Reader comments closed for the weekend
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I bumped into Rep. Chad Hays last night and he told me about a new music festival that’ll be held this September 11-14 near Danville at the 3,000 acre Kennekuk County Park.
The promoters of the Phases of the Moon Festival are spending seriously big bucks to bring in Bob Weir and Rat Dog, Widespread Panic, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, Gov’t. Mule, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and many, many, many more. And this list is just the first round of announcements. I’m told even more announcements are on the way.
I’m so there. Peoria has a similar event, but it’s always during session, so I can’t go. This one is not to be missed.
* Tedeschi Trucks will play us out…
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Julie Brady
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I didn’t know her, but everyone who did said she was a fantastic woman and a great mother. My deepest condolences to the family…
In a sad note amid this political season, I have to report the death of Julie Brady, wife of former Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady.
Ms. Brady, the former Julie Blink, was 51, and died after a lengthy illness. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, she met her husband while both were working for the U.S. Department of Justice.
“She was an honors graduate,” Mr. Brady told me today in a brief phone conversation. “She was honors in everything.”
Ms. Brady’s illness began before and continued through the flap over Mr. Brady’s decision to publicly endorse legal marriage in Illinois — a decision that eventually resulted in his ouster as chairman.
Visitation and services will be Monday at St. Patrick’s Parish, 115 N. Fourth St., St Charles. Survivors include four children.
Word of her death emerged in a note from Mr. Brady’s successor as chairman, Jack Dorgan. GOP gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner released a statement terming Ms. Brady “a remarkable woman who cared passionately about Illinois and our children.”
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* From a Pat Quinn budget office press release…
Two bond rating agencies have released their reviews of Illinois’ finances ahead of next week’s scheduled sale of $250 million in General Obligation bonds that will finance roads, bridges and schools around the state.
While they say the state still has much work to do, they note the hard work the state government has done to cut costs, pay down old bills, and pass a comprehensive pension reform plan.
“We are pleased that the bond rating agencies recognize the difficult work the Governor and the General Assembly have done to cut spending, pay down the bills and pass comprehensive pension reform,” Acting Budget Director Jerry Stermer said. “It’s clear the rating agencies agree the Governor’s proposed budget would bring long-term fiscal stability to Illinois.”
* Not everything the raters had to say was positive, but considering how New York has trashed us in the past, I suppose beggars can’t be choosers. From Fitch…
KEY RATING DRIVERS
BUDGET TEMPORARILY STABILIZED WITH TAX INCREASE: Temporary increases in both the personal and corporate income tax rates, coupled with statutory spending limits, have closed a significant portion of the structural gap in the state’s budget through the current fiscal year 2014.
NEED FOR LONG-TERM SOLUTION REMAINS: Due to the temporary nature of the enacted tax increases, the state will need to find a more permanent solution to the mismatch between spending and revenues. The Negative Outlook reflects the critical need to address this issue. The governor’s recommended budget for the coming fiscal year would make these tax increases permanent and provide a basis for the state to achieve fiscal balance.
LARGE BALANCE OF DEFERRED PAYMENTS REMAINS: The state has a large general fund accounts payable backlog, which although reduced still totaled $4.2 billion at the end of fiscal year 2013. The state prudently used higher than forecast income tax collections in fiscal 2013 to pay down a portion of the accounts payable balance.
LONG TERM LIABILITIES HIGH: The state’s debt burden is above average and rose during the recession with issuance for operational purposes. Continued borrowing is expected under the $31 billion capital plan. Further, unfunded pension liabilities are exceptionally high and are expected to remain so, even if pension reform survives legal challenge.
ACTION ON PENSIONS: Passage of pension reform legislation was a positive indication of the state’s willingness to take action on this complicated issue after many failed attempts. Legal protection of pension benefits is particularly strong in Illinois and, as expected, legal challenge to the reform has been filed.
ECONOMY STRONG BUT RECOVERY SLOW: The state benefits from a large, diverse economy centered on the Chicago metropolitan area, which is the nation’s third largest and is a nationally important business and transportation center.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Maintenance of the ‘A-’ rating will require timely action in advance of the expiration of temporary tax increases in fiscal 2015. Deterioration in the state’s financial position, as evidenced by excessive use of non-recurring revenues or additional payment deferrals, would likely lead to a downgrade. In addition, stabilization of the rating will reflect the extent to which pension reform enhances the funding levels of the pension systems and controls the growing impact of pension payments on the budget.
* From Moody’s…
SUMMARY RATING RATIONALE
The rating is supported by the state’s general obligation (GO) pledge. Despite substantial pension reforms adopted in December, Illinois remains the lowest-rated US state, at A3 with a negative outlook. Reform enactment launched the legal process that will determine whether constitutional protections prevent the state (and local units) from lowering liabilities through plan changes that affect existing pension participants. Courts may invalidate the reform package altogether, or block pieces of it. If allowed, the reforms could put Illinois on track to manageable long-term pension funding, although the retiree benefits burden will still be heavy compared with many other states. Also pressuring Illinois’ finances is a history of operating deficits, negative GAAP-basis fund balances and payment deferrals. As offsets to its challenges, Illinois has a large and diverse economy, with above-average wealth, and its powers over revenue and spending are strong. State law gives the highest priority to the payment of general obligation debt service. […]
OUTLOOK
Illinois’ negative outlook reflects our expectation that the state’s financial position could deteriorate further if the state’s 2011 tax rate increases are allowed to expire without offsetting steps next year. Pension reforms passed in December could improve the state’s credit standing, by reducing accrued liabilities, but they may be rejected after legal challenges from employees and retirees.
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP
–Implementation of a credible, comprehensive long-term pension funding plan, after favorable court ruling
–Substantial progress in reducing payment backlog, with adoption of a legal framework or plan to prevent renewed buildup of bills
–Establishment of a pattern of structurally balanced budgets
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN
–Failure to address impending revenue loss from partial sunset of 2011 tax increases
–Significant further deterioration in pension funded status
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Fun with numbers
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* ABC 7…
Chicago’s first-quarter murder total this year hit its lowest number since 1958, police say.
The first three months of the year saw 6 fewer murders than the same time frame in 2013–a 9 percent drop–and 55 fewer murders than 2012, according to a statement from Chicago Police.
There were 90 fewer shootings and 119 fewer shooting victims, drops of 26 and 29 percent respectively, according to police statistics. Compared to the first quarter of 2012, there have been 222 fewer shootings and 292 fewer shooting victims.
* BizPac Review sucks its thumb…
So what’s changed that could possibly account for such a dramatic fall in a city that was fast becoming known for its homicide rates — especially in its notorious South Side neighborhoods?
In July, the Illinois legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto to make The Land of Lincoln the final state in the country to have a concealed firearm carry permit law.
This is a classic case of correlation not being causation. The first 5,000 concealed carry permits weren’t mailed until February 28th, two months into the quarter.
Not to mention the coldest winter on record kept people cooped up inside. And the indisputable fact that the Chicago police have been doing a much better job at stopping crime over the past two years.
Don’t take any credit yet, gun-lovers.
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Today’s numbers are shrinking
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Daniel Kay Hertz documented Chicago’s shrinking middle class since 1970 by measuring each Census tract’s median family income as a percentage of the median family income for the Chicago metropolitan region as a whole. The gray areas are defined as middle class on the map tracts. Check it out…
If the gif images aren’t advancing on your browser, click here.
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Caption contest!
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Oswego Willy won’t be commenting much today because he’s at opening day. He sent over a photo…
I told him to watch out for falling concrete.
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Question of the day
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Bruce Rauner scored just 17 percent of Sangamon County Republican primary votes last month. He has slammed Republicans who work with public employee unions as “corrupt,” which would include all three of the GOP legislators who represent Springfield, which is chock full of state employees. Sen. Kirk Dillard, who was backed by those unions, won the county with a whopping 62 percent of the vote.
But Rauner will soon travel to the belly of the beast, so to speak…
GOP gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner will speak at a Sangamon County Republican Foundation event in Springfield on April 8.
Rosemarie Long, who chairs the county Republican Party, said the first-ever recognition evening for major supporters of the foundation will be at the Sangamo Club. Drinda O’Connor is treasurer of the foundation, which provides support to local Republican efforts.
Bill Cellini was the foundation’s former chairman, and stepped down as its treasurer in 2012.
* The Question: What will Bruce Rauner say to Sangamon County Republicans? Snark is heavily encouraged, of course. Have fun.
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* Senate Republicans were really upset yesterday…
Gov. Pat Quinn engaged in a “sneaky abuse of power” when he sidestepped the Illinois Senate in an attempt to keep two controversial appointees on the job, Republicans said Thursday.
A week after the Democrat from Chicago used an unprecedented parliamentary maneuver to extend the tenures of two agency heads, GOP senators called on the Attorney General’s office to weigh in on the move and filed legislation designed to close a loophole in the Senate rules that govern gubernatorial appointees.
“This is really a slap in the face to the Senate,” said state Sen. Michael Connelly, R-Lisle.
* But this is what Gov. Quinn said yesterday…
“Well, the Senate President asked for more time and we were happy to give it to him.”
Audio…
It can’t possibly be a “slap in the face to the Senate” by the governor if the Senate President is the one who asked Quinn to do it. Pretty much every story written on this topic has made it appear as though Quinn did an end-run around Cullerton, when in fact, as subscribers already know, this was a negotiated deal.
* However, there is a good argument here…
State Sen. Tim Bivins’ amendment would prevent an extension of the 60 session days of consideration the Senate has by law to confirm appointments made by the governor. Senate Republicans are also sponsoring a modification of the Senate rules, and have asked Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to issue an opinion on the current law.
“This flies in the face of the constitution and its intent,” Bivins, of Dixon, said of Quinn’s actions. He noted that under the constitution, “the potential exists to make all appointments in this manner.” […]
The governor’s withdrawing the names of Hamos and Flores from consideration by the Senate and then moving to re-nominate them allows the time clock on the appointment process to restart, giving supporters of the an extra 60 [session] days to secure votes in their favor.
A governor could conceivably do this forever to get around the “advice and consent” clause of the Constitution. That’s a problem.
* However, the Illinois Constitution is weighted heavily in favor of the governor…
The Governor shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a majority of the members elected concurring by record vote, shall appoint all officers whose election or appointment is not otherwise provided for.
Any nomination not acted upon by the Senate within 60 session days after the receipt thereof shall be deemed to have received the advice and consent of the Senate.
The General Assembly shall have no power to elect or appoint officers of the Executive Branch.
Unlike the federal branch, our state Constitution deems appointees confirmed if there is no Senate action. If the Senate chooses not to act, you can’t really compel it to do something here.
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Today’s quote
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dispatch-Argus reporter Eric Timmons interviewed Paul Schimpf, the Republican candidate for Illinois attorney general…
Mr. Schimpf faces tough odds in taking on incumbent Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
He called the “biggest threat” to the nation the “toxicity and venom in our politics” and promises to steer clear of mudslinging, even if that irks party officials.
“There are some consultants in the Republican Party that are saying you need to attack her (Ms. Madigan) personally and make the argument that she should be in jail,” he said. “I don’t believe that, and I’m not going to do that.”
Those are some pretty intense consultants.
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It’s about the tax hike
Friday, Apr 4, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* After talking about “intrigue” and “mysteries” for days, the Chicago media finally woke up to what has really gone wrong with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s pension reform bill. I mean, just look at this story from two days ago…
Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday trotted out his running mate Paul Vallas to hammer Republican challenger Bruce Rauner’s position that the state income tax rate should rolled back, saying doing so would result in huge cuts to education and spikes in local property tax rates. [Emphasis added.]
* Much of last week’s budget address was about how Illinois’ high property taxes were holding the state economy back…
In Illinois, more is collected in property taxes every year than in the state income tax and state sales tax combined. In fact, Illinois has one of the highest property tax burdens on homeowners in the nation - more than 20 percent above the national average. The property tax is not based on ability to pay. The property tax is a complicated, unfair tax, hitting middle class families the hardest.
* Flash-forward…
If the mayor’s pension reform plan is approved by state lawmakers, the governor and local aldermen, the city’s share of property would increase over 30 percent by the year 2020.
* So, bingo. Now everybody knows what’s up. It’s the taxes, man…
Gov. Pat Quinn finds himself in a bit of a political pickle: he’s running for re-election on a pledge to cut property taxes, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to raise Chicago property taxes as part of a plan to shore up the city’s ailing government worker pension systems. […]
Signing a city pension bill that would end up with a Chicago property tax increase would run counter to Quinn’s campaign message ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
* The Governor made it pretty darned certain yesterday where he stands…
I wanna make it clear: I believe in reducing the burden of property taxes in our state.”
* And it’s not just Gov. Quinn…
“Right now, a lot of people are concerned about the property tax part of the bill,” said Rep. Mike Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat who supports the bill. “It all came up all of a sudden, and a lot of us were thrown off.” […]
“We’re nowhere right now. I think our members had reservations about granting a new levy authority for the city of Chicago,” said [House GOP leader Jim Durkin], who added that the legislature needs to help Chicago find a way to resolve its financial problem.
* More…
Municipal pension funds are created and governed by state law, so the General Assembly must approve changes. The Chicago plan would increase employee contributions and reduce benefits to retirees. But lawmakers don’t want their fingerprints on any city council vote to raise taxes.
“A lot of us would like to see the aldermen take that vote before we do ours … ,” said Chicago Democratic Rep. Kenneth Dunkin, leader of the Legislative Black Caucus. “We’re starting down here, but there are no assurances the city of Chicago, the aldermen, will follow suit.” […]
“There’s really no reason for any mention of real estate taxes in that pension bill … ,” said Rep. Ron Sandack, a Downers Grove Republican. “For me, I’m not going to vote for a pension bill that has any mention of even a permissive, suggestion of raising taxes. That’s for them.”
* But there’s a problem…
Matt Brandon, secretary-treasurer of SEIU Local 73, said his union, which has about 10,000 members affected by the city pension plan, believes the property-tax guarantee should remain in the package.
“There has to be a revenue guarantee to make this bill the bill we sat down and agreed to with the city of Chicago,” Brandon told Early & Often.
“If what happens with this bill eliminates the revenue guarantee that all of the unions sat there and negotiated with the city, no, we can’t support this bill because that’s the only way we get the pensions 90-percent funded by 2054,” Brandon said.
* SEIU is also trying to calm some nerves. The CTU went after Rep. Christian Mitchell (D-Chicago) hard in the primary, but the SEIU’s Brandon is attempting to assure nervous legislators that his union will have their backs…
Brandon, however, tried to calm that sentiment by telling reticent city Democrats his union — and others backing the mayor’s plan — would be with them come election time if they vote for the city pension package.
* But SEIU’s message may not be getting out…
Emanuel said he had agreement from 31 labor unions involved, but representatives from three — including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Chicago Teachers Union — oppose it. Those are powerful voices, said Nekritz, and lawmakers haven’t been lobbied by the groups Emanuel says are in favor.
“We’re not hearing anything from them to say, `Yes, do this’… ,” Nekritz said. “That sends a message.”
* But notice how toned down Rauner’s reaction is…
A spokesman for venture capitalist Bruce Rauner, Quinn’s Republican opponent in the November election, said in a statement that Rauner disagreed with the mayor’s proposal.
“Bruce has always maintained that true pension reform requires moving towards a defined contribution style system and believes that should also be part of the solution for Chicago,” said campaign spokesman Mike Schrimpf.
Compare that to his rants on the state pension reform bill and this is unbelievably mild.
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* From a press release…
Rauner Releases Second Ad of General Election
- Highlights bi-partisan support, will take on both political parties -
Citizens for Rauner launched a new television advertisement today featuring Bruce’s wife, Diana, and highlighting his willingness to take on both parties to fix Illinois.
Watch it by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqzFaWpDLOI&feature=youtu.be
The Rauner campaign’s first ad of the general election was a Spanish-language ad released two weeks ago.
“NUTS”
BR: I’m Bruce Rauner
DR: I’m Diana Rauner
BR: I’m pragmatic
DR: He’s cheap
BR: We don’t agree on everything
DR: Like politics
BR: What to eat
DR: And that shirt
BR: What?
DR: It’s old and ugly
BR: I’m a Republican
DR: I’m a Democrat
BR: I love her anyway
DR: I’m voting for him anyway because I know Bruce will take on both parties to fix Illinois.
BR: And drive the career politicians nuts. I will. I’ll drive them nuts.
DR: I know, honey. I know.
* It views much better than it reads. Mrs. Rauner is really quite good at this. Have a look-see…
*** UPDATE *** Here’s the cable TV portion of the buy. Notice the networks, including Food Channel and HGTV. This ain’t a Fox News kinda thing…
Citizens for Rauner
Republican candidate for Governor of Illinois
Agency: Access Media, Los Angeles
Total schedule: $82,256
Flight Dates: 4/4/14 - 4/10/14
Networks: BRVO, FOOD, HGTV, TVL, USA
Dayparts: 4-7P, 7P-Midnight
Syscodes / zones / $ by zone
5170 / Chicago Interconnect / $68, 880
9804 / DirecTV / $7,917
9810 / DISH / $5,459
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Biz leaders want tax hikes for infrastructure
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Herald-Whig…
Higher fuel taxes could help pay for new road construction under a plan proposed by an Illinois transportation group.
The Transportation for Illinois Coalition unveiled the proposal Tuesday in Springfield. Members say it would provide stability and $1.8 billion annually for construction on roads, bridges, railways and airports.
Coalition chairman Doug Whitley said the plan is needed because a five-year capital construction program, Illinois Jobs Now, is coming to an end this year and the Illinois Department of Transportation is funded at a level that only allows maintenance.
Under the group’s plan, the Legislature should raise vehicle registration fees, impose a 4-cent increase in the gas tax, a 7-cent increase in diesel fuel taxes — coupled with the elimination of the state’s commercial distribution fee — and end ethanol credits for gasoline.
That’s an awful big ask.
* WUIS…
The state’s gas tax has stayed the same for more than two decades. This plan would raise it by 4 cents a gallon and 7 cents for diesel fuel. Jennifer Morrison is with the Transportation for Illinois Coalition, which includes business and labor groups. Combined with an increase in vehicle registration fees and a new sales tax on services like auto repair and oil changes, she says the state’s transportation system can avoid total disrepair.
“If we don’t do anything … That would mean one in every three miles would be in unacceptable condition,” she said.
Doug Whitley, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, says without a long term plan, drivers could be in danger. He points to road and bridge failures.
“What happened in Minnesota, what happened in Washington is disastrous and we don’t want that,” he said.
Much more info can be found by clicking here.
* Bruce Rauner’s response…
Rauner also said he wanted the state to spend more on infrastructure improvement, although he also said he didn’t think Illinois’ motor fuel tax would need to be increased.
“I don’t think so today, based on what I’ve seen,” he said.
George Ryan said the same thing in his 1998 bid. Just sayin…
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Question of the day
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
Supporters of a bill that would remove criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois released the results of a statewide poll showing strong support for such legislation. The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee approved the bill last week, and supporters are now calling on members of the House to approve the proposal.
The Public Policy Polling survey shows 63% of Illinois voters support making possession of an ounce of marijuana a non-criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $100. Only 27% oppose the proposal. The poll found majority support across all reported genders, races, and political party affiliations. The survey, which polled 769 Illinois voters from March 28-30, is available at http://www.mpp.org/ILpoll.
HB 5708, introduced by Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), would eliminate criminal penalties and the possibility of a criminal record for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. It would establish a new class of offense called a “regulatory offense,” which would prohibit arrest or jail time, limit fines to no more than $100, and require the ticket to be removed from a person’s record after the fine is paid, which would prevent individuals from losing employment and housing opportunities.
* According to the poll, even 56 percent of Republicans support this concept. Here’s the actual poll question…
Under current Illinois law, it is a criminal offense for a person to possess marijuana, and he or she can be sentenced to up to a year in jail for possessing an ounce of marijuana. Would you support or oppose a change in the law to make it a non-criminal offense to possess an ounce or less of marijuana for personal use, punishable by a fine of up to $100, but without jail time?
* Let’s ask the same question. Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
online survey
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Rahm’s rocky road
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As you all know by now, there was no progress yesterday on Rahm Emanuel’s pension reform proposal…
The rapid rollout strategy was aimed at giving legislators little time to get cold feet and blunting labor union lobbying against the changes. But several Chicago lawmakers raised concerns, Democrats blamed Republicans for not getting on board, and the blitzkrieg approach failed — at least for a day. […]
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the speaker was “still working the roll call” and was trying to achieve bipartisan support for the bill. But many Republicans remained critical, including Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, who mocked Raoul’s explanation that the bill was fast-tracked because Chicago was in the midst of a crisis.
“This state is always in a crisis,” Radogno said. “When will it end?”
Not only did a vote sputter in the House, but the Senate wasn’t embracing the pension plan either. […]
Democratic Rep. LaShawn Ford said African-American lawmakers were split on the pension bill, adding that he opposed it because his West Side community had “already paid the cost to the city” with closed public schools.
* This is part of what really went down…
Madigan’s legislation would authorize the City Council to levy $50 million more during each of five years, starting in 2016, to devote toward city pension costs. By year five, that tax levy would stand at $250 million more than today, but Republicans added up all of the revenue collected during that period and dubbed Emanuel’s handiwork as a $750 million property-tax increase that they wanted no part of.
“A $750 million property tax-increase is the last thing we need in Illinois,” said Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, who voted against Madigan’s legislation in committee. “This is outrageous. This is going to kill jobs. I oppose this tax increase.”
During committee, Madigan said he was prepared to amend his legislation to soften the property-tax mandate on the City Council by making it merely an option, not compulsory. That amendment wound up being tacked onto his bill Wednesday afternoon.
The original legislation, crafted by the mayor, ordered the city council to pass the tax hike. No way, man. No way.
* Also…
One House Democrat from the city told Early & Often that no one had formally reached out from the mayor’s staff to make a personal pitch for the bill, an oddity given the magnitude of what Emanuel is asking state lawmakers to do on his behalf in Springfield, particularly if Republicans are MIA on the bill. […]
When it became clear the big lift to pass the bill wouldn’t be shared with Republicans, rank-and-file city Democrats appeared to get cold feet with the property-tax component. Others privately expressed worry about opposition to the bill from the Chicago Teachers Union, which last month nearly unseated state Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago, in a bitter primary in which his December support for a state pension package became a central issue.
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Beyond the rhetoric
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Tom Kacich at the News Gazette…
One of the first things he’d do as governor, Republican nominee Bruce Rauner said Wednesday, is appoint a task force to study Illinois’ state and local government structure with an eye toward reducing their numbers and size. […]
Among his top priorities, Rauner said, is to “form a task force immediately on day one. It’s not going to be long-lived. It’s going to be about a six-month task force composed of county (board) chairmen, mayors, city managers and school superintendents, to form a task force with me and (lieutenant governor nominee) Evelyn Sanguinetti with a goal of meeting to talk about how we bring efficiency through the layers of government throughout the state of Illinois. Today our spending problems and our tax problems are not only at the state levels. They’re at the county level, the school district level and the city and municipal level. […]
Asked if he wanted to eliminate 3,000 units of government, he answered, “What we have to look at is, how can we be more competitive and efficient? I can’t name numbers today. I know we have thousands more units and you’ve got to ask yourself, common sense would say, why? We’re not that different than other states. Why do we need 3,000 more units of government than any other states? That doesn’t make sense.”
Although Illinois does have more units of local government than any other state — 6,963 as of June 30, 2012, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report — it has only 1,816 units more than Texas. But Texas is almost five times larger than Illinois and has about twice the population.
Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf said Rauner was referring to other Midwestern states, none of which has more than 3,752 units of government (Missouri).
Missouri’s population is half the size of ours, so they actually have more governmental units per capita than we do.
* But there’s no doubt that Illinois has far too many local governments. And a task force has already taken a close look at the problem. The bipartisan Local Government Consolidation Commission was created in 2011 and released its findings yesterday. From its summary…
By reviewing reports from around the country conducted on the topic of local government and consulting with experts who worked on such reports, the Commission realized that simply reducing the number of local governmental units does not necessarily result in a reduction in costs to the taxpayer. Current findings suggest that successful models of cooperation and consolidation in local government aim to achieve greater economies of efficiency and increase the effectiveness of government at all levels. When the goal is improving the efficiency of service while maintaining service quality and controlling costs, cooperation proves much more successful than efforts focused on reducing the number of local governments in an area.
Additionally, findings suggest that cooperation and consolidation must be approached on a case-by-case basis, as different local units of government have different needs. Working on a case-by-case basis allows cooperation and consolidation advocates in government to better understand the needs and reservations of the residents within the district. Residents often take pride in where they live, changes to the structure and operation of their government must be approached with open communication between all involved parties. Open communication can allow all sides to be aware of the other’s stance, making the end result more acceptable to all. As votes are often required to actually consolidate, working towards a result voters support is essential. [Emphasis added.]
* The commission worked very closely with DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, who has made headway into reducing the number of governments in his county. Cronin is a Rauner supporter, so perhaps the candidate could reach out. Back to the commission’s report…
As a result of the findings, Chairman Cronin recommended that there be greater oversight by the county with regard to special districts to which the county appoints members. Counties currently do not have the authority to affect these special districts without state action. Most local districts come into existence through local referendum and can only be undone by local referendum. Chairman Cronin believes that if the County had greater control over these special districts, they would be able to put in place better practices and hopefully find ways to save taxpayer dollars.
* And a bill has not only been filed, but has cleared the House. From Rep. Jack Franks…
Additions to Illinois’ nearly 7,000 units of local government will come to a stop under legislation passed through the House on Wednesday by state Rep. Jack D. Franks, D-Marengo.
“Illinois stagnant economy is hindered by local government intrusion into taxpayers’ pocketbooks and lives,” Franks said. “The addition of layer after layer of local government in our state is similar to a gambler who, after losing hand after hand, continues to bet more in the hopes that, on the next hand, he will hit the jackpot. To me, the lesson here is very clear – when you’re in a hole, stop digging.”
House Bill 3251 places a four-year moratorium on the Illinois General Assembly’s authority to create any new units of local government. However, it does allow a government body to be created as a result of the consolidation of two or more pre-existing units.
The Local Government Consolidation Commission, chaired by Rep. Franks, also released its final report Wednesday. The report details the meetings, findings and recommendations of the commission, and represents research and work toward building a consensus between the many members on addressing the excess of local government bodies in Illinois.
The commission’s recommendation to grant various municipal governments the authority to annex, consolidate or dissolve has been filed by Rep. Franks as House Bill 5785. That measure awaits a vote of the full House following passage by the Counties and Townships Committee.
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Fun with money
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Approximate projected net cost of the Democratic plan to mail $500 property tax “rebate” checks to every homeowner before the November election: $700 million.
* Approximate projected net revenues from House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 3 percent tax surcharge on income over a million dollars, which is all earmarked for education: $1 billion.
Couldn’t they just give schools another $700 million and forgo creating a top state income tax rate of 8 percent?
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Caption contest!
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Illinois Senate Republican Fan Page on Facebook…
Sen. Bivins listens intently as his democratic colleague explains legislation in the Criminal Law Committee.
Tim is one of the funnier guys in the General Assembly. So, maybe we should have a little fun with him today…
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* Gov. Pat Quinn is out on the circuit today…
GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC SCHEDULE
**Thursday, April 3, 2014**
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn will visit DePaul University to discuss his plan to make higher education more affordable and accessible by doubling the state’s investment in the Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) over the next five years.
Quinn is also planning stops in Urbana and DeKalb.
* From the Bruce Rauner campaign…
Quinnocchio Goes To College
- Quinn’s History on MAP Grants Doesn’t Match His Rhetoric –
Quinnocchio predicts that when Pat Quinn meets with DePaul University students this morning about MAP grants he won’t tell them about his previous cuts to the program. […]
Quinn Eventually Signed A Budget That Actually Cut MAP Funds For FY2013. “The budget he signed last month cuts MAP funds by 4 percent, according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.” (Christopher Wills, “Quinn Signs Bill Ending Legislative Scholarships,” The Associated Press, 7/11/12)
Funding For Needy Illinois College Students Was Just $370.8 Million In FY2013 - When Adjusted For Inflation, That Is The Lowest Funding Level For MAP In More Than A Decade. (Table 2.0a, 2013 Illinois Student Assistance Commission Data Book, Accessed 3/27/14)
Only 37.4% Of Eligible Students Who Applied In FY2013 Received A MAP Grant - The Lowest Proportion Of Applicants To Receive Grants Since FY1999 At Least. (Table 2.0a, 2013, Illinois Student Assistance Commission Data Book, Accessed 3/27/14)
Quinn Cut MAP Funding In Half In 2009
Quinn And General Assembly Democrats Slashed MAP Funding In Half In The Initial FY2010 Budget. “About a quarter of Illinois’ college students depend on the so-called MAP grants. But lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn decided earlier this year, in the midst of a state budget crisis, to fund only about half of the $440 million program — enough to get students through the first half of the school year.” (Jodi. S. Cohen, “College Funding Program On Empty,” Chicago Tribune, 10/11/09
* Rauner was in Champaign County yesterday and talked about the need for more spending on higher education…
“Under Pat Quinn’s administration state support for the (University of Illinois) and other universities has been cut. That’s wrong. We should be increasing our investment in education. Education’s the most important investment we can make together as a community.”
He also said he’d undertake a closer review of university spending as governor.
“Much of the spending at the University of Illinois and in other universities has grown very highly in the administrative cost structure whereas spending inside the classroom and on research hasn’t necessarily kept pace. I’d like to see us re-prioritize, invest in the classroom for the students and invest in the research and the potential economic development and be more efficient in the administrative layer.”
Thoughts?
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Propeller heads?
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel [yesterday] dismissed a state task force report that called for one mega mass transit agency combining the CTA, Metra and PACE as written by “propeller heads.”
The characterization came today when the mayor was asked if the single transit agency is a good idea.
“No, and in capital letters. Let me just be really clear: This is what happens when you lock up a lot of propeller heads in a room for a short period of time. First they say we have an unaccountable, nameless, faceless bureaucracy. Hold on, we’d like to replace it with the new version of a unaccountable, nameless, faceless bureaucracy,” Emanuel said after today’s City Council meeting.
“I’ve had my views on the importance of being a propeller head. I think I’ve given you my views of that. It is a non starter with this,” the mayor added.
* But the Tribune editorial board was quite impressed with the recommendations this week…
•There’s no strategic plan to expand the transit system or increase ridership. The CTA, Metra and Pace aren’t working together to make buses and trains more accessible and convenient. The “legacy system” is still Loop-centric, while other employment corridors are woefully underserved. Only 12 percent of suburbanites can get to work on mass transit in less than 90 minutes.
•Capital spending is all about catch-up. There’s a $20 billion backlog just to bring the system into a “state of good repair,” according to the Regional Transportation Authority, which is supposed to provide oversight for the three transit agencies but — here’s another task force finding — doesn’t. Transit spending is based on returning revenue to where it was raised, not on building a system that serves the region.
•Much of this can be blamed on an entrenched “culture of division.” The system is governed by four boards, with 47 members appointed by 21 elected officials. Instead of thinking regionally, board members defend the parochial agendas of the politicians who appoint them.
The task force recommends transitioning to a single oversight board — but not the RTA. A 2008 transit reform bill, passed mostly to address the CTA’s chronic budget emergencies, was intended to give the RTA the teeth to force the transit boards to work together, the report notes. The RTA was supposed to develop a strategic plan and to set and enforce performance standards. That didn’t happen. “The agency’s lackluster response to the new authority given to it in 2008 does not inspire confidence,” the task force report says. It also criticizes the RTA for employing Madigan’s son-in-law as its chief of staff.
Members of the new board would be appointed by local governments and the state. Candidates would be vetted by an independent panel to guard against cronyism and conflicts of interest. They wouldn’t be salaried — until recently, they qualified for state pensions — and they could be removed more easily if, for example, they signed off on another hush-money severance deal.
Discuss.
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The times are changing
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Check out this roll call…
Sen. Iris Martinez, D-Chicago, proposed a bill permitting minors with seizure disorders, including epilepsy, to take a derivative of medical cannabis. It passed 49-5 in the Senate and goes to the House. […]
Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, whose grandson has as many as 100 seizures in a day, said he was torn about the bill because was concerned about the long-term side effects of marijuana on children.
Martinez responded that the marijuana extract given to seizing children had “no real side-effect,” especially compared to the FDA-approved drugs already on the market for epilepsy. She said that where current drugs fail to cut down on the number of seizures a kid has, marijuana oil has been proven to significantly reduce seizures “in an enormous way.”
But Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon, said he wouldn’t vote for the bill because it didn’t specify how the medicine would be taken. Bivins said he opposed the idea of allowing kids to smoke the drug.
Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, came to the defense of the bill, saying the important thing is that marijuana actually works at reducing seizures.
Luechtefeld ended up voting for the bill. Sen. Bivins voted “Present.”
Voting “No” were Republican Sens. Bill Brady, Kyle McCarter, Christine Radogno, Dale Righter and Chapin Rose.
But twelve Republicans voted “Yes.”
Twelve.
Progress is being made, folks.
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Support clean energy: Fix the RPS
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
The Illinois renewable portfolio standard (the RPS) was passed into law in 2007 and requires 25% of the state’s power to come from clean sources by 2025. The RPS made Illinois a leader in renewable energy development between 2008 – 2012. Yet a glitch in state law has broken the RPS, halting renewable energy development and leaving Illinois behind as the market grows.
Maintaining a strong RPS is #1 priority for growing clean energy businesses in Illinois. Legislation now pending in the General Assembly would fix the RPS and jumpstart billions of dollars of clean energy development.
Click below to meet Illinois clean energy workers and find out more about the important role this industry plays in our state’s economy. Let’s make Illinois a clean energy leader again – support the RPS fix!
WWW.CLEANJOBSILLINOIS.COM
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Credit Unions - Protecting consumers during times of need
Thursday, Apr 3, 2014 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Credit unions live out their ‘People Helping People” philosophy everyday and truly in times of disasters. The cooperative structure of credit unions, not their size or range of services, is the reason for their tax exemption – and why nearly three million Illinois residents call them home. Owned and democratically controlled by the people who use them, credit unions help members reach day-to-day financial goals and provide unwavering support during crucial times. After finding itself at the epicenter of the November 17 tornadoes, CEFCU’s Washington branch immediately served as a command center. The next day, the credit union donated $100,000 to the local Red Cross and collected funds at all Illinois member centers. Staff also contributed personal funds. Recognizing that the security of personal financial information was potentially compromised, CEFCU offered one free year of credit monitoring to all members impacted by the storms. CEFCU also established a response team for comprehensive member service, hosted a homeowner seminar, waived fees, rushed check orders, replaced debit and credit cards overnight at no charge, and opened its Washington branch two Sundays to provide extended service hours. People before profits – the one credit union principle that remains constant – and highly valued by their members.
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