfield on a new state budget a few days ago to travel to Morris and meet with executives of the interested company to tour a site on the east end of town, multiple sources with direct knowledge report. It’s not known if Pritzker joined in the helicopter tour of the land, but he reportedly offered more than $600 million in potential incentives for the plant.
Fingers crossed, but not counting on anything.
* As you’ll recall, Stellantis’ Belvidere plant was idled months ago. From January…
Illinois has submitted what could be its best offer to keep the Belvidere Assembly Plant operating and save what could be thousands of jobs.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, said during a visit to Rockford that her office is supporting local and state officials in their efforts to keep the Stellantis plant open in Belvidere where 5,000 people worked a few years ago. Although details are unavailable because talks are on-going, Duckworth said the state submitted its latest offer Friday night.
Almost five months later and still no word on Illinois’ “best offer.”
* And this is ominous news from Ford…
Ford Motor Co (F.N) on Monday unveiled an ambitious strategy to profitably ramp up electric vehicle sales but faces a challenge to slash $7 billion in costs and regain credibility on Wall Street. […]
Ford, whose shares fell 1% at midday, estimated its total costs are $7 billion higher than its competition.
Also…
One way is to reduce investment in hypercompetitive market segments such as two-row smaller SUVs, [Ford CEO Jim Farley] told industry analysts.
Uh-oh. Ford’s Chicago plant, the oldest factory the company operates, assembles the two-row Ford Explorer. It does, however, assemble the three-row Lincoln Aviator.
And, of course, Rivian is having its own problems. Oy.
* Remember this column I wrote in February?…
Volkswagen filed a federal lawsuit in December describing a bill that overwhelmingly passed both Illinois legislative chambers and was signed into law in 2021 as “crony capitalism at work: redistributive legislation that takes hundreds of millions of dollars from some (but not all) motor vehicle manufacturers and, for no public purpose, deposits that money directly into the pockets of politically favored Illinois [car] dealers.” […]
The manufacturers say the law is costing the industry $240 million a year. Yes, you read that right. $240 million. Per year. They claim Illinois has the highest warranty repair costs in the nation. By far. […]
The subsidies the state can offer simply don’t compare with the gigantic annual cost of that 2021 law. Couple that with our high local property taxes (these electric vehicle plants take up huge amounts of space) and other costs and hurdles (Ohio, like Illinois, is not a “right to work” state but has a new concierge system to quickly clear red tape), and you can see why the state hasn’t yet convinced a national or international corporation to construct an electric vehicle-related facility here.
If Pritzker can lure a big, jobs-rich EV-related plant here, convince Ford to keep its plant open and prod Stellantis into reopening its plant, then he’s a hero. But color me skeptical on all three.
I try hard not to be a negative Nellie, but this state has a well-deserved toxic reputation with the auto industry.
…Adding… According to this article, Georgia gave Hyundai a $1.8 billion incentive package for an electric vehicle plant. North Carolina used $1.2 billion in incentives to land VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer. And South Carolina’s $1.3 billion state incentives package for Volkswagen included a $200 million loan from the state. Illinois’ $600 million kinda pales in comparison.
13 Comments
|
* Jim Nowlan in the Tribune…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers have recently been trumpeting the great financial shape of Illinois. Balderdash. And they know it. There will almost certainly be state tax increases by 2025. […]
The state legislature’s own budget forecasting agency predicted in March that by one reasonable scenario, the state’s operating funds in calendar 2025 will run at a deficit of more than $3 billion annually, with a whopping $18 billion in unpaid bills (from a total budget of around $100 billion).
A “reasonable scenario”? Balderdash.
I can’t believe we have to do this again, but here we go.
* From COGFA…
Scenario 3 assumes spending increases similar to the spending rates seen over the last five years of 7.1% per year on average. This scenario has the highest expenditure growth rate analyzed and leads to the least favorable results for the State. Expenditures grow to just over $61 billion by FY 2026. This scenario reflects deficits in all three years forecast and has the worst outcome when considering the aggregate accounts payable. After a surplus of $1.9 billion in FY 2023, a deficit of $3.1 billion occurs in FY 2024. This deficit grows to almost $6.4 billion in FY 2025 and $9.2 billion in FY 2026. Under this scenario, the accounts payable rises to $18.2 billion. This example shows that spending patterns seen in the past few years cannot continue without a comparable increase in revenues which is not seen in the Commission’s current estimates.
And this is what I wrote about that very same scenario in April…
Trouble is, that particular COGFA scenario is pure fantasy, likely included merely as a “what if.” Nobody is advocating that. Revenue and spending in that five-year average included huge amounts of one-time federal money to deal with the massive COVID pandemic, which is no longer with us. The spending also included billions of dollars in one-time approps to pay down gigantic amounts of debt, including for pensions and the unemployment insurance trust fund, rather than put the money into the spending base.
That scenario projected FY24 revenues of $50.41 billion and spending of $53.54 billion, for a deficit of $3.13 billion. In the real world, actual projected revenues are $50.6 billion and spending is projected at $50.4 billion.
The current projected spending for FY24, by the way, is lower than all of COGFA’s scenarios, which as I’ve pointed out before were just numbers games played by accountants who should know better than put that stuff into publication.
That current projected spending is even lower than COGFA’s most optimistic scenario, which predicted $50.9 billion in spending and a $495 million deficit with a tiny $37 million accounts payable this coming fiscal year. Accounts payable would rise to $1.455 billion by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. However, a $3 billion accounts payable level is considered a “normal” 30-day payment cycle. Accounts payables of $1.455 billion would mean the state’s bills would likely be paid within a couple of weeks.
* First, he cherry picked the worst possible fantasy scenario, and then he goes on to predict what taxes will have to rise to fill a budget hole that will not exist…
Let’s say Democrats decide they need to raise $3 billion a year to fill that projected deficit. Where to find the money? […]
But we won’t likely tax services and pensions, nor will we abandon the effort, unnecessary in my mind, to build up the pension nest egg — all are too hot to handle politically.
So, I fear Illinois policymakers will revert to the tried, true and simple; that is, raise the income tax rate. This would, unfortunately, encourage further flight of job creators and their wealth from Illinois.
Look, I’m not saying that a revenue enhancement of some sort is not in the future. Subscribers were told about one possible tax reform effort yesterday.
All I’m saying is that using an obviously way-out-there fictional scenario to make bold predictions about the future is not sound reasoning.
*** UPDATE *** Clayton Klenke at COGFA…
Like most of the publications that we do at CGFA, the 3-year budget forecast is driven by a specific state mandate. […]
We had internal discussions when the report was written on whether we should continue to use the same scenarios as we have in the past and in the end we chose to present the same scenarios – which is exactly what they are – scenarios. They are not budget predictions. They are examples of what would occur given certain scenarios. We recognized that scenario (3) included a higher growth rate than we would normally predict, and that is why we included the text to explain why that rate was higher than normally seen. Although we wouldn’t expect those circumstances to occur again, those spending levels were driven by actual needs to pay down a backlog of bills after a multi-year budget impasse, and also to deal with a worldwide pandemic – items not too many would have deemed plausible a few years ago.
As with all of our publications, we will continue to review our methodology as we develop future reports.
19 Comments
|
Weiss trial coverage roundup
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Sun-Times report from the trial’s first day…
Weiss, a son-in-law of former Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, is charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, bribery and lying to the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine O’Neill spent about 15 minutes laying out the case to jurors Tuesday, alleging that Weiss bribed Arroyo and Link and then lied to the FBI about it, even claiming he’d spoken to a fictional “ghost of a person” named “Katherine Hunter” who was invented by the FBI as part of their investigation.
Then Sorosky took his turn, using nearly an hour to explain away allegations first leveled against his client in October 2020. Among them is the claim that Weiss paid $32,500 in bribes to Arroyo, who then pushed the sweepstakes legislation in the General Assembly. […]
Still, Weiss also hoped to pass sweepstakes legislation in the Illinois General Assembly. When his bill didn’t go anywhere, Sorosky said Weiss asked Arroyo to set up a meeting with Link, a key legislator on gaming.
“That’s not a crime,” Sorosky said.
* The Tribune…
Three weeks later, Link was again wearing an FBI wire when Arroyo allegedly delivered the first of the promised $2,500 checks at a pancake house in Skokie, O’Neill said. Arroyo and Weiss had driven to the meeting together, but Weiss stayed in the car. […]
O’Neill said that at the direction of the FBI, Link had them make the check out to a purported associate named “Katherine Hunter,” who didn’t actually exist.
When Weiss was later questioned by agents, he lied and said Hunter was a a lobbyist who lived in Winnetka and that he’d spoken to her on the phone, O’Neill said.
Sorosky, however, said Weiss did not intentionally lie to any federal official. Instead, during a “surprise” interview, he “did his best to cooperate with the FBI agent and tell the FBI agent the truth as best as he knew it,” Sorosky said.
* Moving on to yesterday’s coverage via the Sun-Times…
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Ilia Usharovich, Rita and Munoz confirmed that Arroyo never offered them any bribe.
But when the gaming bill passed without the sweepstakes provision, the feds say Arroyo and Weiss turned to Link, meeting with him at a Wendy’s restaurant in Highland Park on Aug. 2, 2019.
Jurors on Wednesday heard excerpts of the recording Link made of the meeting inside the restaurant that day. Though the conversation was difficult to hear in the courtroom gallery, it came across as a legitimate chat about the legislation — amid a fast-food restaurant soundtrack that included “Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister.
* Seidel…
* The Tribune…
When the trial resumes Monday, prosecutors are expected to play a key portion of the recording, when Link and Arroyo excused themselves from the table to talk privately outside. FBI agents stationed outside took surveillance photos of the two legislators talking that are expected to be shown next week.
“This is you and I talkin’ now. Nobody else,” Link said to Arroyo once they were alone, according to the charges.
“Whatever you tell me stays between you and me,” Arroyo allegedly responded. “That’s my word.”
During their purportedly private talk, Link told Arroyo he was “in the twilight” of his career and was “looking for something” to bolster his income. Arroyo said he would “make sure that you’re rewarded for what you do, for what we’re gonna do moving forward,” according to court records.
* Jason Meisner…
* Ray Long…
* Hannah Meisel…
Weeks later, Weiss and Arroyo again traveled north to see Link, this time at a diner in Skokie. But Weiss was left in the car for that Aug. 20, 2019, meeting while Arroyo went inside to deliver three things to Link: Weiss’ business card, a copy of draft legislation that would explicitly legalize sweepstakes machines, and a signed $2,500 check with the payee line left blank.
Link told Arroyo that the name on the check would be a “friend” of Link’s named Katherine Hunter – who turned out to be a fictional person made up by the feds.
Sorosky told the jury on Tuesday that Weiss honestly believed that Katherine Hunter existed, and therefore hired her in good faith to appease Link, who at the time was the lead negotiator on gambling legislation in the Illinois Senate.
He also directed the jury to focus on Link’s “What’s in it for me?” question to Arroyo, noting that it occurred “outside the hearing and presence of Jim Weiss” and was a clear indicator that Link solicited a bribe at the behest of federal agents.
“And with all due respect,” Sorosky said, “the original bribe in this case is created by the government.”
* Jon Seidel of the Sun-Times…
…Adding…
3 Comments
|
Um, what?
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* For a publication dedicated almost solely to excerpting other outlets’ product, you’d think they would try to avoid insulting so many reporters by broadly mischaracterizing their work…
Almost unnoticed was a reduction veto — only Pritzker’s second veto in the five years he’s signed budgets. In a statement, the governor’s office described it as a fix for an “inadvertent” mistake when lawmakers last month voted themselves a 5.5 percent raise. State law says the maximum they can get is 5 percent. The tweak puts legislative salaries at $89,250 starting July 1, instead of $89,675.
Almost unnoticed? Only if you think unnoticed means ubiquitous.
Tribune…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs $50.4 billion state budget but vetoes legislators’ pay hike that exceeded state limit
Sun-Times…
Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget that boosts early education funding — and stops state officials’ raises from breaking the law
WCIA…
Pritzker signs state budget, scales back lawmaker pay raises
SJ-R…
Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget, championing investments in education
Raises to lawmakers reduced with governor’s amendment
Patch…
Lawmakers To Receive 5 Percent Pay Raise After Gov. Pritzker Signs Largest State Budget Ever […]
The budget will also include another pay raise for Illinois lawmakers. The annual cost of living increase for state lawmakers is capped at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The increase in pay was set for legislators at 5.5% but was vetoed by Pritzker and brought down to a 5% increase due to the cap on the COLA’s.
13 Comments
|
Open thread
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
7 Comments
|
Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Sun-Times | Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget that boosts early education funding — and stops state officials’ raises from breaking the law: The governor’s office said line-item reductions of $192,700 were made after a review found that cost-of-living pay raises granted to constitutional officers, legislators and some appointed officials exceeded 5%, which they said was unconstitutional.
* Tribune | Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs $50.4 billion state budget but vetoes legislators’ pay hike that exceeded state limit: The change on salaries made by Pritzker, which takes effect unless lawmakers vote to override them, marks the second time in three years the governor has had to make technical fixes to the budget sent to him by lawmakers.
* ABC Chicago | Governor JB Pritzker signs $50B state budget: The governor signed it into law at Christopher House, a Pre-K through eighth grade nonprofit school, to highlight, among many aspects of the budget, the money the state is investing in early childhood development.
* Tribune | Ex-state Sen. Terry Link testifies about his turn as a government mole in federal bribery trial of Berrios son-in-law: Link’s appearance in a federal courtroom took on an added spectacle since the Vernon Hills Democrat had vehemently denied reports — including in the Tribune — that he was the cooperating state Senator A mentioned in the charges first made public in October 2019.
* Sun-Times | Former state Sen. Terry Link testifies about his cooperation with FBI — which he once denied: The first day of testimony in Weiss’ trial also featured appearances by state Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita and former state Sen. Antonio “Tony” Munoz. For Rita, it was his second time testifying in federal court in less than three months about bribery schemes at the Illinois Capitol. But only Link had to explain his own crimes to the jury. The former senator told the panel that he’d withdrawn money from his campaign account and, he said, “I used some for gambling.”
* Crain’s | Pritzker makes personal pitch as EV battery makers near decision on Illinois plants: Reliable sources say Pritzker has talked to — or in the next few days intends to talk to — at least three companies that have done site visits: one reportedly European based, the second Chinese and the third of unknown origin.
* NBC Chicago | Bears CEO Kevin Warren and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issue statement as team explores options: “Today we met and discussed our shared values and commitment to the city of Chicago, the importance of deep roots and the need for equitable community investment throughout the city,” the statement read. “We are both committed to the idea that the city and its major civic institutions must grow and evolve together to meet the needs of the future. We look forward to continuing the dialogue around these shared values.”
* WTTW | Mayor Brandon Johnson ‘Looking Forward’ to Continuing Work with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez: Johnson called out Martinez and other education leaders during his inauguration speech last month, saying: “I need you. We can do this together.” If Martinez remains in his position into next year, he’ll be tasked with negotiating a new labor agreement with the CTU, whose current deal is set to expire in 2024.
* Illinois Answers | A Popular Affordable Housing Initiative Is Ripe For Expansion in Chicago — But When?: The Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) program has led to the construction of nearly 500 relatively affordable new homes since May 2021, mostly on the city’s North and Northwest sides — two of five “pilot zones” where the program has been rolled out. But advocates say that only represents a sliver of its potential, arguing city leaders need to put more money behind the program.
* Tribune | Wisconsin Republicans block meningitis vaccine requirement for students: The Legislature’s vote also makes it easier for parents to get an exemption from a chicken pox vaccine requirement that is in place for all K-6 students. Evers’ administration wanted to require parents seeking a chicken pox vaccination exemption to provide proof that their child has previously been infected.
* Sun-Times | Chicago Blues Festival to kick off full force after pandemic cancellations, constraints: After three years of pandemic blues, the Chicago Blues Festival is back in full force, and the free, four-day star-studded affair kicks off Thursday in Millennium Park with hometown hero Wayne Baker Brooks. “Words can’t express the way I’m feeling about it. Music is how I get my emotions across,” said Brooks, who leans into a bit of advice the late blues legend Albert King passed along when Brooks was 19 and trying to decide between playing drums and guitar.
* Scott Holland | Do we really need to ponder a new state flag?: Illinoisans understand how a flawless flag design becomes a ubiquitous, pride-inspiring pennant because Chicago’s is one of the best anywhere. NAVA should consider adding additional principles for flag design: must look cool as a tattoo, as a patch for city workers and vehicles, or easily blended into sports logos and uniforms.
* Sun-Times | Chicago area air quality improving, but wildfire effects may linger a few days: The air in Chicago isn’t colored in a hazy dystopian orange like some parts of the East Coast, but wildfires raging in Canada may continue to affect air quality in the city and across Illinois for the next several days.
* Tribune | 3 severed heads from donor bodies left at employee’s desk after complaints raised about alleged misconduct: Wheatley said the heads from AGA donors were placed next to his desk after he reported concerns about the mishandling and poor conditions of donated bodies to his supervisors. But AGA Executive Vice President William O’Connor denied any maltreatment accusations, saying that handling body parts is in Wheatley’s job description.
12 Comments
|
Live coverage
Thursday, Jun 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
Comments Off
|
|
Comments Off
|
Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s…
Sterling Bay is trying to strike a deal with the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund to bail out Lincoln Yards, a move that could help jump-start the stalled North Side megadevelopment, inflict hefty losses on the original backers of the ambitious $6 billion project and offer the developer a lifeline amid a financial storm that threatens its control over major pieces of its high-profile local portfolio.
With the real estate firm under growing pressure to raise money to recapitalize the 53-acre mixed-use campus planned along the Chicago River between Lincoln Park and Bucktown, the pension fund’s investment committee voted during a May 23 meeting to investigate an opportunity to become Sterling Bay’s primary financial partner on the development, according to a video of the public meeting and investor documents obtained by Crain’s. […]
CTPF Chief Investment Officer Fernando Vinzons said in a statement to Crain’s that the discussions around Lincoln Yards are only “conceptual at this point” and that the investment committee would still need to recommend the Lincoln Yards deal to its Board of Trustees, which would ultimately have to sign off on any funding commitment, a process that could take months. […]
Questions and answers in the document — which came in response to a presentation during the virtual meeting with investors in April — paint a picture of a fund grappling with financial strain while Sterling Bay seeks ways to generate liquidity to avoid defaulting on loans, maintain confidence of its existing investors and convince them to double down on properties moving forward.
General Iron previously occupied the Sterling Bay site, but it’s still facing an uphill battle to reopen…
There’s been no response from executives of a metal shredder operation to the latest protest from people living on Chicago’s Southeast Side, who are fighting a judge’s ruling that would clear the way for the company to operate in their backyard.
What a mess.
* This is not happening with any of my browsers, but a buddy said he’s getting this message on all three of his. Anyone else having this issue?…
* Sarah Moskowitz, the deputy director of the Citizens Utility Board, writing in the Sun-Times…
A recent attempt by power plant owners to engineer a bailout of PJM Interconnection — a behind-the-scenes organization that runs our power grid — didn’t gain big headlines. But it exposes a dirty little secret about fossil fuels that has a major impact on our electric bills.
Too often, dirty power generators can’t perform when customers need them most, and their recent actions at PJM (which ultimately failed) proves they know it.
PJM, which serves ComEd customers and about 60 million others in a dozen states, is the nation’s largest power grid operator. On May 11, members of PJM, among them operators of coal and natural gas power plants, narrowly voted to recommend reducing, by as much as 90%, the fines they must pay if they can’t operate in future emergencies — despite being paid to be on standby.
At the time, fossil fuel plants were raising a stink about being fined $1.8 billion by PJM for underperformance during the multi-state winter storm Elliott last December. PJM narrowly avoided having to implement rolling blackouts as nearly 46 gigawatts of plants — about enough to power California — went down in that terrible holiday storm. The grid operator was forced to ask everyday consumers to conserve electricity on Christmas Eve.
Fossil fuel operators like to brag about their reliability, but about 90% of those outages were at gas or coal plants. Similarly, failing gas plants were the biggest problem in the deadly Texas outages of 2021.
* From a Proft paper…
[Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, D-Chicago] refuses to resign so Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) can appoint a replacement.
“Last year, she told (Harmon) she was going to do nothing this year, tell people she was having a medical procedure done, then resign. She didn’t want to come to Springfield anymore,” the source said. “But she drew a four-year term, not a two-year as she expected. So she now wants to cash in on the gig and keep her state paycheck for a while longer.”
Sources say they didn’t see Van Pelt cast a single floor vote during the past legislative session. She didn’t participate in committee hearings, or vote on a single bill in any of them, either.
“She was no-show all session,” one source said. “Dr. Pat never appeared in Springfield once. I never saw her.”
Harmon doesn’t appoint new members.
Van Pelt was indeed supposed to retire earlier this year. I did a subscriber story on it months ago. But then something happened. Here’s Liz Mitchell from the Senate Democrats..
Senator Van Pelt had a series of medical procedures that turned out to be more extensive than originally expected. We are wishing her well in her recovery.
* Canadian wildfires…
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Chalkbeat | Chicago Public Schools violating state law on use of restraint, timeout in school, state says: Documents obtained by Chalkbeat Chicago show that untrained staff restrained or secluded students for long periods of time, used outlawed methods of restraint, and restrained students who were not a threat to themselves or others. The state has repeatedly warned CPS since the fall that it is not complying with state law on restraint and timeout. In multiple letters sent to the district this school year, the state cites the district for not properly training staff and not notifying parents within a legally required 24-hour time frame when a child has been restrained at school. The state defines physical restraint as holding a student or other methods to restrict a student’s movement.
* SJ-R | Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget, championing investments in education: Among the budget’s other highlights include a $350 million investment into homelessness prevention and a $100 million increase towards the Monetary Award Program. Paired together with a Pell grant, nearly all community college students in the state can have their tuition covered with MAP, where the state will invest $701 million into the program in FY 2024.
* Sun-Times | Pritzker touts early education funding, signs $50.4 billion budget called ‘fiscally responsible and compassionate’: “Here we are four years later, and just look at what at we’ve accomplished. We eliminated overdue bills, paid down $10.5 billion in debt, including pension debt. Our once-empty Rainy Day Fund is now rising to $2 billion. Our GDP has surpassed $1 trillion, and we have more jobs available than ever before. And independently, and if you don’t love all of that,” Pritzker said to applause, “independently, each of the major credit rating agencies has given us multiple credit upgrades.”
* NBC Chicago | Illinois’s grocery tax suspension will soon end. Here’s what that means for your grocery bill: According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, for a grocery bill of $145.29, a 1% tax would add $1.45.
* Daily Herald | ‘Due diligence’: Naperville mayor defends meeting with Bears about stadium possibilities: Responding to criticism from segments of the community and at least one city council member about his pursuit of a meeting through a letter to Warren, Wehrli stressed “these conversations are just that. They’re conversations.”
* Tribune | State Rep. Bob Rita to take second turn as government witness in a public corruption trial: Rita, who has not been charged with wrongdoing, is expected to tell the jury that his colleague, then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo, talked to him about legislation expanding the legality of sweepstakes gaming machines.
* Capitol News Illinois | As trial begins, politically connected businessman claims feds set him up to bribe legislator: Weiss, who is married to former state Rep. Toni Berrios, D-Chicago – the daughter of longtime former Cook County Democratic Party boss Joseph Berrios – stands accused of bribing two Democratic lawmakers in an effort to shield his fledgling business from threatened bans at the state and local levels.
* Daily Herald | Group wants to build $21 million affordable housing development in Elgin. Neighbors oppose it: The pending project, known as Gifford’s Crossing, would bring 36 townhouses to the north side of Big Timber, just east of Randall Road. The property has an existing, vacant single-family home on a doughnut hole of unincorporated land. It will be demolished.
* Valeria Castelli | Chicago must confront its conflicted stance toward immigrants and offer its helping hands:The city administration must strive to promote solidarity between migrant communities and local host communities. Alliances should be forged, and cooperation should be supported among civic and community leaders working on the ground with both migrant and marginalized communities.
* Tribune | Some migrant students celebrate first — and last — days of school only weeks apart as CPS scrambles to enroll them: Officials say that despite their temporary living situations in respite centers, shelters and police stations, enrolling the children in school provides immediate access to education, as well as summer programs in academics and sports. Higher enrollment in the neighborhood school could also ensure more funding and resources for neighborhood schools, said Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd.
* Daily Journal | Kankakee organizations plan pop-up events with Safe Summer Initiative: “Our goal for each event is to bring the community together and celebrate the summer and upcoming school year. Family, friends, neighbors, students, young and old are all welcome to this event,” the city of Kankakee said in a news release.
* AP | New York City goes after Hyundai, Kia after security flaw leads to wave of social media fueled theft: Viral how-to videos on TikTok and other sites show how to start the cars using only USB cables and a screwdriver. The reason is that some models sold by Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. came without engine immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars since the 1990s that prevent the engine from starting unless the key is present.
* Illinois Newsroom | Pride performance kicks off Allerton Park Concert Series: The first concert of the series has traditionally been called LOVE FOR ALLerton, but senior event coordinator Olivia Bunting said this is the first year that the concert really lived up to the theme. “It was always the intent behind that ‘Love for All’ name, but this year, it is a full-fledged Pride event,” Bunting said.
* Chicago Mag | NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race: If your mouth was already watering for the Taste of Chicago, you’ll have to wait even longer: The race bumped Taste from its regular July slot back to September. Navy Pier’s fireworks display is still on track for July 1, but the combination of race attendees and Independence Day crowds suggests getting close to the rockets’ red glare will be a bigger battle than Fort McHenry. Maggie Daley Park will remain open, if your idea of a peaceful day at the park includes the din of stock car motors. If you choose to head downtown, do what Chicago’s own stock car racers have always done: Opt for Lower Wacker Drive.
* WBEZ | For parents who bike in congested Chicago, it’s a summer of riding defensively: As summer biking season kicks into gear, so does vigilance and activism among cycling parents. Increasingly, they’re banding together online and on the streets to find the safest routes and best gear setups. They’re also lobbying alderpeople and Chicago’s new mayor for concrete changes to make biking safer. (The mayor’s office declined a request for an interview about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bike infrastructure plans).
14 Comments
|
* Gov. Pritzker was asked earlier today about state funding of Chicago’s effort to deal with asylum seekers…
I’ve seen and met with the mayor many times. And more importantly, my staff and his staff have been meeting. I would say it probably averages out to three times a week, talking about a variety of issues, but importantly, how to manage the asylum seekers that are coming to our city to our state, and where the resources will come from.
We both agree, of course, that the federal government needs to step up here. They have dollars that have been allocated in the budget from prior legislation that was passed at the federal level for asylum seekers in the states. And so we’re anticipating being able to get more of those dollars. They only issued checks, essentially, for a small amount so far. But there’s much more that’s available. I think the total program [is] potentially $800 million for the country. So we intend to get our fair share of that.
And then, of course, the state, I want to remind everybody, people always focus on whether the state is funding the city. Remember, the state is spending money for the city with our resources, our staff, our Department of Human Services. And so it isn’t like, well, we’re not supporting the efforts in Chicago. In fact, we are putting forward a multiple of the money that the city of Chicago has put forward in order to help the city of Chicago to manage this crisis.
Interestingly, I think you’ve all seen, there are many, many fewer asylum seekers that have come into the United States since May 11. I think that’s surprising to many people, but the Biden administration knew what it was doing in managing it. And so we anticipate, although they’ve emptied out shelters in Texas to send them initially after May 11, but the truth is that there are fewer and fewer migrants that are coming across the border. And therefore we anticipate, at some point, a drop in the number that will be coming to Illinois.
* The governor’s optimism about the federal government earlier today turns out to be false hope. New York City just got a huge amount of federal money. Chicago? Not so much…
New York City is set to receive $104.6 million in federal funds to help cover the cost of providing services to asylum-seekers, two of the state’s highest ranking elected officials said Wednesday.
The injection of cash comes as more than 72,000 migrants have passed through the city since last spring, with more than 44,000 currently in the city’s care.
“Today’s funds represent a strong step in the right direction — which better recognizes and rewards New York City’s unique challenge,” Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement. […]
The city’s $104.6 allocation through the new federal Shelter and Services Program, however, constitutes around 30 percent of the money announced Wednesday and is much larger than payments to other cities. A person with knowledge of the allocations told POLITICO San Diego would be receiving $15 million and Chicago $10 million.
Thanks, Sen. Durbin.
To be fair, NYC has had to deal with far more asylum seekers than Chicago. 72,000 vs. more than 8,000. And, hopefully, the easing crisis at the border will continue.
Still.
15 Comments
|
* Before the SAFE-T Act was scheduled to take effect last December, state’s attorneys and others filed suits in multiple counties in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to overload the attorney general’s office. Hearings in different counties were scheduled at the same time.
Tom DeVore avoided taking his pro-covid cases to higher courts because he was content to file lawsuits in friendly counties and just obtain exemptions for his clients, like Darren Bailey. Eventually, all covid cases were consolidated by the Supreme Court in Sangamon County.
DeVore was also charging clients $200 each to get in on lawsuits against the assault weapons ban in friendly counties.
* From the Tribune…
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law a measure that requires lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of executive orders or state laws to be filed in either Cook or Sangamon county.
The Democratic-controlled state legislature passed the bill along party lines last month. Democrats who supported the legislation said it was necessary to prevent people with a grievance against the state from selecting the county in which to file a lawsuit based on where they think they can get a favorable ruling. […]
State Rep. Dan Caulkins of Decatur, who has sued the state over the sweeping gun ban signed into law in January, voiced similar objections during the floor debate on the bill last month.
“They pass unconstitutional laws to make law-abiding citizens criminals, and then they make those same citizens travel hundreds of miles to a kangaroo court that they control,” Caulkins said of Democrats. “Tyrants are always the same, whether kings or lawless Chicago politicians.”
Rep. Caulkins is currently suing the state over a constitutional issue and he didn’t vote Present.
And while I do appreciate the fact that some people will have to hire a distant lawyer or pay their attorney to travel to Springfield or Chicago, constitutional challenges are often appealed, so many would eventually wind up in Springfield anyway.
* From Senate Republican Leader John Curran…
“Courts exist to serve the people, which is why they are located where people live. This legislation is clearly an attempt by the Governor and the Attorney General to send constitutional challenges to courts that they believe will be more favorable to the Administration.
“In doing so, they are discrediting judges in suburban and downstate Illinois, and creating geographic barriers to citizens accessing our court system. I continue to strongly oppose this legislation that creates unnecessary burdens for people exercising their legal rights.”
Sangamon County’s circuit judges are all Republicans. Presiding Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin is a Republican. Circuit Judge John Madonia is a Republican, as is Adam Giganti, Gail Noll, Raylene Grischow and Robin Schmidt.
* From a Democratic staff analysis of the legislation…
Other statutes that require venue in Cook or Sangamon:
• 15 ILCS 205/10(c) - Cases brought by the Attorney General of Illinois to eliminate pattern or practice of constitutional violations must be brought in Cook or Sangamon
• 15 ILCS 205/7 - Cases brought by the Attorney General of Illinois to compel compliance with Section 3.5 of the Open Meetings Act are to be brought in Sangamon or Cook County.
• 225 ILCS 107/150 - Judicial review of certain final administrative decisions under the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act brought by a person not residing in any Illinois county must be brought in Sangamon County.
• 205 ILCS 740/26 - Judicial review of certain final administrative decisions relating to the Collection Agency Act by a person not residing in any Illinois county must be brought in either Cook or Sangamon.
• 225 ILCS 427/145 - Judicial review of certain final administrative decisions relating to the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act by a person not residing in any Illinois county must be brought in either Cook or Sangamon.
Probably not the most solid precedent, but it does exist.
39 Comments
|
It’s almost a law
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* The Tribune…
Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature could prevent situations like the one in which a South Elgin High School student was told to remove a Hispanic academic scholarship stole the day of her commencement ceremony.
State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, is the chief co-sponsor of a bill introduced in February that addresses the issue and ensures students have a right to wear stoles, sashes or cords related to their “cultural, ethnic or religious” identities.
The legislation was written and sponsored by Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Oakbrook Terrace, in response to an incident last year in which an Evanston Township High School senior was told he could not wear his Native American regalia at graduation.
If approved, school district dress code policies “shall not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student’s graduation attire with items associated with the student’s cultural, ethnic or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act.”
Items deemed obscene or derogatory toward others are prohibited, according to the bill.
* WTVO…
A bill to suspend an assessment test for future teachers is now one step closer to becoming law.
In Illinois, college students are required to take a teacher performance assessment test known as edTPA to get their license. The assessment has prospective teachers put together video clips of them teaching and design lesson plans. The test costs $300.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic that waived the testing requirement, but that expired last month. If the bill passes, that requirement would be waived until the end of August 2025. […]
The bill would also create a task force to study different evaluation tests for teachers, as well as look at creating a new one that could be implemented across the state.
That group would have to give a report of its finding to the Board of Education and the General Assembly before August 1, 2024.
* Shaw Local…
Baby steps are to be celebrated. At least they mark some sort of forward momentum. But in the case of efforts to remove polystyrene food containers from the waste stream, last month’s efforts by the General Assembly seem too feeble to warrant much applause.
Still, it’s something.
The House passed a bill seeking to prohibit state agencies from buying disposable food containers that are made with polystyrene foam (read: Styrofoam) starting in 2025. A year later, state agencies and vendors that sell food on state properties, such as state parks, no longer would be able to use plastic foam containers. […]
It’s a tip-of-the-iceberg solution. Food containers served at state facilities make up a small fraction of all of the fast food, carryout and doggie bag containers used in restaurants and food stands in Illinois.
Gong-Gershowitz landed a guppy, but the big fish got away.
She also championed a bill seeking to eradicate single-use plastic foam containers statewide – not just in sectors controlled by the state – but that idea flopped in the Senate.
* Aurora Beacon-News…
After successfully using a drone in the search for the gunman during the mass shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora in 2019, Aurora police are pleased that legislation recently passed by the General Assembly would allow for greater use of drones for security operations. […]
Aurora police approached state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, and asked for the change in drone rules in 2021, officials said. Holmes and Hernandez sponsored the bill in Springfield. […]
Under the measure, drones could not be weaponized and facial identity systems could only be used if necessary to prevent “imminent harm to life.” The bill sets specific limits on where and how drones can be used, restricts photography and adds reporting and retention constraints. In addition, only events held in public outdoor spaces owned by the state, county or municipality can see the use of the drones, according to the legislation.
“It’s another tool in the toolbox to try and prevent a tragedy,” Holmes said.
* Center Square…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker could soon modify a diversion program for first-time nonviolent firearms offenses that would give younger defendants probation rather than prison.
Such a measure was first put into House Bill 676 as part of an omnibus gun control measure that never advanced. The policy stands alone in Senate Bill 424 and made it through both chambers with bipartisan support before lawmakers adjourned last month.
State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, said the program that started in 2017 has broad support.
“This legislation has no opposition, has a broad spectrum of support from gun violence prevention groups, criminal justice reform groups, the Illinois State’s Attorney Association, the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs,” Villivalam said.
* I think Maine is making a solid choice…
* It’s an upgrade for sure. The current flag is on top, the former flag is on the bottom…
15 Comments
|
* Gov. JB Pritzker was asked today about Republican claims that the newly signed state budget doesn’t account for union contract negotiations…
We built into the agencies’ budgets - we have, as you know, quite a number of agencies - we built in what we thought might be the appropriate amount of money for what we expect from that AFSCME negotiation. So that’s in the budget already. That’s a you know, once again, one of those false things that Republicans like to say about the budget, but it is in the budget.
Pritzker went on to say “we’re hopefully reaching a pinnacle” in the contract talks.
11 Comments
|
FY24 budget overview
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
OVERVIEW
The Fiscal Year 2024 General Funds budget plan reflects projected revenues of $50.611 billion and expenditures of $50.428 billion, resulting in a $183 million surplus.
Highlights from the budget package include:
Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility – 5th balanced budget
The Fiscal Year 2024 budget framework builds upon four years of historic fiscal progress with a commitment to balanced budgets, eight credit rating upgrades, a Rainy Day Fund set to surpass $2 billion, the elimination of the bill backlog, and $1 trillion in GDP. This year’s investments include:
• $200 million additional pension payment beyond what’s required, bringing total pension stabilization investments to $700 million
• $450 million to pay off Railsplitter Authority bonded debt – saving the state up to $60 million in interest
• An enacted plan to address the long-term structural deficit in the Community College Insurance Program (CIP), a health insurance program for retired community college employees
• $85 million in additional funding to communities through the Local Government Distributive Fund with an increase in the state’s revenue sharing formula.
Early Childhood Education and Childcare Funding
A highlight of the budget is $250 million to fund the first year of Smart Start Illinois, the Governor’s early childhood initiative to eliminate preschool deserts, stabilize the childcare workforce, and expand the Early Intervention and Home Visiting programs.
This multi-year program provides a comprehensive approach to investments in preparing children to be lifelong learners. Year one targeted investments include the following:
• An additional $75 million for the Early Childhood Block Grant at the Illinois State Board of Education to increase preschool availability while improving the quality of education. This funding is the first step in working to eliminate “preschool deserts” by December 2027 through adding more than 20,000 slots for preschool aged children and the ability to serve thousands more infants and toddlers through the Prevention Initiative. This brings funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant program to nearly $673 million, $179 million more than when Governor Pritzker took office.
• Invests $130 million and additional federal dollars to begin funding for Early Childhood Workforce Compensation Contracts to stabilize operational funding and promote quality in the childcare system. The proposed development of the contract funding model stems from recommendations made by the Early Childhood Funding Commission.
• Invests an additional $40 million for Early Intervention programs to provide funds for an expected increase in participants and a 10 percent rate increase for providers.
• $5 million to expand DHS’ Home Visiting Program.
Additional early childhood investments to support the plan include the following:
• $70 million to cover an expected increase in Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) participation and annualize rate increases from Fiscal Year 2023.
• $20 million to begin upgrading the child care payment management system.
• Federal funding for Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarships for tuition, fees and other costs of attendance.
• $1.6 million to launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide, an initiative that allows families to register their children to receive free, high-quality books in the mail from birth to age five no matter the family’s income.
K-12 Education
• $350 million increase for K-12 evidence-based funding (EBF) formula. ISBE uses the tiered formula to distribute state funding based on need. This investment brings the total annual EBF program to $8.279 billion, or a $1.443 billion increase in annual base funding during the Pritzker administration. In total, schools will have received an additional $4.0 billion in EBF funds over five years.
• $45 million for the first year of a three-year pilot to fill teacher vacancies, plus additional investments in scholarships for future teachers.The funding will be allocated to the State’s school districts which experience some of the most significant hurdles to attract and retain teachers.
• $3 million for computer science education investments to expand grants to school districts and professional development opportunities for teachers while promoting equitable access to coursework.
Higher Education
The Fiscal Year 2024 budget continues to make college more affordable with historic increases in funding for public universities, community colleges and financial aid.
• $100 million increase to $701 million for Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grant funding, so that virtually everyone at or below the median income can go to community college for free. This funding is the latest step in a 75 percent increase for MAP since 2019.
• $100 million increase in operating funds for public universities ($80.5 million) and community colleges ($19.4 million) – the highest increases in more than two decades
• Increases funding for AIM HIGH merit-based scholarships by $15 million to a total of $50 million. HB301 will make the program permanent.
• Includes new funding to support community college investments, including:
o $8.3 million for dual-credit and non-credit workforce grant programs;
o $11 million for curriculum development related to advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle and data center workforce training programs;
o $2 million for technology upgrades for digital instruction in WIOA Title II Adult Education programs; and
o $750,000 to expand English language services to non-English speaking communities.
• An additional $3.8 million for the Minority Teacher Scholarship program
• Continues funding of $25 million for the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare (PATH) Workforce Program, to train new nurses, medical assistants, medical laboratory technicians, emergency medical technicians and other high-demand positions.
• Additional funds for the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program to provide holistic supports for fellows, beyond their stipend. This would include a new orientation program, conference attendance, and a graduate symposium to help them prepare for and find employment in Illinois.
• Includes $3 million for the Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement the Equity and Representation in Health Care Workforce Repayment Program and Scholarship Program per PA 102-0942.
Health and Human Services
• Nearly $75 million increase for DCFS to hire 192 staff, expand training and protection, increase scholarships for youth in care, and improve facilities
• More than $500 million in new state and federal funds to support the state’s healthcare system
• Approximately $240 million increase to better serve Illinoisans with developmental disabilities
• $42.5 million for grants to counties and cities for their costs associated with asylum seekers
• $22.8 million in funding to begin implementing the new Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative
• $18 million increase to support reproductive health initiatives
• $24 million for a rate increase for home workers who assist the elderly, increased outreach to the elderly, and an increase for Adult Day Services
• $10 million for a state-based health insurance marketplace to help expand healthcare access
• $1.2 million for a division of healthcare access at the Department of Insurance
• $53.5 million to overhaul IDPH’s disease monitoring IT systems and prepare for future public health emergencies
• $35 million increase for TANF to address an increase in caseload, make inflation adjustments and increase eligibility from 30 percent to 35 percent of the federal poverty level $41 million for youth employment and summer job programs
Addressing Homelessness
Home Illinois is a multi-agency effort to support homeless prevention, provide affordable housing, support crisis response, expand housing support and increase the number of staff focused on assisting people experiencing homelessness. Housed at the Illinois Department of Human Services, Home Illinois involves many state agencies and partners including the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The budget includes an $85 million increase, bringing state funding to over $350 million, to support homelessness prevention.
The funds in support of this work include:
• More than $118 million to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services, including $40.7 million in the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program.
• $50 million in Rapid ReHousing services for 2,000 households, including short-term rental assistance and targeted support for up to two years.
• $40 million in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Capital funds to develop more than 90 new PSH units providing long term rental assistance and case management.
• $37 million in Emergency Shelter capital funds to create more than 460 non-congregate shelter units.
• More than $35 million for supportive housing services homeless youth services, street outreach, medical respite, re-entry services, access to counsel and other shelter diversion supports
• $30 million for court-based rental assistance.
• $21.8 million to provide homelessness prevention services to 6,000 more families.
• $15 million to fund Home Illinois Innovations Pilots
• $12.5 million to create 500 new scattered site PSH units.
Public Safety and Violence Prevention
• Continues the multi-year commitment of $250 million for the Reimagine Public Safety Act to prevent gun violence and expanded funding for youth employment programs
• Includes $200 million for the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) grant program, a $75 million increase
• Includes $40 million — $20 million each — in funding for the Office of the State Appellate Defender and the Office of the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor to carry out responsibilities under the new Pre-trial Services Act.
• Provides $16.1 million to support two cadet classes to hire and train 200 additional sworn troopers to address the rising need for officers throughout the State, bringing the total number of officers to 1,800.
• Includes operational and administrative support funding for the new seven-member Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Review Board, created by PA 102-0237, which reviews appeals from card applicants.
• Includes more than $2.1 million for Safe2Help Illinois, a 24/7 program where students can share information on safety issues in a confidential environment.
• Provides an additional $18 million funding round for the Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program per PA 100-0508, which will provide grants and support to organizations throughout the State for security improvements that assist in preventing, preparing for or responding to acts of terrorism
• Includes $30 million for the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Program to provide reimbursement to local law enforcement agencies for in-car cameras, body cameras and data storage.
• Includes $10 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to provide resources to local law enforcement agencies for recruitment of new officers, retention plans, mental health care for officers, safety equipment and training, and improvement in local jails.
• Includes $2.5 million for the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Gaps Report to establish a baseline for public safety response capabilities
• Continues the Department of Juvenile Justice’s 21st Century Transformation Plan that includes operational costs for its new facility in Lincoln, scheduled for opening in late Fiscal Year 2024.
• Includes $13 million in funding for the Adult Redeploy Program, an increase of $1 million to allow for continued program expansion.
Government Services
• $16.5 million for a multi-year initiative to modernize the state’s professional licensing system at the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and additional funds for a call center to assist in the transition.
• $32.5 million to the Secretary of State to implement the REAL ID program
• Over $75 million for the Secretary of State to begin to modernize the office’s computer systems
Economic and Community Development
• $400 million to close major economic development deals and attract businesses and jobs to the state
• Expanded workforce development programs to build a pipeline in the industries of the future, like data center, electric vehicles, and clean energy
• $20 million to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program to provide additional community revitalization funding
• $40 million for forgivable loans to launch more social equity cannabis businesses
• $10 million to fund a “one-stop business portal” to foster entrepreneurship
• $2 million for a new Office of Rural Economic Development intended to connect communities and improve access to state and federal aid through outreach or technical assistance from rural navigators.
• $2.5 million to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation to promote tourism at destinations around the State and grow the outdoor recreation economy of Illinois
• $10 million for a Clean Energy Career and Technical Education Pilot Program for high schools
• $20 million to address food insecurity in urban and rural communities through incentivizing the opening of grocery stores and providing grants for equipment upgrades to existing small grocers through the Illinois Grocery Initiative
• Includes $30 million for agriculture programs that improve the availability and accessibility of nutritious, locally sourced foods for Illinoisans in need, including $28 million for a new federally funded Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement which will support local, regional and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through the purchase of local foods for distribution to food banks, schools and organizations that reach underserved communities, and $2 million for middle supply-chain infrastructure grants through the federal Resilient Food Systems program.
• $20 million for a Fast-Track Workforce Program intended to provide resources and support to major relocating or expanding employers for employee screening and recruitment, and customized job training development.
• $20 million to provide a state commitment and in-kind contribution to support Illinois entities seeking competitive federal awards that align with the State’s economic development plan
• $19 million in additional funding for advertising and promotion of tourism throughout Illinois, nearly doubling the State’s investment in domestic and international tourism promotion
• $30 million for new one-time tourism promotion grants at DCEO to support the State’s tourism industry
• $90 million in new capital funding for DCEO’s Enterprise Fund Grant Program, which provides competitive funding to attract and retain businesses in Illinois, creating new jobs and capital investment in the State
• $55 million in new capital funding for Prime Sites Program investments, providing grants for large-scale projects making substantial capital investment and job creation commitments
• Takes another step towards phasing out the corporate franchise tax
• Creates the Hydrogen Fuel Replacement Tax Credit Act, providing tax incentives for zero-carbon hydrogen fuel.
• Expands the Angel Investment credit from 25% to 35% if the investment is made in a business venture that is owned by women, people of color, a person with a disability, or in a county with a population of less than 250,000.
Environmental Initiatives
• Funds $12 million in electric vehicle consumer rebates at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
• Includes new authority for federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programming for energy efficiency rebates at IEPA totaling $267.8 million
• Reappropriates $70 million from Rebuild Illinois at IEPA for transportation electrification and charging infrastructure statewide
• Continues funding for unsewered communities planning and construction grants for communities around the state
• Includes funding for new Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grants at Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) at $56 million, providing the largest and most accessible opportunity in the state’s history for distressed communities for the second year in a row
• Includes funding through DNR’s Office of Water Resources to implement projects such as providing the State’s $50 million share for the Brandon Road Ecosystem Project to block invasive carp species from entering the Great Lakes ecosystem, and programs such as a $10 million expansion of the Flood Hazard Mitigation program for new buyouts
Capital and Transportation Funding
The Fiscal Year 2024 capital budget represents a continuation of the historic Rebuild Illinois program and other ongoing capital initiatives.Continued use of federal funds will expedite delivery of critical initiatives. Illinois anticipates receiving billions of dollars from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to invest in transportation, water, broadband, clean energy and more.
• Includes funding to support IIJA programming, as the State anticipates receiving at least $18.0 billion over five years through federal formula funding; over $7.2 billion in infrastructure funding has been announced for Illinois investments since IIJA’s passage
• Features $4.6 billion for the FY24 Road Program. This includes approximately $3.4 billion in pay-as-you-go revenue and $1.2 billion in bond funds.
• Includes $300 million in new funding for the I-290 Blue Line Modernization Project
• Reappropriates $100 million at DCEO for community-driven broadband expansion to help close the digital divide.
• Supports the IIJA lead service line replacement loans at $230.2 million, as well as $10 million in new IEPA funding to provide lead service line inventory and planning grants to communities around the state.
• Reappropriates $86 million in funding for orphaned well plugging from Rebuild Illinois and IIJA
• Provides an increase to RTA Operating Assistance Grants $18 million
• Provides an additional $1.5 million for RTA reduced fares
• Provides an additional $5 million for Amtrak operating assistance for state-supported routes
That “$183 million surplus” is a bit higher than what was claimed when the approp bills were debated.
4 Comments
|
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Since 2018, Uber and Arizona State University have provided 5000 qualified drivers and their families with 100% tuition coverage.
Comments Off
|
* From the governor’s office…
Reporters—
As the Daily Public Schedule informed you, Gov. Pritzker will sign the FY24 budget today (Senate Bill 250). When he signs the budget, the Governor will make a few technical corrections to language from SB 2541 that was included in the bill. These line-item reductions will ensure the FY24 budget complies with current state law that prevents raises of more than 5 percent.
The annual cost of living increase is capped by law at 5 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The budget bill increased the COLAs for legislators and statewide and top executive officers by 5.5 percent. Oops.
The House Republicans caught the error during floor debate. Kudos to them.
…Adding… From House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…
“While Illinois families struggle, Governor Pritzker decreased the politician pay raise a paltry .5%. While this change may make it constitutional, it does not make it right. House Republicans will continue to hold the majority party accountable to not only our constitutional rights but also to Illinois taxpayers.”
* From the governor’s veto message…
Today, I return Senate Bill 250, entitled “AN ACT concerning appropriations,” with reductions in the amount of $192,700.
This bill, among other things, appropriates funds for the salaries of the State’s Constitutional Officers (Article 33, Section 35), Appointed Officers of the Executive Branch (Article 33, Section 40), and General Assembly members (Article 33, Section 45). In Public Act 102-1115, effective January 9, 2023, the salaries for the Constitutional Officers (Article 30), Appointed Officers of the Executive Branch (Article 15), and the General Assembly members (Article 35) were set before their terms of office began, as required by the Illinois Constitution of 1970. See Ill. Const. 1970, art. V, §21; art. IV, §11. However, the appropriations to the State Comptroller in this bill exceed the amounts necessary to compensate the State’s Constitutional Officers, Appointed Officers of the Executive Branch and members of the General Assembly in accordance with Public Act 102-1115 and the members of the State’s boards and commissions in accordance with the levels currently authorized by Illinois law. See, e.g., Public Act 102- 1115, Article 30, Section 30-5 (providing that the Constitutional Officers shall receive a specified annual salary or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater, resulting in a maximum salary for Fiscal Year 2024 of $168,945 for the Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller and Treasurer and $192,465 for the Attorney General and Secretary of State); Article 35, Section 35-5 (providing that General Assembly members shall receive an annual salary of $85,000 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater, setting a maximum salary of $89,250 for Fiscal Year 2024); Article 15, Sections 15-5 through 15-40 (providing that Agency Directors shall receive a specified annual salary and an annual increase in salary based on a cost of living adjustment as authorized by Senate Joint Resolution 192 of the 86th General Assembly).
It is evident that the errors in the amounts to compensate all of these officers were inadvertent and that the General Assembly intended for the amounts set forth in Senate Bill 250 simply to implement the salaries provided by law.
Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(d) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby reduce the appropriation items listed below and approve each item in the amount set forth in the “Reduced Amount” column below […]
In addition to these specific item reductions, I hereby approve all other appropriation items in Senate Bill 250.
* From the Illinois Legislative Glossary…
Veto, Reduction
The Governor reduces the amount of an item of an appropriation bill. The General Assembly may do nothing and the reduction stands, or the General Assembly may restore the item to its original amount. In either event, the remainder of the bill becomes law.
…Adding… The “technical corrections to language from SB 2541 that was included in the bill” line is interesting. The bill drafters essentially copied and pasted language from the comptroller’s approp bill, which is SB2541. Click here to see it yourself.
11 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
Open thread
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Happy Wednesday! What’s going on?…
7 Comments
|
Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* ABC Chicago | Gov. Pritzker to sign $50 billion State Budget Wednesday: Pritzker has been touring the state this week, promoting the $50 billion spending plan that goes into effect next month. The plan contains several new initiatives he asked for, including investments in pre-K through 12th grade education, child welfare, combating poverty and homelessness, and increasing state spending on higher education.
* Tribune | Prosecutors say businessman James Weiss ‘had two sitting politicians’ on his payroll as federal bribery trial begins: “In 2019, ladies and gentlemen, the defendant had two sitting politicians on his company’s payroll,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine O’Neill said in her opening statement in Weiss’ long-awaited bribery trial. “It was all to benefit his business … the sweepstakes machines and his own bottom line.”
* Tribune | Lawsuits against state can be filed in only two counties under measure signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawsuits have been filed in multiple counties challenging Pritzker’s executive orders related to the pandemic as well as recently enacted state laws abolishing cash bail and banning certain high-powered semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity ammunition magazines. “One attorney was charging people $200 to have their names added as plaintiffs to (a gun ban) lawsuit,” Democratic state Rep. Jay Hoffman said last month in reference to the numerous lawsuits filed by unsuccessful Republican attorney general candidate Thomas DeVore.
* Sun-Times | Stalled Bears stadium talks create opening for Chicago mayor — if he’s willing to rewrite his playbook: Johnson is under intense pressure to deliver on his campaign promise to make $1 billion worth of “investments in people.” The smorgasbord of jobs, education, mental health and social programs is the cornerstone of the new mayor’s anti-violence strategy.
* WGLT | Illinois would see $49.2B in health benefits with widespread EV adoption: But a new report quantifies the potential health benefits of a widespread transition to zero-emission passenger vehicles and electricity. That report was released Wednesday by the American Lung Association. It provides a state-level forecast of what would happen if all new vehicle sales were EVs by 2035, coupled with non-combustion electricity generation.
* STLPR | Legal pot meant a second chance for thousands in Illinois — did the state keep its promise?: The word “automatic” was a misnomer, said Kinney. An individual with a criminal record for marijuana had to take an active role in the court system to make that record go away, and every single court in the state is its own entity. “You have to file a petition in every single county in which there was a charge and arrest or conviction,” Kinney said. “There’s not just some magic button that someone can press and all these records just go poof, and they go away.”
* WCIA | Facing ‘funding crisis,’ ICASA seeks help from state after cut in some federal dollars: The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault estimates the federal government is slashing their funding from the Victims of Crime Act in half, according to testimony from CEO Carrie Ward. She estimates that’s around $9.5 million, adding that the state’s rape crisis centers are “facing a funding crisis.”
* Center Square | Pritzker promotes early childhood education initiative; Republicans say it’s not sustainable: Among the programs discussed was the Smart Start Illinois program, which supporters say will eliminate early childhood deserts for 3-and-4-year olds by 2027. The program, in total, will cost the state’s taxpayers $350 million for the programs and new facilities.
* Crain’s | Business interests pushing back on ComEd’s proposed rate hikes: At the end of the four years beginning in 2024, many companies would see their electricity delivery rates increase by more than 60%, according to an analysis performed for BOMA/Chicago by former Illinois Power Agency Director Mark Pruitt, now an energy consultant. For consumers, the increases would be more like 40%.
* Crain’s | Amtrak seeks funds to boost one of its major Chicago routes: In an announcement today, Amtrak said it’s seeking $500,000 to expand Cardinal service to daily from the current three times a week. The national passenger line also wants $4.4 million in capital funds for track work that will speed traffic times between Indy and Dyer, Ind.
* Evanston Now | Plan to pay mayoral candidates tabled: When the measure’s sponsor, Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) suggested the money was just “supporting the election process,” Suffredin countered that the funds would not do something nonpartisan — like holding more candidate forums — but would instead go directly to the candidates — turning over taxpayer money to them without the taxpayers’ consent.
* NPR Illinois | Does the Mississippi River have rights?: Glenda Guster was among the roughly 80 people to join the Great Plains Action Society’s Walk for River Rights — the centerpiece of a three-day summit earlier this month for Black and indigenous organizers from across the Mississippi River basin, who, among other things, want to grant the river legal standing.
* Tribune | Chicago Sky’s new group of all-female investors — including Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts — raises the WNBA team’s valuation to $85 million: The Sky’s valuation is now second in the WNBA behind the Seattle Storm, who set their new value at $130 million earlier this year after bringing in 15 new investors for a total of $21 million. These values are a dramatic shift for the league, which saw the Las Vegas Aces sell for only $2 million in 2021 fresh off a Western Conference title.
* WCIA | State offering the chance to shadow lawmakers, Lt. Governor: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is teaming up with the State Board of Education and the Illinois Council on Women and Girls to offer girls the chance to shadow women in the Capitol. The Girl’s lead program is accepting applications until June 10th.
* WSIL | Black bear spotted in Southern Illinois, authorities urge not to approach it: The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said they were notified of a possible bear sighting a couple miles south of Evansville, Ill. They investigated and it was determined, and verified, the bear sighting was a valid report.
17 Comments
|
Live coverage
Wednesday, Jun 7, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
Comments Off
|
|
Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
|
   
|
Hosted by MCS
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax
Advertise Here
Mobile Version
Contact Rich Miller
|
