* A spokesman for Gov. Pat Quinn says the state plans to appeal. This is AFSCME’s statement, with one from Quinn supposedly coming soon…
Frontline state employees represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 won a partial but important victory in Cook County Circuit Court yesterday when Judge Richard Billik ordered that the administration of Governor Pat Quinn is obligated to pay wages the governor has unilaterally withheld from some 30,000 state workers since July 2011.
Governor Quinn refused to pay negotiated wage increases provided in the union contract, arguing that the state legislature failed to appropriate sufficient funds. An independent arbitrator subsequently found the Governor in violation of the contract and ordered him to pay the wages, but the administration appealed.
While Billik found that the state cannot immediately pay more than the appropriated amount, he ruled that this argument does not dissolve the state’s contractual obligation. The state must pay what it can now and make employees whole eventually.
“This ruling is a strong affirmation of the union’s clear and simple position: Employees must be paid the wages they are owed, and a contract cannot be unilaterally discarded,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said.
Judge Billik had previously ordered the state to preserve and sequester funds available at the end of the 2012 fiscal year, preventing them from lapsing until the case is decided. He has now ordered the Quinn Administration to work with the Comptroller to place those funds in a trust that cannot be accessed except to pay employees what they are owed. Billik will issue a further ruling clarifying how these funds may be disbursed.
Affected employees are those who work for the Illinois Departments of Corrections, Human Services, Juvenile Justice, Natural Resources and Public Health as well as the Human Rights Commission.
“Governor Quinn has wasted hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars with the goal of preventing middle-class public employees from being paid according to their contract and the law,” AFSCME director Bayer said. “We urge the governor to end his wasteful court battle and move forward to pay employees who have waited far too long.”
*** UPDATE *** From the Governor’s office…
The Illinois General Assembly did not appropriate money for raises in its Fiscal Year 12 budget. As the Governor has said repeatedly, the state cannot pay money it does not have the appropriation authority to spend. We will immediately appeal this ruling.
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* I absolutely hate deciding on the best legislative admin assistant awards. I love them all, but they rule the world so I’m scared to death of them (just kidding… kinda).
Kristin Milligan got a whole lot of nominations this time around. Her boss, Skip Saviano, lost his election, so let’s all hope her future is bright and secure. Kristin won last year, so that’s why I chose to give it to someone else - not because she isn’t the best. I just wanted to spread it around a bit.
And even then, I couldn’t decide. So, I’m declaring a tie in the “Beth Hamilton Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Secretary/Admin. Assistant.”
Carol Shehorn…
Have to agree that Carol Shehorn is a “gift” to anyone who works with the House and Leader Currie. It does not matter if it’s perfunctory day, Budget Address Day, committee deadline week or the last in May, Carol goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist people. And she does it with a smile on her face and makes everyone from an intern to a Legislative Leader feel like they are the most important person she will talk to that day. They don’t come any better than Carol.
And Sally McDaniel-Smith…
Sally Smith is unquestionably the best admin in the House. Her patience is astounding. She supports House legal staff with a smile on her face – even though dealing with 12 young lawyers day in and day out is enough to make even the sweetest person near suicidal. Even when deadlines are looming, HWV’s left eyeball is twitching, and everyone is at their wits’ end . . . Sally remarkably remains calm, cool, and collected. There were days I would have nominated her for sainthood – let alone a golden horseshoe.
I truly wish I could give it to every nominee.
* Now, let’s move on to today’s category…
Best Senate Secretary/Admin. Assistant
As always, keep in mind that intensity is all-important here. Nominations without explanations will be ignored.
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* Pantagraph…
After portraying state workers as overpaid and then terminating their union contract, Gov. Pat Quinn now wants them to know he still respects them.
In a letter sent Tuesday to about 49,000 employees under his control, the Chicago Democrat wrote that he wants to work with them to help address the state’s fiscal woes. […]
“Governor Quinn’s latest rhetoric doesn’t match reality,” AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall said. “For months he has blamed state employees and retirees for Illinois’ budget problems and lied about their pay, health care and pension benefits.
“If he truly respects their work, he has a funny way of showing it, by trying to lay them off, weaken their bargaining rights and drive down their standard of living,” Lindall added.
* And here’s the e-mail…
Subject: Update: Our efforts to negotiate a new agreement
To all state employees in Illinois:
Throughout my career, I have respected the important work of public employees. Today more than ever I admire your dedication to serve in the midst of often difficult circumstances.
We did not create the unprecedented financial challenges we now face, but working together, we must take the difficult steps necessary to put Illinois back on sound financial footing.
Recently you may have read or heard about the status of bargaining between the administration and AFSCME.
My team continues to negotiate with AFSCME and other unions that represent most state employees with the goal of reaching a fair agreement as soon as possible.
I want to make very clear that my staff has not left the bargaining table. We are meeting again with AFSCME’s team next week. We have made significant efforts to compromise in negotiations, bearing in mind the reality of our unprecedented budget challenges.
I value your hard work, your commitment to the common good and your service to Illinois and its people.
* I also asked AFSCME for a response…
The proof will be in what the administration brings to the table. All year long our proposals have been extremely modest, and in the most recent round of negotiations we moved dramatically. We are seeking only to keep pace with the cost of living over the life of the agreement, while the state’s demands have relentlessly sought to drive down the middle class standard of living of state employees and retirees.
The Quinn administration’s demands reflect its misleading and overblown claims about worker pay, health care and pensions. They are not the basis of a fair agreement. So instead of talking about respect, it’s time to show it, with a new and different proposal at the table next week–one that doesn’t dig into the pockets of state employees, unaffordably driving up their health care costs and undercutting the middle class wages their families depend on.
* By the way, Quinn was booed by AFSCME members today at the Greater Kankakee Airport during an event to announce this…
A major national energy company on Thursday announced a $260 million expansion plan of an existing pipeline in Herscher that will make Kankakee County the center of gas distribution in the northern United States and Canada.
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Report: Serious internal strife at IML
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Daily Herald reported this week about some major turmoil within the Illinois Municipal League. Fascinating stuff…
Several board members — mainly from the suburbs — are questioning hiring practices, construction projects and financial management of the Springfield-based agency, according to letters and documents obtained by the Daily Herald between League officials and board members of the agency.
“The two biggest issues are the upper level management and personnel issues,” said Woodridge Mayor Bill Murphy, a past president of the League’s board and current member of its executive committee. “Those can be resolved with the timely resignation of Executive Director Larry Frang, who should be allowed to retire with dignity sometime in 2013. Earlier, than later.” […]
In February, a motion to fire Deputy Director Roger Huebner from his $192,474-a-year post was rejected 7-5 by the board’s executive committee.
That vote came on the heels of Huebner’s daughter being hired to a $32,500-a-year post as the League’s media relations specialist, a position that didn’t exist before her hiring. […]
The opposition mayors also expressed concern about more than $720,000 in renovations to the League’s offices in Springfield over the past six years that were not put up for bid.
* And you almost never see public comments like this from another municipal group…
“We’re in the camp of concern,” said Mark Fowler, executive director at the Northwest Municipal Conference that represents more than 40 suburbs in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. “It’s imperative for all organizations like ours to be good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars and that’s the bottom line. I think there are significant questions that some board members have that need to be answered by the organization.”
Go read the whole thing.
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* From a news report dated December 6, 2012…
Gov. Pat Quinn says he’s working “night and day” with other top Illinois leaders on ways to address the critically low water levels on the Mississippi River.
The river covers hundreds of miles of the state’s border and is important to agriculture in Illinois, particularly because many of the state’s products are transported on the river.
The nation’s worst drought in decades has led to low levels. If they worsen, barge operators fear the waterway could become impassable.
* From November 7th, 2012, speaking about pension reform…
Quinn told reporters Wednesday he’ll be “working on that issue night and day.”
* June 15, 2010, at MidAmerica Airport…
“We’ve got to work night and day to keep building this airport,” Quinn said during a dedication ceremony inside a new $5.7 million facility.
* May 3, 2012…
“I look forward to working with the General Assembly night and day to make more progress in the remaining four weeks”
* October 31, 2011, after lawmakers had overridden his veto of the ComEd-backed “smart grid” bill…
“My job as governor is to protect our democracy from being infected by corruption or undue influence by powerful corporations and interests and I plan to do that night and day.
* November 5, 2010, after winning the governor’s race…
“I have to do my job right now as governor,” Quinn said. “I have work to do. I know the people of Illinois want to make sure we get our economy back in stride, and that’s what I focus on night and day.”
* August 17, 2010, after Rod Blagojevich’s conviction…
“We have to work night and day to ensure that government is honest as the people of Illinois.”
Quinn turned to leave, got to his office door, but reporters shouted questions and he turned around. “Allright,” he said, and returned to the podium.
* March 29, 2010, while introducing his new running mate…
Pat Quinn says Sheila Simon’s background in public service; local government and law make her a qualified running mate. Both realize the challenges Illinois faces with its budget billions in the red. “We know there’s a real serious challenge to get our economy back on track and we’re going to work night and day to be able to do that,”
* January 13, 2010 State of the State Address…
“I think in the past year, we’ve worked together, night and day in some cases, to win the trust of the people”
* January 4, 2010…
Quinn resolved to keep working hard to create and protect jobs. “I further resolve to promote economic growth in Illinois by rooting night and day for a Cubs-White Sox World Series,” he added.
* April 3, 2009, after Rod Blagojevich was indicted…
“Today, more than ever, I’m committed to making sure our government has fundamental reform, top to bottom,” he said. “We’re going to work night and day to make sure the government of Illinois is honest and clean.”
* From January 29, 2009, after being sworn in as governor…
By Thursday’s end, Mr. Quinn, who has two years remaining in what is now his term, was issuing a plea for unity.
“It’s extremely important that the people of Illinois come together,” he said at a news conference. “I’m going to be working on that night and day.”
Emphasis added.
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Open thread: NIU Orange Bowl
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* It occurs to me that there may be several NIU grads out there who might want to gloat a bit about the Huskies…
Dave LaCerra’s Mount Prospect basement is covered in Northern Illinois University football memorabilia, including a piece of the goal post from a big 1983 game (in which he played for the NIU Huskies), framed prints, a collection of hats from every NIU bowl game, and game ticket stubs stapled to the ceiling. This week, he added a small Christmas tree decorated with Huskies ornaments.
“I bleed Huskie red,” said LaCerra, 48.
Naturally, LaCerra will be traveling to Miami to watch NIU play Florida State in the Orange Bowl Jan. 1.
Whether there’ll be enough Huskies fans to fill the other 17,499 seats allotted for NIU in Sun Life Stadium remains to be seen. On average, an NIU football game draws about 16,000 fans, a school spokeswoman said. The university has about 22,000 students, along with an estimated 190,000 alumni in the Chicago area alone.
Getting them to the team’s Bowl Championship Series debut isn’t a question of ticket price or availability. Student tickets are free, and non-student tickets start at $75. But booking a last-minute trip to Miami over the New Year’s holiday isn’t cheap, with airfare from Chicago to Miami running around $500 and rooms getting harder to find.
Anybody going?
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Promises, promises
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greenfield resident Luke Lamb is one of six finalists to replace retiring state Rep. Jim Watson (R-Jacksonville). Lamb described himself to the Jacksonville Journal-Courier as “your local freedom fighter,” and made five promises if he’s appointed. Among them…
“Any campaign funds left in my war chest when I leave office will be donated to charity or to other candidates who support the statehood of Cook County,” Lamb said.
Um, OK. At least we know where he stands.
* But this promise really caught my eye…
Every vote he takes will be posted on a publicly viewable Facebook page, along with an explanation of why he voted that way.
There are often several dozen votes taken in a single day. I don’t think he’s quite clear on that concept, but I suppose it’s a nice thought.
* Doug Coop appears to be the most mainstream of the candidates profiled in the piece…
Coop has packed a lot of experience into his 34 years - everything from small and corporate business, to agriculture, to military and federal public service.
“I think I am more uniquely qualified because I have had such a different experience working in the Department of Defense with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said the rural Jacksonville resident. “I’ve also got corporate experience working at Caterpillar in Aurora. I have small business and agricultural experience because of the farm I manage with my dad.” […]
“Personally, I think Representative Watson did an outstanding job over the past 10 years. I also think that there is a bit of responsibility on the part of whomever gets the position to see to it that the people of our district get what they paid for. They elected Representative Watson, so they should get a replacement who is similar in his values and experiences.”
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Trotter claims he’s staying in the race
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* ABC7…
State Senator Donne Trotter is out on bail after being charged with trying to board an aircraft with a gun and ammunition. On Thursday, he spoke about his political intentions.
“I intend on staying in the race at this time and will continue to campaign for the people of the Second District,” Trotter said.
“On advice of my attorney, I can’t respond to any questions addressing what’s going through the court system at this time,” Trotter said. […]
Only days ago, Democratic party insiders told ABC7 that Senator Trotter was the odds-on favorite to win the party’s endorsement to be the replacement for Jesse Jackson Jr. Now that Trotter faces a felony weapons charge, that has clouded his political future. […]
“Until there is something that points to him being guilty, people made promises to him so they are not going to cut and run,” U of I Institute of Government & Public Affairs Professor Cedric Herring said. “They are going to support someone who has the political power.”
* But another university political scientist had this to say…
The charge does not bode well for Trotter’s congressional run, said Jeffrey Hill, chair of the political science department at Northeastern Illinois University.
“For someone who was arguably the front-runner in the campaign, this could only increase the probability he’ll face good competition,” Hill said.
This is a good example of how reporters can find any university “expert” to say whatever the reporters want them to say for their stories. I usually just skip over those sorts of comments, but it’s useful to see the contrast here, for illustrative purposes if nothing else.
* Gov. Pat Quinn was reserved in his comments yesterday…
Gov. Pat Quinn said the fate of a Chicago lawmaker charged with bringing a gun to O’Hare International Airport should play out in the courts.
The governor declined to say Thursday whether state Sen. Donne Trotter should be removed from office.
* Quote of the day…
As he walked down a hallway with his lawyers, he told one reporter that he doesn’t give a flying whatever you ask me. When asked if he is still running, Trotter said “from you.”
* Meanwhile, Phil Kadner reports that Trotter may have violated a city ordinance…
(A)ccording to the Chicago Police Department, while Trotter did have a firearm owners identification card, required by state law, and a permanent employee registration card, required to work as a security guard or private detective, he did not register his handgun in Chicago.
“Even police officers who live in Chicago are required to register their guns,” a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department said.
“Anyone who lives in the city and owns a gun is required to register that gun.”
* But the NRA’s Todd Vandermyde had this to say in comments about the issue…
The city tried forcing private security and detectives to do that [register their guns], it went to court and they lost. they came back to the legislature and tried to change the law and it went nowhere. The City spokesman is wrong.
* Roundup…
* Hotline Sort: Scorecard for Illinois-02 Special Election
* Arrest Not Derailing Trotter’s Plans to Replace JJJr
* Arrest raises questions on Trotter’s job at security firm with city deal
* Quinn: Trotter’s fate should be left to courts
* State senator in O’Hare gun case freed on bond
* Mitchell: Where is Sandi Jackson?
* Former Cissna Park village clerk arrested
* Person On The Street - Westbound on Madison Street from Austin to Central: In light of the bank fraud indictment against state Rep. LaShawn Ford, do you think he should resign his seat or fight to the end?
* Ford says he’ll fight bank fraud charges, supporters mount defense - Indicted state rep heads to court next week
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Words of wisdom
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica) writes a folksy, conversational weekly column for his local newspapers and always sends me a copy. His latest is partly about the crush of upcoming legislation in the January lame duck session…
I receive hundreds of emails, and as I have often shared, Sally receives them first. She gets rid of the junk mail and prints what I should see on hard copy, then I write my response and she sends it on.
Arguably, thousands have come in this past week about these issues. The easy ones to answer are the ones you’ve received from various groups and told to send on to your legislators.
Come on folks, use a little imagination. Almost a thousand identically worded emails are easy to respond to. I write one response, Sally sends it on. Tell me what you really think. I need your honest thoughts, not what some agency wants you to forward to your legislators.
Sending a form letter to a legislator is a good way to be ignored. It just doesn’t work except in the aggregate, I suppose. And even then, it probably doesn’t work all that well.
And I’d say the same thing about comments here. Elevate yourselves, people. This ain’t no newspaper website.
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