Rail freight drives so much of our goods, our products made in America, built in America, shippin’ around the world. It is driven by train. Illinois is the only state that has all seven Class One railroads in it. The only state. And they converge around metropolitan Chicagoland. And unfortunately, for decades metropolitan Chicago has been the number one bottleneck for freight rail traffic in America. For decades this has been a problem.
Secretary Elaine Chao and the Trump administration have driven the result to untangle that bottleneck and drive great efficiency for the rail system of America. Thank you, Madame Secretary and the Trump administration.
Make no mistake, this is a hugely important project. Everyone involved should be congratulated.
But didja notice he said the word “Trump”? He doesn’t do that too often.
The Chicago Sun-Times has only a 60 percent chance of still being in business two years from now, according to the newspaper’s CEO.
Edwin Eisendrath, who headed the investor group that acquired the struggling daily tabloid last summer, shared the assessment in public remarks Thursday at the Illinois Press Association convention in Bloomington-Normal.
In response to an audience question, Eisendrath acknowledged that the Sun-Times was still losing money, and he pegged the likelihood of its survival in two years at “60 percent.” If it’s around then, he added, it should be viable for five years or more. […]
Despite its appeal for support among union households, the Sun-Times has not experienced a groundswell of subscribers under the new ownership, Eisendrath said. With a redesign of the paper’s website and its move to a subscription paywall model, there will be a renewed effort to attract new customers.
* Yours truly will be announcing the game at Busch Stadium when the Illinois side bats…
WHAT: First Annual Bi-State Softball Showdown - Missouri Legislators vs. Illinois Legislators Softball Game at Busch Stadium
WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 2018
TIME: 1:00 p.m. first pitch; broadcast winners and interviews in Media Room at 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102
Join Missouri and Illinois Legislators for the First Annual Bi-State Softball Showdown Game at Busch Stadium, where legislators from both sides of the river and across party lines will be competing for bragging rights – all in the spirit of bi-state regional cooperation. The bipartisan event is sponsored by the St. Louis Regional Chamber.
Members of the media will have the opportunity to interview team captains Missouri Representative Elijah Haarh (R-District 134), Speaker Pro Tem, and Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham (D-District 18) after the game, as well as St. Louis Regional Chamber President & CEO Tom Chulick and other members of the Missouri and Illinois teams. See the attached Missouri and Illinois rosters for the team members.
The St. Louis Regional Chamber is the region’s principal business advocacy organization, championing forward-thinking economic policies in Illinois, Missouri and Washington D.C. The Chamber represents the St. Louis business community in both Missouri and Illinois across 15 counties and the City of St. Louis. The Chamber’s First Annual Bi-State Softball Showdown was organized to encourage regional understanding and cooperation among legislators to help St. Louis area economic growth and development.
* They’ll be playing with a 12-inch softball instead of the Chicago-style 16-inch, so the other side of the river will definitely have an advantage. Some of the Illinois players will have to buy gloves for the first time.
The idea is to hold another game next year in Chicago with a 16-inch ball, but we’ll see if that actually happens.
* And I was just told that we “can’t say anything inappropriate” over the stadium’s PA system, so I guess quoting the late, great Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis’ infamous admonition to players is out of the question.
…Adding… I’m told Rep. Ryan Spain is playing as well, and maybe a few others who are not yet confirmed. And Rep. Avery Bourne is definitely not a Senator.
Illinois lawmakers this week introduced a set of legislative proposals and began planning hearings in response to the Chicago Public Schools sexual abuse scandal.
A bill proposal filed Tuesday listed child protection shortfalls highlighted in a Tribune investigative series and outlined more than a dozen changes to state law. Those measures would swiftly revoke the licenses of educators found by districts to have sexually abused children and would make such disciplinary action more transparent to the public.
The proposed legislation also would make it a crime for school employees to have sexual contact with a student regardless of the student’s age. Under current law, sex with a student is legal if he or she is older than 17 and no force is involved.
Separately, state legislators called for a joint Senate and House hearing within the next two weeks.
* Other bills…
* State pension buyout programs will take time to start: “We’re working on it. We have to put it in place as practically as possible,” said TRS spokesman Dave Urbanek. “It involves a lot of IT work. It involves a lot of legal study to make sure that the law as written can be implemented. We’re not alone in this. The IRS gets involved, the comptroller’s office, the governor’s office. There are a lot of people who need to do things to make this work.”
* Illinois Lottery practice of selling tickets after top prizes are gone could end under proposed law change: A Camelot spokeswoman said the proposed measure aligns with the company’s views on instant game policy. “We’ve conducted research and prepared a recommendation to the lottery that includes adopting a new policy that begins closure of instant games once the last top-tier prize has been claimed,” spokeswoman Wendy Abrams said. “Once a new policy has been established, we plan to post it on the website. We are also working on updating the instant game prize report online every business day.”
* Bill to raise smoking age would hurt convenience stores, vape shops, retailers say: A bill on its way to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 statewide, a move praised by public health advocates and opposed by convenience stores and other Illinois retailers. … “If you look at the tobacco use rate for youth, it’s up to around 30 percent, and that’s mainly because of the e-cigarettes,” [Kathy Drea, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest] said. “The 18-year-old in high school often buys tobacco products for the younger age group, the 14- through 17-year-olds. If you take away that supplier, the younger group has a much more difficult time obtaining tobacco products.”
* Seeing green in Illinois with possible return of hemp: Summers said now it could also be used as a plastics alternative, in clothing and foods, along with being beneficial for sustainable agriculture. Summers said, “Good for crop rotation and it’s also really good for bringing back the soil health.”
* Bill to help veterans at risk of suicide awaits Rauner’s signature: The Department of Veterans Affairs said 193 veterans — 183 men and 10 women — committed suicide in Illinois in 2014, the most recent year statistics are available. Nationally, 65 percent of veterans who commit suicide are 50 or older.
* Tim Mapes was DPI’s executive director until Wednesday, when he was forced to resign…
Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, announced formation of a committee which will select the party’s next executive director.
The search committee will be comprised of the 18 elected Democratic State Central Committeewomen, and chaired jointly by Juliana Stratton, Iris Martinez, Jayne Mazzotti, Carol Ronen and Karen Yarbrough.
“The members of this search committee share a commitment to the success of our Democratic Party, and also recognize the need for a better culture throughout Illinois government and politics,” Madigan said. “I know they will conduct a thorough search and select a candidate who reflects our commitment to a strong statewide party and a better future for all. I appreciate the work they are preparing to undertake.”
Those chairs are interesting. Mazzotti and Yarbrough can be considered Madigan people, but Stratton, Martinez and Ronen are most definitely not. Looks like the Pritzker folks had some influence there.
* Meanwhile…
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law a measure that will increase independence in the investigation of legislative ethics complaints in Illinois. This new law, which makes significant reforms to the Legislative Ethics Commission and Office of the Legislative Inspector General, changes the process of handling ethics complaints to provide those who would come forward greater confidence that their concerns will be reviewed in a timely, transparent manner.
“This bill is a victory for the heroic women who have stepped forward to take on the culture of fear, abuse and retaliation that permeates too much of state government. Illinoisans should applaud this improvement and champion the women who stood up to Illinois’ political power structure in order to make this change happen.” Rauner said in his signing message. “Through their courageous words and actions, they have declared that the culture in Springfield must change.”
Under HB 138 the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) will be allowed to conduct independent investigations into sexual harassment allegations without obtaining consent from the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC). The new law will create an independent search committee to recommend candidates for LIG, establish new restrictions on political parties and lobbying firms, and bring greater transparency to the management of ethics complaints. It also makes it possible to hire a full-time LIG, instead of the current part-time position, to more quickly investigate ethics complaints.
“Those who have been subject to sexual harassment can now have greater confidence that the investigatory process will not be controlled by those who are being investigated. The era of self-dealing in Springfield must come to an end,” Rauner said. “Victims should not live in fear that the truth they tell will bring more pain into their lives. That’s why I’m signing this bill – because it will help protect Illinois’ daughters, mothers, wives and others who dedicate their lives to improving state government.”
While this legislation is a step in the right direction, Rauner identified two critical flaws that should be addressed quickly by the legislature. First, the LIG should not need the legislature’s approval to investigate any type of ethics allegations.
“The same independent investigation that is needed for claims of sexual harassment is also needed for allegations such as bribery, fraud, prohibited political activity, and other crimes and ethics violations,” Rauner said, noting that the legislature has the authority to make those changes.
Rauner also noted that the LEC, which oversees investigations of claims against legislators and legislative staff, should not be composed of legislators. Outside individuals, not connected to the legislative process, should be tasked with oversight of the General Assembly.
“Illinois has one of the nation’s highest rates of public corruption, and Illinoisans have the lowest confidence in their government compared to citizens of every other state. An independent Legislative Inspector General and independent commission are needed to help restore Illinoisans’ confidence in the legislature,” Rauner said.
While work remains to be done, Rauner commended the work of the members of the General Assembly who made this step forward possible, and urged them to continue pushing for reform.
“I have to applaud the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus who really championed this issue and have made this advancement possible,” Rauner said. “I hope they will stay vigilant, and remain engaged as we continue to work together to take on this toxic culture of corruption in Springfield.”
The new law also makes various changes aimed at increasing transparency including requiring enhanced reporting of matters brought to the LEC and the Executive Ethics Commission, procedures for LEC members to recuse themselves, and addresses limitations concerning the sharing of information about complaints and the investigative process with complainants. It also allows the Secretary of State Inspector General to enforce rules that apply to lobbyists, providing for suspension or revocation of a lobbyist’s registration for a sexual harassment violation.
On July 1, 2015, Rauner implemented new restrictions to [the Child Care Assistance Program] that cut the eligibility level from 185 percent of the federal poverty line to 50 percent and required new copay amounts for program recipients, among other changes. After a bipartisan outcry and a threat from the General Assembly to override the changes, Rauner in fall 2015 changed the eligibility level again, this time raising it to 162 percent of the federal poverty line. But the changes had already caused a massive scrubbing of the CCAP rolls.
In the year following Rauner’s action, over 32,000 fewer children were enrolled in CCAP-assisted day-care services, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. Nearly 19,000 fewer families received child-care assistance due to the changes. From July 2015 to June 2016, 831 fewer licensed child-care providers received assistance from the state, which has caused providers to make painful choices on how they operate, including accepting fewer low-income parents in favor of those who can pay up front, experts said. […]
There was also good news in last week’s state budget plan, the first signed by Rauner. The Service Employees International Union Healthcare in Illinois cheered what it said was a 4.26 percent raise for CCAP workers included in the budget. “Illinois legislators stepped in where Gov. Rauner has failed by passing a budget that includes a raise for child-care providers,” said Maricarmen Macias, just one such provider.
But if the original eligibility has been reinstated and funding preserved, why are only a quarter of the state’s CCAP-eligible families receiving aid? Experts say the state is doing virtually nothing to market that the program has been expanded, and that the governor is doing even less to ensure the program’s future vitality.
What: Gov. Rauner is with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao today for the announcement of a major rail infrastructure grant for the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project. The event is being live streamed at www.Transportation.gov.
Where: U.S. Department of Transportation - West Atrium, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, D.C.
Running for re-election, Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has distanced himself from the Trump administration and this city, will be here on Friday for a press event to highlight a $132 million federal rail infrastructure grant for crucial improvements needed in Chicago’s crowded rail network.
The grant was already announced on Tuesday in press releases from Rauner, a Republican and Democratic Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth plus Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill.
Rauner, locked in a battle with Democratic governor nominee J.B. Pritzker, has been traveling the state highlighting infrastructure projects, so the trip here at this time fits into his latest campaign theme.
Rauner will attend a press conference with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, providing him with a photo op that could be useful to his campaign. […]
I asked Lipinski about Rauner’s role in landing the grant and he said, “there is nothing that suggests that Gov. Rauner has a lot of clout in the Trump Administration, so it’s hard to say.”
* Pritzker campaign…
Bruce Rauner is taking his election-year stunts to the next level — flying to the nation’s capital today to tout a federal grant that was already announced.
In 2014, Rauner slammed election-year photo ops: “What I won’t do… is fail to invest in our infrastructure for years and run around at the last-minute making promises.” But today, Rauner is doing just that — attending a sham ribbon cutting without several members of the Illinois delegation that fought for the federal funds. […]
“Bruce Rauner is flying to DC for another sham ribbon cutting for a federal grant he already announced,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “This failed governor let Illinois’ infrastructure crumble, and now thinks posing for a photo op with the Trump administration will mask his failed record and flailing re-election campaign.”
He’s recycling ads from the primary and now he’s recycling announcements. It’s campaign season.
That sucking sound you hear in Illinois might be jobs and moving vans leaving the state.
In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Illinois lawmakers squeaked in a massive tax increase at the end of its session before a new legislature, that is unlikely to pass tax increases in a down economy, started Wednesday. Some lawmakers say the increase was desperately needed to balance the state’s fledgling budget. Now both residents and business owners in the “Land of Lincoln” are threatening to move out.
But that’s good news for Illinois’ neighbors to the north in Wisconsin, and they are laying out the welcome mat.
Illinois hiked the state income tax rate by 66 percent in 2011 and three years later, according to revised census estimates, the state’s population had grown by more than 20,000. The tax rate dropped down again in 2015 and, since then, the census estimate has plunged 60,000.
In 2017, a net of 33,703 people departed, dropping the state to sixth-largest, behind Pennsylvania.
What the Tribune doesn’t mention is that these estimates are often revised. Back to the BGA…
The instinct to pounce obscures a statistical quirk of the census: population estimates decried as disastrous on first blush often get revised upwards, sometimes significantly, to little fanfare. That clearly has been the case for Illinois, where a numbers downturn is troubling but far from the freefall some media reports and partisans suggest.
In 2016, for example, the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey population estimate for Illinois was initially listed as 12,801,539 and said to reflect a drop of more than 37,000 from the previous year. In 2017, the initial estimate was pegged at 12,802,023 and said to be down more than 33,000.
The glaring problem, of course, is that the first estimates released for both years were almost identical, so the big back-to-back declines in population that stirred sky-is-falling headlines don’t add up. What got buried in the analysis was that the 2016 estimate was later increased significantly from its original value.
* You also see a lot of this stuff…
Wheeler says progressive tax would 'accelerate' exodus of Illinois citizens https://t.co/sF9aIbw9vF
The Tax Foundation ranked Minnesota’s overall business tax climate among the nation’s worst. Even so, the state was among Midwestern leaders in population growth, with a 5.1 percent gain since 2010 and a 13.3 percent jump since 2000. The state also has the highest median household income and the lowest poverty rate. […]
When Minnesota imposed its upper-tax bracket in 2013, critics warned it would prompt the affluent to flee. But in the year after the tax was enacted, the number of people filing tax returns showing income in excess of $1 million grew by 15 percent.
* And while most of the stories, columns and editorials in the Tribune about the exodus focus on white, suburban, middle-class people, this is also a hard reality…
Illinois is more reliant on agriculture, construction and mining machinery manufacturing, as well as management, technical consulting and securities and investments. Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin are as much as five times above the national average in terms of motor vehicle-related manufacturing. In a touch of political irony, the controversial federal bailout of the auto industry during the Obama administration appears to have helped prop up population in those Republican-leaning states. […]
“If you look at a rural county in Illinois, it’s almost like any other state, where they’re losing just like the Illinois county is,” [Chicago demographer Rob Paral] said. “Illinois, though, is both unique in its total population but with very different things going on.”
“Black population growth and immigration growth used to offset the white decline,” Paral said. “Not anymore.”
In per capita terms, Illinois’ gross out-migration rate ranks just 29th out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In other words, Illinois residents are actually less likely to move out than are residents of the median state.
But things don’t look so good when it comes to gross in-migration. Adjusted for population, Illinois attracts fewer newcomers than all but two other states: New York and Michigan.
That means Illinois’ migration problems are mostly about how few people come here, not how many people leave.
We've only heard some of what @JBPritzker and Rod Blagojevich discussed on FBI wiretaps, now we want the rest. Sign the petition to demand the rest of the tapes: https://t.co/IZSebm6Wbt#twill#ILGov
First, as we discussed a few days ago, I can’t see how an online petition will do much of anything besides gather names for a campaign database. It’s a phony “issue” because the FBI surveillance tapes were sealed by a federal judge, who is now retired. And, anyway, who are they gonna submit their “petition” to? I’m thinking nobody. But, hey, maybe people will talk about it. They did the same thing during the primary, by the way. This is yet another Blagojevich-related primary tactic reboot by Team Rauner.
Second, what’s with the mixed messages? They’re combining the Rod tapes with “no balanced budget = no pay for legislators” thing? This has to be a clerical error because the governor just signed a budget that wasn’t technically balanced.
…Adding… They took down the tweet. Must’ve been the mistake I pointed out. I saved it, though…
An analysis of data from the nonpartisan site Follow the Money shows that back in the 2006 legislative and statewide races, Illinois candidates raised a combined $43 million.
Most of that money came from interests groups, businesses, trade unions and other organizations - “the traditional sources of big money,” as Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at University of Illinois Springfield, describes them.
Fast forward to the 2014 elections - campaign fundraising had more than tripled. A good chunk of the cash, around 40 percent, came from just a handful of big donors. […]
This year, in the race for governor between a billionaire and a near-billionaire, campaign contributions from the candidates already total more than $150 million.
In other words, JB Pritzker and Gov. Bruce Rauner have individually given more money than was raised on all statewide and legislative races in 2014.
“Irreconcilable differences” have led to countless divorces. Now, the same reason is being given for the breakup of President Donald Trump and Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th).
The powerful Chicago alderman’s small law firm had worked for Trump for 12 years, persuading Cook County officials to cut the property taxes on the president’s namesake downtown skyscraper by a total of more than $14 million.
But Burke announced his breakup with Trump in letters filed last month with the Cook County courts and the Illinois State Property Tax Appeal Board. He wrote that “irreconcilable differences” have led his firm to stop representing Trump’s company and stepped aside in five current cases that seek refunds of millions of dollars in property taxes the president’s company has paid.
Those letters came two months after the alderman’s brother, state Rep. Dan Burke, narrowly lost a Democratic primary battle amid Hispanic voters’ outrage that the alderman was doing work for a president who wants to build a wall to thwart illegal immigration from Mexico. […]
Clem Balanoff — a longtime [Chuy Garcia] ally and chief strategist for Aaron Ortiz, who defeated Dan Burke in the Democratic primary despite being outspent 3-to-1 — said Ed Burke’s move to distance himself from Trump is “one more indication of just how afraid Ed Burke is.”
I agree with Balanoff here. People begged the Chairman to dump Trump before Rep. Dan Burke’s primary kicked into high gear. He ignored that advice. His brother lost.
Chuy and Clem haven’t yet announced a candidate to run against Ald. Burke and you can’t beat somebody with nobody. But I figure they’ll find someone and then the 14th Ward will be the scene of a battle royale.
A federal judge in Chicago says the state of Illinois’ plan to boost wages for caregivers who work with the developmentally disabled falls “woefully short” of what’s required under a 7-year-old court decree.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ordered state lawyers this week to come up with a better “long-term” plan to comply with the 2011 consent decree.
Coleman called the state’s proposal “a reasonable start,” but she wrote she “doubts that the proposal is adequate to address the issue of wages, staffing and retention.”
The judge’s order was the latest ruling stemming from the consent decree requiring the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Department of Human Services to provide adequate funding for people with developmental disabilities who want to live in an independent community setting.
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision rejecting the state’s plan for coming into compliance with the consent decree,” said Barry C. Taylor, an attorney with Equip for Equality, an advocacy group for the disabled that is among those suing the state. “This decision puts plaintiffs a step closer to realizing the promise of the consent decree: to receive services that allow them to become active, engaged and included members of their communities,”
* From a reader via e-mail…
Rich I know everything is about Tim Mapes but this ongoing saga in federal court - with the state in non-compliance for the Ligas Court Decree - continues to show a lack of commitment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What this really means is a weakened community provider system and forced reliance on more expensive state operations.
With an estimated difference of residential care in the community being $80k to State operations at $250-$300k; AND the Medicaid system computer disaster losing matching funds after dropping an estimated 150,000 eligible recipients - we are choosing an expensive, inefficient and now not paid for by the feds option.
You have Dir. Norwood leaving while the HFS Medicaid computer system to be fixed; you have a federal court saying DHS/DD has an insufficient plan for supporting people with disabilities.
The Judge acknowledged the argument made by Plaintiffs and the Court Monitor, supported by data from the Institute, that the wage proposal was particularly inadequate in Chicago where minimum wage will rise to $12/hour on 7/1/18. Judge Coleman acknowledges that DSP wages were originally nearly twice as high as minimum wage and that gap has eroded since the inception of the CILA program. She acknowledges the State may not be able to raise current wages to that level, but “…this Court hesitates to affirm the devaluing of the role of caregivers for some of the more vulnerable members of society. At the same time, this Court is not in the position to act as super-legislator by dictating how the State should allocate funds and administer its budget.”
The Order further states that “it has been nearly seven years since the entry of the Consent Decree and this Court sees no end to the Court’s oversight.” The Order recommends convening a work group that includes the Monitor and other independent stakeholders to study DSP wages, the overall CILA and ICFSS rate methodologies and develop monitoring tools to assess the adequacy of services, funding and administration. The Order notes that ideally the monitoring tool would include an independent review component. The Court also agrees with the Court Monitor’s recommendation regarding expeditiously developing criteria for moving people off the PUNS list at a reasonable pace.
The final statement of the Order puts the onus for developing a solution to the problems it identified on the parties, acknowledging the Court’s lack of expertise and budgetary authority to impose measures to the resolve the issues outlined in the Order. Parties will return to Court on July 10, 2018 to discuss the Order.
Pressure continues to mount on House Speaker Mike Madigan after his chief of staff is accused of sexual harassment. Now former Governor Pat Quinn is calling for Madigan to step aside as Democratic Party Chairman.
Former Gov. Quinn said Thursday that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan should step down as Illinois Democratic Party chairman.
While Quinn said he doesn’t think Madigan has done enough in response to recent reports of harassment that have rocked Springfield, his reasoning is unrelated, he said. Quinn said he believes nobody should head a political party while also holding elected office.
Former Governor Pat Quinn says House Speaker Mike Madigan should step down as state party chairman and Mayor Emanuel shouldn’t be allowed to run for a third term.
Pat Quinn says it’s a conflict of interest for an elected official to be party chairman and in the case of Madigan he says he’s also not doing enough to control pervasive sexual harassment in Springfield, “I think there must be an even more vigorous effort to root out all vestiges, all examples, all behavior that involves bullying, harassment, assault or anything else.”
* But this isn’t new news. Quinn called on Madigan to step down as party chairman more than three months ago. From March 3rd…
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he does not think that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan should continue as State Democratic Party chairman. Madigan has been under fire for his response to harassment complaints in his political organization. This morning Quinn, a Democrat who wants to succeed Madigan’s daughter Lisa as Illinois Attorney General, told “The Big John and Ramblin’ Ray Show” that Madigan should step down as party chairman.
“Well, I don’t think he should be the chairman of the Democratic Party”, said Quinn. ” As a matter of fact I think the voters in the primary ought to have a chance to vote for the chairman of the Democratic Party. I believe it term limits. I’ve been passing petitions for that over the years. I think reasonable term limits are needed for everybody and that includes running for Governor and Attorney General.”
* Related…
* Emanuel camp questions legality of Quinn’s term-limit drive: The Emanuel camp noted that “many election lawyers” believe Quinn’s latest populist campaign would “not pass constitutional muster since its wording suggests that it’s directed at the current incumbent — not the office.”
While the governor tried to rescind his appointment of Dunkin to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District over harassment allegations lodged against Dunkin, the controversial former lawmaker says he’s not going anywhere.
And it appears Dunkin will win the battle. The governor’s office on Thursday acknowledged Rauner doesn’t have the authority to remove him from the board. […]
“Under the law the governor had the responsibility to appoint someone to fill this vacancy in an elected position,” Rauner spokeswoman Rachel Bold said in a statement. “However, under the present circumstances, we do not believe the governor has the authority to remove. We have asked Ken Dunkin to resign.”
In a May 18 statement, Rauner spokeswoman Rachel Bold said the governor chose Dunkin because he “has well represented his community and his constituents in the Illinois House of Representatives. On the MWRD board he can continue his commitment to public service and the taxpayers.”
Critics believe the appointment to be a form of payback – a reward for Dunkin’s breaking from Democrats in 2015 to form an allegiance with Rauner. Dunkin’s absence from the Illinois House during a vote of major importance to his party and to unions helped to kill the legislation, giving Rauner a win against labor and Madigan, his political nemesis.
Rauner allies supported Dunkin’s next run for re-election, but he was bested in the 2016 primary by now Rep. Juliana Stratton, who is the running mate of Democratic nominee for governor J.B. Pritzker.
“We believed Ken Dunkin would continue his commitment to public service on the MWRD board. Given new information that has come to light, we have asked him to resign,” Bold said Thursday via email.
Rauner allies also supported Dunkin earlier this year when the Illinois Chamber spent a bunch of money during his comeback attempt.
And Team Rauner had to know that appointing Dunkin to anything carried great risk.
“I’m happy to be here. Thanks to Governor Rauner for appointing me,” said Dunkin.
Just moments after Ken Dunkin settled in for his first meeting at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Board, Dunkin got a not-too-thinly veiled dressing down from the board president.
During the meeting, he was welcomed by board President Mariyana Spyropoulos, who also referenced Garrett’s “deeply troubling” allegations.
“As a woman and as president of this organization, I can tell you that we do not and will not stand for any form of sexual harassment, and our record is very clear on this matter,” Spyropoulos said. […]
Turning to Spyropoulos, Dunkin said he would “certainly want to adhere to your statements, madam president, but baseless accusations are just that at times, and we need to be conscious of what it is that we say, certain things that we internalize because anyone can say anything about anybody at any given moment, especially in this political environment.
“Most of us, all of us, come from a political background,” he said. “And we have political sponsors. So let’s be conscious and let’s be clear of what’s heresay and what’s fact.”
Already making friends I see. Just like the old days in the House.
* This Tribune story got lost in the shuffle yesterday with all the Tim Mapes coverage…
House Speaker Michael Madigan’s legal team on Tuesday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a former campaign worker who alleged she lost a chance to move up in the powerful Democratic leader’s political organization because she reported that a top aide sexually harassed her.
The request was made as part of a court filing in which the Madigan-chaired Democratic Party of Illinois denied a series of allegations brought by Alaina Hampton. She contends she was retaliated against after she lodged complaints that Madigan lieutenant Kevin Quinn harassed her through phone calls and inappropriate texts. […]
In the Tuesday response to the suit, Madigan’s legal team contended Hampton had failed to establish that an “employment relationship existed” between her and the party during the “relevant time period.” Hampton has said she was harassed by Kevin Quinn during the 2016 campaign season and up through the time she spoke to Ald. Quinn in February 2017.
The speaker’s lawyers said Hampton was paid for limited time periods in 2012 from a political fund controlled by Madigan’s House Democrats, for a time in 2014 from the speaker’s own political fund, and again in 2016 from both of the funds.
* I asked Hampton for a response…
“Speaker Madigan’s legal team has been searching for ways to undermine and discredit me and my story since day one–so their motion to dismiss should come as no surprise.
“So much for the Speaker’s empty words praising my courage in coming forward. For all of his talk about taking responsibility and demanding accountability for those around him, it’s clear that their primary goal is to protect their own grip on power–at all costs.
“The Speaker’s legal strategy is a clear effort to send a message to me and other women. They want us to be afraid to come forward. They want us to continue to fear that people will think our experiences are invalid. But the fact is, it is now clear to everyone that harassment in the Speaker’s organization is pervasive and systemic.
“To other victims–don’t let this motion to dismiss discourage you. Now is the time for women to say we won’t tolerate it any longer.”
* Related…
* Madigan opposes release of 2014 IG report discussing clout, says not relevant to suit over ’sham candidates’
A faction of Southern Illinois University’s board of trustees may move to oust the system’s embattled president this week, an extraordinary move that came about without the president’s knowledge and intensifies weeks of tension at the schools.
Two members of the SIU board’s executive committee have convened a meeting for Friday to consider two items: “administrative leave of president” and “appointment of acting president,” according to the meeting notice. […]
[Executive committee member Joel Sambursky], in an emailed statement, alluded to some new information trustees received since their regular meeting last week that necessitated the unplanned meeting. But he would not be specific. […]
“I think it’s an attempt by a couple of board members to control the entire board, and I find that to be distasteful,” [board chairwoman, Amy Sholar] said. “It is extremely frustrating, and it’s not the way to govern.”
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook said in an interview that he thinks removing the university president “seems to go beyond” what the executive committee was created to do.
“If this is an outcome of asking the allocation question, I just don’t think it is a just use of the bylaws,” Pembrook said. He acknowledged that Dunn’s use of the term “bitchers” in the email “ratcheted up the heat” in the conversation about how the university system distributes its state cash.
But Pembrook said Dunn and Sholar have “provided good leadership” in the last year. He is concerned that the conversation might not continue if Dunn is gone.
“He has been a champion of that question in a way that previous presidents have not,” Pembrook said.
According to the meeting notice sent out Wednesday afternoon, the special executive session meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Ballroom A of the SIU Carbondale Student Center.
Dunn came under fire in May after a guest opinion column in The Southern Illinoisan questioned the system president’s handling of a recent state funding reallocation proposal. […]
State Reps. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, and Natalie Phelps Finnie, D-Elizabethtown, have both called for Dunn’s resignation.
Dunn’s contract was renewed in 2017 and extends through June 30, 2022. He makes an annual salary of $430,000. The meeting notice suggests a temporary change of leadership, but if the board terminates his contract without cause, the university will have to pay Dunn the equivalent of three years’ annual base salary, or $1.3 million.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
SIU Board Chair Amy Sholar Declares Executive Committee Does Not Have Authority to Remove Dunn or Appoint Replacement
Following the announcement by SIU Board Trustees J. Phil Gilbert and Joel Sambursky to call an emergency meeting of the Board’s executive committee to oust President Dunn and appoint an unnamed replacement, Board Chair Amy Sholar declared the executive committee does not have any such authority given the circumstances.
Sholar stated “I’ve reviewed the Bylaws for the SIU Board of Trustees and, under these circumstances, I am not convinced the executive committee has the authority to remove President Dunn or appoint anyone as a replacement. Also, I do not believe that the matter is so urgent that an executive committee meeting is permissible for the purposes stated by these trustees. Further, I do not believe the executive committee has the authority to remove President Dunn and effectively undo an action previously taken by the full Board in hiring him. Lastly, as the Chair has the authority to interpret and apply the bylaws between meetings, it is my decision that the executive committee cannot meet for the purposes stated in the call for the meeting for the above reasons.”
As to whether the executive committee can unilaterally hire or fire a President, Sholar referred to the bylaws. “Article IV, Section 1 clearly states ‘At least one-half of the total membership of the Board shall be required for the initial selection of the President or the termination of the President’s services.’ While these two trustees are attempting to get around this rule by merely placing President Dunn on leave rather than an outright termination, the executive committee clearly does not have the ability to make the selection of a President, which I contend includes any interim President holding such powers. Our rules clearly contemplate that the full Board should make such an important decision, rather than a small faction thereof,” said Sholar.
Sholar further cited Article III, which states ‘The Executive Committee functions as an instrument of the Board and shall possess all the powers of the Board when in session, provided that it shall not overrule, revise, or change the previous acts of the Board…’ Sholar affirmed, “As it was the full Board that hired President Dunn, for the executive committee to relieve him and appoint a replacement would effectively undo a previous action of the Board, which is beyond the limited powers of this committee and would not proper in my judgment.”
Sholar also questioned the urgency of the meeting, which was abruptly announced less than one week after a special meeting of the full Board. “The bylaws, at Article III, provide for only urgent matters to be taken up by the executive committee. While Trustee Gilbert and Sambursky are attempting to satisfy the urgency standard by citing new evidence, they certainly have not shared it with me. Further, they did not consult with me on the need for a meeting, the subject matter, the location, or the date before calling it on their own. If this issue truly cannot wait until the next regular meeting I would gladly call a special meeting to occur in the very near future so the full Board can vote on whether President Dunn should be relieved. I find it contrary to both the letter and spirit of our bylaws for these two trustees to attempt to remove the President unilaterally without the votes or discussion of the full Board,” said Sholar.
Sholar asserted that she, as Chair, has the authority to decide the meaning and application of the bylaws between meetings. She stated “Article II, Section 3 states ‘The Chair shall have authority to decide any disputes as to the application or meaning of the Bylaws …, but any such decision shall be referred to the next regular or special meeting of the Board for final judgment and adjudication by the Board.’ Therefore, it is my decision that the executive committee does not have the authority to appoint an interim President or even to relieve the current President of his duties as such powers are reserved to the full Board per Article IV and would undo a prior action of the Board. I also do not believe that this matter, which was discussed at the special meeting last week, is now so urgent that we must call an emergency meeting even if the executive committee had the authority to make these decisions. If Trustees J. Phil Gilbert and Joel Sambursky disagree with me then we should have a special meeting at which not only this decision but the underlying issue itself can be discussed and voted on by the full Board. Until then, it is my decision as Chair that the bylaws do not permit the executive committee to take the proposed actions for the reasons stated, and if a meeting is held and a vote taken any such action would be invalid,” said Sholar.
Sholar added, “It truly baffles me that these two trustees, both representing the Carbondale campus, would attempt to exclude the full Board from participating in this important issue after we approved a policy just last week that we would advocate for keeping the SIU system together. The power play by these two trustees is not only improper but also serves to further drive a wedge between our campuses at a time when all of us should be working together to ease tensions. If a decision is to be made on President Dunn’s future at SIU it should be made by the full Board and not by two trustees representing one campus attempting to push through an action they suspect would not pass if presented to the full Board.”
The governor needs to step in here. These are mostly his trustees, after all.
* The New York Times becomes the latest in a long line of national publications to profile Republican moneybags Dick Uihlein…
The Uihlein forces drew sharp criticism for a recent television ad from the campaign of Jeanne Ives, the conservative challenger they backed in a primary against Gov. Bruce Rauner of Illinois. The ad featured a cartoonish depiction of a transgender woman, highlighting Mr. Rauner’s support for a bill permitting people to change the gender on their birth certificates.
“It was probably the most offensive thing I’ve seen in a state race,” said Pat Brady, the former Illinois Republican chairman.
Mr. Uihlein said he “had no involvement with the ad,” and the couple said, “We value diversity in our community and at Uline.” […]
Mr. Uihlein is the largest donor to Mr. Proft’s Liberty Principles PAC, which supports hard-right candidates and funded more than a dozen publications resembling newspapers, with names like North Cook News and East Central Reporter. […]
Mr. Brady, the former Illinois Republican Party leader, suggested that Mr. Uihlein was an easy mark for political operatives; he also criticized Mr. Proft and his associates for spending Mr. Uihlein’s money wildly on long shots.
“They’ve just given him such bad advice that it makes him look kind of goofy, and he’s not: He’s a serious guy,” Mr. Brady said. “These guys are making hundreds of thousands of dollars off him.” […]
In his responses, Mr. Uihlein said he had long worked with Mr. Proft and [John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute] “advancing conservative principles” and believed “they have both done so admirably.”
* From Democratic state Reps. Kelly Burke, Deb Conroy and Ann Williams…
Yesterday, we heard from longtime statehouse employee Sherri Garrett about the inappropriate behavior she faced as an employee of the Illinois House – the latest in a series of allegations about harassment, retaliation and bullying behavior in and around Illinois government and politics.
The resignation of Speaker Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes was the right decision in the wake of yesterday’s allegations, and we commend Ms. Garrett and all the others who shared their stories in an effort to bring positive change to our work environment. But the problem is much bigger than any one individual, regardless of what position they hold. Each allegation, each story shared publicly or privately, add up to one conclusion: the culture surrounding Illinois government and politics must change.
As members of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus, we recommend an independent investigation to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including the Office of the Speaker. We have a responsibility to ensure not only an impartial, fair and transparent process for the adjudication of complaints, but also to change the culture that has permitted inappropriate behavior to flourish.
Additionally, the House Democratic Women’s Caucus will launch a powerful new program, called “Representing Respect” – developed to create change and impact the workplace culture in a much different way than a typical harassment training.
• This interactive program, which was developed by law firm Seyfarth Shaw and called “Seyfarth Shaw at Work,” is results- and data-driven. It has been utilized by many Fortune 500 companies to establish core values and educate team members as to how interpersonal interactions should reflect these values. (See link, below.)
• The Illinois Legislature would be first in the country to adopt this sort of dynamic training, and the program will be tailored to reflect the realities of working in a non-traditional environment like the Capitol. We thank Asst. Majority Leader Sara Feigenholtz for leading the effort to facilitate the development of this program for our own Caucus and for spearheading efforts to move forward with this project, and Majority Leader Barbara Currie for her strong leadership of the Sexual Harassment Task Force.
• Several House members have participated in an abbreviated version of the program, and we plan to pilot the complete program later this summer with our Democratic colleagues in the House and recommend it be provided to all staff in the fall.
We are committed to working to improve our workplace environment for all women – and men - who work in and around the Capitol in any capacity. We believe we can make a real difference and hope our colleagues in all other caucuses will consider participating.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn has launched a petition drive to impose a term limit for Chicago mayors and create an elected consumer advocate position.
The Chicago Democrat announced efforts Sunday, tipping his hat to his past signature drives.
If he gets enough signatures, the two referendums could be on ballots as early as November. However, Quinn says getting nearly 53,000 valid signatures before an Aug. 8 [2016] deadline would be challenging.
The petition calls for a two-term maximum. If approved in time, Mayor Rahm Emanuel wouldn’t be eligible to seek a third term in 2019.
“We need 100,000 signatures by the filing deadline August 6 to get the referendum on the November 6 ballot — and we are halfway there already with 50,000 signatures,” [Pat Quinn] said.
So, he’s managed to collect 50,000 signatures in two years and now he wants to double that number in the next two months?
* Media advisory…
UPDATED: ADVISORY: PAT QUINN: Grassroots Petition Drive for Nov. 6 Binding Referendum to Term Limit Chicago’s Mayor Passes Halfway Mark in Signatures
WHEN: Thursday, June 7, 11 am
WHERE: Methodist Temple – 2nd Floor
77 W. Washington, Chicago
RE: Grassroots Petition Drive for Nov. 6 Binding Referendum to Term Limit Chicago’s Mayor Passes Halfway Mark in Signatures
Mighty Volunteer Effort Needed to Meet 100,000 Signature Goal by August 6 Filing Deadline for the November 6 Election
Of the 10 largest cities in the United States, only Chicago does not have a term limit on its mayor.
Mayoral term limits are the best way to achieve true campaign finance reform and open up City Hall for more democracy.
The term limit referendum will spark a citywide debate on the structure and fairness of politics and government in Chicago.
The November 6 voter referendum to impose term limits on the mayor would be the first initiative and binding referendum in Chicago’s 181-year history.
If mayoral term limits are approved by the voters on November 6, the incumbent mayor would be ineligible to run in the February 26, 2019 mayoral election.
The Take Charge Chicago referendum on mayoral term limits reads as follows: “Shall Chicago adopt the following term limit for the office of Mayor effective for the mayoral election in 2019 and thereafter: No person may hold the office of Mayor for more than two consecutive elected 4-year terms (with all prior consecutive terms of the current officeholder counted in determining the term limit for that officeholder)?”
Voters in 21 Illinois communities have used binding referendums to impose term limits on their mayors, including Springfield, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Des Plaines, and Lombard.
* Today is the first Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board meeting since former Rep. Ken Dunkin was appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner called on Dunkin to resign yesterday after Tim Mapes whistleblower Sherri Garrett said Dunkin told her and another woman “I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Dunkin had quite the reputation in the House, and not exactly a pristine one, either. From yesterday…
Actually, I think your question is more important now.
FYI Ken Dunkin just walked into the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board meeting. Gov. Rauner on Wednesday asked him to resign from board. Hearing he’s fighting it.
Word is that he’s throwing a party for himself after the meeting.
*** UPDATE *** Dunkin talked to reporters today and called Sherri Garrett’s allegations “100 percent baseless.” He said he had talked to Gov. Rauner and that Rauner had asked him to resign, but said “I’m not resigning”…
Ken Dunkin says he talked to Rauner and the governor asked him to resign. He repeatedly called Sherri Garrett's accusations "baseless." pic.twitter.com/FqTfvOgPpV
…Adding… Statement from Dr. Shundar Lin, at-large candidate for MWRD…
Mr. Dunkin’s refusal to resign in the face of these grave accusations is an insult to his accusers, taxpayers, and those he claims to represent. It is troubling Mr. Dunkin was even considered for this position. No matter the position, board or elected office, we should aspire to the highest standards and that is what I will bring as a member of the MWRD.
While both Lang and Mapes’ resignation shows Madigan is taking swift action in response to the claims, some still questioned the tactic. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, who criticized Madigan’s response to harassment allegations in February and last month detailed allegations of retaliation from Mapes and a key Democratic Madigan ally, said the response is nothing new.
“This is the lather, rinse, repeat that I talked about in February. We now need the real change that follows,” Cassidy said. “We need to see what leadership looks like. When he keeps saying he’s committed to make change and bringing an end to this culture, it goes beyond firing people. Because we’ve seen this before and here we are again.”
Cassidy said Madigan’s response of forcing people out is “the same play.”
“I think in each case he hopes it goes away,” Cassidy said. “It’s not that simple.”
Within hours, Madigan asked for Mapes’ resignation. Here’s part of a statement Madigan released:
“I intend to appoint an individual with extensive experience conducting investigations to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including but not limited to the Clerk’s Office where Ms. Garrett works.”
Notice anything? “I intend to appoint …”
Madigan continues to press his thumb into the process of investigating complaints of harassment in his own operation. It’s a pattern of control we and others repeatedly have called out. This situation requires an outside investigation. Outside. Madigan can’t be appointing, permitting or supervising. When will the speaker get it?
[ON SCREEN: LOWEST CREDIT RATING]
Anchor 6: The lowest credit rating of any state in American history
Bruce Rauner: “I am not in charge, I’m trying to get to be in charge ”
Anchor 7: Governor Bruce Rauner has been named the worst governor in America
…Adding… Rauner campaign…
Governor Rauner worked with the General Assembly to achieve a bipartisan budget compromise that funds critical priorities like education and reconstruction of the Quincy Veterans Home, working to get things done for the state of Illinois while Pritzker has been following Madigan’s lead, standing for higher taxes and more corruption at all costs.
…Adding… A response to the response…
FIXED Response: @BruceRauner was sidelined by the General Assembly to achieve a compromise to help fund priorities he decimated, like fatal mismanagement in Quincy. Bruce "I'm not in charge" Rauner is desperately attacking since he has no accomplishments to run on. #ilgov#twillhttps://t.co/rqyWnPQgYG
How much longer can Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan survive?
After months of slowly building charges involving sexual harassment and his organization’s alleged failure to deal with it, the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back may have arrived today in the form of charges from one Madigan staffer aimed at the speaker’s top aide and longtime confidant, chief of staff Tim Mapes.
How many more times can Madigan say he knew nothing about an incident, or pattern of incidents, in his political or government organizations and not be held accountable?
“I think he’s more vulnerable than he’s ever been before. The #MeToo movement has brought down many more powerful men than him,” said ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan has got trouble.
Lordy, does he have trouble.
Not so much that he’ll break a sweat in public.
But Madigan will at least purse his lips, because he just lost his second right-hand man within a week to another in a series of sexual-harassment allegations that continues to dog his political organization in Chicago and the speaker’s office in Springfield.
So far, none of his members are calling for his head and neither are his major funders. They’re the ones with the real power to decide. Until that happens, I don’t think he’s going anywhere.
* The significance of Tim Mapes’ ouster as Speaker Madigan’s chief of staff cannot be easily overstated. He dominated just about every aspect of Statehouse life. A few telling tidbits from today’s coverage. Tribune…
One longtime political operative recalled Wednesday that Mapes had a sign on the wall of his statehouse office referencing a line from the “Wizard of Oz”: “Nobody gets in to see the wizard. Not nobody, not no how.”
The diminutive Mapes played an outsized role in controlling the flow of legislation on the House floor as he stood at the side of Madigan and top Democratic leaders when they presided over the ornate chamber from the speaker’s podium. Mapes accumulated power over the years as other key Madigan confidantes left state government and lawmakers and staff privately grumbled of Mapes’ condescending and abrasive style.
State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, tweeted out a simple “Noted,” in response to Mapes’ resignation.
Lawmakers said that was Mapes standard reply to hundreds of emails he received. Wallace — who penned an op-ed in November describing a culture of sexual harassment towards women in government — said “there was nothing comical about that” tweet.
“That was me noting the resignation,” Wallace said, adding she wasn’t surprised to hear of the resignation.
People would write a ten-page analysis that they’d labored on for days and he’d reply “Noted.” It was, to many, a passive aggressive trait.
Timothy Mapes, Madigan’s chief of staff since 1992, has been a state employee for 40 years and until his firing was paid at a rate of $17,332 per month, state records show. That equates to an annual salary of nearly $208,000.
Mapes is 63. Because of his age, long tenure in state government, and his high rate of pay, he qualifies for a state pension exceeding $125,000 annually based on calculations by WBEZ.
Today, the Rauner campaign is launching a new paid digital ad as part of a series shining light on the corrupt relationship between disgraced ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich and JB Pritzker.
This ad includes audio from FBI wiretaps of Pritzker and Blagojevich discussing who would be the “least offensive” African-American to fill Barack Obama’s Senate seat.
Following is a statement from Sherri Garrett following the news that her sexual harasser, Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes, has resigned:
“I am relieved that Mr. Mapes has resigned. I know victims of harassment throughout our state government and political sphere share that relief. I am hopeful that more individuals will now feel safe coming forward, knowing that their words can make a difference and force change.
“While Mr. Mapes resignation is an important symbolic and substantive change, however, the conditions that led to my harassment and the mistreatment of so many others have not changed. I remain steadfast that we need effective and independent mechanisms to ensure accountability to fix the culture of sexism and abuse that I have endured.”
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Wednesday:
“At my direction, Tim Mapes has resigned as my Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Illinois House of Representatives. Jessica Basham has been named Chief of Staff for the Office of the Speaker effective immediately. Further, Mr. Mapes has resigned as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois and all other roles with my political committees.
“Regarding Ms. Garrett’s concerns shared earlier today, neither I or the House Democratic Ethics Officer had been made aware of Ms. Garrett’s complaints against Tim Mapes. My office was aware of the comments made by then Representative Dunkin and took action to handle the matter. That issue had been disclosed publicly earlier this year by my office along with all other known allegations of harassment. It is clear that the culture needs to change and we need to ensure all issues are dealt with quickly and appropriately.
“I have stated my commitment to eliminating harassment of any kind in the Capitol, as well as all political committees, and my desire to ensure we create a culture where individuals feel secure in making a complaint. I intend to appoint an individual with extensive experience conducting investigations to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including but not limited to the Clerk’s Office where Ms. Garrett works.”
Jessica will be a breath of fresh air over there.
…Adding… Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
The resignation of Tim Mapes was the right thing to do and frankly the only option. If we truly want to change the behavior and culture in government and politics, we have to hold everyone to the highest standards, especially those in positions of leadership.
June 6, 2018
SENT VIA EMAIL
The Honorable Bill Brady
Illinois State Senate Minority Leader 309G Capitol Building
Springfield, Illinois 62706
Dear Leader Brady:
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have decided to not seek re-election this fall and will instead be pursuing other opportunities. Rest assured that as long as I remain a State Senator I will be doing my utmost to represent the taxpayers of the 33rd District and the State of Illinois—including continuing the work we’ve started in reforming this state’s ethics regulations.
Sincerely,
Karen McConnaughay
Sen. McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) was first elected in 2012. She is a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission and has fought this year to improve the General Assembly’s sexual harassment policies. She also unsuccessfully sought the minority leadership job after Christine Radogno announced she was resigning last summer.
Karen is good people. I’ll miss her.
*** UPDATE *** Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady…
Throughout her tenure in the Illinois Senate, Karen McConnaughay has been an outspoken advocate for the families of Illinois. Her leadership in helping raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, her support for our transportation infrastructure and her dedication to protecting the taxpayers of Illinois will leave a lasting legacy.
Most importantly, the work and leadership she demonstrated this past spring to bring about needed ethics’s reform will never be forgotten.
I have valued Karen’s insight as a member of Senate Republican Leadership and I have no doubt that she will be successful as she writes the next chapter in what’s already been an inspiring and successful career.
* Sen. Jason Barickman…
Karen is a great legislator who will be missed in our caucus and in the Illinois General Assembly. She’s played an important role on the Legislative Ethics Commission and by being a vocal proponent of much-needed sexual harassment and ethics reforms in our state. I’m glad that she will continue that work in her time left in the State Senate. She’s also been a leader on transportation issues since her first day in the legislature. On any given issue, Karen was effective because of her ability to build bridges with colleagues across the aisle. I wish her well.
* From Sherri Garrett’s press release about Tim Mapes…
In Spring 2013, former State Rep. Ken Dunkin approached the House Well and said to Ms. Garrett and another woman–“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Ms. Garrett reported the incident. Ms. Garrett later heard that when Mr. Mapes was told about the incident, his response was that it would blow over. While the incident was appropriately addressed by other members of Ms. Garrett’s team ultimately, it later became clear to Ms. Garrett that Mr. Mapes did not take appropriate action to address Rep. Dunkin’s comment, and if it had been left up to Mr. Mapes, the entire incident would have been swept under the rug.
* Rauner administration press release…
For too long, a culture of abuse has been permitted within state government – we must not tolerate it. Our Administration has acted decisively to change it in the executive branch through administrative action and Executive Order. We have also called on Ken Dunkin to resign from the MWRD.
In recent months, women have stepped forward to share their stories involving the legislature – we applaud their bravery. To the women who haven’t stepped forward, who have their own stories to tell, know that we plan to act swiftly to ensure an independent process is in place to investigate future allegations and the culture Speaker Madigan has created.
Rachel Bold
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Bruce Rauner
* Sun-Times: Woman says top Madigan aide harassed her: ‘Speaker’s office is a locker room’: “Over the course of the last several years, I have endured and have personally witnessed bullying and repeated harassment that was often sexual and sexist in nature In my workplace,” she said, noting Mapes had made “repeated inappropriate comments to me, both in the office and on the House floor.” Her voice faltering at times, Garrett described how difficult it has been to come forward. “I’m loyal to (Madigan). This is very hard for me, but I’ve just suffered one disappointment after another with how things are handled,” she said.
* Tribune: Aide accuses Madigan’s chief of staff of making sexually inappropriate comments: Garrett said in September 2015, a colleague complained of being sexually harassed by a member of the House Democratic caucus. Garrett said she raised the issue with Mapes, who responded, “Are you reporting this situation because you are upset the representative isn’t paying attention to you?” Garrett said she and the other person who heard the comment were “totally taken aback,” and that she told Mapes it was his responsibility to look into the issue. She cited an example from December 2014, as staff was in the midst of planning inauguration logistics. Mapes said “completely out of nowhere that I needed to make sure that I was not showing my pink bra,” because, “girls on the second floor like to leave little to the imagination,” Garrett said.
* NBC 5: Statehouse Employee Accuses Madigan’s Chief of Staff of Harassment: Beginning in spring 2013, Garrett said she reported former state Rep. Ken Dunkin for making inappropriate comments after he told her and another woman, “I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” After reporting the incident, Garrett said she heard that Mapes’ response was that it would “blow over,” leading her to believe he would not take appropriate action.
* AP: House Speaker’s top aide accused of mishandling harassment: Sherri Garrett is a $42,000-a-year account technician for the House. She said Wednesday that Madigan chief of staff Timothy Mapes was dismissive of harassment complaints on two occasions and made untoward comments to her and others in incidents from 2013 to just a few weeks ago.
Garrett says she doesn’t know if her case was one of those in the list that Madigan released, but says it had a “chilling” effect on everyone, as if tacitly warning them to stay quiet https://t.co/Qcc8q9L1sU
JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton are calling on Tim Mapes to be suspended without pay from all roles within the Democratic Party of Illinois and the Speaker’s Office as an immediate and thorough independent investigation takes place.
Upon completion of the investigation, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party. It’s clear our state government needs to take concrete steps to make women feel safe when coming forward with stories of sexual harassment and without fear of retaliation.
…Adding… I received an early, texted version of the campaign statement ahead of everyone else. The formal statement has been revised to say this…
Upon completion of the investigation, if the allegations are proven true, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party.
That makes more sense.
* Also…
Representative Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement:
“I am calling on Tim Mapes to step down while an independent investigation takes place. I believe Sherri Garrett and have great respect for the courage it took for her to come forward to report the harassment and bullying she has experienced.”
…Adding… This was mentioned in comments earlier. Since Pritzker is a big contributor, he will therefore have a lot of say in this matter…
Pritzker just gave Madigan’s Democratic Majority fund $1M a few days ago. Mapes is the Treasurer of that committee. https://t.co/VOF7hMz8ax
REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT DRURY’S STATEMENT REGARDING SHERRI GARRETT’S ALLEGATIONS
I commend Ms. Garrett for having the courage to come forward with her detailed allegations against Mr. Mapes. While repeated calls for a truly independent investigation into the steady-flow of sexual harassment/abuse allegations continue to be made, they are met with relative silence. On November 8, 2017, I filed legislation (HB 4156) that provides for an independent – Bob Mueller-type – special counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. Speaker Madigan killed the legislation. Had Speaker Madigan allowed the legislation to move forward - and had an investigation begun in 2017 - instead of learning of new allegations on a weekly basis, we already could be addressing them and implementing real ways change the culture of harassment and abuse long-condoned in Springfield. If Speaker Madigan will not allow HB 4156 or similar legislation proposed by others to move forward, I call on him to step down so we can elect a House Speaker who shows through actions that he or she truly values all people within our State.
Today, State Representative Jeanne Ives called for House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes to step down over allegations of sexual harassment. Ives additionally advocates for a transparent reporting process in Springfield.
“The office of House Speaker is powerful and carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Tim Mapes, like Kevin Quinn, abused that power,” said Ives.
“And it is because of Speaker Madigan’s failure to carry out the responsibility of his leadership position that we’re at this point. He failed to do his job and ensure that a Legislative Inspector General was in place and that complaints were handled in a timely manner.”
…Adding… Illinois Say No More…
First and foremost, we want to acknowledge Ms. Garrett’s bravery in coming forward. Her experience further underscores the deep pervasiveness of sexual harassment throughout our collective political systems. There is no arguing that we are long overdue for systemic change so that women can do their job in safe and supportive environments.
Eight months ago more than 300 women and allies signed the Illinois Say No More letter in a show of solidarity to shine a bright light on sexual harassment in Illinois politics. And while some progress has been made since then, much, much more needs to be done. Culture and behavior cannot change unless the masses rise up and demand better from everyone in the system. That means more women having a seat at the table. And it means that these kinds of behaviors can no longer be tolerated.
To all the women who have spoken up publicly or have endured these experiences in silence, we hear you, we see you and we stand with you.
* Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) just called me after I asked her if she had any comments on Sherri Garrett’s press conference accusing Speaker Madigan’s chief of staff Tim Mapes of harassment and bullying.
Rep. Cassidy was at Garrett’s event today because Garrett had come to her about what was going on weeks ago. “I told her to get legal counsel and make her decision,” Cassidy said. “And with each thing that happened over the weeks that followed, she just grew more resolved.”
What sort of things? “Responses she saw and things continuing to happen. She just became more resolved,” Cassidy said. Garrett finally came to the conclusion that “the only way to make change was to act on it.”
So, what should happen now?
“This sends a solid signal that folks should feel safer coming forward and demanding the change in our culture that will allow us to work without fear,” Cassidy said. “This is a woman that we work with every single day and I suspect that most people don’t even know her name, and she has put up with this for several years, quietly making sure that our lives run smoothly. And that’s sickening.”
But what about Tim Mapes? What should happen to him?
“I’m not Mapes’ employer, the Speaker is. He needs to act like it.”
Madigan staff member comes forward about harassment by Chief of Staff Tim Mapes
Long-time State House employee cites repeated incidents of bullying, harassment in Springfield
CHICAGO (June 6, 2018)–A long-time member of Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Office came forward on Wednesday to detail multiple instances of bullying and harassment in the workplace by Madigan’s Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes.
Sherri Garrett, who is an Account Technician and Minutes Clerk for the Speaker’s Office, said she decided to speak out after many years of harassment and bullying.
“I have decided to come forward because we have a serious and pervasive problem in our state government, and I could no longer remain silent about my own mistreatment,” said Garrett, who resides in Springfield. “My hope is that by coming forward, I can help to create space for others to do the same.”
“I want to make sure that the workplace environment is better in the future for our daughters, and our sons,” she said. “We need to force fundamental change–not just lip service, not a quick hit solution, but real cultural transformation.”
Garrett detailed several incidents:
In Spring 2013, former State Rep. Ken Dunkin approached the House Well and said to Ms. Garrett and another woman–“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Ms. Garrett reported the incident. Ms. Garrett later heard that when Mr. Mapes was told about the incident, his response was that it would blow over. While the incident was appropriately addressed by other members of Ms. Garrett’s team ultimately, it later became clear to Ms. Garrett that Mr. Mapes did not take appropriate action to address Rep. Dunkin’s comment, and if it had been left up to Mr. Mapes, the entire incident would have been swept under the rug.
In December 2014, Ms. Garrett was participating in a conversation with several of her colleagues in the Speaker’s Office, planning inauguration logistics. They were discussing the proper drop-off location for a judge at inauguration. In the middle of the conversation, Tim Mapes said that Ms. Garrett needed to make sure she was not showing her “pink bra” to the judge on Inauguration Day, because he “knows how us girls on the second floor like to leave little to the imagination,” Ms. Garrett said. Ms. Garrett said there was no context for this comment, which she found entirely inappropriate. “As anyone can tell you, I never dress provocatively. But even if I did, this would have been a completely inappropriate comment,” said Ms. Garrett.
In September 2015, Ms. Garrett had been approached by a young woman who had previously worked with her in the Clerk’s office. The woman was being sexually harassed by a member of the House Democratic Caucus and had come to talk to Ms. Garrett because she was afraid. Ms. Garrett spoke to Mr. Mapes about the details of the situation, told him she was concerned and asked him to talk to the Representative and tell him to stop. Mr. Mapes then said to Ms. Garrett: “Are you reporting the situation because you are upset the Representative isn’t paying attention to you?” Ms. Garrett was astounded at the comment, and continued to advocate for the young women’s safety. Another colleague was present, and that person was also taken aback by the comment.
A fourth incident took place just a few weeks ago. Ms. Garrett was in the House Well preparing for the start of session. Mr. Mapes approached her and another colleague and started a conversation about another individual. He discussed how the individual “wouldn’t do something because the person was married.” Without full context, Ms. Garrett did not understand what Mr. Mapes was saying. He then looked at Ms. Garrett and said “We know that doesn’t matter around here, does it, Sherri?” Ms. Garrett said something to the effect of, “Yes, this place does have a reputation.” Mr. Mapes then said, “Now, I am not implying that you are running around on Jim [Ms. Garrett’s husband].” Ms. Garrett was again stunned, confused and uncomfortable. Ms. Garrett’s colleague, standing next to her, said something to try to defuse the conversation. Mr. Mapes said to Ms. Garrett’s colleague, “So you’re implying that Sherri is running around on Jim?” Ms. Garrett’s colleague was also stunned. He said no. Later, Ms. Garrett turned to her colleague and said, “Why did that conversation take place?” Ms. Garrett’s colleague said he found the conversation “very awkward and uncomfortable, but not unusual.” Ms. Garrett’s colleague also noted that he did not understand why Mr. Mapes continued to stare at her throughout the interaction.
In April of this year, Mr. Mapes came on the floor. Ms. Garrett heard him say to a colleague: “Are you going to sex training today?,” jokingly referring to sexual harassment training. The Chief of Staff was apparently making light of the training, even in this moment, in which this training is so critical.
On the day of the State of the State Address, many people in Springfield were wearing black in solidarity with the #TimesUp movement. Mr. Mapes wore navy blue. Ms. Garrett noted Mr. Mapes stated: “I’m wearing blue today because there’s not a woman on the House floor that would want me to tell them what to wear.” It was clear that he viewed this as a way for him to thumb his nose at the entire #TimesUp movement.
Mr. Mapes is the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House. He is also the Clerk of the House and the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
“[Mapes] has an inordinate amount of power in this state,” said Ms. Garrett. “And the Speaker’s Office, which he helms, is charged with leading the effort to reform the system to address concerns like mine. They should be held to the highest standard.”
Ms. Garrett plans to file a complaint detailing her harassment with the Legislative Inspector General following the press conference.
*** UPDATE 1 *** A few quotes from Ms. Garrett’s press conference today…
I’m loyal to him. This is very hard for me. But I’ve just suffered one disappointment after another with how things were handled. I feel it’s time to do better. I feel it’s time for him to pay attention to us.
There are all kinds of people who are behind me right now that you can’t see because they’re too afraid to come forward.
Please step up for the victims. In reality, we are Democrats. We’re supposed to protect the people who can’t protect themselves.
I would just ask him to help the victims, to believe that we really are victims.
It’s just time for this to stop. I would just challenge him to come forward and take a different path than he’s taken for the last six or seven months.
He has the power to do something for us and make it better for us.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Ms. Garrett’s written statement at the beginning of her presser…
I have not felt that I have had a safe path to report my experiences. I’m speaking out because victims of harassment like me, men and women alike, just want to go to work, just want to do our jobs with dignity and we want to go home at the end of our day. But, instead, we have a culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an incredibly difficult work environment.
I feel strongly that if we had a human resources office that represents the interests of employees and not the people in power. I wish I would’ve had someone that I could have trusted and to whom I could’ve said, ‘Hey. This happened to me. Is this supposed to happen?’
If there had been a true professional human resources team, they could have said ‘No’ and perhaps we could have nipped it in the bud right then and there.
Mr. Mapes is the chief of staff for the Speaker of the House. He is also the Clerk of the House and the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. He has an inordinate amount of power in the state. And the Speaker’s office which he helms is charged with leading the effort to reform the system to address allegations like mine. They should be held to the highest standard.
Instead they behave like they’re above reproach and like the Speaker’s office is a locker room.
It is scary to come forward and speak out about his behavior. But I feel strongly that employees do not have any protection.
The legislative reforms that have been passed thus far are a good step forward, but they don’t go nearly far enough. And until we see a meaningful commitment to culture change in our state from those at the very top, I fear nothing will improve.
Today, the JB Pritzker campaign launched “Sham Ribbon Cutting Alerts” to highlight Bruce Rauner’s election year stunts after spending years failing to invest in Illinois’ crumbling infrastructure.
In 2014, Rauner criticized election year ribbon cutting and promises saying, “what I won’t do… is fail to invest in our infrastructure for years and run around at the last-minute making promises.” Now, with a record lacking any accomplishments and a reelection campaign in shambles, Rauner is doing just that — running around at the last-minute and making promises.
In today’s sham ribbon cutting, the failed governor “unveiled” a train project started in 2012 using money from a Department of Transportation Rauner decimated during his budget crisis, stalling $3.3 billion worth of projects and laying off 20,000 workers.
“As our failed governor runs around making last-minute promises and taking credit for other people’s accomplishments, Illinois’ infrastructure crumbles,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “Bruce Rauner stood by as our state’s roads, rails, and waterways fell into disrepair, and a sham election year ribbon cutting tour won’t change that fact.”
RAUNER: “Right now he’s running around the state right now committing hundreds of millions of dollars to projects to buy votes with taxpayer money. He’s going to, I think it’s Southern Illinois. Just promised a project down there cause he’s going for an endorsement in a local paper. Went to Quincy, promised money for a project there cause he wants the endorsement of the paper. He’s running around making promises with taxpayer money to try to buy votes and influence folks. That’s what he does, that’s what these politicians do, use taxpayer money to buy votes.”
REPORTER: “So you’re not gonna have any projects to announce when you’re governor? You’re not gonna do an infrastructure plan? Every governor does in infrastructure plan.”
RAUNER: “I will have a detailed infrastructure plan, it will grow our infrastructure. What I won’t do with Pat Quinn, like Pat Quinn is, is fail to invest in our infrastructure for years and run around at the last minute making promises where he doesn’t have the money to keep them.”
Quinn did that because it usually works. Same for Rauner. Rauner criticized Quinn four years ago, and now he’s getting it in return. Standard campaign operating procedure.
Our recent analysis of CDC cause of death data shows that Illinois’s overall child death rate masks disparities across groups and across the state. Our state’s overall child death rate puts us at about the national average, but we have among the highest Black-White gaps in the entire country. Additionally, the county-level rates span a large range. For example, the child death rate is four times higher in Marion County than in DuPage County. Child death rates are highest in Illinois’s large central metro counties and rural counties and are lowest in the suburban counties.
Causes of Death Vary by Age and Race/Ethnicity. Across age groups, the top causes of death differ. Infants are most likely to die from disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, children are most likely to die from diseases, and teens are most likely to die from accidents (including motor vehicle accidents). There are also large racial disparities in certain causes of death:
* Black infants are over three times more likely than White infants to die from disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight.
* Black children are over three times more likely than White and Hispanic/Latino children to die from diseases.
* The homicide death rate for Black teen boys is more than six times the suicide rate of White teen boys, which is a leading cause of death for that group.
Trends. From 2000 to 2015, the overall death rate for children ages 19 and under in Illinois decreased from 74.5 to 52.2 per 100,000 children, so we have made significant progress as a state. But that progress has been uneven. Encouragingly, from 2005 to 2015, the infant mortality rate decreased for all groups, and the Black-White infant mortality rate gap narrowed. In that same time period, the overall teen death rate decreased, as did the rate for White and Hispanic/Latino teens. Alarmingly, though, the rate increased for Black teens.
One man has started a petition to have the state of Illinois secede from the city of Chicago, allowing every county eligibility to join except for Cook County.
Collin Cliburn proposed this because he said he feels those who are in more rural areas of the state are being given higher taxes they can’t afford and are unequally represented. […]
“Myself, I’m a White Sox fan and I hate giving up that territory. But when it comes down to it, this state is a sinking ship,” Cliburn said.
Yep. Just an ordinary citizen concerned about his beloved state. More…
“We don’t want $578 sticker for our car and we don’t want a new progressive income tax and we don’t want a recommended one percent property tax,” Cliburn said. […]
While he has an attorney, Cliburn said all he needs is for one county to vote this into effect with a majority on their Illinois county ballot before he would take it to the federal level.
The far-right is screaming online about this mythical “one percent property tax.” You’d think they could find something real to hate. It’s Illinois, after all.
For far too long has the Illinois government disgraced our citizens land and its now time to demand change. Let the people of southern Illinois enjoy their constitutional liberties without the northern liberal oppression we must deal with. Any law to regulate guns is treason and our officers should protect us from this tyrannical government. Let us stand together and make change. Ask your representives to split the state. Its the only hope for southern Illinois to escape the inevitable collapse of our once great state. What politician should be able to make laws against the people they have governed right into the dirt.
We the people of ———— County ask the board of commissioners to provide a referendum to lobby US congress to allow Menard county to leave and form a new state with other county’s that wish to follow federal law. Chicago and it’s politicians have total control over Illinois law while not following their own laws in our Illinois Constitution. Gun control laws have been implemented since the 1970s that infringe American rights in Illinois. More and more bills are being passed to guard Illegal aliens along with take care of them better than the average citizen. With new Chicago ID card available for voting privledges we will never have a chance to provide an opinion again. Our 4th amendment has been violated in multiple ways with support from both isles. This petition for a referendum granting departure from Illinois is still only a statement, if we win we will wait for the federal government to acknowledge it. We the people of Illinois and ———- county seek legal departure as we are law abiding concerned citizens.
That Chicago ID card is also a big topic among the far right, including Ives. They’re convinced the city is going to register kabillions of undocumented immigrants to vote and (white) people on the right will be drowned out.
It’s time to draw the line with Chicago area politics. Sign this petition and demand the separation of Illinois from Cook, Lake, Dupage, and North Will counties.
For quite some time our Illinois Government has been bossed around by a tiny piece of land far far away from most of Illinois in miles and ideas. I cannot stand for our bill of rights to be trampled any more. The city of Chicago takes better care of those here illegally than their own citizens. When so many districts are packed up there it’s hard for the rest of Illinois to voice their opinion. When researching the separations in the past both West Virginia and Maine are nearly alike with the reasons of the 98 counties with less districts than the 4 mentioned. With the current gun control including the foid program I deem it mutiny against the federal government and ask to be separated from this treacherous city and area that rules over us like lords. An Illinois without this super city can make better decisions that are likable by the people living here.
* More coverage…
* ABC 7: Group pushes for state of Illinois to secede from Chicago
* KTVZ Odd News: Man wants Illinois to secede from Chicago
Rauner Campaign Launches Updated Pritzker-Blagojevich Ad: “That’s The One I Would Want”
Today, the Rauner Campaign is launching the latest in the Pritzker-Blagojevich wiretap series: “That’s The One I Would Want.”
This new version of an earlier Pritzker-Blagojevich ad focuses on Pritzker’s prior donations to Blagojevich before asking for an appointment to the State Treasurer’s position. This wiretap clearly shows the corrupt relationship that Pritzker had developed with the now imprisoned, ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich.
This ad will join the one released yesterday, “Hilarious,” in a television rotation airing across the state.
WEDS, 11AM: State House employee to come forward about repeated sexual harassment in Springfield
WHO: State House of Representatives employee who has repeatedly experienced sexual harassment and bullying at work
WHAT: Press conference in which State House employee will detail her experience with sexual harassment in the workplace, and will call for changes to improve accountability and change the culture of sexism in Springfield
WHERE: 50 E Washington St., 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
WHEN: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 11AM
As always, speculation will not be tolerated in comments. Don’t get yourself banned for life.
* Related…
* Madigan asks for dismissal of sexual harassment lawsuit: In Tuesday’s filing, Madigan’s legal team contended Hampton fails to establish an “employment relationship existed” between her and the party during the “relevant time period.”
