Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Bost v. Bailey fundraising update…
* That’s a lot of money…
* Tribune reporters are on the picket line today, here’s some coverage from X…
* NBC Chicago…
A boil order has been issued in Dixmoor following two water main breaks, according to the Village President, bringing more issues to the suburb frequently plagued by interruptions to water service.
According to Village President Fitzgerald Roberts, the breaks occurred near the intersections of 141st Street/Wood Street and 141st Street/Page Street.
The two breaks on Wednesday add to what has been a consistent issue for Dixmoor in recent days, with nine separate water main breaks occurring in the past week.
Governor Pritzker was asked about that during today’s press conference…
I haven’t been briefed, although the county commissioner from the area just walked up to me and told me about those water main breaks. And I assured her that we will work on that immediately.
Obviously, much of the infrastructure in the south suburbs, water infrastructure particularly, is so old and hasn’t been replaced. As far as I understand more than 60 years. So we’ve been doing it rapidly as we could within the context of our infrastructure bill. But obviously when you’ve got emergencies like this, we need to make sure that we’re assisting in every way we can.
Meanwhile, the village of Thayer, south of Springfield, has had at least five water main breaks in the last two weeks.
* Here’s the rest…
* WTTW | While Many in Illinois Prisons Need Medication for Opioid Use Disorders, Advocates Say System Slow to Provide: The medications have been found to have a 50% reduction in mortality rate for patients in long-term treatment, meaning people are less likely to die than when untreated. “Medication for opiate use disorder is one of the closest things we have to a miracle drug,” said Justin Berk, director of the Jail and Prison Opioid Project, a project that catalogs which facilities nationwide provide such medications.
* BND | 3 issues that may threaten student safety, according to metro-east educators and law enforcement: The presentations that followed focused on mental health, substance abuse, online exploitation and grooming. Donna Nahlik, director of prevention and community education at Chestnut Health Systems, spoke about substance use and how it affects students and schools as well as the myriad programs Chestnut provides for youth, which includes prevention curriculum in partnership with local districts.
* Bloomberg | Chicago’s wealthiest raise $66 million for fight against crime: Donors including the Crown and Pritzker family foundations contributed just over 30% of the $200 million the business community will need for an initiative to reduce gun violence. The fundrasing effort is being led by the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, which includes senior leaders from companies including McDonald’s, Ulta Beauty and Morningstar.
* WTTW | CPS Proposes Delaying First Day of 2024-25 School Year With Democratic National Convention Coming to Chicago: “This shift not only accommodates the city’s logistical needs as they relate to the influx of Conventiongoers, but it also allows time for students to attend, volunteer, and participate in the civic process of hosting the Convention,” the district said in a statement.
* ABC Chicago | Former administrator sues suburban school district over alleged racial discriminationi: Administrators and teachers took photos with the doll, which appears to be based on rapper Snoop Dogg, with fake money and drug paraphernalia attached. […] Gibson alleges he complained and the administrator who actually brought the doll into the office was put in charge of Gibson’s review which led to the district not renewing Gibson’s contract.
* WBEZ | A new FAFSA setback means many college financial aid offers won’t come until April: This new, four-to-six-week delay puts schools in a difficult bind as colleges can’t determine what financial aid students should get until they receive the government’s FAFSA data. There is some good news: One big reason for the delay is that the department is fixing a $1.8 billion mistake in the FAFSA that could have especially hurt lower-income students. Proceeding without a fix would have, at best, confused many lower-income borrowers. At worst, it would have taken money out of their pockets and likely discouraged some from enrolling in college.
* Shaw Local | GOP congressional candidates in 11th District differ on immigration, gun control : The U.S. should end chain migration for families and eliminate the green card lottery, which formally is called the diversity immigrant visa program. Mercado said he also opposes amnesty “as a mass cure for this.” As for gun control, Mercado said he supports universal background checks for would-be firearms buyers.
* Sun-Times | Ventra app crashes on first day of new Metra fares, closed ticket windows: In the meantime, riders can show their frozen app to Metra employees in order to get on the train. “Basically we’re telling customers to show their screen, show that it’s frozen and letting them ride,” Reile said. “Our conductors are aware.”
* Crain’s | Chicago museums remove Native American items following new rules from feds: On Jan. 10, the Field Museum announced it had covered up several display cases that featured Native American cultural items. The Art Institute of Chicago told Crain’s that it will be removing “several” Native American archaeological artifacts currently on display in its galleries. The Museum of Science & Industry said it will not be affected by the new regulations.
* Daily Dot | Mark Cuban says X is ‘impossible’ to use, shares barrage of daily antisemitism his account gets: Cuban in recent weeks has drawn the ire of conservatives and far-right activists due to his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a set of policies that aim to promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals in business regardless of factors such as age, race, or ethnicity. Cuban told the Daily Dot that the reposts represented only a small fraction of the hateful content he’s received on X, “the only platform” where he says he has experienced anti-Semitism.
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* CNN reporting from Washington, DC…
The House voted on Wednesday evening to pass a $78 billion bipartisan tax package that would temporarily expand the child tax credit and restore a number of business tax benefits.
The bill will next go to the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson currently oversees a razor-thin majority, but the bill passed with rare bipartisan support. The vote was 357 to 70 with 188 Democrats and 169 Republicans voting in favor and 23 Democrats and 47 Republicans opposed.
Some issues remain in the US Senate, however.
* Press release from Economic Security Project Action…
In response to news that the House of Representatives has voted to pass an expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the latest tax deal, leaders and advocates in Illinois are spotlighting the need to pass a statewide Child Tax Credit in Illinois this year. Sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino and State Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., the bill would create a robust Child Tax Credit, which would offer $300 for Illinois families who earn less than the median income. Such a credit would benefit 1.4 million kids and 2.8 million parents and generate over $1 billion in local economic stimulus.
Calls for a Child Tax Credit are growing across the state, with +40 organizations across Illinois currently signed on to this proposal.
“We are happy to see Congress is taking action to expand the Child Tax Credit, with the House of Representatives voting on a version of the deal,” said Erion Malasi, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Economic Security of Illinois. “While the Senate considers the proposal, we celebrate a small step towards addressing the needs of the lowest-income American families. At the same time, we know families here in Illinois still need more support from their government. We have an opportunity this year to create a robust CTC that would benefit half of all children throughout Illinois, and help families manage rising costs for housing and living expenses. We are calling on our colleagues in the Illinois Legislature to pass a CTC this year and help Illinois families thrive.”
“The House of Representatives did the right thing by moving forward with a tax deal that expands the Child Tax Credit; now it’s time to pass our own version here in Illinois,” shared State Representative Marcus Evans Jr. “By offering hard-working families more money at tax time, we can combat the affordability crisis that faces our families in Chicago and across the state, and help to bridge the divide in racial financial equality. If we pass this CTC, 60% of the children who would benefit are from Black and brown households.”
“Congress did the right thing, and now so should Illinois,” added State Senator Omar Aquino. “The Child Tax Credit I am proposing this year would put money back in working-class parents’ pockets. That money helps families stay afloat, provide a good education for their children, and re-invest that money right back into our local economy. It’s time for Illinois to join the 14 other states that have their own child tax credits as the fifteenth.”
* As we’ve already discussed, the $300 million price tag is worrying the governor because the state is looking at a significant deficit in the coming fiscal year. So, I asked the governor’s office for comment about the above press release…
The Governor looks forward to delivering his budget address in a few weeks and he has a demonstrated record of balancing our budget while investing in the people of Illinois. Working with the General Assembly, we’ve already invested historic amounts of money into early childhood education and childcare through Smart Start IL and we look forward to our second year of implementation. Whether it’s home visiting or making college more affordable, the state of Illinois has made enormous progress making Illinois the best place to raise a family.
Your thoughts?
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* Block Club Chicago…
Fewer buses have brought migrants to Chicago over the past few weeks, leading to a decrease in the number of people staying in temporary city-run shelters. […]
In the last week of December, there were as many as 14,900 migrants in 27 city-run shelters, with 45 people waiting at the landing zone and 255 people waiting at O’Hare Airport, according to data from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
As of Tuesday morning, there are about 13,900 people in 28 shelters in the city, with one person at the landing zone and 171 people at O’Hare, data shows.
Matt Doughtie, with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said arrivals began to slow around the time Chicago had severe weather earlier this month, “anecdotally.”
Over the past week, Chicago has only received buses on two days, Doughtie said.
There’s more, so click here.
* Echelon Insights does polling for the Illinois Policy Institute and its affiliates. It scores a 2.6 out of 3 in FiveThirtyEight’s ratings system, ranking 27th.
Its latest poll is skewed White. 40 percent of respondents were White, compared to 31 who were Black and 22 who were Latino. Then again, turnout in Black and Latino wards last year was very soft.
* With all that in mind, here’s the IPI…
New polling shows 69% of Chicago voters disapprove of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of the migrant crisis, with only 23% approving with 8% unsure.
Johnson’s handling of crime saw 66% of voters disapproving to some degree, with half strongly disapproving. The Illinois Policy Institute poll of 800 registered Chicago voters conducted from Jan. 16-21 by Echelon Insights also found a majority of voters disapproved of Johnson’s handling of all six issues surveyed.
Overall, 29% of Chicago voters approve of the mayor’s job, up slightly from 28% in October. The share of voters somewhat or strongly disapproving of Johnson’s job grew from 50% to 57% since October. Nearly half as many voters remained undecided about him.
Toplines are here, crosstabs are here.
* The benefit of the House Speaker creating a “working group” to address the migrant issue is that members can point to that group when approached by the news media…
State Rep. Mike Kelly (D-15th), whose district includes both Chicago and portions of suburbs just outside Chicago, has an existing migrant shelter in his district, which has not been problematic, a spokeswoman for Kelly said. The site is the former United States Marine Corps Reserve base off Foster Avenue. Kelly’s spokeswoman Katie Ali said the base is a unique site equipped with showers and other facilities to house large numbers of people.
She said Kelly is, “Excited to see what kind of solutions the working group comes up with.”
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch recently formed a House working group to craft a response to the recent spike in migrant arrivals, chaired by State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-17th) of Glenview.
“As chair of the House Democrats’ New Arrivals Working Group, I am beginning our work with the understanding that this situation is affecting every community in our state,” Gong-Gershowitz said in an email to the Journal & Topics. Tuesday (Jan. 30). “We know that communities are affected in very different ways, and even within those communities historically disadvantaged areas are facing additional strain.
“While so much of what drives migration is outside of our control, we need to respond collectively to the things we can control. My focus is on bringing stakeholders together for discussions on how we can best meet our communities’ varied needs.”
* Gov. Pritzker was asked today about new shelters and whether they should be in Chicago…
Well, again, we have already identified one or two places with the Archdiocese, who have been willing to offer up some of their properties. And we’ve got to work through some details, but we’re close with one of those.
I have said to the mayor that if they will identify, and I’m talking about the city, identify places for shelters, we will fund them with the dollars that I allocated. And remember I made that decision that the $65 million that we could not put into the tent at the location where there was an environmental hazard, that we would dedicate that to other shelters so that we could accomplish the same thing, which is to have 2000 people that would be sheltered by virtue of state support.
However, we need the city to help out and and, on occasion, they have been willing to be a part of that recently. Obviously done a lot of work before that, but we need them to continue that work and even with Archdiocese sites, the city has been willing at least to let go of some of their normal processes in order to let us continue moving forward with the Archdiocese.
But still we need locations. We can’t just point at places and say you know, this is where we’re going. We need planning, zoning, we need to make sure that the communities the aldermen, etc. That’s all work that the city normally should do. And that’s what’s happening in places like Oak Park and elsewhere where there are shelters outside of the city of Chicago that the state is supportive of.
* More from Isabel…
* WBEZ | A Pilsen medical center that treats migrants is furloughing workers: Lately, many migrants arriving in Chicago have come to rely on [Alivio Medical Center] clinic in Pilsen. This area is home to the largest city-run shelter where about 2,500 people are staying. As of Jan. 19, about half were children, according to data shared by the city. […] [Spokeswoman Terri Rivera] said a host of factors fueled the furloughs, including supplies becoming more expensive, COVID-19 money that is running out and treating fewer patients. Alivio’s CEO Esther Corpuz was not available for an interview, nor was anyone who could discuss the health center’s financials. But Igoe said information Alivio shared with the union shows that patient visits have increased since at least the summer and as of November surpassed 6,000 visits that month.
* Sun-Times | 16-year-old asylum-seeker missing from West Loop found safe: CPD: A spokesperson with the police department didn’t disclose where Chiquinquira Iwa-Ruiz was found or who she was found by, but said she was “located safely.” Iwa-Ruiz was previously last seen on a CTA bus at Ashland Avenue near West Lake Street on Saturday.
* News-Gazette | Ford County Board to vote on ‘no-migrant’ declaration: Ann Ihrke, chair of the county’s zoning committee, said the measure was sent to State’s Attorney Andrew Killian to examine the wording. “If there are suggestions (for rewording of the declaration), it will go back to the full committee and from there to the full county board,” Ihrke said.
* NPR | For Chicago’s new migrants, informal support groups help ease the pain and trauma: Interviews with more than 30 people reveal the emotional toll migrants face, and the efforts of individuals and organizations that are trying to fill the gaps of a frayed mental health system. […] For many, their journeys here were terrifying. A young girl who fell into a river, her pregnant mother struggling to hold her small hand, so the current wouldn’t whisk her away. Women who were forced to have sex with gang members to get from country to country. People who walked over the dead in the jungle, or are wracked with guilt over the sick and injured left behind.
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* Sun-Times…
Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly have met with Related Midwest, the developers in talks with the White Sox to build a new stadium on vacant South Loop land known as The 78. […]
Related Midwest met with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, on Jan. 24, while Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, held meetings with the developers on Jan. 25, according to both offices.
Developers did not ask for state money, but instead said they want the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) to be granted authority to “rearrange existing bonds.” They were also aware of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s disdain for using taxpayer funds for sports stadiums — which is viewed as politically unpopular despite its prevalence in other cities. […]
According to someone close to the talks, there have been no discussions about creating new revenue or tax increases to help fund the new stadium. The goal is to work creatively within the current system.
Sources familiar with the plan say the development would include residences, offices, a hotel and dozens of restaurants and bars.
* From House Speaker Welch’s office…
Speaker Welch was briefed by the developer, Related Midwest. He said it was a very interesting proposal and is looking forward to learning more.
* From Senate President Harmon’s office…
President Harmon has not been briefed by the White Sox but has been briefed on the proposed surrounding development of the area. He looks forward to learning more.
* Gov. Pritzker was asked about the potential project today…
I don’t really want to opine about it because I don’t know what financing they’re looking for. … You know, my view in general is the taxpayer shouldn’t have to pick up any bills for private businesses that are trying to extend their franchise in the city or the state, other than the normal things that we help businesses with, like infrastructure and so on. But, again, I don’t know what’s been talked about.
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* Shaw Local…
Teamsters, who have gone without a contract for 7 months and are angered by the course of negotiations, are preparing to vote on whether to vote to authorize a strike, said JP Fyans, president of Teamsters Local 916.
In the meantime, rallies are being organized in the state’s nine Illinois Department of Transportation districts, starting with one organized by union locals 330, 700, 916 and the union umbrella organization, Joint Council 25, that ran from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in the District 1 office at 201 W. Center Court in Schaumburg. […]
“Mediators have been brought in, and we are following the process,” Fyans said, but “a vote to authorize a vote to strike is in the works.”
Negotiations have gotten contentious, with the state refusing to include pay raises, and insisting that the 4,500 Teamsters in 10 locals employed by IDOT switch back to the state insurance plan, which is more costly and effectively will mean a 25% loss in take-home pay, Fyans said.
* WLPO Radio…
A raw wind blew in Ottawa as members of the Teamsters union walked a picket line outside the District 3 office of the Illinois Department of Transportation.
It was the second picket outside an IDOT building on Wednesday, following a similar demonstration in the suburbs. Teamsters believe they’ve been left out of the significant investment the state is making in infrastructure improvements. […]
Fellow picketer Jon Woodyer says the state’s offer removes “good union insurance” and would cause a take home pay loss of 24 percent on average. He adds that the state’s suggestion of a starting IDOT salary of $32,000 a year is federal poverty level wages.
* WBBM Radio…
Jimmy Provenzano says the work he and other maintenance workers do is dangerous, whether it’s fixing potholes or blocking highway ramps.
“All these protests have been going on,” he said. “Our guys are put out there. In the majority of the time, there is no police backup. We’re on our own in these trucks and have to deal with irate citizens.”
Teamster Robert Cohn said the state’s proposal would move them out of their union health insurance, which include benefits they won in a prior contract in lieu of pay raises worth about $3.40 an hour.
The unions say despite plenty of bargaining sessions since their contracts expired, they are far apart from the state’s offer.
* Teamsters Joint Council 25…
“Our members have sacrificed wages and other benefits in previous negotiations to maintain their Teamster healthcare and we are not going to just walk away from it now without a fight”, said Teamsters Joint Council 25 President Thomas W. Stiede. “These workers keep the Illinois traveling public safe, and it’s unfortunate to see their value being undermined by this administration. We are nearing the breaking-point and may be left with no other choice than to strike this winter.”
* From the governor’s office…
Over the past several months, the State has reached labor agreements with unions representing the vast majority of the State workforce, which were ratified by overwhelming majorities of State employees. Those agreements recognize the important work that State employees perform, and each of them includes fair wage and healthcare provisions that provide good compensation and healthcare benefits to employees while recognizing that the State must balance its budget. Contract negotiations with the Teamsters are ongoing, and the Governor is committed to ensuring a fair agreement for everyone involved, like those that have already been reached with other unions.
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It’s just a bill
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* HB4668 from Rep. Daniel Didech…
Amends the Election Code. Provides that, except during the 27 days immediately preceding any election, the State Board of Elections may furnish electronic voter registration records at a reasonable cost to any person who makes a sworn affidavit. Sets forth restrictions on the information that may be disclosed. Provides that voter registration records or data shall be limited to bona fide election purposes and shall not be used for any personal, private, or commercial purpose, including, but not limited to, the intimidation, threat, or deception of any person or the advertising, solicitation, sale, or marketing of products or services. Sets forth penalties for violations of these provisions. Makes conforming changes.
* SB2971 from Sen. Robert Peters…
Amends the Department of Children and Family Services Powers Law. Repeals a provision that grants the Department of Children and Family Services the power to appoint members of a police and security force to act as peace officers and have all powers possessed by police officers in cities and sheriffs under certain circumstances. Effective immediately.
* WGLT…
Preserving family farms is the focus of two new bills filed with the Illinois General Assembly that seek to update language in the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act.
Democratic State Sen. Dave Koehler and State Rep. Sharon Chung last week filed identical pieces of legislation called the Family Farm Preservation Act in the House [4600] and Senate [2921] aimed at raising the exemption for family farm estates from $4 million to $6 million.
At a news conference Wednesday, both lawmakers said the change is meant to reflect the growing divide between farm estate valuations and how much money a farm actually makes. The disparity comes from the valuation of the farm estate that looks at the market price per acre of land — and not the income generated by the land.
About 96% of Illinois farms are family-owned. Data from the Illinois Department of Agriculture puts the estimated average size of farms at around 375 acres, although that figure does include hobby farms.
Farm operations around that size could pull in an income ranging from below or around $100,000 per year. But if that farm becomes an estate due to the death of its owner and operator, it could be taxed up to “almost $5 million,” said Koheler, leaving the remaining family members to figure out how to pay a sudden and large tax bill.
* Rep. Martin Moylan filed HB4655 yesterday…
Creates the Megaproject Sports and Entertainment Facility Admission Tax Act. Imposes a tax of $3 for each individual admitted to a sports and entertainment facility located on megaproject property. Contains provisions concerning the distribution of the proceeds of the tax. Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that certain property may be certified by the Department of Revenue as containing a megaproject. Provides that a “megaproject” is a project with respect to which a company makes a specified investment during a specified investment period. Provides that the Department of Revenue may issue a megaproject certificate only for a megaproject in the Village of Arlington Heights. Provides that the megaproject property is eligible for an assessment freeze. Provides that megaproject property may be granted an abatement. Provides that a company that operates a megaproject shall enter into an agreement with the municipality in which the project is located to make certain special payments. Creates the Arlington Megaproject Oversight Board. Provides that the incentive agreement must be approved by resolution of the Arlington Megaproject Oversight Board. Amends the State Finance Act making conforming changes. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act. Provides that qualified tangible personal property used in the construction or operation of a megaproject is exempt from the taxes imposed under those Acts. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act, the Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax Act, and the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that certain tax proceeds from megaproject property shall be deposited into the Arlington Megaproject Infrastructure Fund. Makes other changes. Effective June 1, 2024.
* HB4658 from Rep. Curtis Tarver…
Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Instead of requiring consumer education to be taught and studied, provides that, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028 school year, pupils in the public schools in grade 11 or 12 shall be taught and be required to complete a stand-alone, one-semester or equivalent course covering personal finance. Sets forth what topics must be included. Provides that the State Board of Education shall devise or approve the personal finance education standards for the course. Provides that the school board shall oversee implementation of the course for each high school student prior to graduation. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish a Financial Literacy Implementation Committee no later than June 30, 2024 to make recommendations to the State Superintendent of Education concerning the implementation of the course for each high school student prior to graduation. Sets forth provisions concerning Committee members, meetings, and support. Provides that the State Board of Education shall present regular and timely reports to the Committee regarding the implementation of the course. Requires a pupil to successfully complete a course on personal finance education as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma (rather than allowing a financial literacy course to be included as part of the social studies requirement). Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
* SB2932 filed by Sen. Steve Stadelman…
Amends the Election Code. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to intimidate, threaten, coerce, use violence or force, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or use violence or force against an election worker with the specific intent to: (1) impede or interfere with that election worker in the performance or discharge of his or her election-related duties; (2) induce that election worker to violate or refuse to perform his or her election-related duties or violate or refuse to comply with any law regulating elections; or (3) retaliate against that election worker for the performance of his or her election-related official duties. Provides that any person who violates the provision is guilty of a petty offense and is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000
* Sen. Stadelman also filed SB2935…
Amends the Mobile Landlord and Tenant Act. Requires a mobile manufactured park owner to give written notice by first class mail or personal delivery to each mobile home in the park that the park owner intends to discontinue the use of the land as a park or to sell land if the transaction or sale will discontinue the use of the land as a park. Provides that the notice must be mailed or delivered at least 120 days before the discontinuance of the park or sale. Allows an association that represents 33% or more of the units in the park to notify the park owner that the association is interested in purchasing the mobile park. Allows the association 365 days after this notice is given to purchase the park as outlined in the Act. Provides that if the association and the park owner cannot agree upon a purchase price, the association shall have the right to purchase the property: (i) if the association matches the essential provisions of any existing bona fide offer to purchase the park made by another potential purchaser that the park owner is prepared to accept; or (ii) if there is no such offer, at a purchase price to be established by an appraiser chosen by the association and the park owner. Provides that if the 2 parties cannot agree upon one appraiser, either party may notify the other, in writing, of such disagreement, and the association shall choose an appraiser, the park owner shall choose an appraiser, and the 2 appraisers shall choose a third appraiser, and the 3 appraisers shall establish a value of the park. Voids any rights under this Act if no agreement for a sale signed by the association and the park owner has been filed upon the land records, or if the association has not filed a certified statement to purchase the park at the appraised value.
* SB2938 from Sen. Laura Fine…
Amends the Mosquito Abatement District Act. Provides that the board of trustees of a mosquito abatement district shall have power to take all necessary or proper steps for the surveillance, monitoring, and extermination of mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and vectors within the district (rather than for the extermination of mosquitoes, files and other insects within the district), and, subject to the paramount control of the municipal or other public authorities, to abate as nuisances all stagnant pools of water and other breeding places for mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and vectors (rather than mosquitoes and other insects) within the district. Provides that a district may annex territory by ordinance whenever a mosquito abatement district operating within territory predominantly in a municipality or 2 or more municipalities that would become coterminous or nearly coterminous with the municipality or municipalities upon the annexation of additional territory within the municipality or municipalities (rather than whenever a mosquito abatement district contains over 90% of territory of a specific city or village, the mosquito abatement district may annex additional adjacent and contiguous territory within that city or village). Requires the ordinance to describe the territory annexed together with an accurate map of the annexed territory and that, if the ordinance becomes effective 30 days after the date of publication or is approved by referendum, a copy of the ordinance shall be filed in the offices of the county clerk and recorder of each county in which the annexation takes place. Removes a prohibition to annexing territory until more than one year after territory has first been included in a municipality unless the territory annexed is 50 acres or less. Makes other changes.
* Sen. Tom Bennett filed SB2972…
Amends the Illinois Prescribed Burning Act. Establishes the procedures required before conducting a prescribed burning. Provides that no landowner, agent of the landowner, or certified prescribed burn manager shall be liable for damage, injury, or loss caused by a prescribed burning or smoke resulting from a prescribed burning unless the landowner, agent of the landowner, or certified prescribed burn manager is proven to be grossly negligent. Effective immediately.
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: The Chicago Tribune’s unionized newsroom staff are on strike. Sun-Times…
- Over 200 journalists and production workers at seven newsrooms across the country are participating in the 24-hour strike to demand fair wages and that management not eliminate their 401(k) match benefits
- It’s believed to be a first in Chicago newspaper history
* Isabel’s top picks…
* Sun-Times | Developers eyeing new White Sox stadium at The 78 meet with state Democratic leaders: Developers did not ask for state money, but instead said they want the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to rearrange existing bonds. They were also aware of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s disdain for using taxpayer funds for sports stadiums — which is viewed as politically unpopular despite its prevalence in other cities.
* Crain’s | New effort aims to advance trauma-informed care in Illinois: The Jan. 30 launch of the Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has been a long time coming and provides much-needed legislative support to a concept that began in Illinois some 20 years ago by “five or six innovative organizations,” said Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
* Good news…
Governor Pritzker will be at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago at 11 am to unveil an anti-violence initiative. Click here to watch.
* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…
* Sun-Times | State-passed online privacy laws are inadequate, advocate group warns: “It’s super-alarming how tech companies and others that rely on our data have infiltrated state legislatures with industry-friendly bills that don’t do much to protect people,” said R.J. Cross, consumer policy director and report author for Illinois PIRG.
* Daily Herald | Suburban library adds political scientist to help patrons through 2024 elections: The Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire has brought in an expert to serve as a political scientist in residence for the election cycle. Alexandra Filindra, an associate professor of political science and psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, will lead discussions with patrons, write articles for the library newsletter and recommend reading material concerning the election and important issues.
* In these times | The UAW Strike Saved Their Shuttered Plant, But the Fight Is Just Beginning: The revival of the Stellantis plant is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Belvidere, Ill. But workers say they won’t rest until they see the concrete being poured.
* Crain’s | Interim CEO of National Association of Realtors to new competitor: Bring it on: The video landed a little over a week after two real estate agents launched a competitor to the 108-year-old Chicago-based Realtors group and amidst a bevy of lawsuits nationwide targeting the association’s alleged collusion to keep agent commissions high.
* Farm Week | Legislation introduced to change Illinois estate tax: Supported by Illinois Farm Bureau, Senate Bill 2921, introduced by State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and House Bill 4600, introduced by State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, are identical bills that if passed would change the state’s estate tax, specific to farms. “Illinois Farm Bureau is proud to support the Family Farm Preservation Act because our policy supports the preservation of family farms and this is a bipartisan effort to keep farm families on the family farm,” said Brian Duncan, IFB president. “We are grateful and excited to see members from all four caucuses (lend their support for the legislation).”
* WTTW | CPS Principal Files Police Report Saying Chicago Teachers Union President Made ‘Very Concerning’ Comments: According to a copy of the Jan. 26 police report obtained by WTTW News, William Hozian, principal of Stevenson Elementary School at 8040 S. Kostner Ave., reported that Davis-Gates spoke to attendees at a union meeting and said, “In talking to my Stevenson brothers and sisters, I told them they should punch their principal in the face.”
* Sun-Times | Judge halts all proceedings before Chicago Police Board after City Council again delays vote on what cases can be heard in private: During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Johnson’s allies used a parliamentary maneuver to push back a vote on whether cops facing dismissal or suspensions over one year can choose to have their cases heard by an arbitrator instead of the police board.
* WBEZ | A Pilsen medical center that treats migrants is furloughing workers: “No services have changed or hours changed,” Rivera emphasized. She added that no one has been laid off, but also confirmed some employees have quit over the furloughs. She would not say how many total people have been furloughed, but said Alivio still has about 250 employees across seven clinics.
* Crain’s | CPD chief aims to calm an anxious Chicago business crowd: Still, the LaSalle Street contingent remains unsettled by a continued spate of carjackings and robberies in Chicago. Just last week, masked gunmen shot and killed two high school students in the Loop at Washington Street and Wabash Avenue. Asked why Deputy Police Chief Jon Hein spoke to the media after the brazen incident and not the superintendent, Snelling explained that he wanted to report the facts as soon as possible in order to reduce the public’s fear that the shooting was a random act.
* CNN | House passes bipartisan tax bill that expands child tax credit: The deal would provide a larger credit in the first year to the low-income families of roughly 16 million children, or more than 80% of those who currently don’t receive the full credit because their families earn too little, according to the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The package would lift at least half a million children out of poverty and improve the financial situation of about 5 million more children who would remain below the poverty line, once the proposal is fully in effect in 2025, according to the center.
* Jam Base | The Music Won’t Stop: Dead & Company Teases Return At Vegas Sphere: The confirmation of the band’s upcoming return comes on the heels of a New York Post report published earlier today indicating Dead & Company will perform a 14-show residency at the Vegas Sphere. Sources told the New York Post the run will begin in May with an announcement due this week. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone reports the publication has confirmation Dead & Co. “will play at least 15 shows at the Sphere.”
* WTVO | Rockford Medal of Honor recipient on a mission to prevent veteran suicide: “Making sure that that are the values, that we fought for and that our buddies died for and were wounded for, stay our values. That’s our mission in life, to make sure that our friends did not die in vain. And we have to be here to do that,” he said.
* CBS | Five years ago this week: Lows plunge below -20 during Chicago’s polar vortex cold snap: Surface temps fell to minus 23 – and then we got snow! We endured 52 hours of below zero temperatures, the fourth-longest such deep freeze ever recorded in Chicago. It was so cold, that experts warned people that they shouldn’t talk too much—or breathe deeply outside “to protect your lungs from severely cold air.”
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Live coverage
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* You can click here or here to follow breaking news. It’s the best we can do unless or until Twitter gets its act together.
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* Press release…
New copays and coinsurance for existing enrollees in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) programs will go into effect on Feb. 1, as the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) previously announced.
Most services covered by the HBIA and HBIS programs, which provide health care coverage for individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid coverage if not for their immigration status, will continue to be free for customers, including primary care visits, prescription medications and vaccinations at a pharmacy or doctor’s office. The new copays and co-insurance will apply to the use of non-emergency hospital or surgical center services, like nonemergent elective surgeries, physical therapy and lab work.
Copays are fixed amounts paid for health care services covered by a health plan, while coinsurance is a type of cost-sharing where a customer pays a percentage of the total price for a covered health care service, and their insurer pays the remainder. Both copays and coinsurance are common cost-sharing practices used in both commercial insurance and in Medicare. Enrollees should always check with their provider on whether they will be charged out-of-pocket costs for a service.
The impact of copays and cost-sharing will vary for participants based on their enrollment in Medicaid Managed Care, which many HBIA and HBIS participants will be transitioning to over the next several months. The copays and coinsurance and the transition to managed care for HBIA and HBIS enrollees are among the cost-saving measures HFS has implemented in order to bring program costs within the budgeted amount for State Fiscal Year 2024.
For those already enrolled or in the process of enrolling in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), out-of-pocket costs will depend on the MCO. Some MCOs are waiving all or some of the allowable charges, which means hospitals or surgical centers will not charge members of that MCO an out-of-pocket cost for some or all non-emergency procedures and services. Those not enrolled in an MCO can be charged copayments or coinsurance.
No copay or cost-sharing may be charged for an emergency service needed to evaluate or stabilize an emergency medical condition, which is a condition with symptoms severe and painful enough that a reasonable person would think they are life-threatening and need immediate medical care. Individuals who have severe symptoms that could be life threatening should not hesitate to seek immediate treatment, and in those instances will not have cost sharing requirements.
Copays and cost-sharing may only be charged on the following services:
• Non-emergency Inpatient hospitalizations: $250 copayment per stay.
• Non-emergency Hospital Outpatient Services or Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center: 10% of what HFS would pay the provider. The amount an enrollee can be charged will vary depending on the service and the provider, and enrollees should check with the provider on whether they will need to pay an out-of-pocket cost for a service.
HFS has removed a previously planned $100 copay for non-emergency hospital ER services, after consulting with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and confirming that the state can seek reimbursement for all emergency room care. In addition, some of the MCOs are waiving copays for certain service types: CountyCare, which only serves customers in Cook County and will serve the majority of HBIA and HBIS enrollees, is waiving all copays and coinsurance for HBIA and HBIS customers.
Beginning January 1, 2024, many HBIA and HBIS customers have begun receiving services through HealthChoice Illinois, the State of Illinois’ Medicaid Managed Care Program. Previously, services were delivered to HBIA and HBIS customers solely via a fee-for-service model. The shift to managed care provides a level of care coordination for customers that isn’t available with fee-for-service. Care coordinators help customers connect with the medical care and social services they need.
MCO enrollment for HBIA and HBIS customers is taking place in waves, with the last cohort of HBIA and HBIS customers enrolling with an MCO April 1. HBIA and HBIS customers are receiving enrollment packets in the mail that explain the transition to managed care and what they need to do. A sample MCO enrollment letter is available here.
HBIA and HBIS enrollees who have comprehensive private insurance or spenddown will remain in fee-for-service and will not enroll with a managed care plan or receive an MCO enrollment mailing.
More information about the HBIA and HBIS transition to managed care is available here.
*** UPDATE *** Healthy Illinois Campaign…
Today, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will implement co-payments and co-insurance for some nonemergency services for enrollees in the State’s Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. Yesterday, HFS announced it would no longer go forward with the implementation of co-pays for emergency services. Healthy Illinois Campaign Director Tovia Siegel released the following statement in response to the announcement:
“Healthy Illinois Campaign is pleased the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced they will no longer be instituting co-pays for some emergency room visits. This decision will keep Illinoisans safer and allow them to seek the healthcare they need in emergencies.
“However, the two co-payments that will go into effect on February 1 will place a significant burden on both providers and patients, limiting access to healthcare for Illinois’ immigrant community. We urge the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Managed Care Organizations to reconsider implementing these charges, which will generate a relatively small amount of money but can be the difference between life and death for low-income Illinoisans.
“Healthy Illinois Campaign stands ready to work with HFS and the Governor’s Office to find fiscally responsible and sustainable ways to ensure equitable access to health care for the state’s lowest-income residents.”
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Rick Pearson…
* Illinois Realtors are about to drop a $1 million campaign against Bring Chicago Home, says Crain’s…
“We’re going to tell Chicago voters that it will harm the city if you create another real estate tax in a city where we’re already overly burdened with real estate taxes,” Jeff Baker, CEO of Springfield-based Illinois Realtors, said in a meeting with several Crain’s reporters on Jan. 30. […]
Baker told Crain’s that “in the next week or so,” the group will roll out a digital ad campaign on social media and streaming services, and plans to spend “about $1 million.”
On the other side, the lead organizers of support for the proposal had raised about $700,000 as of mid-January, Justin Laurence reported for Crain’s.
Illinois Realtors’ campaign against the proposal will entail “about four to six weeks of digital ads, mail and media outreach and get-out-the vote fieldwork,” Baker said, “to try to get the message out as much as possible that we think BHC will be harmful to the real estate economy of the city.”
* Meanwhile… supporters of the referendum on a graduated real estate transfer tax reported a $200,000 contribution today from the Chicago Teachers Union. The committee, End Homelessness, supporting Bring Chicago Home, ended the fourth quarter with about $744K in the bank and has so far reported raising about $245K this calendar year.”
* Press release…
Fire officials and elected leaders today joined together to announce new, first-of-its-kind technology in Illinois will be implemented for south suburban fire departments that will improve emergency response times and emergency care for southland residents.
Through a state grant awarded by Sen. Michael Hastings, south suburban fire departments will soon begin implementing new technology called CentralSquare Unify that will sync dispatch services among fire protection districts signed up for the program. In effect, the new technology will provide instant alerts to south suburban fire protection districts when additional assistance is needed to respond to emergencies.
“A state grant will allow southland fire districts participating in this program to implement technology that we have not yet seen in Illinois,” Hastings said. “The new Unify program will allow for quicker emergency response for our communities.”
With a $600,000 state grant, the CentralSquare Unify program is being led by the Orland Park Fire Protection District and includes participation from numerous south suburban fire districts signed up for the program: Blue Island, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Garden Homes Fire Protection District, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lemont, Matteson, Merrionette Park, Oak Forest, Palos Fire Protection District, Park Forest, Richton Park, Riverdale, South Holland, Thornton, and Tinley Park. The goal is to expand the technology to as many south suburban fire protection districts as possible to ensure seamless and instant communication capabilities and improve emergency response times.
* Press release…
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that his campaign has raised over $468,000 in the final quarter of 2023 and has a war chest of over $1.35 million cash-on-hand.
“Our campaign is firing on all cylinders when it matters most; and our momentum only continues to grow,” said Bost. “We have a conservative message and record of results that our opponent seems unable to refute, and a dominant lead in fundraising that our opponent seems unable to narrow. I can’t thank Southern Illinois Republicans enough for buying into our movement and ensuring we have resources necessary to fight back against the false attacks that keep coming our way.”
* Here’s the rest…
* Crain’s | Chicago DNC to receive donation from an unlikely ally: Atlanta’s DNC committee: During a brief phone call on Jan. 12 with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens mentioned that the city’s civic and corporate leaders were still interested in helping the DNC this August, despite losing their bid to host the event last spring. That conversation led to a commitment from a group of around 15 Georgia fundraisers who plan to give at least $500,000 to the Chicago convention, a senior official in Atlanta told Crain’s. The donation will mark the first time a bid committee from a city that once competed for the convention has donated to the host city, said Natalie Edelstein, a spokesperson for the Chicago host committee.
* WTTW | Effort to Remove Donald Trump From the Illinois Primary Ballot Continues in State Court: The case was filed Tuesday afternoon, hours after the Trump objectors’ initial attempt to knock the former president from the ballot failed. The Trump objectors, working in concert with the group Free Speech for People, had asked members of the Illinois State Board of Election to ban him from running for president in Illinois.
* AP | Some Republican leaders are pushing back against the conservative Freedom Caucus in statehouses: In state capitols around the country, Republican legislative leaders are pushing back against a growing network of conservative lawmakers attempting to pull the party further to the right with aggressive tactics aimed not at Democrats but at members of their own party. The infighting has put a spotlight on Republican fissures heading into the November elections, even as former President Donald Trump has been consolidating party support.
* Fox 32 | IDOT workers rally in Schaumburg to demand fair contract: Teamsters Local 700 President Ramon Williams emphasized the significance of these essential workers, stating, “These hardworking, essential workers help keep our roads safe and our economy moving, especially during the pandemic. They deserve a fair contract that recognizes the value of their work.” Williams continued, urging the State of Illinois to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer that compensates these members without compromising their health and welfare benefits.
* SJ-R | ‘Important effort’: Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force works to connect projects: “When I see people experiencing through tears and stuff, I see them identifying with what we go through, and I also see them identifying with their own loss of not knowing this (story),” said Wilson, the museum’s founding executive director. “We have people in Jacksonville who didn’t know (the Underground Railroad) was here and we advertise all the time.
* Tribune | Ex-city official gets 18 months in prison for role concealing multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme that led to Bridgeport bank collapse: William Mahon, 57, pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to falsify bank records to deceive federal regulators and hide millions in collateral-free loans authorized by then-bank President John Gembara that had essentially turned Washington Federal into a piggy bank for insiders and friends.
* Sun-Times | 3 charged in scheme directing migrants to shoplift in exchange for fake IDs, sheriff says: Three Mexican nationals had directed recent Venezuelan migrants to steal items from Magnificent Mile stores in exchange for identity cards that would allow them to get jobs, Sheriff Tom Dart said Tuesday. Police discovered the pattern after speaking to dozens of migrants with nearly identical stories, Dart said.
* Tribune | Video shows educators at University of Chicago charter school mock special education student, call him ‘dumb’: The incident, which was recorded on another student’s cellphone, took place at the UC Charter School’s Woodlawn campus in December 2022. The Tribune reviewed the minute-long video, which offered a troubling glimpse inside the publicly funded high school overseen by the prestigious university.
* Daily Herald | Additional schools could see relief from O’Hare airplane racket with soundproofing subsidies: It’s been about 10 years since the last of 124 schools near O’Hare was soundproofed. But in 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the city’s Terminal Area Plan which includes a new terminal and concourses, and resulted in an updated noise contour around O’Hare.
* Crain’s | Boeing CEO says ‘we caused the problem’ in Alaska Air blowout: “While we often use this time of year to share or update our financial and operational objectives, now is not the time for that,” [Boeing Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun] told employees in a memo. “We will simply focus on every next airplane while doing everything possible to support our customers, follow the lead of our regulator and ensure the highest standard of safety and quality in all that we do.”
* Crain’s | Boeing’s move to Chicago was a win for the city. But was it good for Boeing?: The ensuing decades have seen the once-lauded aerospace firm humbled by a string of disasters, the latest a blowout of a cabin panel in midflight. The Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 landed safely, and no lives were lost — in contrast to the 346 who died in two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. Since then, Boeing has struggled with head-spinning public relations problems, red ink and added costs, settlements and penalties exceeding $20 billion. Its stock, off about 20% since the Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines fiasco, trades at less than half of what it did before the last 737 crash.
* NYT | The Most Powerful Person in Publishing Doesn’t Like to Talk About Himself: Mr. Malaviya’s primary goal is growth. After the collapse of the Simon & Schuster deal, it became clear Penguin Random House could not buy its way out of the decline, so much of its growth will have to come organically — by selling more books. Mr. Malaviya said that, hopefully, A.I. will help, making it easier to publish more titles without hiring ever more employees. The company has continued to acquire smaller publishers, like Hay House in the United States and Roca Editorial in Spain.
* AP | Science sleuths are using technology to find fakery and plagiarism in published research: Allegations of research fakery at a leading cancer center have turned a spotlight on scientific integrity and the amateur sleuths uncovering image manipulation in published research. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, announced Jan. 22 it’s requesting retractions and corrections of scientific papers after a British blogger flagged problems in early January.
* Block Club | Chance The Rapper Playing Bridgeport’s Revived Ramova Theatre: Chance is the first major touring act to take to the stage at the Ramova, the long-closed former movie house that reopened late last year as a concert venue, brewery and diner. Chance is among the investors and co-owners of the historical theater alongside fellow South Side musicians Jennifer Hudson and Quincy Jones.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Interesting…
What I’m proposing here is an advisory-only referendum because I wanted to get your thoughts, but I am reserving the right to make the final decision myself.
* The Question: Should CapitolFax.com honor the Chicago Tribune Guild’s picket line tomorrow and not post any stories from the paper? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Thanks.
…Adding… The poll is now closed.
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* Background is here if you need it. Press release…
In an effort to shield Illinois employers from costly lawsuits without rolling back the state’s strict digital privacy protections, State Senator Bill Cunningham filed Senate Bill 2979, which makes changes to the liability guidelines in the Biometric Information Privacy Act.
“Given the rash of cybersecurity breaches we hear about, Illinoisans should be proud that we have arguably the strongest digital privacy laws in the nation. However, our laws have not kept up with changes in technology, which has left some small businesses facing overwhelming financial liabilities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “SB 2979 will keep the current privacy restrictions in place and hold violators accountable, as well as ensure businesses are not unfairly punished for technical violations of the law.”
Under BIPA, private entities must obtain written consent before collecting and storing biometric information, such as an employee’s fingerprint. If a business is sued for violating BIPA, they can be ordered to pay damages for each instance where biometric information is collected — even if they repeatedly collect the same information. This has led to situations where an employer can be ordered to pay millions in liquidated damages, and in a case involving White Castle, billions of dollars, because each collection counts as a separate violation. For instance, businesses that use digital fingerprinting systems for employee timekeeping often take swipes of each employee’s fingerprint multiple times per shift — like when the employee arrives for work, leaves for and returns from a lunch break, or checks out at the end of the work day. Under BIPA, each of those swipes can qualify as a violation of the law if the employee has not provided written consent, exposing the business to a minimum of $1,000 in damages every time a swipe is taken.
Cunningham’s bill would limit the number of claims accrued under that scenario should an employee bring a lawsuit against a company for a violation of BIPA. If a certain biometric identifier is collected by the same employer in the same manner, only one violation would accrue. In other words, the liability faced by the business would accrue on a per-employee basis, rather than a per-collection basis.
SB 2979 also modernizes the manner in which written consent can be granted to include the use of electronic signatures. The original BIPA legislation took effect in 2008 when electronic signatures were not widely used. Cunningham’s legislation clarifies that because using electronic signatures is a common practice to obtain consent, they can be used to comply with BIPA consent requirements.
“Dozens of legislative proposals to update BIPA have been offered in recent years, but most of those efforts have attempted to remove or narrow privacy protections that have been embedded in the law,” said Cunningham. “SB 2979 does not take that approach. Rather, it puts a common-sense formula in place to determine the amount of financial damages that must be paid for violations of the act.”
Senate Bill 2979 was introduced by Cunningham on Wednesday.
I’ll update if I hear back from business groups.
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* Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) told me today that he’s been getting pummeled on social media and in his emails about his bill…
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no law enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for: (i) failing to display registration plates or stickers; (ii) being operated with an expired registration sticker; (iii) violating general speed restrictions (unless that violation is a misdemeanor or felony offense); (iv) improper lane usage (unless that violation is a misdemeanor or felony offense); (v) failing to comply with certain requirements concerning vehicle lamps; (vi) excessive tint; (vii) defective mirrors; (viii) an obstructed windshield or defective windshield wipers; (ix) defective bumpers; (x) excessive exhaust; and (xi) failure of the vehicle operator to wear a safety belt. Provides that no evidence discovered or obtained as the result of a stop in violation of these provisions, including, but not limited to, evidence discovered or obtained with the operator’s consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding. Preempts home rule powers.
Pretty cringey.
* Law enforcement’s reaction has also been overwhelmingly negative…
Illinois Sheriffs Association Executive Director Jim Kaitschuk said he was “taken aback and extremely concerned” about the bill, and he recommended that sheriffs part of the association to oppose it.
Not being able to pull people over for certain offenses, as well as evidence pulled from those stops being rendered inadmissible, would make it more difficult for police officers to do things like track down a stolen vehicle or catch on to a greater crime like murder or trafficking, he said.
“I just don’t understand it,” Kaitschuk said. “It is truly perplexing to me why we would have a bill introduced of this nature.”
* “This was more of a conversation starter,” Rep. Slaughter told me by phone today. “We won’t be moving it,” he said of his bill.
More of what he told me…
But I do plan to have the conversation about racial disparities. I think the narrative that I’m gonna put a lot of effort into is balance. Not necessarily taking away the tools from law enforcement to make traffic stops, which I get it, the current language is doing that. But the narrative that I would like folks to know is that you don’t want to take away tools for law enforcement to make traffic stops, but at the same time, what is the approach and interventions that law enforcement can make that t least acknowledge racial disparities, and fairness and equity as it relates to these traffic and pedestrian stops.
So, my energy and my efforts, to your question, is to generate the discussion. Now, out of respect for law enforcement, out of respect for law-abiding citizens, it was not my intention to get this reaction. But I certainly understand it because of the broadness of what was reflected in the language.
Please pardon any transcription errors.
* He also pointed to these 2023 WBEZ stories as the reason why the conversation must be had…
* Traffic stops of Black Illinois drivers at 20-year high despite law Obama championed: The racial gap is widening. In the last two years, the number of traffic stops involving Black drivers has topped 30.5% of all stops statewide, up from 17.5% in 2004, the first year data was released. The state’s adult population is 13.6% Black.
* Black drivers are pulled over by police more, mostly for non-moving violations: Joshua Levin, an attorney with the ACLU of Illinois, said these encounters are rife for potential “pretextual stops” in which minor traffic violations are used as an excuse to make contact with drivers — at the expense of their civil rights — in an effort to identify more serious crimes. Amid a recent surge in traffic stops by the Chicago Police Department, the ACLU filed a lawsuit earlier this year, saying the department’s practices racially profile, harass and demean law-abiding citizens. The data also show a fivefold increase in the number of Black drivers stopped for non-moving violations and let go with a warning. Latino drivers experienced a fourfold increase since the state began collecting the data. White drivers have seen little change in the number of non-moving stops resulting in a warning.
* Chicago’s Black, Latino drivers targets of racially biased traffic stops, ACLU lawsuit alleges: Black drivers in Chicago are four to seven times more likely to be pulled over by police than whites, while Latino drivers are stopped twice as often, according to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois claiming a racially biased pattern in how Chicago police enforce traffic laws.
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* ABC7…
Taxpayers foot bill for relocating migrants who want to leave Chicago
It’s the secret side of Chicago’s migrant crisis.
Some migrants who arrive here don’t want to stay.
More than 35,000 migrants have been sent to Chicago since 2022, mostly from Texas. The question is, who pays for them to leave? […]
According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, migrant travel costs in the Chicago area, including people leaving by bus, plane and train, total more than $775,000. And when additional travel related expenses such as rideshares are factored in, it’s almost $850,000 of taxpayer money that has been spent on migrants moving out of Chicago.
Seems to me, if migrants want to leave for another state, it makes fiscal sense to help them get there. A one-way ticket is a whole lot cheaper than shelter, food and medical care. Not to mention that it’s the right thing to do.
The state’s tab so far is $638 million. That means $850,000 would be 0.13 percent of the total. Again, this makes fiscal sense.
* This also isn’t a “secret.” From a November 2023 press release…
The State is deploying targeted additional funding through a data-driven approach that will address these bottlenecks in all stages of the current asylum seeker response. This includes:
1. WELCOME: $30 million to stand up a large intake center to centrally welcome and comprehensively coordinate new arrivals, prioritizing onward movement. This investment will ensure both a more integrated approach across state, county, city, and community-based organizations but will also ensure better support for those coming to Chicago who are seeking another final destination, or who have sponsors in Illinois and don’t require shelter, thereby better maintaining shelter capacity as a whole. With this approach, data indicates the number of new arrivals requiring shelter can be reduced by 10%.
And this is from the governor’s remarks the same day…
In order to address these backlogs and get people off of the streets as we head into winter, the State of Illinois will invest an additional $160 million in IDHS funding to improve every stage of the asylum seeker resettlement journey.
First – Welcome. A portion of new arrivals don’t need shelter as they have friends or family members here in Illinois or do not have Illinois as their final destination. Unfortunately, these individuals are not always identified on the front end and often end up in shelters where they take up capacity and resources before they can continue along on their journey.
To address this, we’re going to invest $30 million toward establishing a large intake center — growing our capacity to centrally welcome and comprehensively coordinate new arrivals needs, including prioritizing onward movement. This investment will ensure both a more integrated approach across State, County, City and CBO providers but also more immediately divert new arrivals from shelters to their final destination, thereby better maintaining our shelter capacity.
The State is also funding a New Life team to deploy to the bus landing zone to ensure every new arrival is supported in a choice to seek alternate arrangements outside the City shelter system. With this approach, we expect to reduce the number of people who need to enter shelters by 10 percent.
* Back to ABC7…
State officials say 4,327 migrants have now come and gone. That is more than 10% of the migrants sent to Chicago over the last year and a half.
So, maybe it’s working? I dunno.
* ABC7 also reports that many those who are leaving are heading to New York, Florida and Georgia. “And some are going back to Texas.”
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It’s just a bill
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* HB4644 from Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid…
Amends the Election Code. Provides that a person shall not distribute, or enter into an agreement with another person to distribute, materially deceptive media if: (1) the person knows the media falsely represents a depicted individual; (2) the distribution occurs within 90 days before an election; (3) the person intends the distribution to harm the reputation or electoral prospects of a candidate in an election and the distribution is reasonably likely to cause that result; and (4) the person intends the distribution to change the voting behavior of electors in an election by deceiving the electors into incorrectly believing that the depicted individual in fact engaged in the speech or conduct depicted, and the distribution is reasonably likely to cause that result. Sets forth exceptions to the provision and penalties for violations of the provision. Effective immediately.
* Rep. Anna Moeller filed HB4627 yesterday…
Amends the PFAS Reduction Act. Authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to participate in a safe chemical clearinghouse and to cooperate with the clearinghouse to take specified actions. Directs manufacturers of PFAS or products or product components containing intentionally added PFAS to register the PFAS or the product or product component containing intentionally added PFAS and to provide certain additional information through a data collection interface established cooperatively by the clearinghouse and the Agency. Establishes civil penalties for violations by manufacturers. Authorizes the Agency to adopt rules and enter contracts to implement these provisions. Exempts certain products from these requirements.
* HB4630 from Rep. Wayne Rosenthal…
Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer who arrests the owner of a companion animal for a violation of the owner’s duties may lawfully take possession of some or all of the companion animals in the possession of the owner. Allows a State’s Attorney 30 days (rather than 14 days) after seizure of a companion animal to file a petition for forfeiture prior to trial, asking for permanent forfeiture of the companion animals seized.
* Rep. Kam Buckner filed HB4638…
Creates the Local Parking Regulation Act. Provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Act, a unit of local government may not impose or enforce any minimum automobile parking requirements on a development project if the project is located within one-half mile of a public transportation hub. In addition to other listed exceptions and limitations, allows a unit of local government to impose or enforce minimum automobile parking requirements in a development project that is located within one-half mile of a public transportation hub if the unit makes written findings that not imposing or enforcing any minimum automobile parking requirements on the development project would have a substantially negative impact, supported by a preponderance of the evidence in the record, on any of the following circumstances: (1) the region’s ability to meet its housing needs for low-income households and very low-income households; (2) the region’s ability to meet its needs for elderly housing or housing for persons with disabilities; or (3) problems with existing residential parking or commercial parking within one-half mile of the development project. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines terms. Effective June 1, 2024.
* HB4619 from Rep. Harry Benton…
Amends the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act. Prohibits a homeowners’ association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners’ association from adopting a bylaw or exercising any power that prohibits the installation of a rain water collection system or composting system. Provides that if a building is subject to a homeowners’ association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners’ association, no deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land shall prohibit a rain water collection system or composting system from being installed on a building erected on a lot or parcel covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements. Provides that a property owner may not be denied permission to install a rain water collection system or composting system by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property. Provides that an entity may establish location or design requirements for rain water collection systems or composting systems. Provides that a rain water collection system or composting system shall meet application standards and requirements imposed by State and local permitting authorities. Provides that if approval is required for the installation of a rain water collection system or composting system, an application for approval shall be processed by the appropriate approving entity of the association within 90 days after the submission of the application. Makes corresponding changes.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s goin’ on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: The Illinois Election Board votes to keep Trump and Biden on the March Primary Ballot. WTTW…
- The bipartisan board was unanimous in each of the rulings.
- The board voted to dismiss the Trump objection on the basis that the board lacks jurisdiction on a constitutional question.
- Trump’s candidacy in Illinois could face another challenge, as a lawsuit over the board’s decision is expected.
* Related stories…
* Isabel’s top picks…
* WGN | Fine dining, first class travel costing taxpayers in south suburbs: Credit card records from Thornton Township show Henyard and other officials spent nearly $67,000 on trips to Portland, Austin, Atlanta and New York City in recent months. In Atlanta, the group stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel and brought home a bill of $9,347. In New York, they stayed at the Mariott Marquis in Times Square where the hotel charged the group $13,098. Airline records show everyone in the group frequently flies first class.
* Fox 2 Now | Illinois bill could mean fewer traffic stops for speeding, other offenses: The bill would prohibit Illinois law enforcement officers from stopping drivers for several traffic offenses. That includes speeding and improper lane usage, unless either happens to the extent of a misdemeanor or felony offense. According to Illinois’ state laws, drivers commit a Class B misdemeanor offense when they are traveling at least 26 miles per hour above an applicable speed limit or a class A misdemeanor offense when they are traveling at least 35 miles per hour above limit.
* Crain’s | Illinois Realtors plans $1 million campaign against transfer-tax increase: “We’re going to tell Chicago voters that it will harm the city if you create another real estate tax in a city where we’re already overly burdened with real estate taxes,” Jeff Baker, CEO of Springfield-based Illinois Realtors, said in a meeting with several Crain’s reporters on Jan. 30.
* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…
* WLPO | IDOT Workers Plan To Picket Outside Ottawa Office: According to longtime IDOT employee Anderson Klump, fellow IDOT employees plan to picket in front of the District 3 office in Ottawa Wednesday at noon. The IDOT worker says he and others have been working without a union contract for almost 9 months. This despite many non-union executive staff receiving large pay raises last year.
* WLDS | Budzinski’s Fight for a Bi-Partisan Farm Bill: 13th District Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says the ongoing budget fight in Washington is standing in the way of a bipartisan compromise on a new Farm Bill being passed. The government’s funding is on a continuing resolution until early March. The country is still operating under the 2018 Farm Bill, and will operate under its continued resolution until September 30th. The 2018 bill expired this past September, but had to be extended because of Congress’ continued gridlock.
* CNI | Chicago org to receive federal funding to help launch regional water sustainability industry: The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded the grant to Current Innovation NFP, a nonprofit “innovation hub” whose mission is to “solve pressing water challenges caused by climate change and pollution.” It will receive one of 10 inaugural NSF Engine awards aimed at using science and technology to drive regional economies.
* Streetsblog | “We’re all equally in danger”: Ride Illinois launches statewide bike fatality awareness campaign: Bicycle advocacy organization Ride Illinois recently announced the “Our Response to Fatal Crashes” campaign, an effort to raise awareness of the crisis statewide—especially in areas outside Chicagoland, which have few to no local bike advocacy groups. Ride Illinois recently added a map to their website—inspired, according to the announcement, by Streetsblog Chicago’s map of bike fatalities—tracking all fatal crashes in the state since 2018. We spoke with Dave Simmons, executive director of Ride Illinois about the campaign, and the threats bicyclists face on roadways across the Land of Lincoln.
* Sun-Times | Marriott, Hyatt hotels at McCormick Place to be official Democratic convention headquarters: The United Center will host the evening sessions with the delegates and speakers at the convention, to run Aug. 19-22, but the hotels will serve as the base of operations for the Biden for President campaign, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic National Convention Committee plus media and other groups.
* WGN | Bumpy rollout of updated Circuit Court online system as clerk prepares for election: While the case management system gets off the ground, Martinez has been working on a re-election campaign. She says, “it takes more than one term to really change the outcome or the change of the office.” Like her predecessor Dorothy Brown – Martinez has also faced criticism. Late last year – a story generated some headlines accusing her of “pay to play” politics with her campaign receiving donations from employees.
* Tribune | Chicago aldermen focus on migrant work authorizations rather than shelter conditions: City officials did give the first public glimpse into the grievance system available for residents and staff to use for shelter problems. On average over the past three months, residents have filed 37 grievances per week. In January, an average of 55 resident grievances were filed per week. . City officials did not detail what grievances focused on.
* Block Quote | Abortion Rights Advocates Warn Edgewater’s New Crisis Pregnancy Center Could Mislead Patients: Aid For Women advertises free pregnancy tests and counseling to help visitors make a “fully informed decision,” but the religious nonprofit doesn’t provide referrals for abortion care under any circumstances, according to its website.
* Check CU | Yorkville BOE Book Ban Closed Meeting Recording Released – Illinois: The matter that was closed to the public on August 7th, 2023, was a discussion about prohibiting the use of the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by attorney Bryan Stevenson from being used in the curriculum. The book focuses on injustices in the United States judicial system and documents Stevenson’s efforts to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian, a black Alabama man who was convicted of murder in 1988 and spent six years on death row before an appeals court finally overturned his conviction.
* WBBM | Local civil rights group calls for accountability after Muslim student attacked at Glendale Heights school: In a video posted to social media, a boy grabs a seventh-grade girl wearing a hajib in the hallway of Glenside Middle School around the neck and throws her to the floor. Maggie Slavin with CAIR Chicago told CBS 2 the girl was targeted for wearing a headscarf.
* Daily Herald | What could be Schaumburg’s last subdivision nears halfway point: The village has issued building permits for 93 of the homes so far, with 70 approved for occupancy. “This project has really done everything we expected,” Mayor Tom Dailly said. “The number of homes being sold has just skyrocketed. They estimated it would take five years. I’ll be surprised if it takes five years.”
* Fox Chicago | Dixmoor residents sound off after yet another water main break: Last year, the village received $2.2 million to repair the pipeline on the north part of town. There was also $14 million announced in grant money to update the infrastructure, but Mayor Fitzgerald Roberts says they haven’t received the cash yet.
* AP | Elon Musk cannot keep Tesla compensation package worth more than $55 billion, judge rules: McCormick concluded that the only suitable remedy was for Musk’s compensation package to be rescinded. “In the final analysis, Musk launched a self-driving process, recalibrating the speed and direction along the way as he saw fit,” she wrote. “The process arrived at an unfair price. And through this litigation, the plaintiff requests a recall.”
* The Atlantic | Should Teens Have Access to Disappearing Messages?: The stories are hauntingly similar: A teenager, their whole life ahead of them, buys a pill from someone on Snapchat. They think it’s OxyContin or Percocet, but it actually contains a lethal amount of fentanyl. They take it; they die. Their bereaved parents are left grasping for an explanation.
* The Atlantic | The rise of techno-authoritarianism: Facebook (now Meta) has become an avatar of all that is wrong with Silicon Valley. Its self-interested role in spreading global disinformation is an ongoing crisis. Recall, too, the company’s secret mood-manipulation experiment in 2012, which deliberately tinkered with what users saw in their News Feed in order to measure how Facebook could influence people’s emotional states without their knowledge. Or its participation in inciting genocide in Myanmar in 2017. Or its use as a clubhouse for planning and executing the January 6, 2021, insurrection. (In Facebook’s early days, Zuckerberg listed “revolutions” among his interests. This was around the time that he had a business card printed with i’m ceo, bitch.)
* Chicago Mag | Illinois Route 1 Is a Must-Drive Trek to See the State: The first essential stop on Route 1 is St. Anne, a population-1,200 hamlet in Kankakee County. The village was settled in the 1850s by French Canadians, who named it for Mary’s mother, a saint venerated in Quebec. They built St. Anne’s Church, a Gothic structure that rises stone by stone from the prairie, then lifts a weathered copper belfry toward heaven. It’s a rare remnant of French Illinois, which predated the arrival of the English here by nearly a century. Anne is the patron saint of grandmothers, so since 1886 the church has held a festival for grandparents on her feast day, July 26.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* You can click here or here to follow breaking news because, as I initially suspected, the widget we’ve been using didn’t last long.
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