* Before we go, a couple of late news stories. From the governor’s office…
Name: Jason Barclay
Position: Board Member – Illinois State Board of Education
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jason Barclay to the Illinois State Board of Education. Barclay’s experience in state government coupled with his time working with an Indianapolis charter school make him uniquely qualified for the position.
Barclay is currently the General Counsel of Athletico Physical Therapy. Previously, he was General Counsel in the Office of Governor and oversaw the legal departments of Illinois’ Executive Branch. He also worked as a partner at Barnes & Thornburg and as an attorney for former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
In addition to his work as an attorney, Barclay helped found a technology-focused charter school in Indianapolis and served on its board. He has also volunteered for DARE.
Barclay earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Virginia. He lives in Hinsdale.
Name: Jimmy Odom
Position: Assistant Director - Department of Central Management Services
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jimmy Odom the Assistant Director of Central Management Services. Odom’s experience in management and minority business development will make him an asset in this role.
Currently, Odom is the Senior Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Intersect Illinois, which is the non-profit working with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to grow the Illinois economy. Previously, he was a Senior Policy Adviser for Minority Business Development at DCEO where he oversaw the creation of ADME, a minority business development program designed to connect entrepreneurs to existing business networks to grow their business.
Odom is an entrepreneur and founded WeDeliver in 2012. The company connects consumers with stores to deliver products on-demand through the web.
Odom earned his degree from Columbia College. He lives in Homewood.
Name: Don Moffitt
Position: Assistant Director - Department of Agriculture
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed former State Rep. Don Moffitt the Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture. Moffitt is a lifelong farmer with extensive experience in state and local government, which makes him uniquely qualified for the role.
Moffitt represented the 74th District in the House of Representatives since 1993. He served as the minority spokesperson of the Agriculture & Conservation Committee and the Counties & Townships Committee. In addition, he co-chaired a fire protection task force and a task force for emergency medical services. He also served on a number of other committees ranging from education, public safety and infrastructure. Previously, he served as the Knox County Treasurer, and has held a number of other local government positions including mayor of Oneida. Moffitt also was a high school agriculture teacher.
Moffitt earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Illinois. He lives in Gilson.
* From IBHE executive director James Applegate…
I wanted you to know that next month I will be leaving the IBHE to pursue other opportunities to serve American higher education. I want to offer my thanks to so many good people who have helped make my time here in Illinois rewarding.
My thanks to the talented and dedicated staff at the IBHE for the great work they do and to the Board members who hired and supported me.
Amends the Employee Sick Leave Act. Adds to the definition of “personal sick leave benefits” paid or unpaid time accrued and available to an employee as provided through an employment benefit plan or policy. Provides that an employment benefit plan or paid time off policy does not include long term disability, short term disability, an insurance policy, or other comparable benefit plan or policy. Adds a stepchild and domestic partner to the list of persons for whom an employee may use personal sick leave benefits. Provides that an employer may request written verification of the employee’s absence from a health care professional if such verification is required under the employer’s employment benefit plan or paid time off policy; and that for employers who base personal sick leave benefits on an employee’s years of service instead of annual or monthly accrual, such employer may limit the amount of sick leave to be used under the Act to half of the employee’s maximum annual grant. In a provision prohibiting retaliation, provides that nothing prohibits an employer from applying the terms and conditions set forth in the employment benefit plan or paid time off policy applicable to personal sick leave benefits. Provides that the Act does not apply to: (i) an employee of an employer subject to certain provisions of the Railway Labor Act; or (ii) an employer or employee as defined in either the federal Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act or the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to invalidate, diminish, or otherwise interfere with any collective bargaining agreement nor shall it be construed to invalidate, diminish, or otherwise interfere with any party’s power to collectively bargain such an agreement; and that the Act does not apply to any other employment expressly exempted under rules adopted by the Department of Labor as necessary to implement the Act in accordance with applicable State and federal law. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.
Although it is your right to engage in a lawful strike, it is my hope that a strike will be averted. That said, employees should at the very least have the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether to go on strike. We will prepare a more comprehensive document, but in the meantime, please see the information below as you prepare to make this consequential decision.
The most obvious and immediate consequence of a strike would be that striking employees’ wages would stop and they would be responsible for the full cost of their health insurance - their portion and the State’s portion. For the average state employee, the cost of a one-month strike would be over $8,000 in lost wages, pension, and additional health insurance expense. Beyond that immediate effect, there could be many other consequences. If the strike is unlawful, employees can be terminated for striking. The previous tolling agreement between the State and AFSCME had a “no strike, no lockout” clause, making a strike under the tolling agreement illegal unless impasse was reached and AFSCME has denied that the parties are at an impasse but nevertheless now calls for a strike vote. The State will vigorously pursue all lawful means at its disposal for challenging an unlawful strike.
Even if a strike by AFSCME is determined to be legal, employees may be replaced. Unless an unfair labor practice caused the strike, striking employees may not automatically have the right to have their job back at the end of the strike. They would only have the right to vacancies IF they were qualified and IF one exists.
What will the State’s response to a strike be?
The State will call on whatever resources it needs, from private vendors, other states, local governments, and other state resources to maintain services. While the State would prefer to continue to utilize its regular workforce, the State’s duty to continue to provide services does not stop simply because AFSCME chooses to go on strike. In light of AFSCME’s repeated threats to go on strike, the State has had extensive conversations with outside resources who are willing to step up in the event of a strike. Additionally, the State’s procurement laws contain an exception that allows the State to immediately engage outside vendors in the event of an emergency such as a strike. In sum, the State is prepared to continue delivering critical services to its citizens with or without employees who choose to go out on the picket line.
In the wake of Gov. Rauner’s broken promise to fairly fund Chicago Public Schools, CEO Forrest Claypool announced today that all District employees will be furloughed on four non-instructional days this school year.
“As we address CPS’ financial challenges, we have two goals: minimize classroom disruptions and restore funding that treats Chicago students fairly,” said CEO Forrest Claypool. “Since Governor Rauner is denying fair funding to Chicago students, we are forced to make cuts that will create new challenges for schools that are working to build on their academic gains. But make no mistake, any additional cuts we are forced to make would fall squarely at the governor’s feet.”
Employees will not work on furlough days and will not be paid for the furlough days. The District expects these adjustments to save approximately $35 million to be used to reduce the gap caused by the governor’s veto.
In the meantime, CPS will continue to fight for fair funding for Chicago’s students. If Gov. Rauner continues to treat Chicago children as political pawns, CPS will be forced to take additional steps to reduce spending, working to minimize disruptions to classroom instruction.
The furlough days are taking place on previously scheduled School Improvement Days for staff, which are used to train teachers on instructional strategies, analyze student academic data and plan or refine curriculum to meet students’ needs. The furlough days are:
· Friday, February 3, 2017
· Friday, April 7, 2017
· Wednesday, June 21, 2017
· Thursday, June 22, 2017
In a letter to employees today, Claypool wrote: “For our part, once again we will fight tooth and nail to protect our classrooms, and to ensure that these political games won’t roll back the tremendous progress by Chicago students. However, with a hole of this size in our budget, we have no choice but to begin to take immediate action to preserve CPS’ solvency. To be clear: Governor Rauner cut funding for CPS pensions by $215 million at the same time that the state is increasing its contributions for other districts’ pensions by $300 million, to nearly $4 billion.”
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…
Hi, Rich:
“Continuing to blame the Governor, who has been in office two years, for decades of fiscal mismanagement and bad decision-making is getting old. CPS willingly chose to budget for money they had not received and knew was contingent upon real pension reform. The Administration is open to considering this legislation again if the General Assembly passes statewide pension reform.”
Hoping to bring better stewardship to a troubled institution, Gov. Bruce Rauner plans to name Paul Vallas as one of four new trustees to the Chicago State University board, an unexpected arrangement between former political rivals.
The appointment of Vallas, who ran Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001, and the other board members will be effective Monday. The other trustees are Chicago attorneys Tiffany Harper and Nicholas Gowen, and World Sport Chicago executive director Kam Buckner, the Tribune has learned.
“Chicago State is a critical institution for the city of Chicago and Illinois,” Rauner said in a statement. “These four transformational leaders bring the experience and expertise that is needed to help ensure the university’s long-term success.”
The appointments mark a significant shift on the board, which will now be controlled by Rauner appointees, and comes at a time of turmoil for the 150-year-old Far South Side campus.
Rauner and Vallas have talked about various opportunities since the election. Either way, the CTU didn’t much care for Vallas back in the day and gave Pat Quinn all kinds of grief when he chose him as a running mate. So while they’re not quite on the same page on things, they are closer than it may appear.
* But what’s up with the clean energy stuff? I Googled it and initially came up with a couple of stories from 2008 like this one…
In one TV commercial, Kool and the Gang warble their celebration of good times because coal, yes, coal, makes the party possible in America. In another, white and black, young and old, male and female, and even someone in a doctor’s green scrubs, stare into the camera and soulfully declare: “I believe” American know-how will make coal clean and stop it from contributing to climate change. Not sold? Maybe you missed the newspaper ads and billboards warning that turning away from coal could mean blackouts, unemployment and higher electric bills.
I am working in solar energy. I’m working with the Chicago Institute of Technology. I’m talking to some people about solar energy. There is sustainable energy in Africa. Look at Africa. There is 80 percent sun all the time. I’m in the process of just bringing people to the table right now. I’m doing the introductions. I’m doing this because solar energy is clean. It’s the way of the future. “Klean” energy is Kool.
Statement on AFSCME’s Decision to Authorize a Strike Vote
CHICAGO – Illinois Governor’s Office General Counsel Dennis Murashko issued the following statement Friday on AFSCME’s decision to authorize a strike vote:
“Within weeks of our attempt to implement common sense changes like a 40-hour work week and zero tolerance for being intoxicated in the workplace, AFSCME has rushed to authorize a strike, putting Illinois residents at risk. It is disappointing that AFSCME refuses to respect the state labor board’s bipartisan ruling and work with us to implement a contract that is fair to taxpayers and state employees alike.”
Background
Drug Testing: http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=13954
On Oct 11, World Obesity Day, WHO upped the ante in its fight against sugar. First, it called for governments to introduce subsidies for fruits and vegetables and taxation of unhealthy foods, with a particular target on sugary drinks. The new WHO recommendations are based on global expert opinion and 11 systematic reviews of the effectiveness of fiscal interventions for improving diets and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“The amount that we spend in the Cook County Hospital and Health Systems is approximately $200 million to treat heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and others,” said Dr. Javette Orgain, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “From our perspective, it’s worth the fight to add a tax to sugary beverages to reduce the consumption.”
* The Senate’s “grand compromise” also includes a tax on sugary drinks, although Arkansas led the way long ago…
The Southern state has levied taxes since 1983 on soft drinks and syrups and related products ranging from 0.16 to 1.56 cents per ounce.
With the increased momentum from local governments who’ve lately been passing their own taxes, a new statewide tax in a big state like Illinois could lead to even bigger states like California passing their own.
So, expect a huge pushback on this aspect of the Senate package.
Overnight, the retail price for a two-liter soft drink in Illinois could jump nearly 70 cents, a 12 pack of refreshments could increase $1.44, and a 12 pack of tea would add an additional $2.04 if Illinois lawmakers have their way. Bills are being introduced in the Illinois House and Senate to impose a penny-per-ounce surcharge to consumers on caloric sweetened liquid refreshments. Opposition to the tax comes from every corner of the state and includes consumers, civic organizations, small business owners, and the labor force. Trevor Borowiak, President Borowiak’s IGA stated “The burden of this regressive tax on liquid refreshments will affect Illinois families who are already paying too much of their income on taxes. Consumers do not need the government telling them what to put in their shopping cart.”
Senate Bill SB0009 imposes a tax on Liquid Refreshments, Teas, and Juices which are already subject to a 6.25 percent tax compared to ‘qualifying food and drugs,’ which are taxed at one percent. The legislation would raise the cost of soda, juice drinks, sports drinks, teas, and more. “It’s a senseless tax since it will drive down the volume upon which it depends to raise revenue,” said John Rains, Pepsi MidAmerica Executive VP & General Manager. “Not only will this affect the liquid refreshment companies, but as it depresses sales, it will pose a significant impact on convenience stores, restaurants, grocery, schools; basically anyone serving liquid refreshments.”
The Illinois liquid refreshment, tea, and juice industry currently provides 114,124 jobs at 55 bottling and distribution facilities throughout Illinois. Together these companies now pay $6.2 billion in annual wages. They generate a yearly economic impact in Illinois topping $21 billion according to the Illinois Coalition against Beverage Taxes.
Also unpopular, at least with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, is a proposed penny-an-ounce tax on sugary drinks, modeled on a levy recently adopted by Cook County.
The tax is “regressive” and “unreliable” as a source of money, said IRME President and CEO Rob Karr. “It goes in the exact opposite direction of where we should be: a broad-based, low-rate system.”
* Coca-Cola Working to Make War on Sugar a Profitable Venture: To respond to consumers’ growing aversion to the sweetener, the company is offering smaller bottles and cans — essentially getting customers to pay more for less product. It’s also creating new brands and reformulating existing drinks to cut sugar. Coca-Cola says the shift will actually increase sales, and the company’s third-quarter results on Wednesday backed up that confidence. Revenue beat analysts’ estimates, helped by water and sports drinks as well as the higher-margin small packages.
* ‘War on sugar’ fosters change for global candy industry: The “war on sugar” has dented demand of sweet snacks as 47% of global consumers look for foods with limited or no added sugar, according to a recent survey by Euromonitor.
* Choosing Sides in War on Sugar: The people at candy-maker Mars Inc. have something to tell you: Stop eating so much sugar! According to the Wall Street Journal, the manufacturer of M&Ms, Snickers and Twix has thrown its weight behind a U.S. Food and Drug Administration push to include measures of added sugar on food labels. Non-candy food manufacturers such as Campbell Soup Co. are opposed to the change, but Mars figures that people already know their candy bars are full of sugar.
* The Illinois Policy Institute takes a closer look at the agenda outlined during Speaker Madigan’s inauguration address…
“Making sure all businesses pay something”: To start with the only idea that might have a sliver of growth connected to it, Madigan proposes cutting the corporate income tax rate in half. This idea taken alone is a positive start. The corporate income tax brought in $2.4 billion in fiscal year 2016. Cutting this tax in half would presumably reduce taxes by about $1.2 billion per year.
However, Madigan then goes on to say that many corporations do not have an income tax liability because they have no taxable income. This is true. Madigan suggests changing the corporate tax code to make sure “all businesses pay something.”
What that means is Madigan is proposing a new tax on corporations. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, there already is a corporate tax all corporations pay – it’s the corporate franchise tax. All corporations also must pay the franchise tax, which is completely nonsensical and should be repealed.
A report from Ernst and Young shows that Illinois businesses pay more in sales taxes, property taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes than they do in corporate income taxes. Illinois businesses also pay more in workers’ compensation insurance than they do in corporate income taxes. It’s unclear how Madigan wants to levy additional taxes on businesses that have no taxable income, yet already pay taxes. This anti-growth idea would likely negate the pro-growth effect of cutting the corporate rate.
The problem with that is, historically, the bigger the business is, the more likely it is to have Illinois corporate income tax liability, the exact opposite of what Madigan suggested, said Carol Portman, president of the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois, a watchdog group.
While two-thirds of companies in Illinois and nationally don’t pay taxes in any given year, it’s mostly the smaller ones that don’t, Portman said. “It makes sense. Who’s not making money? It’s (often) the startups, the mom-and-pop companies.”
Rep. Scott Drury, a Democrat from Highwood on his third term in the House, was the only member who pushed back against the steamroll of Madigan’s nomination for speaker. Surely it was uncomfortable proclaiming a vote of “present” during the roll call. But Drury has shown a willingness to carve his own path in Springfield — and has in turn been ostracized. One blog described him as “obnoxious” and “goofy.” He has been mocked for boasting about his background as a federal prosecutor, a qualification that sure beats the somebody-somebody-sent credential that’s typical under the dome.
Is Drury well-liked? Who cares? If you’re not the occasional outcast in Springfield, then you’re not doing your job.
Yeah, OK.
He’s not an “occasional” outcast. He’s one of those folks who can actually cost you votes on your bill when he rises to speak in support. Anyone who spends any time in the chamber would know this.
But public service isn’t about being submissive. Taxpayers, especially given the direction of this broken state, deserve urgency and boldness. They deserve independent thought.
What they “deserve” right now is the willingness and the ability to forge a reasonable compromise to end this two-year stalemate nightmare. They “deserve” people who can work together and not grandstand. 177 legislators running around boasting about how superior and independent they are ain’t gonna get it done.
* Voters “deserve” an attitude like the one expressed by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno on Monday. From her inaugural address as prepared for delivery…
The groundwork we laid earlier this week can jumpstart this General Assembly –
• We have a tremendous opportunity to begin moving Illinois past the fiscal impasse that has hovered over this Capitol for far too long.
Collectively – and I do mean collectively – because it will take all of us –
• Senators, our closest advisors, and our staffs – who I can’t say enough about.
• Our staffs work tirelessly on our behalf – and I can’t tell you how appreciative we are.
So collectively – we have the power of a solution
• We have packaged the state budget with the necessary revenue – and the structural reforms to grow jobs and give taxpayers get a better value by re-balancing government with the needs of those paying the bills.
I hope all of you will support us in getting the job done.
In other words, we need people who can find a way to work together.
* I, for one, strongly believe that Speaker Madigan should join this effort and help heal these gaping wounds, not continue to make them worse. Senate President Cullerton did not negotiate a bad deal with Leader Radogno. So, build on it, don’t trash it for the sake of preventing this governor from being reelected.
But Drury’s futile gesture on Wednesday didn’t move Madigan a millimeter in that direction because the gentleman has no support whatsoever from his fellow rank and file Democrats. Drury is not the sort of person we desperately need to help forge a compromise that legislators can get behind. His vote was just another in a long list of meaningless gestures.
It takes all kinds to make a General Assembly. There’s definitely a place for people like Drury. His heart is in the right place. It’s his execution that sorely lacks.
The logo, which was designed and donated by Ben Olson of the Schaumburg-based public relations firm 3 Monkeys and an Aardvark Studios, reflects those strengths, bicentennial organizers said.
Twenty-one gold stars — marking Illinois’ 1818 entry into the union as its 21st state — surround a blue outline of the state. In the middle of the bicentennial logo is a gold-colored “200″ in a white sunburst with rays emanating in all directions.
“The sunburst in the middle of the state outline portrays the impact Illinois has made on the country and the world over the past two centuries and the bright future we aspire to for the next 200 years,” said Stuart Layne, the commission’s executive director.
From: “Roberta Lynch, AFSCME Council 31″
Date: January 13, 2017 at 10:28:03 AM CST
To:
Subject: Rauner rejects compromise — Time to vote
AFSCME Council 31
Dear xxxx,
When I wrote to you earlier this week, it was with the slimmest of hopes that Governor Rauner’s recent pronouncements about the importance of “compromise” to end the state budget crisis might actually have been made with a modicum of sincerity.
I thought that if he had finally come to see how his stubborn refusal to work toward a solution to the state’s fiscal woes was harming citizens all across Illinois, then perhaps he might also finally have realized how counterproductive it has been to take the same ‘my way or the highway’ approach with his own employees—the thousands of dedicated public servants who protect children from abuse, monitor air and water quality, respond to natural disasters, care for aged veterans, and so much more.
It was based on that hope that your AFSCME Bargaining Committee took the unprecedented step of publicly putting forward a new “Settlement Framework” that significantly modified the union’s previous positions on core economic issues. After an entire year in which the governor refused to come to the bargaining table and work to reach a fair contract settlement, the Committee wanted to concretely demonstrate that AFSCME members are prepared to do all we can to avert the disruption that would be caused by a statewide strike.
You can click here to read AFSCME’s letter to the governor which outlines the new Settlement Framework.
Unfortunately, we quickly learned just how insincere the governor’s professed belief in “compromise” really is. Within hours of receiving the union’s letter regarding the new framework, the governor’s office put out a press statement completely dismissing the new terms as “superficial” and—as is their usual pattern—wildly exaggerating the potential cost to the state.
This kind of blatant misrepresentation of the facts is a clear indication that the governor has not a rational or ethical leg to stand on in the war he is waging on his own employees.
Anyone with eyes to see can grasp that a settlement framework based on employees getting no base wage increase for four years—and paying more for their health insurance—represents real sacrifice. The decision to put such a framework forward was not one that the Bargaining Committee made lightly because Committee members are keenly aware that it could entail real financial difficulties for some employees—especially those who are lower-paid or more recently hired.
But, rather than recognizing that sacrifice and taking up the opportunity to chart a new course, the governor is refusing to make any compromise whatsoever. He remains determined to eradicate union rights, to make employees pay 100% more for their health insurance, to freeze wage increases and step movement for four years, and to have unrestricted ability to privatize state services.
That’s why it is clear that the time has now come to move forward with a Strike Authorization Vote. This vote will let every AFSCME member determine whether or not to resist Rauner’s assaults or to allow him to impose his own harsh terms on employees. The voting will take place in each local union on dates set between January 30 – February 19. Specific information regarding voting locations and procedures in your local will be coming soon.
You will be voting on whether to give your AFSCME Bargaining Committee the authority to call a strike. If a majority vote ’yes’, that does not necessarily mean there will be a strike—as the Committee will continue to do everything possible to reach a fair settlement. But it does mean that if all such efforts fail, you will be prepared to go out on strike when the Committee issues the call.
This is a choice that no responsible person would seek or savor. Yet we have a governor of our state who has continuously pushed to reach this juncture—to undermine employees’ economic security and job rights or to shut down the state and deny citizens the services they need.
Over the coming months, we will be called on to take our commitment to public service ever deeper, to build on the support shown by our communities, and to send a powerful message that no government can truly serve its citizens by trampling on the employees who provide those services.
On Aug. 3, AFSCME received notice from the Rauner Administration of 94 layoffs in state government. The threatened job losses are in the Department of Natural Resources (54 layoffs associated with the Governor’s plan to close the Illinois State Museum sites and the Sparta World Shooting Complex), the Illinois Commerce Commission (24), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (9) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (7).
The notices all cited a lack of funds as the rationale for the layoffs, which have an effective date of September 30.
“Most of these layoffs stem from Governor Rauner’s rush to shutter the Illinois State Museum sites, destroying a vital resource for learning and the preservation of cultural heritage and putting professional museum curators, librarians and support staff in the unemployment lines,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said.
The ICC got a bunch of money in the Exelon bill, so that’s probably why those layoffs were rescinded. And there was a deal cut on the museum not long ago.
The Justice Department announced today that it has found reasonable cause to believe that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) engages in a pattern or practice of using force, including deadly force, in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. The department found that CPD officers’ practices unnecessarily endanger themselves and result in unnecessary and avoidable uses of force. The pattern or practice results from systemic deficiencies in training and accountability, including the failure to train officers in de-escalation and the failure to conduct meaningful investigations of uses of force.
The city of Chicago and the Justice Department have signed an agreement in principle to work together, with community input, to create a federal court-enforceable consent decree addressing the deficiencies found during the investigation.
“One of my highest priorities as Attorney General has been to ensure that every American enjoys police protection that is lawful, responsive, and transparent,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “Sadly, our thorough investigation into the Chicago Police Department found that far too many residents of this proud city have not received that kind of policing. The resulting deficit in trust and accountability is not just bad for residents – it’s also bad for dedicated police officers trying to do their jobs safely and effectively. With this announcement, we are laying the groundwork for the difficult but necessary work of building a stronger, safer, and more united Chicago for all who call it home.”
“The failures we identified in our findings – that we heard about from residents and officers alike — have deeply eroded community trust,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “But today is a moment of opportunity, where we begin to move from identifying problems to developing solutions. I know our findings can lead to reform and rebuild community-police trust because we’ve seen it happen in community after community around the country over the past 20 years.”
“The findings in our report, coupled with the City of Chicago and Police Department’s commitment to work together with us, are an historic turning point and a major step toward sustained change,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois. “Implementing these findings is a necessary precursor to our long-term success in fighting violent crime in Chicago.”
On Dec. 7, 2015, Attorney General Lynch announced the investigation into the CPD and the city’s Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA). The investigation focused on CPD’s use of force, including racial, ethnic and other disparities in use of force, and its systems of accountability.
In the course of its pattern or practice investigation, the department interviewed and met with city leaders, current and former police officials, and numerous officers throughout all ranks of CPD. The department also accompanied line officers on over 60 ride-alongs in every police district; heard from over 1,000 community members and more than 90 community organizations; reviewed thousands of pages of police documents, including all relevant policies, procedures, training and materials; and analyzed a randomized, representative sample of force reports and the investigative files for incidents that occurred between January 2011 and April 2016, including over 170 officer-involved shooting investigations and documents related to over 400 additional force incidents.
The department found that CPD’s pattern or practice of unconstitutional force is largely attributable to deficiencies in its accountability systems and in how it investigates uses of force, responds to allegations of misconduct, trains and supervises officers, and collects and reports data on officer use of force. The department also found that the lack of effective community-oriented policing strategies and insufficient support for officer wellness and safety contributed to the pattern or practice of unconstitutional force.
In addition, the department also identified serious concerns about the prevalence of racially discriminatory conduct by some CPD officers and the degree to which that conduct is tolerated and in some respects caused by deficiencies in CPD’s systems of training, supervision and accountability. The department’s findings further note that the impact of CPD’s pattern or practice of unreasonable force falls heaviest on predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods, such that restoring police-community trust will require remedies addressing both discriminatory conduct and the disproportionality of illegal and unconstitutional patterns of force on minority communities.
In the agreement in principle, the Justice Department and the city of Chicago agreed that compliance with the consent decree will be reviewed by an independent monitor. The agreement in principle provides a general framework for change, but the department will be doing community outreach to solicit input in developing comprehensive reforms. In the days ahead, the department will continue speaking to local authorities, officers and ordinary citizens to gather their perspectives about the challenges facing the city – and the changes needed to address them. Comments from the public may be provided by email to Community.CPD@crt.usdoj.gov.
Throughout the department’s investigation, CPD leadership remained receptive to preliminary feedback and technical assistance, and started the process of implementing reforms. Under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Superintendent Eddie Johnson, CPD has taken a number of encouraging steps, including creating the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to replace IPRA; issuing a new transparency policy mandating the release of videos and other materials related to certain officer misconduct investigations; beginning a pilot program for body-worn cameras, to be expanded CPD-wide; and committing to establish an anonymous hotline for employees to report misconduct. While these and other measures are an important start to cooperative reform, a comprehensive, court-enforceable agreement is needed to remedy all of the department’s findings and ensure lasting reform.
In addition, the department has been working with the city of Chicago as part of the Violence Reduction Network, a data-driven, evidence-based initiative that delivers strategic, intensive training and technical assistance. This assistance focuses on developing an overall violence reduction strategic framework; providing immediate technical assistance and expertise to CPD; analyzing high-crime neighborhoods for resource, social service and opportunity gaps; and assisting in building capacity in Chicago’s public safety offices. And in 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois charged more illegal firearms cases in total, and more as a percentage of its overall cases, than it has in any year since 2004.
This investigation was conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois with the assistance of law enforcement professionals, pursuant to the pattern-or-practice provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Since 2009, the Special Litigation Section has opened 25 investigations into law enforcement agencies. The section is enforcing 20 agreements with law enforcement agencies, including 15 consent decrees and one post-judgment order. The division recently released a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the police reform work done pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which can be found at the following link: https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.
Thaddeus Jones, a Democratic state lawmaker, Calumet City alderman and a mayor hopeful, is accused of misusing campaign funds in a recently filed complaint with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The complaint uses words like “highly suspicious” and “truly unbelievable” to describe Jones’ use of campaign dollars.
“The spending as reported is severe and outrageous,” says Ross Secler, a Chicago attorney who filed the complaint.
The complaint alleges that since Jan. 1, 2014, Jones’s campaign committees have paid more than $5,000 to Jones’ fiancée and more than $2,000 to his ex-wife for, among other things, “school” and “tuition assistance.”
“This isn’t just bad reporting or bad bookkeeping,” Secler says. “This is a clear violation of the law.” […]
Jones later emailed a statement that said in part, “The allegations have nothing to do with my official duties as State Representative or as 3rd Ward Alderman in Calumet City. The allegations they raise are untrue and my campaign team is confident of overcoming these dirty tricks and winning election as Mayor of Calumet City.”
Yikes.
Click here to search his legislative campaign account for the word “school.”
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, a Democrat from Oswego, was brave enough to voice her concerns about the direction of the state during Madigan’s nomination. She was swiftly mocked on social media. If you knew her, you would not have been surprised by her remarks. She’s a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, for crying out loud. She has bucked leadership in the past. She doesn’t run with the cool crowd in Springfield. And you won’t find her lounging on a bar stool letting lobbyists pick up her drink tab.
But for her outspokenness, you can bet she will pay a lonely price.
OK, first of all, I talked with Rep. Kifowit at a inauguration reception later that night. She wasn’t being ostracized by her fellow members. Just the opposite. She’s also not one of those legislators who never goes to evening events, although she never allows lobbyists to pick up her tab. She’s just a regular person, and is quite well liked for that trait.
* Also, I didn’t see the mocking social media references during the festivities Wednesday, except for this…
Rules are made to be broken. Dems can't follow rules even at Inauguration #kifowit outoforder
Just taking a moment to call out my state representative, Stephanie Kifowit. Although a Marine, my representative lacks the courage and moral turpitude to withhold her support for speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan is clearly an entrenched Union power broker, abuser of power, flagrant crony socialist, mr. Conflict of interest himself and enemy of the taxpaying people of the state of Illinois. Shame!
“Are there further nominations?” asked Secretary of State Jesse White, who led the election process. Crickets. “Nominations for speaker are now closed.”
With that, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, stood up and challenged leaders of both parties to end the immature game-playing that hurts the state. She said she felt “compelled” to make a statement that “we have to do better.” She said she was disgusted by the lack of state budget and appalled by backroom deals. Again, crickets.
Stephanie Kifowit Betrays Voters, Backs Madigan for Speaker
House Democrats Re-Elect Boss Madigan
“Stephanie Kifowit today chose to put the political machine ahead of the people. She voted to elect Mike Madigan to a record 17th term as Speaker, extending Madigan’s decades of power for another two years. Kifowit’s refusal to stand up to Boss Madigan makes clear that the only way to get a new Speaker in Illinois is by getting rid of legislators like Stephanie Kifowit in Springfield.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
Today, House Democrats ignored the will of the people by re-electing Boss Madigan as Speaker of the House.
The Illinois Republican Party will continue to hold accountable the legislators who protect the status quo and empower the Madigan political machine.
* Every now and then I realize I’ve looked so long for something “quick” to post that I’ve wound up taking as much or even more time than if I’d just posted something long to begin with.
* From Senate President John Cullerton’s inauguration speech yesterday as prepared for delivery…
The state needs a budget. Period.
This has become nearly as ridiculous as it is frustrating. People – real people in the real world — are fed up. And they blame all of us.
I’m prepared to do something about this, and so is Leader Radogno. We have made it clear that the Senate will offer solutions and leadership. Today, we are filing more than a dozen proposals containing the contents of our budget and reform plan. The intent is to quickly pass them in this new session.
It is my hope that the Illinois House and you, Mr. Governor, will join us.
From Cullerton’s office…
The Senate Assignments Committee assigned the components of the so-called “grand bargain” plan to the following committees. This was done to position them for public input and committee hearings later this month.
Believe me, I recognize that this is not an easy task. But it’s time for the Senate to step up and provide leadership.
We’ve done this before.
Eight years ago today, the Illinois Senate ushered in a new era when Senator Radogno and I were first elected to lead our caucuses.
Many of you may have forgotten, or perhaps were lucky enough to have never known the personal political wars that had consumed this chamber and much of state government at the time.
A governor by the name of Blagojevich presided over that 2009 inauguration ceremony. And right after we got the gavel away from him, we – the Illinois Senate– began an impeachment trial that would remove him from office.
So we’ve seen some pretty bad times. And we’ve gotten through them by working together.
That was the promise Leader Radogno and I made eight years ago. And together … we have worked. We’ve made historic changes in Illinois.
Look, I’ll be the first to complain that we – the Senate - don’t get the credit or attention we deserve.
That could be because we tend to cooperate rather than tear each other apart.
Too often, if there’s no conflict, there’s no coverage.
And as if to prove his point, there were just four reporters in the Senate press box yesterday.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves seemingly mired in a new campaign season before the old one ended. While we call for bipartisanship and compromise, political attack dogs snipe at every development.
There’s plenty of time and issues to campaign on … when it’s campaign season. How about we try governing for a bit? That’s what the people sent us here to do.
As Reid Wilson of The Hill recently found, there are a striking number of U.S. state governors who never held elected office prior to winning their state’s governorship. About a quarter of them — 13 of 50 — won their first electoral victory of any kind to become the top official in their respective states. Those 13 governors are: Rick Scott (R-FL), Bruce Rauner (R-IL), Eric Holcomb (R-IN), Matt Bevin (R-KY), Larry Hogan (R-MD), Rick Snyder (R-MI), Eric Greitens (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Doug Burgum (R-ND), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Terry McAuliffe (D-VA), Jim Justice (D-WV), and Matt Mead (R-WY).
While many of these governors did have significant experience in and around politics and government, they, like Trump, bypassed service in lower-level elected jobs prior to winning their current offices. […]
Unlike the 2018 Senate map, where Democrats will be hard-pressed to cut into the Republicans’ 52-48 majority because they already control 25 of the 33 seats up for election next year, the 2017-2018 slate of governors provides many opportunities for Democrats. Republicans currently control 33 of 50 governorships, while Democrats hold only 16 (there’s one independent, Bill Walker of Alaska). Of the 38 governorships being contested over the next two years, Republicans already hold 27 and Democrats control 10 (Walker is also up for reelection). […]
Now, on to the nine Republican-held seats where neither side starts as a clear favorite, the majority of which will be open seats.
Five of these seats are in the Midwest, a region that swung hard to Donald Trump in 2016 with the exception of heavily Democratic Illinois, where Clinton did about a tenth of a point better than Barack Obama did in 2012. It is no surprise, then, that Gov. Bruce Rauner (R-IL) , a wealthy self-funder, is perhaps the most vulnerable incumbent in the country. […]
Republicans start the 2017-2018 gubernatorial cycle in an impressive but vulnerable position. The governorships being contested over the next two years combined with the tendency for the president’s party to lose ground in midterms suggests that the Democrats are positioned to start 2019 with more governorships than they hold right now, but nothing is guaranteed.
Unlimited money for Rauner and some initial liberal Democratic resistance to the idea of a self-funder for their own party could change things in a hurry, however.
* The Question: What other factors bode well for Rauner’s reelection?
Yeah, you may not love the guy, but please answer the question without snark. Put on your thinking caps.
“I, like all of us here, are saddened, sickened and angry with the daily news reports of shootings and murders in the city of Chicago. This must come to an end,” said Durkin, frequently pounding a lectern to accentuate his message.
“We must take the streets back from those cowardly thugs who have destroyed neighborhoods and families. And this must be done with federal, state and local collaboration. We cannot go through another summer like we have witnessed in these past few years,” he said.
Durkin pledged to work with the Democratic majority in the legislature and with Emanuel to make streets safer and to ensure the safety of children following a year that saw more than 760 gun deaths in the city.
“While we have problems with our budget, no one should feel good about what is happening. We need to do more as a legislative body. Society needs to do more as well,” Durkin said.
“So, as I said, I will work with anyone to stop this. It’s personal for so many members of this body. It’s personal for people in this crowd. It’s personal for everyone in the state of Illinois who believes that everyone has a right to grow up safe and to be able to pursue the American dream without danger,” he said.
I talked briefly to Durkin after yesterday’s inauguration and asked if he’d read up on the reported effectiveness of violence disrupters. He didn’t seem too enthused.
* Look, I’m glad that the Leader spoke out on this so forcefully. Too many Statehouse politicians have tried to dodge or ignore the issue. And this is not just a Chicago issue. When otherwise well-meaning people flee city neighborhoods because of violence they can inadvertently bring some of those problems with them. It’s the way immigration works. Some folks find greener pastures and others follow.
Even so, “taking the streets back” from “thugs” sounds a lot like “turn the cops loose.” And, indeed, in our quick conversation Durkin spoke about the low morale of the city’s police force after being second-guessed so often.
The U.S. Justice Department will conclude in a report to be released Friday that the Chicago Police Department displayed a pattern and practice of violating residents’ constitutional rights over years, a law enforcement official said Wednesday.
The official, who is familiar with the findings, spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. He declined to offer details. Based on investigative reports on other big cities, Chicago’s could run well over 100 pages.
The Chicago Police Department has been dogged by a reputation for brutality, particularly in minority communities, so a finding of at least some violations isn’t a big surprise. Chicago has one of the nation’s largest police departments with about 12,000 officers, and the report stems from an investigation launched in 2015 after the release of video showing a white officer fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times. Among the questions Justice Department investigators were expected to examine was whether Chicago officers are prone to excessive force and racial bias.
(I)n an op-ed Wednesday in The (Springfield) State Journal-Register, Madigan also promoted a tax surcharge on income of more than $1 million to fund education and an increase in the state’s minimum wage.
Voters overwhelmingly approved those ideas two years ago in non-binding referendums, yet Madigan hasn’t advanced either concept in bill form since then. He admitted he put those issues on the ballot to increase Democratic turnout (he also admitted it didn’t work out too well), but where’s the legislation?
* Meanwhile, the Senate President has worked out a deal with his chamber’s Republicans that involves a minimum wage increase that’s a dollar an hour higher than Madigan’s referendum proposed. Maybe Madigan could follow his own advice and get on board with that one…
“Let me suggest that as we move forward let us work to end the acrimony and find the best in each other,” Madigan said after he was sworn in.
In accepting a 17th term in the position he has held for all but two of the past 33 years, Madigan laid out an agenda that he said would boost economic growth in the state without competing in a “race to the bottom” on issues like workers’ compensation and collective bargaining, a shot at Rauner’s policy agenda.
Cullerton is working on deals involving those issues. The collective bargaining stuff is basically just what the state has already allowed Chicago to do. And if Cullerton’s liberals (and he has lots of them) can go along with his workers’ comp reforms, then why shouldn’t Madigan also try to engage?
It was a softening in tone for Madigan, who repeatedly has called Rauner’s economic ideas “extreme” and argued they should be considered separately from budget talks.
ILGOP Releases Robocalls
Holding House Democrats Responsible for Their Madigan Vote
House Democrats have a terrible and deceptive habit of following Boss Madigan’s orders in Springfield and pocketing his campaign cash while faking “independence” to their constituents. The Illinois Republican Party is committed to making sure that voters know their representatives sold them out yesterday.
That’s why today, the ILGOP is releasing robocalls in 18 House Districts, informing constituents that their state representative backed Boss Madigan against their wishes.
Hi, this is Chris, and I’m calling to let you know that yesterday your State Representative, Brandon Phelps, chose Mike Madigan over you and the people of the district.
Phelps voted to elect Chicago Political Boss Mike Madigan for a record 17th term as Speaker of the House and extend Madigan’s reign over Illinois.
No one has done more damage to our state than Mike Madigan – but yesterday, Brandon Phelps chose to keep him in charge.
Phelps’ refusal to stand up to Boss Madigan makes clear that the only way we will ever get a new Speaker is by getting rid of legislators like Brandon Phelps in Springfield.
Laura Fine, Anna Moeller, Fred Crespo, Deb Conroy, Marty Moylan, Michelle Mussman, Elaine Nekritz, Carol Sente, Sam Yingling, Michael Halpin, Stephanie Kifowit, Sue Scherer, Natalie Manley, Dan Beiser, Jay Hoffman, Katie Stuart, Jerry Costello, Brandon Phelps
After two years, there are indications that Illinois may begin to address the issues that have led to an extended budget stalemate, credit deterioration, and Fitch Ratings placing the state of Illinois’ current ‘BBB+’ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) on Rating Watch Negative. Although the legislature did not take action during the “lame duck” session that ended with the installation of the new legislature today, the state senate has put forth a series of bills that have the potential to lead to a compromise that will resolve the impasse.
Fitch has stated that failure to enact measures that lead to ongoing budget balance would trigger a downgrade. The Senate bills reportedly include raising the state income tax and other revenue measures, debt issuance to reduce accumulated budgetary liabilities, pension reforms, aid to Chicago public schools, and non-budgetary reforms sought by the governor, including a freeze on property taxes, workers compensation reform, and some form of term limits. These proposals, if they proceed through the full legislature and are signed by the governor, have the potential to stabilize the Illinois IDR and related ratings if they lead to a structurally balanced budget and reduce accumulated budget liabilities. However, Fitch notes that previous signs of progress have not always come to fruition. Fitch will assess any legislation enacted by the state to determine if it provides permanent, comprehensive solutions to the budget stalemate and sets the state on a path toward ongoing budgetary balance.
Fitch has previously indicated that the Rating Watch would be resolved by the end of January. The expected timing of Fitch’s review is unchanged.
I really doubt this will be resolved by the end of January, but we’ll see.
* Meanwhile, from Moody’s…
While unfunded pension liabilities will continue weighing on the City of Chicago’s (Ba1 negative) credit profile, plans to significantly increase contributions with higher taxes is a favorable departure from prior funding practices. However, the liquidity crisis at Chicago Public Schools (CPS – B3 negative) is worsening amid a continued budget impasse at the state level, Moody’s Investors Service says in two new research reports released today.
While Chicago and CPS are legally separate entities with distinct credit profiles, they share the same tax base and have some overlapping governance.
In “City of Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions,” Moody’s says despite the city’s expanding economy, revenue growth, and healthy liquidity, its pension burden is likely to remain among the highest of any rated, major local government for many years.
“While Chicago’s recent tax increases will provide revenue to significantly increase pension funding, the city’s unfunded pension liabilities exceed seven times its revenue and are projected to grow for at least 15 more years,” says Matt Butler, Vice President of Moody’s.
Moody’s says there is a limit on Chicago’s ability to raise taxes on its citizens and businesses, because each increase tempers the appetite for further tax hikes that could be needed. Within the last two years, there has been numerous tax increases by overlapping governments, including Chicago, CPS and Cook County, IL (A2 stable), with new revenue slated for funding pensions instead of government services.
In a separate report, “Chicago Public Schools: Frequently Asked Questions,” Moody’s states CPS’ fiscal pressures are intensifying due to depletion of reserves following years of imbalanced operations, unrealistic budget assumptions, and escalating pension costs.
“CPS’ deteriorating credit profile reflects years of budget imbalance which have completely drained operating reserves, leaving the district with minimal protection against further budget pressures,” said Naomi Richman, Managing Director of Moody’s.
Coinciding with the sharp drop in fund balance, CPS’ liquidity has fallen considerably and the district has turned to issuing short-term tax anticipation notes to support its operations. Its recent $730 million offering is strictly for capital improvements and cannot be used for operating expenses.
CPS has also assumed material growth in state aid that for the last two years has not materialized, worsening its budget imbalance. Rising pension costs have also exacerbated CPS’ finances and these costs will continue to grow annually.
Moody’s says CPS could consider more difficult options to address its finances should the State of Illinois (Baa2 negative) be unable or unwilling to provide additional relief: levy for debt service on GO alternate revenue bonds, stop making employer pension contributions, or seek state authorization to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.
As CPS’ credit deteriorates, it could have an impact on the city’s credit profile. CPS is integral to Chicago’s economy and tax base, and CPS’ budget pressures could impair the city’s ability to raise revenue.
Should CPS levy for debt service, the subsequent property tax increase for Chicago residents and businesses could weaken the city’s political and practical ability to increase tax revenues in the future.
Rauner, who presided over the Senate inauguration, wasn’t scheduled to make any remarks, but he offered some nonetheless.
“As my grandfather used to tell me every time I’d come to get advice, he’d say ‘Bruce, reasonable people can reasonably disagree.’ There are different ways to solve problems, different ideas, different solutions,” the governor said. “We all need to battle for what we firmly believe is right, but I hope the Good Lord grants us the wisdom to find common ground … to listen and respect to (sic) the other ideas, to come to the solution for a better future.”
That’s pretty much what I’ve been saying for the past two years in response to the governor’s relentless Turnaround Agenda push. Remember “Find another way”?
I’m glad to hear him finally mouth the words, but let’s hope he’s not just faking it for the cameras.
Rauner complimented all senators for their service. He was in his drop-the-g’s mode, as he said he believes what TEDDY ROOSEVELT believed, that it is “necessary and important to be in the arena, covered in blood, covered in mud, covered in sweat, gettin’ hit and attacked and sufferin,’ but in there workin,’ in there battlin’. … You’re in there takin’ the arrows. And I know how hard it is. … Thank you for your service.”
A group of people including one dressed in a giant fake head resembling that of House Speaker Mike Madigan didn’t get what they wanted.
The current leadership in the General Assembly including Madigan, John Cullerton, Christine Radogno, and Jim Durkin is staying as is. Much to the chagrin of the Illinois Policy Institute, which organized a protest outside the House inauguration ceremony at UIS. […]
The protest came complete with a man dressed in a Mike Madigan oversized cartoon head — same one the Institute — which has received money from Governor Rauner — rolled out prior to the election when they produced a documentary largely critical of Madigan.
Outside of the Sangamon Auditorium Wednesday, where newly elected House members were sworn in to start the 100th General Assembly, the conservative Illinois Policy Institute staged an anti-Madigan demonstration. However, they appeared to be both outnumbered and outshouted by union demonstrators chanting “We like Mike” and other pro-Madigan slogans.
According to WTTW, there were hundreds of pro-Madigan demonstrators, mainly from the Laborers Union, but also from other unions. A pic is here.
* The other day, I wondered aloud when the governor would start pushing for substantive education reforms - an issue that got him involved in politics to begin with. Could this be the start of it?…
Former state Rep. Ron Sandack — who abruptly resigned last year amid an extortion scam involving “inappropriate online conversations” — is Springfield’s newest lobbyist.
Sandack, who was lured into a scheme that ended in him feeling compelled to send money to a woman he met online, was listed as registering as a lobbyist on Tuesday, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s lobbyist database. He is registered with the firm Gaido & Fintzen, LLC. Sandack intends to lobby the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, according to records. The firm, where Sandack is a partner, had previously not done lobbying in Springfield.
After going dark on social media for several months, Sandack reappeared in November. Sandack on Wednesday in a Facebook post congratulated the members of the 100th Illinois General Assembly.
“After the celebrating is over, I hope all can finally work together to truly address Illinois’ dire financial challenges; our great State deserves no less. Cheers … now get to work,” Sandack wrote.
Up until a few years ago, Sandack was pretty highly respected in the House. But he made a ton of enemies with sharp and often personal attacks on the floor when he became the governor’s de facto floor leader. Not a lot of tears were shed when he abruptly departed.
Unsurprisingly, his lobbyist registration form shows he doesn’t yet have any actual Statehouse clients. If he does somehow succeed at this new endeavor, it’ll be one of the greatest comebacks in Springfield history.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Criminal Justice Reform Commission delivered its final report Tuesday that aims to reduce Illinois’ prison population and improve public safety.
The report includes 13 new recommendations to expand on what the commission gave to the governor last year, with 27 proposed changes total.
“The commission identified a number of avenues to transform Illinois’ criminal justice system to safely reduce the prison population,” Rodger Heaton, the commission’s chairman and state’s public safety director, said in a written statement. “These recommendations if implemented fully and executed effectively will achieve the governor’s goal of reducing the prison population by 25 percent in 10 years.” […]
Some of the new recommendations include increasing rehabilitative and treatment services in high-need communities; collecting data on race and ethnicity at every point of the criminal justice system for analysis; training on racial and ethnic bias for employees working in the criminal justice system; and readjusting sentence recommendations to focus on rehabilitation while still holding people accountable for their crimes.
The full report is here. Go check it out and tell us what you think.
* The plan is to run a constitutional amendment soon, but in the meantime the Senate decided to change its rules right away…
The Illinois Senate approved new rules today placing term limits on the leadership positions of the chamber. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:
“New ideas and a fresh perspective are always beneficial to our democracy. By instituting this rule, we can guarantee that the Illinois Senate will always be led by someone with a positive vision for our state. I applaud Senate President Cullerton for his leadership in making sure this rule could become a reality.”
The new rule change would limit both the President of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the Senate to five two-year terms.
Yes, this is a mainly symbolic gesture because the Senate can change its rules whenever it wants.
But every public move like this cranks up the pressure one more notch on Speaker Madigan.
Katie Stuart Betrays Voters, Backs Madigan for Speaker
House Democrats Re-Elect Boss Madigan
“Katie Stuart today chose to put the political machine ahead of the people. She voted to elect Mike Madigan to a record 17th term as Speaker, extending Madigan’s decades of power for another two years. Stuart’s refusal to stand up to Boss Madigan makes clear that the only way to get a new Speaker in Illinois is by getting rid of legislators like Katie Stuart in Springfield.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
Today, House Democrats ignored the will of the people by re-electing Boss Madigan as Speaker of the House.
The Illinois Republican Party will continue to hold accountable the legislators who protect the status quo and empower the Madigan political machine.
I really do wonder what would happen if you polled the populace and ask voters whether they favored Madigan or a Republican House Speaker.
* If you’ve been following our live coverage post, you know that Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) voted “Present” during the roll call for House Speaker. He was the only House member to take that position. Speaker Madigan was re-elected 66-51.
* The Question: What action, if any, should the House Democrats take on Rep. Drury? Please make sure to explain your vote.
*** UPDATE *** From Rep. Drury…
Earlier today, State Representative Scott Drury (D-Highwood) did not vote for Michael J. Madigan in the election for Speaker of the House, voting “Present” instead. Set forth below is Representative Drury’s statement regarding the vote:
As a high school student, one of my favorite poems was Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” The poem tells the story of a traveler who finds himself at a point where two roads diverge. Forced to choose, the traveler chose the one less traveled, and “it made all the difference.”
Today, I found myself at a similar divergence and chose in accordance with Frost’s traveler. I did not vote for Michael J. Madigan in the election for Speaker of the House. To my knowledge, no one has taken this action in approximately 30 years. Whether it will make “all the difference” remains to be seen.
I am confident that my vote represents the view of the vast majority of my constituents. In that respect, the decision was easy. Unfortunately, I have learned that what is popular with constituents does not always align with what is popular in Springfield. In the end, I chose the public over politicians.
While my choice was binary – vote for Mr. Madigan or don’t – the vote was not about him. Illinois is in a free-fall into the abyss. My action today should give hope to the hopeless that a new day is on the horizon.
In the weeks leading up to this vote, I seriously explored the possibility of running for Speaker of the House. To my knowledge, no Democrat has ever taken this initial step in the Madigan era. It became clear that for myriad reasons a majority of the General Assembly is not ready for a new Speaker.
Finally, I have been asked if I fear repercussions. With history as a guide, the answer is yes.
Frost’s traveler said the road less traveled “made all the difference.” He was silent on whether taking it was easy. I will let you know.
* We talked again last week about the exodus of Statehouse reporters, which is now up to seven over the past couple of months. I received a few e-mails on this topic from a current and a former reporter that I thought I’d share with you.
This is from a current Statehouse reporter, with a slight edit to disguise the person’s identity…
I think the seven departures from the press room are an unfortunate coincidence. Nobody has said, I can’t take it anymore, I have had it with this administration. The only person who quit the press room that I know of for that reason - the administration was Blagojevich’s.
The ones who will be missed in that group, Jamey, Riopell, and Amanda, are advancing themselves / making more money.
Seth was doing something nobody else was, photography. Not exactly apples to apples imo tho Seth is a great guy.
Ivan was only here a year and, more importantly, apparently won’t be replaced.
Kelsey and Ed are advancing themselves and presumably making more money. Good luck to them. The Kelsey departure would make two folks leaving WCIA, as they have yet to hire someone (as far as I know) to succeed Matt Porter. I say “succeed” because you simply cannot replace Matt Porter!
Amanda’s departure is the end of the world because Amanda.
The more troubling part to me is when organizations decide to quit staffing the press room after people leave.
That last sentence and the fact that Ivan Moreno at the AP may not be replaced are the most important parts as you’ll see in this next e-mail from a former reporter…
There’s always been constant turnover. The difference is corporate media downsizing and the decision to leave positions vacant when that turnover occurs.
Yep.
* That former reporter continued in a follow-up e-mail, which has also been slightly edited…
Consider this …
Don Thompson went from the Pantagraph, to the Daily Herald to AP Sacramento.
When Don left the Pantagraph it opened the door for Kurt Erickson to come to the press corps. [Erickson has since left for a job in Missouri.]
Don leaving the Daily Herald opened the door for John Patterson to move from the Lee Bureau to the Daily Herald.
Those doors have been closed, locked and boarded over.
There is no Pantagraph standalone bureau.
And now it appears there is no Daily Herald bureau.
Despite the fact that the Daily Herald bought a ton of newspapers in southern Illinois, it appears it won’t keep its Statehouse bureau open. And while Lee Newspapers still has a presence, the papers it serves have far fewer reporters. The Post-Dispatch, another Lee paper, also lost its bureau chief a while back.
So, fewer reporters at Lee, the AP and possibly at Illinois Public Radio, while the Daily Herald has gone to zero. We’ll see what happens at WICS and WCIA. The Illinois Radio Network was bought by the Illinois Policy Institute, and it can’t get accredited to cover the House and Senate. The Tribune used to have two full-time folks in Springfield, now it has one. The Sun-Times has a Statehouse reporter, and while she does a very good job, she lives in Chicago.
* I pulled up the 1991-92 Blue Book and checked the section for the Illinois Legislative Correspondents Association. We had 47 members back then. It’s a tiny fraction of that today. Times change, and not always for the better.
I was in South Dakota a few years ago and visited the state capitol building. The press room is in the basement, so I went down there to check it out, but it was empty and locked. I was told that reporters were only dispatched to the capitol for session days and important events. We’re not there yet, but that kinda spooked me.
* And yet some folks on Speaker Madigan’s staff still scoff at those who run ads on social media and other online platforms…
According to Matthew Ball, chief of research at Amazon Studio, Americans under the age of 30 now watch almost 50 percent fewer hours of traditional TV than they did in 2000.
Campaigns have to go where the people are. That means knocking on their doors, calling them on their (mobile) phones and advertising on TV. But the internet is now doing to TV what it already did to newspapers and radio…
More subtly, it’s simply easier than ever to watch football now without technically “watching football”—by finding highlights on Twitter and on sports websites. Why spend four hours on the couch when you can get on with your life and catch the most alluring moments in 60 seconds in line at Starbucks?
And it’s not just football. People love to look at the hottest clips instead of watching entire programs. If you’re not online, you’re invisible.
RedEye, the Chicago commuter daily that got its start in 2002, will eliminate print publication on all weekdays except Thursday, doubling up pages that day with entertainment and weekend coverage.
The paper told its readers in a note that it’s making the change to adapt to the “different needs” of Chicagoans who today are equipped with smartphones and social media feeds. RedEye, which is owned by Chicago-based Tronc (formerly known as Tribune Publishing), will publish its last weekday issue on Feb. 3, and the new 40-page weekly will appear Feb. 9, Tronc spokeswoman Dana Meyer said in an email. […]
Meyer declined to say how many employees currently work for RedEye or how many jobs will be eliminated as part of the restructuring. The tabloid’s staff has been shrinking in recent years, along with its circulation, as the newspaper industry contracts in the face of reader and advertiser migration to digital alternatives.
39 states require public employees to take a “cooling off” period after leaving the state before engaging in lobbying activities. Of those, 35 have policies that also place these restrictions on state legislators. These policies serve to prevent special interests from using any increased influence a recently departed employee may have on former colleagues.
In Illinois, there is a one-year “cooling off” period for state employees, as established by an Executive Order signed by Governor Rauner in January of 2015. However, Illinois is one of just four states whose “cooling off” restrictions for lobbying do not apply to members of the General Assembly. ICPR’S research team found that only three other states with a “Revolving Door” lobbying policy do not include legislators: New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The length of the “cooling off” period also varies from state to state. Illinois’ one-year waiting period is standard, with 24 states requiring a year break before lobbying. Nine states require a two year period, and two states, Missouri and North Carolina, require only 6 months.
There are 11 states with no “Revolving Door” lobbying policy in place: Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
There are two types of laws that are often referred to as “Revolving Door” policies. First, some states ban former state employees and elected officials from working for any company with a state contract that the employee oversaw or helped create. Illinois law includes this type of restriction for state employees. In this study, we focused only on the second type of “Revolving Door” policy, which restricts former public employees and elected officials from lobbying the state for a certain period after their departure.
Governor Bruce Rauner today released the following statement on Democratic leaders embracing economic changes:
“After two years, both Democratic leaders finally agree that we must have a balanced budget with economic changes to increase our competitiveness to grow jobs. That’s an important positive step. Now let’s come together on a bipartisan basis to ensure all proposals truly take the state in a better direction.”
That’s a very good and measured response. The governor focused exclusively on the fact that Madigan has finally appeared to say he’s willing to do some economic reforms along with a real budget.
Madigan’s stopgap budget proposal the House passed this week is likely going nowhere in the Senate, which has its own grand plan. Madigan could pass his property tax freeze plan again and send that across the building along with a stopgap to try and force Rauner’s hand. But it’s highly doubtful that Senate President Cullerton and Senate GOP Leader Radogno would expose Chicago and other municipalities and school districts to a permanent property tax freeze just to get an inadequate 6-month budget. They have their own plan, and they’re sticking to it. Madigan is boxed for now. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next.
* Possible gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker, at right, shaking hands with President Obama after the President’s farewell speech in Chicago last night. The photo was taken of a TV screen, so it isn’t that great…
* You probably saw something about this yesterday…
Donald Trump asked Robert Kennedy Jr., a proponent of a widely discredited theory that vaccines cause autism, to chair a new commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity, according to Kennedy.
The stunning move would contradict established science, medicine and the government’s position on the issue. It comes after Trump - who has long been critical of vaccines - met at Trump Tower with Kennedy, who has spearheaded efforts to roll back child vaccination laws.
Trump transition officials did not respond to requests for comment on the commission.
Speaking to reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, on Tuesday, Kennedy said that Trump called him to request the meeting, and he accepted the position on the new commission. It is unclear exactly what role the commission would play.
Team Trump later put out a release calling it an “autism commission,” not a vaccine commission, and claiming that no final decisions have been made at this time.
* Anyway, I told you this story because Robert Kennedy Jr.’s brother Chris is talking about running for governor. So, I wondered whether the two shared Robert’s view on vaccines and autism.
Chris comes from a big family, I was told, and members of that family hold different views on various issues. And on this issue, I was informed, Chris Kennedy does not agree with his brother.
* The US Attorney’s office wants a heads up before indicted former Congressman Aaron Schock spends any money from his campaign account…
In a motion filed Monday, federal prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough to weigh in on the matter at an upcoming hearing, saying they needed to ensure “there is no further potential economic harm to an alleged victim.”
Schock, 35, of Peoria, is accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, making false statements, filing a false tax return, theft of government funds and falsification of Federal Election Commission filings. In all, it’s alleged that he stole more than $100,000 from the government and his campaign committees. At his arraignment last month, his attorneys told Myerscough there was about $400,000 left in those bank accounts.
Prosecutors say they aren’t opposed to allowing him to use that to pay for his legal bills but want Schock to give them advance notice of where the money is going and how much he is using. Schock’s attorneys say that’s inappropriate. As such, the government asked in its motion for the judge to weigh in.
But on the eve of the vote, as lawmakers closed out a two-day, lame-duck session and some hurried back to Chicago for President Barack Obama’s farewell address, even the lone Democrat who had once publicly suggested finding an alternative to Madigan had backed away from the idea.
“I think everybody who’s voting … has to be aware of the fact that there could be severe consequences if you don’t fall in line, and that’s just a fact of the way in which the General Assembly seems to be run,” said Rep. Scott Drury, a Highwood Democrat who said last month that he was “studying” options for challenging Madigan’s speakership candidacy.
By Tuesday, Drury said he was still considering voting for a candidate other than Madigan should one emerge, but he acknowledged that there was no coordinated effort to put forward an alternative.
Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat and top Madigan deputy, dismissed the notion of a coup.
“We decide as a caucus who our candidate for speaker is going to be, behind closed doors,” Lang said. “And once we decide who our candidate for speaker is, the members of the caucus support the caucus decision.”
That’s true. Democrats are locked in. If Drury votes for someone else despite the caucus vote by acclamation, there will likely be ramifications.
Chances are Mike Halpin will today support Mike Madigan. In so doing, he will delegitimize any previous claim of autonomy.
Make no mistake, even ceremonial opposition to Madigan could damage Halpin’s constituents. Suddenly, the 72nd District finds itself written out of budget lines. Suddenly, Halpin has no power within his caucus. Suddenly, Halpin is isolated and feckless.
But, at the very least, a protest vote for any Democrat willing to challenge Madigan would prove that Halpin meant what he said. Even a simple abstention, should no challenger rise, would send a powerful message.
Madigan won’t release his grip on Illinois voluntarily. Only a rank-and-file rebellion will do.
* According to Speaker Madigan’s spokesman, this op-ed “will be an element of the remarks the Speaker plans to deliver at the start of the 100th General Assembly later today in Springfield.” One of Madigan’s featured proposal here is a retread from 2014, when he also proposed cutting the corporate tax rate in half. And the House already voted yesterday to extend the EDGE tax credit for a few months. The stuff about not giving any special incentives to companies that export jobs to other countries may be new.
Anyway, here’s the Speaker…
The last two years have been extremely difficult for our state. But with the inauguration of a new General Assembly today, we have an opportunity for a new way forward. Regardless of how any of us feel about the proposals laid out by Gov. Bruce Rauner, the elected leaders of our state must face Illinois’ challenges together. Rather than placing blame and looking to find the worst in each other, we should focus on working together and finding common ground to address the issues facing our state.
In that spirit, I think we can all agree that legislators and the governor must take immediate action to address the state’s budget crisis. There are people across Illinois whose lives are forever altered in a negative way because of our lack of a budget. If we have a repeat of the last two years, there will be more people forever harmed across our state. We can all agree that can’t happen.
House Democrats agree with the governor that Illinois can and should improve our business climate. Improving our business climate will create new opportunities for families across Illinois and will provide a better standard of living for many of our state’s residents.
But House Democrats don’t agree that the only way to create jobs is to hurt the people who work in those jobs each day. I would like to suggest a better approach for improving our business climate than those who insist the only way to compete in a global economy is to join in a race to the bottom by cutting wages, and stripping away protections for workers in an effort to increase profits for businesses.
Crain’s Chicago Business columnist Joe Cahill recently studied Donald Trump and Mike Pence’s efforts to prevent the Carrier Corp. from outsourcing jobs from Indiana to Mexico. By committing $7 million in taxpayer incentives, they were able to keep one-third of the jobs in Indiana, but two-thirds of those jobs are still going to Mexico. No state in this country will ever offer lower labor costs than Mexico, which is why Mr. Cahill concluded that our economic development strategy cannot focus solely on costs, but must offer businesses the opportunity for growth.
The attributes that drive economic growth can be found right here in Illinois: We have first-class universities and nationally recognized research labs. We have a highly educated workforce. We have a world-class transportation infrastructure. We are home to innovative projects like Chicago’s digital manufacturing initiative.
To this end, House Democrats will introduce and pursue an agenda that contains aggressive economic reforms to leverage these attributes, create jobs and improve the business climate, without hurting hard-working middle-class families.
If we must use a cost approach to helping businesses in Illinois, we could start by cutting the corporate income tax by at least 50 percent. This would allow businesses to spend more of their resources on creating jobs and improving our economy. However, many of the largest corporations in Illinois pay no income tax, putting the real economic drivers - small and medium-sized employers who do pay - at a tremendous disadvantage. If we cut the income tax rate by half, we should also level the playing field for those small and medium-sized businesses by creating a new corporate tax structure that eases the burden on most employers while ensuring that all businesses pay something.
We can also put Illinois jobs first by reinstating the EDGE tax credit for businesses that create new jobs. While we invest in businesses that invest in Illinois, we should also take the step of outlawing any future tax incentives for corporations that ship American jobs out of our country. I think it only makes sense that we should be investing tax dollars in companies that invest in Illinois.
Positioning Illinois as a place for growth also means investing in a strong middle class. This is why the House Democrats’ agenda for economic growth will include an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit, to help working families keep more of what they earn. And our agenda will include an increased minimum wage.
We will invest in education at all levels. We will work to make our tax code fairer and our schools stronger by requiring the wealthiest in our state to pay a small surcharge only on income over $1 million, with 100 percent of the new revenue going to fund our schools. A well-educated workforce will benefit our businesses in the long term.
We choose this pathway to create jobs, grow our economy and improve the business climate, rather than joining in a race to the bottom and lowering our standard of living by gutting protections for workers hurt on the job through no fault of their own, restricting collective bargaining rights and cutting middle-class wages.
We all see the challenges facing our state. We must address the budget crisis, and we must grow our economy. We can create growth without dismantling the middle class. The oaths taken today by new members of the General Assembly make these challenges ours together. I hope we can work together to address them.
“House Democrats will finally be forced to publicly declare whether they will continue to support Mike Madigan’s three-decade reign of failure or side with the overwhelming number of Illinoisans who know it’s time for Boss Madigan to go.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
The Illinois Republican Party will continue to highlight Boss Madigan’s disastrous record tomorrow as House Democrats decide whether allegiance to their political patron is more important than listening to the people of Illinois.
If you’re at the University of Illinois Springfield, where the General Assembly inauguration will take place tomorrow, be sure to look out for the ILGOP.
The GOP will be launching a brand-new snapchat filter, as well as distributing “Fire Boss Madigan” campaign buttons and flyers to continue to spread awareness about Boss Madigan’s decades of disaster.
Madigan controls all legislation considered by the Illinois House and controls the campaign money spent by his state party. Madigan is the undisputed boss of the Chicago political machine.
Voters will peacefully assemble displaying signs that encourages 100th General Assembly Members to not vote for Michael Madigan as Speaker of the House.
A judge has ordered Governor Bruce Rauner to cooperate with an investigation into whether he and top staffers conducted state business on private emails.
WMAY’s watchdog partner, the Better Government Association, has been pushing to see emails between Rauner and top communications staffers on how to deal with media inquiries.
Actually, no. The BGA originally FOIA’d all e-mails sent to or by Gov. Rauner and communications guys Lance Trover and Mike Schrimpf from January 12-19, 2015. That includes, by definition, e-mails that reporters sent to Trover and Schrimpf along with the replies.
The governor’s office found over 3,500 e-mails and asked the BGA to narrow the scope of its request. The BGA narrowed it to January 13, 2015 - the day after Rauner was inaugurated.
* So, what the heck is going on here? From the BGA…
A Cook County judge Monday opened the door to examining whether Gov. Bruce Rauner and top officials in his administration used personal email to conduct public business.
Acting on a lawsuit filed by the Better Government Association, Circuit Court Judge Kathleen M. Pantle ordered the governor’s office to cooperate with the watchdog group in determining whether emails discussing government business could be found on personal email accounts of Rauner and two top aides.
The BGA lawsuit, filed in July 2015, seeks business related emails sent on selected days during Rauner’s first month in office to or from the governor, his then Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Mike Schrimpf and Communications Director Lance Trover. […]
In her ruling, Pantle said she will personally review the disputed emails to determine whether they should become public.
What’s more, her order requires the governor’s office and the BGA to “engage in discovery” on whether emails on personal accounts of the three involved discussions of public business. That decision came in response to an argument from the BGA questioning the thoroughness of a search for emails that did not include personal accounts used to transact public business.
So, apparently they’re trying to figure out whether Rauner and some people in the governor’s office are sending government-related e-mails on private e-mail accounts.
I gotta admit it will be interesting to see what they dig up on Rauner because he supposedly doesn’t do e-mail any longer and has no state e-mail account.
But the target date of that FOIA is, as mentioned above, the day after the swearing in. I imagine people still didn’t have fully functioning offices yet. Whatever they find might not mean much.
I checked my in-box and I can’t find a single government-related e-mail from Trover or Schrimpf that was sent from their personal G-Mail accounts. All the government-related e-mails I’ve received have been from their state accounts.
* In the meantime, does this mean that the BGA wants to gain access to off the record exchanges between the governor’s office and reporters? The governor’s people say that’s one reason why they’re resisting the FOIA. I asked Andy Shaw, and he sent me to his group’s attorney Matt Topic, who e-mailed me a few hours later…
We aren’t aware of that being an issue in our suit one way or the other, but I’m not aware of any legal basis under FOIA to withhold off-the-record statements in emails by government officials simply on that basis, regardless of what account was used.
So, in other words, if I ask a question off the record and/or receive an off the record response, that’s FOIA-able.
I don’t think I love that idea.
…Adding… I think some may be unclear on this. If I send an off the record question or whatever to someone’s private e-mail account, is that really fair game for FOIA? I haven’t done so with Trover, but seriously? You should be able to access that correspondence, too?
…Adding More… I really think off the record reporter conversations are (or should be) exempted from FOIA. From the exemption list..
Business trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential and disclosure would cause a competitive harm to the person or business.
So, I truly don’t see how anyone can think that confidential, off the record conversations which could put commercial media outlets at a competitive disadvantage are FOIA-able.
* From a constituent e-mail sent today by Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago)…
With the start of a new term also comes a new election for leadership in both chambers. Speaker Madigan has been in that role for 30 years (with the exception of 2 years when democrats lost the majority) and is the second longest serving leader of any state legislative body in the history of the United States.
I have heard from several constituents urging me to vote against Speaker Madigan. I can fully appreciate the frustration expressed towards him, and I have been vocal in my belief that we need to be doing things differently than we have over the last two years. At the same time, laying all the blame for this standoff on Speaker Madigan isn’t accurate either. I have been critical of both Speaker Madigan and Governor Rauner when they deserve it and will continue to do so.
Ultimately, the election of Speaker of the House is a choice between candidates. As of right now, there are two candidates who have declared their intention to run for Speaker on Wednesday - Michael Madigan and Jim Durkin, the current House Minority Leader. My responsibility is to cast my vote for the person whose values most closely align with mine. Madigan, while flawed, supports the rights of workers, equality for women and the LGBT community, and he is pushing back against policies that hurt middle class families and those living in poverty.
I have a good working relationship with Leader Durkin, but to put him in charge of the House would effectively put Governor Rauner in the driver’s seat. I cannot in good conscience cast a vote that would ultimately harm the people I represent even more than they have been already.
Ending this stalemate is important. But ending it by allowing Governor Rauner to ram through policies aimed at ending collective bargaining, enriching private contractors, decimating child care and care for the elderly and disabled, among a long list of things our caucus has pushed back against in an effort to find a budget solution not held hostage by non-budgetary issues, is not the right answer.
Assuming Speaker Madigan is reelected this week, I intend instead to continue to forcefully push him towards more thoughtful solutions and alternative policies that will actually help the people we serve, along with a more open process to allow more ideas to come to the floor.
Trump. DeVos. Rauner. Billionaire birds of a feather (DeVos: public schools “displaced” the church & reform can “advance God’s Kingdom”) https://t.co/iOXnbS9ZIS
Gov. Bruce Rauner offered a “modest proposal” in 2011 to administer the ACT exam to Chicago Public Schools teachers and publish the results by printing average scores, according to a correspondence included in Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s trove of recently-released emails.
“Administer the ACT this september, and every other sept thereafter, to all teachers in cps - publish results by printing the avg teacher ACT score for each school,” Rauner wrote before he was elected governor. “Galvanize media and parent conversations about teacher quality/recruiting/training and would lay the groundwork for many of the changes we need to make going forward.” […]
“Every principal in the system will immediately begin to think about the talent of their teachers and explore ways to recruit more intelligent, academically accomplished teachers so that their school does not stay at bottom of rankings on teacher test scores - no edicts or directives needed from central office - we can leave it to the media and parents to discuss whether there is or should be a correlation between teachers’ scores and student achievement,” he said.
This got me to thinking when the governor’s actual education policy reform agenda may emerge. He’s talked a lot about funding, but hasn’t really tackled substantive issues as of yet. The DeVos appointment might force the matter here, though.
* Aside from the education reform stuff, the NY Times has this bit of insight…
After Tom Casperson, a Republican state senator from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, began running for Congress in 2016, he assumed the family of Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be education secretary, would not oppose him.
The DeVoses, a dominant force in Michigan politics for decades with a fortune in the billions, had contributed to one of Mr. Casperson’s earlier campaigns. But a week before his primary, family members sent $24,000 to one of his opponents, then poured $125,000 into a “super PAC,” Concerned Taxpayers of America, that ran ads attacking him.
The reason, an intermediary told Mr. Casperson: his support from organized labor.
The Illinois House has approved a four-month extension of a corporate tax incentive program amid an ongoing budget standoff.
The Economic Development for a Growing Economy, or EDGE, program was set to expire at the end of last year. It offers businesses tax breaks in exchange for agreements on creating and maintaining jobs.
The House approved an extension 101-12 Tuesday. If approved, it will sunset in April. The measure now heads to the state Senate.
Some lawmakers argue the program needs an overhaul because it benefits larger companies over smaller ones. Bill sponsor Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie says short-term extension is the way to go.
It’s not often explained, but the credit for capital investment and job creation is applied to the state income tax withheld by a company from the new workers added under the program. Companies often don’t pay much state corporate income tax, so this is a way to give them money that would’ve otherwise gone to state coffers.
The Senate also approved the bill today on a 48-7 roll call. The governor has yet to say what he plans to do.
Authority to offer such incentives had automatically sunsetted Jan. 1, caught amid the continuous battles in the capital over terms for adopting a fiscal 2018 state budget and fully funding all programs in this year.
Both Democrats and Republicans say they want changes in the Edge program, the state’s largest and by many accounts most effective tool in getting companies to move and expand here. For instance, Sen. Pam Althoff, R-Crystal Lake, and Melissa Bush, D-Grayslake, are sponsoring legislation cut the size of Edge incentives and limit them to net versus retained positions.
Bush referenced that in floor debate today, saying the temporary extension “says to business, ‘We’re open for business,”‘ but that she will continue to work “to get a good (permanent) bill later.”
Of course, putting off the day of decision until April 30 puts one more item on the table for House Speaker Mike Madigan and Rauner to fight about this spring.
In the months leading up to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2015 re-election, members of the family that controls Illinois’ most successful casino gave $300,000 to his campaign. Just five days into Emanuel’s second term, Rivers Casino chairman Neil Bluhm called in a request.
Among emails obtained recently from Emanuel’s personal account by the Better Government Association is one sent to the mayor written by his deputy Steve Koch on May 23, 2015, relating a phone conversation with Bluhm.
“Spoke to Neil Bluhm,” Koch wrote. “he (sic) was calling to make sure we are as opposed to table games at racetracks as he is. I assured he (sic) we are adamantly opposed.” […]
That communication took place one day after a report in The Daily Herald about a push in Springfield to expand casino style gambling to racetracks like Arlington Park. Such a move, had it succeeded, would have posed a competitive threat to nearby Rivers in Des Plaines. […]
Bluhm’s call to the deputy mayor prompted this email response from then chief City Hall lobbyist Michael Rendina: “We will need to call [state senate president John] Cullerton and ask that he keep them (table games at tracks) out of the bill.”
Emanuel spokesman Matt McGrath dismissed the importance of the Bluhm interaction, noting that city and Rivers had a common cause in opposing the threat of turning racetracks into casinos.
“We had the same position on table gaming because he was worried they would eat into the profits of his casino and we were worried they would eat into the profits of a possible Chicago casino,” said McGrath. “We didn’t need a reminder from Mr. Bluhm that this was something to be opposed.”
Spokesman Dennis Culloton said that Bluhm, a registered lobbyist for Rivers, alerted the city that the racetrack measure was afoot “to make sure the city reviewed the negative impact that table games at the tracks would have on gaming revenues to the city. As two major stakeholders in this potential legislation, this conversation was entirely appropriate and in the interest of the city.”
“What would Illinois be like if we had different political leadership?”
It’s midafternoon on a weekday, and Illinois Rep. Christian Mitchell is on the other end of the phone. He laughs.
“Oh, you must be calling people who have already started drinking for the day,” says Mitchell, a Chicago Democrat.
And so began my quest to find out what Illinois could look like if it had new blood. By that, I mean: What if House Speaker Michael Madigan became former House Speaker Michael Madigan?
I teased Rep. Mitchell about that comment this morning. He chuckled and said she didn’t use any of his quotes about the current impasse and the governor.
* So, I asked Mitchell what he said and he sent me this summation…
You could remove Madigan from office, and Democrats would still oppose, almost lockstep, Rauner’s agenda. I didn’t like voting for pension reform, but I voted for it because I could score it. I could look at my constituents and say, you keep 87 cents on the dollar of what you earned - it’s not right that you’re being hit at all, but here’s where we are - and we have more dollars to spend on infrastructure, education and social services, while making sure you still have a pension.
I can’t do that with the turnaround agenda. We can move reasonably on workers comp reform, but we have to address insurance profits and exploitation of workers and businesses. A property tax freeze is a horrible idea that will cripple municipal governments and bankrupt our schools.
There isn’t a single independent analysis that demonstrates that the turnaround agenda will do anything to turnaround Illinois. On the other hand, I know that progressive tax reform that asks the Bruce Rauner’s of the world to pay their fair share for services means we can invest in the infrastructure that allows businesses to get their goods to and from market, and can put rural Illinoisans back to work. I know that reforms like fair scheduling and paid sick leave mean more workers will have more money in their pockets to spend and drive the economy. There’s data to show it.
Obviously she used none of that. But that’s what I said. MJM as the problem is simplistic. BVR is a boss too, and his agenda is anathema to Democrats.
So feel free to use that 😊
The Illinois House has approved a package of criminal-justice reforms to aid crime victims and reduce prison populations.
The plan won House approval 83-26 on Monday and moves to the Senate. It includes additional counseling and other services for crime victims paid with federal funds. It would allow prisoners to complete improvement programs to shorten their sentences. Judges would have more leeway to order probation in drug cases.
Peoria Democratic Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth says her measure would reduce Illinois’ prison population - a goal of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. And Gordon-Booth says it would help ex-inmates rejoin the community and heal families affected by violence.
Some lawmakers questioned whether there would be money in a state budget crisis for new initiatives.
Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority shall conduct strategic planning and provide technical assistance to implement comprehensive trauma recovery services for violent crime victims in underserved communities with high-levels of violent crime, with the goal of providing a safe, community-based, culturally competent environment in which to access services necessary to facilitate recovery from the effects of chronic and repeat exposure to trauma. Provides that services may include, but are not limited to, behavioral health treatment, financial recovery, family support and relocation assistance, and support in navigating the legal system.
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Changes sentence credit for good conduct in specific instances to earned sentence credit for good conduct in specific instances as the Director of Corrections deems proper. Deletes provisions that an offender may not receive probation, periodic imprisonment, or conditional discharge for certain drug offenses, or for Class 2 felony offenses that are not sex offenses or firearm offenses if the offender has received a sentence for a Class 2 felony and has previously been convicted of a Class 2 or greater felony. Provides that a period of probation, a term of periodic imprisonment or conditional discharge shall not be imposed for a Class 2 or greater felony sex offense or felony firearm offense if the offender had been convicted of a Class 2 or greater felony, including any state or federal conviction for an offense that contained, at the time it was committed, the same elements as an offense now (the date of the offense committed after the prior Class 2 or greater felony) classified as a Class 2 or greater felony, within 10 years of the date on which the offender committed the offense for which he or she is being sentenced, except as otherwise provided in the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act.
The Illinois Senate is poised to go it alone in outlining a solution to the nation’s longest-running state budget standoff but leaders acknowledge they won’t have time to push it through to the governor in the final two days of the current session.
A bipartisan Senate deal began to emerge late last week with a goal of breaking the nearly two-year deadlock between Democrats who control the Legislature and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. It was positioned for a floor vote by late Monday, but since the session ends Tuesday, there’s no time to push the plan to the House. It would have to be reintroduced after a new General Assembly is seated Wednesday.
The package includes an increase in the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, borrowing money to pay off $11 billion in overdue bills, expanding legalized riverboat casino gambling, raising the minimum wage and eliminating pensions for retired lawmakers.
The Senate has been largely sidelined during the seeming test of wills between former venture capitalist Rauner and Michael Madigan, the Chicago Democrat who has run the House for most of three decades. But the Senate plan hasn’t involved the House, and is the result of weeks of talks between Democratic Senate President John Cullerton and Republican Leader Christine Radogno.
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the package appears to “not yet be complete.”
“Until you have a complete package, it’s hard to even analyze, no less decide what works,” Brown said.
Brown also questioned the package as a whole: “That means you could take some precarious votes and if other things don’t pass for whatever reason, then you’re out there walking the plank.”
Brown instead encouraged the Senate to take up a House measure to fund higher education and social services, which was approved Monday 63-49.
Not exactly a substantive objection.
And since the House apparently doesn’t have the votes to override a Rauner veto of its stopgap budget, why would the Senate go along?
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, who negotiated the bills with Cullerton, said Monday she hopes the legislation can pass the Senate before Feb. 1.
“I think we in the Senate recognize the problems and we are potentially close to an agreement on how to solve them. But we are not quite there,” Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat, said at a Statehouse news conference.
“One of the big takeaways from this is for the first time we’re acknowledging that we really do need to link the reforms, the revenue and the budget all together,” said Radogno, of Lemont. […]
“There was some resistance to the lame-duck aspect of this,” Radogno said. “We are often criticized for doing things too quickly.”
She said some senators only learned details of the package Monday. She said the concerns were “primarily” about the timing rather than the substance of the bills.
“None of this could ever become law, so today is somewhat irrelevant. But I think, in essence, we’ve made our point,” said Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington. “I think it puts the onus on both Speaker Madigan and Gov. Rauner.” […]
“At some point the campaign has to end. There is no ability to govern if you never stop campaigning,” said Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields. “At this point, doing anything less is unconscionable. We cannot go another two years like this.” […]
Cullerton, meanwhile, was left to explain why Democrats would go along with the compromise after spending years objecting to Rauner’s attempts to tie the budget to his legislative agenda.
“We’re two years into this, we don’t have a budget,” Cullerton said. “It’s an embarrassment for the state.”
That said, there’s plenty of skepticism among rank-and-file legislators like Dale Righter, a Republican senator from Mattoon.
“If legislators come to the … taxpayers and say, ‘You know what, we just need a big tax increase, and we’ll tweak the curtains here and a little bit over here, but nothing substantive changes,’ I think that there’s going to be a rude awakening,” Righter says.
You get what you can get, and I think Radogno did a pretty decent job here. There will be some changes, for sure, but my hat’s off to the Leader.
The package that was introduced Monday in the Senate would increase the state’s personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and the corporate rate from 5.25 percent to 7 percent. Another component would provide an additional $740 million in funding for social services and $1.1 billion for higher education for the remainder of the state’s current fiscal year.
The Senate also is considering legislation that would authorize borrowing $7 billion to help pay down the state’s backlog of unpaid bills, which currently stands at $11 billion.
Also included are pension reforms that Cullerton has advocated, an increase in the state’s minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $11 an hour by 2021, and changes that would make it easier to consolidate units of local government.
A gambling expansion measure would create licenses for six new casinos, including one for the proposed Walker’s Bluff resort and casino in southern Illinois’ Williamson County and another for the south suburbs of Chicago.
The final package also could include changes to the state’s workers’ compensation laws, a referendum on amending the Illinois Constitution to limit lawmakers to 10 years in top legislative leadership positions, and an overhaul of the way the state funds public schools.
Most politicians would see a $50 million deposit into a campaign fund as a threat, but Gov. Bruce Rauner has a different interpretation of his contribution to his re-election bid, saying it’s about encouraging “bipartisan compromise.”
“I am focused on fundamentally changing the trajectory of our state. The system is broken, we’ve been going down a bad road for a long time. What I am advocating is bipartisan compromise to get solutions,” Rauner said Monday.
Interrupted and asked how $50 million encourages bipartisan compromise, Rauner said: “We need to be a two-party state. Politics, democracy doesn’t work on a one-party basis. We were a one-party state for a long time, it almost bankrupted us.
“Two thirds of the elections for the General Assembly, there was no opponent. That doesn’t work,” he said at a breakfast event Monday morning. “Voters, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you deserve competition for your vote, you deserve alternative and competing ideas and recommendations so then you have a choice. People in Illinois don’t have choices, and I am an advocate for competition and alternatives.”
The Illinois Senate on Monday easily approved Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to shore up two city worker pension funds, but the measure faces an uncertain future now that it’s headed to a skeptical Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The mayor’s bill is aimed at preventing retirement systems for municipal workers and laborers from going broke in about a decade. The two funds are a combined $21 billion short of what’s needed to pay out future benefits, and the plan relies on newly hired employees paying more toward their retirement.
The House approved the bill 91-16 last month, and on Monday the Senate followed suit, 41-0. But the Rauner administration, which is seeking a broader deal to cut costs in state worker pension systems, responded Monday by throwing some cold water on the plan.
“The governor cannot support this bill without real pension reform that protects taxpayers,” Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said in a statement.
“Bruce Rauner is Governor Gridlock, and he is showing why nothing gets done in Springfield,” [Emanuel’s communications director Adam Collins] wrote.
“The bill to affirm our plan to save the last two city pensions enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses. It passed 41-0 in the Senate and 91-16 in the House, both veto proof majorities. Instead of spending his time figuring out how to stop us from fixing our pensions, the governor should focus on passing a budget and fixing his own.” […]
“The Chicago machine created the pension mess and now wants the state to green light another hike on Chicago taxpayers,” said Lance Trover, Rauner’s deputy chief of staff for communications. “That might work for Mike Madigan and Rahm Emanuel but it’s unfair to Chicago homeowners. Madigan’s Mayor has already cost Chicago taxpayers too much.”
If Rauner waits to veto the measure until the lame duck session is over, the bill will die. New members sworn in Tuesday wouldn’t have the authority to overturn it.
The map of America’s gun violence epidemic can seem overwhelming. There were more than 13,000 gun homicides in the US in 2015, across nearly 3,500 cities and towns. But the toll of this gun violence was not distributed equally.
Half of America’s gun homicides in 2015 were clustered in just 127 cities and towns, according to a new geographic analysis by the Guardian, even though they contain less than a quarter of the nation’s population. […]
Though these neighborhood areas contain just 1.5% of the country’s population, they saw 26% of America’s total gun homicides… People who live in these neighborhood areas face an average gun homicide rate about 400 times higher than the rate across those high-income countries. […]
In 2015, Chicago had the highest total number of gun homicides of any city in America. But the city’s gun homicide rate per person was much lower than St Louis.
Just 13% of census tracts in Chicago saw multiple gun murders in 2015, and these tracts were responsible for 65% of the city’s gun homicides.
The publication also looked at how those homicide clusters lined up with people living below the poverty line, people with high school diplomas and people living in highly segregated communities and found a pretty consistent match. Go check out the whole thing.
* As we discussed yesterday, AFSCME has offered to “jumpstart” its stalled contract talks by agreeing to a four-year base wage freeze and increased health insurance costs. Here is the Rauner administration reply…
Hi, Rich –
Wanted to make sure you had this on AFSCME letter…
The bi-partisan Labor Relations Board ruled unanimously that AFSCME and the state are at impasse. AFSCME’s latest framework does not bridge the more than $3 billion gap between the parties. Instead of this superficial letter, we invite AFSCME to drop its litigation blocking the administration’s last, best, and final offer and work with us on implementing common sense proposals like earning overtime for working over 40 hours in a week, using volunteers, and creating workplace safety programs.
Best,
ck
I still don’t get where they come up with that $3 billion gap between the two sides.
But, anyway, if you were hoping for some movement, you are out of luck unless the union goes a lot further.
