Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* WTTW…
The Chicago Board of Ethics canceled its meeting set for Monday, leaving the ethics probe into City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in limbo a week before she is set to face voters in her bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. […]
A majority of the Ethics Board was unable to attend the meeting set for 3 p.m. Monday in person, forcing the cancellation, Board Chair William Conlon told WTTW News. One seat on the seven-member board has been vacant since July 2022, while another has been vacant since March 2023, Conlon said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson should “quickly” nominate Chicagoans to fill those vacancies, which occurred under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and ask the Chicago City Council to swiftly confirm his picks, Conlon said.[…]
The cancellation of the Ethics Board meeting leaves the pending probe against Conyears-Ervin up in the air, four months after the Ethics Board ratified Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s determination that Conyears-Ervin fired two city employees after they warned her she was violating the city’s government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service.
Each violation of the law could trigger a fine of $20,000.
* Here’s the rest…
* SJ-R | Statewide election referendums beginning to take shape: State statute protects access to abortion in Illinois, however, a future with a Republican-led legislature could reverse those protections. Passage of an amendment would prevent that by codifying abortion into the constitution. The House Reproductive Health and Dobbs Decision Working Group is engaging in those conversations currently. Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, leads that working group and previously told The State Journal-Register it is unlikely a ballot question will come before voters this year.
* Journal Courier | Prison reform advocates deliver letters to Springfield: House Bill 2045, known as the Elder Parole Bill, is sponsored by Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, and would make incarcerated people over the age of 55 who have served at least 25 years in prison eligible for parole. Letters in support of HB 2045 were delivered to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and the state legislature.
* Daily Herald | Mount Prospect sets limits on stays at hotels, motels Mount Prospect sets limits on stays at hotels, motels: The village board last week passed the new restrictions as amendments to the zoning code. The board also adopted new regulations for extended stay hotels, defined as places where people stay longer than 30 days but not longer than 90.
* Daily Herald | Moderate vs. conservative: Kane County’s GOP faces a defining county board primary: GOP incumbents Bill Roth (District 12), Mark Davoust (District 14) and Mike Kenyon (District 16) all face opponents from the more conservative ranks of the Kane County GOP. Their opponents, Michelle Geen (District 12), Jonathan Gripe (District 14) and Eric Stare (District 16), all either echo the concerns of the conservative public commenters from the past four years or say they’ve been recruited to run for office by some of those commenters. In addition to local election reform, including the use of hand-counted paper ballots, the three opponents stand against a new facility for the county health department, relocating or selling the existing county government center, and they want the county to actively oppose migrant busing into the area.
* Daily Herald | ‘We must restore the community’s trust’: Medical center regains trauma center designation: The Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday reached an agreement with Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan to restore the hospital’s Level II Trauma Center status. The move allows emergency medical service providers to resume taking some trauma patients to the medical center rather than other facilities farther away. The designation had been revoked Feb. 2 due to a lack of essential services, including a blood bank, anesthesia, neurology, urology, and a full-time trauma coordinator.
* WTTW | Chicago Spent $524M on Overtime in 2023, Including $293M for Police, Setting New Records: The Chicago Police Department spent $293 million on overtime last year, 40% more than in 2022 and nearly three times the $100 million earmarked for police overtime set by the Chicago City Council as part of the city’s 2023 budget, according to data obtained by WTTW News through a Freedom of Information Act request.
* Tribune | Cook County expected to pay $17 million in Burge-connected Jackie Wilson case: Cook County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the deal this week, which would bring a quiet end to a civil rights lawsuit filed against former Cook County state’s attorneys accused of railroading Jackie Wilson for murders committed by his older brother.
* Injustice Watch | In A Hyper-local Judicial Race, Questions About What Counts As Community Representation: Vega Samuel and Demitro are running for a judicial seat in Cook County’s 14th Subcircuit, a majority Latinx district that was recently redrawn into a shape vaguely resembling the number seven, uniting portions of Hermosa, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park on the Northwest Side with Pilsen, McKinley Park, and Back of the Yards on the Southwest Side. The two candidates’ backgrounds are a Venn diagram with a significant overlap, and they share the life experiences of many 14th Subcircuit residents. Both grew up in working-class immigrant households with parents who spoke little to no English. They were the first college graduates and the first lawyers in their families. Both reported raising just $2,000 this election cycle as of the beginning of March, and both were found qualified for judge by bar associations.
* Block Club | Ward Committeepeople Are On The Ballot This March. What Exactly Do They Do?: Endorsing candidates through the Cook County Democratic Party is one of the most high-profile duties committeepeople are tasked with. Ahead of every election, the party holds its slating process, where committeepeople meet and hear out candidates running for countywide office. They then issue official party-backed endorsements.
* Crain’s | Bears sued over alleged racial bias in diversity fellow hiring: The Bears, the lawsuit alleges, “engaged in intentional race and sex discrimination when creating and circulating a job posting which by its very nature excludes Caucasian men as viable applicants . . . depriving plaintiff of his rights to contract on the basis of his race.” The complaint says the Bears learned of the plaintiff’s race and sex after viewing his LinkedIn profile, which “contains a photograph of himself . . . (displaying) his race, Caucasian, and his sex, male.”
* WBEZ | An AI cyborg and an orchestra are about to collide onstage in Chicago: The work is unlike most things you would imagine unfolding onstage with a full orchestra. Assad describes it as part orchestral suite, part performance art piece. Onstage, Assad portrays a humanoid AI, armed with an electronic drum, a wearable MIDI ring that creates sound when she moves her hand, like a theremin, and a futuristic-looking jumpsuit. She fastidiously observes the orchestra as they play, roving around the stage to absorb their sounds and motions.
* SJ-R | Is steak still on the menu? Fine dining industry changing amid rising costs: According to President of Mercedes Restaurants Ron Helms, which owned Alexander’s Steakhouse, poor customer retention and inflation of service costs caused the restaurant to gouge money for three years. “We were losing money in Springfield year after year and we were making money in Peoria year after year,” Helms said. “The Peoria store has been covering the expenses of the Springfield store for the past three years … you can’t really downsize when this is our smallest location already.”
* WCIA | ‘This is for everybody back home’: Springfield native reflects on Oscar win: The Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film went to “War is Over! Inspired By The Music of John and Yoko!” The 11-minute short’s producer, Brad Booker, is from Springfield. […] “It really was the most surreal thing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” he told WCIA Monday. “You know, it’s in the same ballpark as when I had my two kids, but it’s even weirder.”
* Tribune | Statue honoring WWII glider pilot who landed on D-Day approved for Niles: “High Flight” is designed as a stainless steel, 10-foot tall abstract sculpture of a WACO CG-4A glider, the most widely used U.S. troop/cargo glider of World War II, according to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The village’s Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council wanted a sculpture in remembrance of Wojtaszek, who served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division and flew a glider during the war, according to Johnson.
* SJ-R | Ready for the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Springfield? Here’s what to know: Adults 21 and older may buy a wristband allowing them to enjoy adult beverages outside of a licensed beverage establishment between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Wristbands cost $1 with proceeds benefiting the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
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* Not sure what’s going on yet, but there are police with long guns outside the Capitol Building right now.
…Adding… I’m told by the secretary of state’s office that someone called in a threat saying they were bringing a gun into the Statehouse.
Pics…
…Adding… Giannoulias…
…Adding… From the Secretary of State’s office…
Outside has been cleared. They are sweeping the inside
* Good point…
…Adding… Please be careful about spreading rumors. Thanks. Most of what I’ve heard from legitimately concerned folks so far has not turned out to be true.
…Adding… Capitol basement…
…Adding… An “all clear” has been given.
…Adding… From SoS Giannoulias…
Earlier this afternoon, Secretary of State Police received notice of a threat involving the State Capitol Building. Out of an abundance of caution, a building lockdown order was issued and Secretary of State Police and Springfield Police conducted a sweep of the capitol grounds, which revealed no evidence of a credible threat and no imminent danger was identified. The lockdown was lifted at approximately 3 p.m.
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IEA’s annual State of Education poll released
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Click here for the full poll. From the IEA…
The Illinois Education Association (IEA) will release its sixth annual IEA State of Education report on Tues., March 12, the only bipartisan poll monitoring Illinoisans’ views on all aspects of public schools. The findings will be shared during a news conference today on Zoom at 10 a.m.
The poll results show Illinoisans believe all students have a right to a public education and support public schools, but they also acknowledge teaching has grown increasingly difficult and support solutions to address the problems. […]
Other key findings from the State of Education report include:
• 76% of people think teaching has become harder over the last few years;
• 79% of the public say they are very worried about the teacher shortage;
• 74% believe funding for public schools should increase;
• 58% believe teachers are underpaid;
• 71% of people say education support staff are underpaid;
• 87% of the public would support changes to make schools safer;
• 91% of Illinoisans believe that students have a right to a public education;
• 80% of residents believe more money should be spent combatting mental health issues among college students.
[…] The poll, conducted by both a democrat polling firm, Normington Petts, and a republican pollster, Next Generation Strategies, surveyed 1,000 Illinoisans Jan. 22-25. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent with 95 percent confidence.
* One of the first questions asked by the pollster was: “Now, I am going to read you a list of priorities for Illinois. Please tell me how important each one is to you, personally, on a scale of zero to ten where a zero means not a priority at all and ten means it is your top priority. You can choose any number from zero to ten. The first one is:”
Note that pension reform is far down the list, and has fallen 12 points since 2019.
* And despite the fact that lowering taxes is a high priority, respondents also said they want more spending…
Do you think funding for public schools in Illinois should increase, decrease, or stay about the same?
Increase ….. 65%
Decrease ….. 9
Stay the same ….. 20
(Don’t know) ….. 6
As you may know, 80% of Illinois public schools are not funded at the level required by the evidence-based model. This funding model was designed to prioritize state funding for students with the most need and school districts with the lowest local funding, allocating resources based on research-based best practices in education. Right now, just 20% of schools are fully funded. Having heard that, do you think funding for public schools in Illinois should increase, decrease, or stay about the same?
Increase ….. 74%
Decrease ….. 8
Stay the same ….. 14
(Don’t know) ….. 5
Do you think that public school teachers in your community are paid too little, too much, or about right?
Too little ….. 58%
Too much ….. 10
About right ….. 24
(Don’t know) ….. 8
As you may know, public schools in Illinois have support staff in classrooms called paraprofessionals. These paraprofessionals work with students with disabilities and behavior challenges. They get paid an average of $15 an hour. Do you think that paraprofessionals in your community are paid too little, too much or about right?
Too little ….. 71%
Too much ….. 3
About right ….. 20
(Don’t know) ….. 6
As you may know, teachers in Illinois do not pay into Social Security and therefore do not collect when they retire. Do you think that Illinois teachers should receive their full pension, see their pensions cut some, or see their pensions eliminated?
Full pension ….. 72%
Cut some ….. 12
Eliminated ….. 6
(Don’t know) ….. 10
Right now, the teacher pension system in Illinois in divided into two tiers. Tier One is for teachers hired before 2011 and Tier Two is for those who began working as teachers in 2011 or more recently. Tier One teachers are eligible for their full pension at age 60 or at age 55 if they have been teachers for 35 years. Tier Two teachers are required to work until the age of 67 to get their full pension benefits. All teachers pay 9% of their salary into the pension system. Would you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose changes to the teacher pension system that would allow Tier Two teachers to retire before age 67 and still receive their full benefits?
* And this is probably a big reason why they believe more spending is needed…
Thinking about public school teachers in Illinois over the last few years or so, do you think that teaching has been much easier, somewhat easier, somewhat harder, or much harder for teachers compared to before that?
* One more…
Six percent of Democrats, 21 percent of independents and 38 percent of Republicans oppose “Teaching Illinois high school students about racism and its impact in the United States.”
Five percent of Democrats, 15 percent of independents and 20 percent of Republicans oppose “Teaching Illinois high school students about slavery in the United States and its impacts.”
Keep in mind that subgroups will have higher margins of error.
* Methodology…
The following is a tabular report of a live interviewer on both mobiles and landlines (28%), text to web (15%), and online panel (57%) survey among 1,000 adults in Illinois. The survey was conducted from January 22-25, 2024, by trained, professional interviewers following procedures established by Normington, Petts & Associates. All polls are subject to errors caused by interviewing a sample of persons, rather than the entire population. In 95 cases out of 100, the responses to this survey should fall within ±3.1 percentage points of those that would have been obtained from interviewing the entire population of adults in Illinois. The sampling error for subgroups of the survey will be greater.
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* The Commission on Government Forecasting & Accountability has released its revised revenue projections. Here’s the bottom line for this fiscal year…
• In February 2024, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) released their revised outlook for FY 2024 General Funds in the FY 2024 Budget Book, with a FY 2024 total of $52.216 billion. This figure is $1.605 billion above the FY 2024 Enacted Budget’s assumed revenue figure of $50.611 billion and $199 million above their November 2023 estimate of $52.017 billion.
• The Commission’s March 2024 estimate of $52.590 billion is $374 million above GOMB’s February 2024 revised forecast for FY 2024.
* FY25…
• In the FY 2025 Budget Book, GOMB projects a FY 2025 General Funds revenue total of $52.993 billion. The Commission’s FY 2025 estimate of $52.077 billion is $916 million lower than this figure.
• However, it should be stressed the Commission’s revenue estimate is based on current law. The FY 2025 revenue projection from GOMB includes a number of revenue adjustments in its calculation that would require changes to State law. The net value of these revenue adjustments is approximately $1.098 billion.
If you remove the proposed changes to state law (essentially the tax hikes), CGFA’s estimate is actually $182 million higher than the governor’s budget office. From CGFA’s Executive Director Clayton Klenke: “That is a small difference given the $52 billion base and can mostly be explained by the fact that we had access to the February receipts which showed a pretty solid month and also a $100 million transfer in related to the Income Tax rebates that was transferred back to GRF in January.”
Lots more here.
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* 20th Senate District…
Today, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced his endorsement of Graciela Guzmán in her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 20th State Senate District. Sanders’s endorsement, coming just a week before Election Day in the primary race, provides a major boost for Guzmán’s campaign in one of the most progressive state senate districts in the state.
“Graciela will stand up to the political and economic establishment, fight for housing justice, and serve as a fierce ally of the working class,” said Senator Bernie Sanders. “From fighting for health care as a human right, to demanding that the wealthy pay their fair share, Graciela has the courage to challenge the status quo. I hope that the people of Illinois’ 20th district will join me in supporting her.”
“I am so proud to have the endorsement of a progressive icon like Sen. Sanders,” said Graciela Guzmán. “The 20th State Senate District deserves a fighter who will advocate for justice for our communities without being beholden to party leaders or corporate donors. Bernie’s endorsement sends a clear signal to 20th District voters about who the true and proven progressive champion is in this race. I look forward to joining Sen. Sanders and progressives in Illinois and across the country as we fight for healthcare for all, affordable housing, increased community investment, and more.”
Graciela Guzmán is the most progressive candidate in the 20th District race and is proud to have earned the endorsement of the Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, and more. Guzmán faces three challengers in the race, including one candidate who has taken millions of dollars from Springfield insiders and corporate PACs and another who has dumped hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own wealth into his campaign. Election Day is March 19.
The incumbent is appointed Sen. Natalie Toro (D-Chicago). Sanders has consistently performed quite well in that part of the world.
* Speaking of the 20th…
That’s so bizarre. A friends and family program apparently without any actual friends or family members.
* I’m not sure this will mean much of anything because it’s very late and the group isn’t exactly flush with cash and not well known. But Spyropoulos is up against a Latina incumbent, Iris Martinez, and the Latino Leadership Council is also backing Sen. Natalie Toro, Martinez’s 20th Senate District candidate, so that makes it mentionable here…
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk candidate, Mariyana Spyropoulos, has received the endorsement of the Latino Leadership Council. The organization, which is made up of Latino elected officials, business and community leaders, was formed in 2018 to get more Latinos involved in the political process from running for office, running campaigns fundraising and voting.
A three term incumbent on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, this is Commissioner Spyropoulos’ first time running for Cook County Circuit Court Clerk. The office is one of the largest unified court systems in the United States.
“Our slating process first and foremost considers the track record and qualifications of individuals seeking elected office,” says LLC spokesperson Jocelyn Nevarez. “Commissioner Spyropoulos is a clear choice for Clerk of the Circuit Court.”
Currently, the clerk’s office has 1,400 employees and an operating budget of $130 million.
“I believe my background as former president of the MWRD and as an attorney gives me the understanding of how to run a large agency and what is needed for users of our court system to navigate it efficiently and effectively,” says Spyropoulos.”
Last week, Spyropoulos was endorsed by U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (3rd CD) along with other progressive elected officials from Chicago’s Northwest Side.
* Politico…
— In IL-07, Kina Collins is holding a presser today to push back against super PAC efforts to push back against her campaign. United Democracy Project, affiliated with AIPAC, has spent $44,000 on mailers opposing Collin. …. Nikhil Bhatia remains on the ballot in the race after the Board of Elections voted unanimously to keep him on. It concludes what Bhatia calls “frivolous challenges” by City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the third candidate trying to unseat veteran Congressman Danny Davis.
— In IL-17, Joe McGraw has been endorsed by U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana. McGraw is running against Scott Crowl in the GOP primary.
* A few more stories…
* Candidates make final push in Illinois Supreme Court race that raised diversity issues: Cunningham, who declined to be interviewed, is backed by Cook County Democrats and several unions who have rallied around her as a proven justice who is in tune with Democratic values.
* 2022 rematch, see who’s competing in the 105th statehouse seat in the 2024 GOP primary: Rientz cited several aspects of illegal immigration and asylum-seeking as a key issue and wants the repeal of Public Act 103-035 (a bill Tipsword served as co-sponsor) which allows for non-citizens to serve as members of law enforcement. He calls for public education reform to encourage economic success and a more light-handed approach to governance.
* Very few voters often decide fate of tax referendums, report finds: A new report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas — whose office mails out property tax bills — found that in 75 binding property tax-related referendums put on ballots between 2020 and 2023, the average turnout was 32% of all registered voters. That number always fell below the overall election turnout, meaning that some voters skipped those questions entirely. In all, 70% of the referendums were approved.
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* Background is here if you need it. From yesterday…
Today, Illinois Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes made the following statement about the Illinois Supreme Court’s inability to decide on the suspension of convicted Edward Burke’s law license.
“The Illinois Supreme Court’s inability to render a decision on the suspension of convicted felon Edward Burke’s law license exposes long-standing conflicts in our judiciary. For years, Ed Burke, in his own words on FBI tape, admitted that he controlled the judicial appointment process, and my opponent was the beneficiary of this insider appointment process.
“In this instance, a recusal by a Supreme Court Justice is effectively a vote in favor of Ed Burke keeping his law license, after he was convicted of public corruption by a federal jury.
“My opponent is now asking the voters to elect her for the next ten years. She needs to let the voters know where she stands, whether or not she has recused herself, and the reasons why.
“Convicted felons should not be practicing law in the state of Illinois, period. If the Supreme Court cannot make a decision because of conflicts of interest, the Court should appoint elected Appellate Justices to fill-in so that a decision can be made, without delay. It’s a travesty of justice that a convicted felon can keep his law license, just because half the court is conflicted.”
* I tried asking appointed Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham’s campaign how she voted on Burke, but got nothing. Same goes for Dave McKinney…
“My opponent is now asking the voters to elect her for the next 10 years,” Reyes said. “She needs to let the voters know where she stands, whether or not she has recused herself, and the reasons why.”
Multiple times Monday, WBEZ asked Cunningham’s campaign whether she had done just that, what her view was on the court’s paralysis involving Burke’s license and whether there were any remedies to the situation.
A campaign spokesman declined to answer those questions, directing them instead to a spokesman with the Illinois Supreme Court, who also has declined multiple times to identify which justices chose not to act on suspending Burke’s law license and their reasons why.
A Supreme Court rule allows state judges publicly to disclose conflicts that may require their disqualification from a case.
I assume Justice Cunningham recused herself because she was basically brought to the high court by Burke’s spouse, former Chief Justice Anne Burke. Even so, she needs to be transparent.
* OK, now let’s go back to the original WBEZ/Sun-Times story…
Court spokesman Christopher Bonjean did not respond to a WBEZ request to identify any of the recused justices or the reasonings behind their recusals but in brief emailed remarks, he noted the court’s hands were tied.
“I believe some state constitutions allow for substitution of other judges (say from the appellate court) in certain instances,” he told WBEZ, “but the Illinois Constitution does not have a provision for that.”
So, I asked Justice Reyes how he reconciled that statement from the court’s spokesperson to his demand that elected appellate justices be brought up to vote on Burke’s law license…
Because the Illinois Constitution and statutes are silent on matters of attorney discipline, the procedures to be followed are entirely within the discretion of the Supreme Court. Under these circumstances, where there are conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety, due process and substantial justice mandate that the Court exercise its administrative powers and appoint substitutes for those Justices that have conflicts. The Court should order the replacement of conflicted Justices with alternates selected from the elected Appellate Judges.
Has that ever happened before?…
To my knowledge, no. I am unaware of any Supreme Court in our history that has been unable or unwilling to convene a quorum in an attorney disciplinary proceeding.
This is a unique circumstance involving discipline of a powerful attorney who was convicted by a federal jury of official misconduct. He controlled judicial slate-making for decades, admitted in FBI tapes that he could even influence the decision of the father of a judge that he “got elected,” and has a spouse who was a Supreme Court Justice, the colleague of many who are still on the Supreme Court.
There is simply no precedent for this situation. But even without precedent, the Supreme Court needs to preserve the integrity of our court system and must dive into uncomfortable and uncharted waters to ensure that convicted felons are never permitted to practice law in the State of Illinois, even if he was responsible for appointment of those judges.
The Illinois Constitution provides guidance in matters involving Supreme Court conflicts of interest. Specifically, in disciplinary proceedings involving a Supreme Court Justice, the Constitution mandates that an Appellate Justice must replace a sitting Supreme Court Justice. See, Illinois Constitution, Article VI, Section 15(h), mandating that if there is a misconduct proceeding against a Supreme Court Justice, then there shall be no Supreme Court Judge permitted to hear the matter and “[i]nstead, an alternate Appellate Court Judge not from the same Judicial District as the subject Supreme Court Judge shall replace the subject Supreme Court Judge.
Your thoughts?
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* Illinois State Fair…
* NBC Chicago…
The 2024 Illinois State Fair’s Grandstand headliners lineup just got even bigger.
According to an announcement posted to the Illinois State Fair Facebook page, the Jonas Brothers have been added to the grandstand lineup of headliners.
The show is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, with tickets expected to go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, the post added. Tickets start at $85.
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It’s just a bill
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chalkbeat…
Illinois state lawmakers filed two bills last week aimed at reversing the Chicago Board of Education’s decisions to rethink school choice policies and remove school resource officers from campuses.
The bills focus on board moves that have drawn both support and sharp pushback in recent months from school communities and elected officials. Those decisions include a plan to reconsider the district’s system of school choice — including charter, selective enrollment, magnet, and gifted schools — and to create a new school safety plan that bans the use of school resource officers, or on-campus police. […]
Both bills have gathered support from other Chicago-based state lawmakers and powerful allies, including House Speaker Chris Welch. […]
One of the state bills, House Bill 5008, would allow local school councils to contract with the Chicago Police Department for school resource officers. It would counteract a board vote two weeks ago to create a new school safety policy by June 27 that would end the use of school resource officers, effectively removing officers from 39 schools that currently have them, by next year. […]
The second bill, House Bill 5766, would prevent the closure of any school with selective admissions criteria — such as the city’s 11 selective high schools — until Feb. 1, 2027. The bill also calls for a halt to any changes to admissions criteria for selective schools or any decrease in funding to selective schools until 2027.
* Sun-Times…
Annoying “junk” fees added to your purchases are the target of proposed legislation in Springfield, an effort that mirrors a national campaign to rein in surprise charges and increase transparency in pricing.
The legislation by state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, and state Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, would mandate upfront disclosures of the total price of goods or services for a wide range of industries, from entertainment to housing. It would also give the attorney general’s office more power to go after companies that add surprise fees.
A hearing is expected to be held Tuesday before the Illinois House Consumer Protection Committee. […]
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul supports the legislation, saying in a statement that junk fees are responsible for “decreasing trust in the marketplace and putting honest businesses at a disadvantage.” […]
The legislation dovetails with President Joe Biden’s effort to curtail junk fees. Such surprise fees cost Americans “tens of billions of dollars per year,” according to the Federal Trade Commission.
* WAND…
Illinois state lawmakers could help many survivors of gun violence by passing plans this year to re-open cold cases and provide more transparency on homicide investigations. Advocates argue this policy could finally give their families closure.
Black Illinoisans are 37 times more likely to die from gun violence than white residents. Black murders are also 23% less likely to be solved than murders of white people, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. […]
[Rep. Kam Buckner] and other Democratic lawmakers hope to pass a plan allowing immediate family members to petition law enforcement to review unsolved murder cases after three years of inactivity. Advocates told the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee Monday that families cannot properly heal unless they receive frequent updates from police that potentially lead to arrest. […]
A separate bill could require every law enforcement agency in Illinois to publish monthly data on homicides, arrests of alleged perpetrators, and the status of homicide investigations. Law enforcement would be tasked with submitting the information to Illinois State Police and their official website for the public to view.
* WGEM…
Illinois lawmakers are looking at a proposal that could remove an affirmative defense for someone accused of hazing.
Sponsored by state Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, the bill would remove the defense for someone accused of hazing that their victim agreed to participate in a hazardous situation.
Stadelman said it means someone agreeing to be somewhere hazing could happen isn’t a defense for the person accused of hazing them.
“It just strengthens the state’s law,” Stadelman said. “It’ll just encourage more people to come forward and not have to be put on a witness stand and try to explain why they were at the event in the first place or in a situation in the first place when the situation was not their fault to begin with.”
The bill has already passed out of the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety. It now heads to the Senate floor.
* HB5563 is assigned to tomorrow’s Labor and Commerce Committee…
Creates the Child Labor Law of 2024. Reinserts provisions of the Child Labor Law. Sets forth additional provisions concerning definitions; exemptions; employer requirements; restrictions on employment of minors; employment certificates; civil penalties; and criminal penalties. Repeals the Child Labor Law. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2025, except provisions concerning minors featured in vlogs and trust funds are effective July 1, 2024.
* Sen. Natalie Toro…
State Senator Natalie Toro is leading a measure to make work permits more accessible and attainable to new arrivals.
“Filling out a lengthy work permit application alone, in a language you may not be fluent in, while in a crowded, noisy shelter, can be very difficult for new arrivals to complete accurately,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This legislation will ensure new arrivals have expert support in the confusing application process, so that they are able to join the workforce more seamlessly.”
Senate Bill 3296 would create a grant program for community-based organizations to receive funding to help them provide free assistance to newly arrived immigrants going through the work permit application process. By establishing this program and providing grants to local organizations, Toro hopes new arrivals would be able to receive support more quickly so they can start their career and settle in the city sooner.
Nearly 5,000 immigrants in Chicago shelters qualify for work permits, but only 30% of those who qualify are currently employed. That’s because while many qualify, the process of applying and securing a work permit is largely inaccessible for new arrivals. The process is time-consuming and complex, and is more difficult with a long portion completely in English. For new arrivals who may not fully understand English and are experiencing a lot of instability, tackling the application process can seem insurmountable. […]
Senate Bill 3296 has been assigned to the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee.
* Illinois Education Association’s fact sheet for HB4652 and SB3215…
Background
Student teaching is an important experience that gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their teacher preparation programs. Not unlike internships in other professions, student teaching prepares candidates to assume the responsibilities of their chosen profession. However, unlike other professions where paid internships are now standard, student teaching remains unpaid.
Issue
Student teaching requires candidates to do the work of a full-time teacher which severely limits their ability to stay gainfully employed. Student teaching is a significant financial stressor which deters many students from pursuing a degree in education.
Illinois statute allows for paid student teaching, but few school districts or institutes of higher education can financially support these programs. The Illinois Education Association (IEA) believes that student teachers should receive compensation during this important practicum experience.
Paid student teaching significantly reduces the financial stress of pursuing a degree in education and will encourage more students to enter the teaching profession. States such as Oklahoma, Michigan, Colorado, and Maryland provide their candidates with a student teaching stipend.
Rationale for Support
Illinois’ student teachers deserve compensation. This bill will strengthen and diversify our teacher pipeline – ensuring that all student teachers receive fair compensation for their labor.
* House Republican Press release…
Who: House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, State Representative Bill Hauter, and State Representative Dave Severin
What: Leader McCombie and House Republican members will discuss the ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and new legislation filed to provide solutions.
When: 11:15 AM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Where: Capitol Blueroom in Springfield (event will also be streamed on Blueroom Stream)
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* An ARDC administrator has laid out her case against Tom DeVore. The harshest potential penalty is disbarment. The least is a reprimand…
Lea S. Gutierrez, Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (“ARDC”), by her attorney, Rachel C. Miller, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 753(b), complains of Respondent, Thomas Guy DeVore (”Respondent”), who was licensed to practice law in Illinois on November 10, 2011, and alleges that Respondent has engaged in the following conduct which subjects him to discipline pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 770
* And here we go…
COUNT I: Conflict of Interest – Inappropriate Sexual Relationship with a Client […]
By reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. representing a client, Riley Craig, when there is a significant risk that the representation of the client will be materially limited by a personal interest of the lawyer, specifically, Respondent’s fiduciary duties to Riley Craig as a client while engaging in a sexual relationship with her, in violation of Rule 1.7(a)(2) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010); and
b. having sexual relations with a client after the client-lawyer relationship commenced, by conduct including initiating a sexual relationship with his client, Riley Craig, after the client-lawyer relationship commenced, in violation of Rule 1.8(j) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
COUNT II: Conflict of Interest – Improper Business Transaction with a Client […]
By reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. entering into a business transaction with a client, by conduct including entering into an operating agreement in which Respondent and Riley Craig were each members and which formed the basis for Riley Craig and Respondent entering into a loan agreement for $601,829 on behalf of Future You, without 1) informing Riley Craig that she had the right to seek advice from independent counsel; and 2) obtaining the informed consent of Riley Craig, in a writing signed by Riley Craig, to the essential terms of the operating agreement, in violation of Rule 1.8(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
COUNT III: Using Means for No Other Purpose than to Embarrass, Burden, or Delay a Third Person and Filing Frivolous Litigation […]
By the reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. bringing a proceeding without a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, by conduct including filing 2023 CH 3 in Bond County despite Respondent knowing that an automatic stay was entered in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, in violation of Rule 3.1 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010);
b. knowingly disobeying an obligation under a tribunal, by conduct including filing 2023 CH 3 in Bond County, which constituted violating the automatic stay in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, in violation of Rule 3.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010); and
c. engaging in conduct, while representing a client, that has no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, by conduct including engaging in litigation, contact, or communication, as described in paragraphs 46, 48, and 49, above, while representing Future You, in violation of Rule 4.4(a) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
COUNT IV: Using Means for No Other Purpose than to Embarrass, Burden, or Delay a Third Person and Filing Frivolous Litigation) […]
By the reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. bringing a proceeding without a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, by conduct including filing 2023 OP 55, based on Future You business issues, in Bond County despite Respondent knowing that an automatic stay was entered in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, in violation of Rule 3.1 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010);
b. knowingly disobeying an obligation under a tribunal, by conduct including filing 2023 OP 55, based on Future You business issues, in Bond County, which constituted violating the automatic stay in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, in violation of Rule 3.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010); and
c. engaging in conduct, while representing a client, that has no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, by conduct including engaging in litigation, contact, or communication, as described in paragraph 59, above, in violation of Rule 4.4(a) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
COUNT V: Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice […]
By reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. bringing a proceeding without a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, by conduct including filing 2023 CH 3 in Bond County despite Respondent knowing that an automatic stay was entered in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, and for filing 2023 OP 55 in Bond County despite knowing that Respondent had no good faith basis for an order of protection against Riley Criag, in violation of Rule 3.1 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010);
b. knowingly disobeying an obligation under a tribunal, by conduct including filing 2023 CH 3 and 2023 OP 55, which constituted violating the automatic stay in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy, in violation of Rule 3.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010); and
c. engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, by conduct including violating the automatic stay in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy case by filing and being sanctioned in an order and opinion by Judge Mary P. Gorman, in violation of Rule 8.4(d) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
COUNT VI: Contacting an Individual the Attorney Knows to be Represented by Counsel […]
By reason of the conduct described above, Respondent has engaged in the following misconduct:
a. in the course of representing a client, communicating about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, without the consent of the other lawyer or without authorization to do so by law or a court order, by conduct including emailing Riley Craig about her bankruptcy in the emails described in paragraphs 74 and 76, above, despite knowing Riley Craig was represented by counsel, and without the consent from Riley Craig’s attorney or the authority under law or court order, in violation of Rule 4.2 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010); and
b. engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, by conduct including violating the automatic stay in Riley Craig’s bankruptcy case and being sanctioned in an order and opinion by Judge Mary P. Gorman, in violation of Rule 8.4(d) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
WHEREFORE, the Administrator respectfully requests that this matter be assigned to a panel of the Hearing Board, that a hearing be held, and that the panel make findings of fact, conclusions of fact and law, and a recommendation for such discipline as is warranted.
Respectfully submitted,
Lea S. Gutierrez, Administrator
Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission
Go read the whole thing. It’s quite something and it’s been a very long time since a former Illinois attorney general candidate faced such accusations.
*** UPDATE *** Response…
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Open thread
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: Mayor Johnson outlines what he’ll need to sign off on Bears’ lakefront stadium plan. Crain’s…
- Johnson said his parameters for signing off include that the project provides a “public benefit and public use” of the stadium with a “365-day operation.”
-The team has been meeting with members of Johnson’s administration — including a Jan. 30 meeting between Johnson and Bears CEO Kevin Warren.
- The mayor would not say how much public funding of the development he anticipates is necessary.
* Related stories…
* Isabel’s top picks…
Governor Pritzker will join a sustainability panel at Aspen Ideas Climate Summit 4:15 pm CT. Click here to watch (join Evening Plenary: 5:00-6:30 pm ET.”)
* Here’s the rest…
* N’DIGO | Q&A – Mary Flowers – Illinois State Representative: What is your brand of politics?: I don’t deal with titles. I advocate on behalf of people, as they can be lifted. That could be babies, senior citizens, education, etc.; I don’t like being tainted as a brand. I go where I am needed and support people on a need basis.
* Sun-Times | Illinois ‘junk’ fee legislation calling for price transparency, from airline or concert tickets to rent: The legislation, by state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, and state Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, would mandate upfront disclosures of the total price of goods or services for a wide range of industries from entertainment to housing. It would also give the attorney general’s office more power to go after companies that add surprise fees. A hearing is expected to be held Tuesday before the Illinois House Consumer Protection Committee.
* WMBD | 2022 rematch, see who’s competing in the 105th statehouse seat in the 2024 GOP primary: State Rep. Dennis Tipsword seeks re-election to the 105th statehouse seat and for the second election cycle is being challenged by Donald Ray Rients in the Republican primary. Tipsword and Rients were part of a four-way primary race in 2022 that also included Mike Kirkton of Gridley – who is running for the state senate this time around – and Kyle Ham of Bloomington.
* WMBD | Lt. Gov. Stratton comments on proposed grocery tax removal: “Viewing that as a regressive tax, the governor’s proposal makes it clear that was not something he wanted to continue,” she said. Stratton added that local municipalities can enforce their own taxes if they would like to.
* Tribune | O’Neill Burke rips Foxx in speech days before state’s attorney primary: Without naming her, O’Neill Burke had some of her harshest assessments yet for the current top prosecutor, Kim Foxx, who O’Neill Burke said “doesn’t believe in accountability.” She repeated criticism that Foxx is to blame for a staffing shortage and poor office morale and said the office’s working relationship with the Chicago Police Department “doesn’t exist right now.”
* Tribune | Candidates make final push in Illinois Supreme Court race that raised diversity issues: Supporters of both Cunningham and Appellate Judge Jesse Reyes say choosing an experienced voice for the seat is especially important at a time when state courts could be faced with questions on issues like abortion, criminal justice and immigration. Given Cunningham’s party backing in the Cook County district race, Reyes’ supporters are also framing him as a candidate free of the party’s control.
* Injustice Watch | A perennial candidate pins her hopes on her sixth run for judge: Baumann, 55, says she has door-knocked at least 100 times over her more than a decade long effort to become a Cook County judge. She carefully guides me around the block, introducing me to residents who are conveniently home and, coincidentally, her supporters. To many in the area, Baumann is familiar. In recent years, the West Side has become the focus of her judicial campaigns and her pro bono legal work. One resident, Shirley Fields, tells me she’s supporting Baumann because of her work in the community.
* NBC Chicago | Several Dolton trustees call on mayor, unnamed trustee to resign: NBC Chicago obtained copies of complaints accusing Mayor Tiffany Henyard and an unnamed Dolton trustee of sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination. The Illinois Department of Human Rights told NBC Chicago’s Regina Waldroup that it’s investigating. At the center is a trip they took last year to Las Vegas and a sexual encounter one woman says was not consensual.
* Block Club | Fifth Measles Case Found In Chicago As Officials Ramp Up Vaccination Efforts: Health officials confirmed the two newest cases in adults at the city-run shelter for migrants in Pilsen. Two children at the shelter were previously found to have the highly contagious disease. […] In addition to the vaccination clinics at the Pilsen shelter, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications is now coordinating with the city’s health department to start assessing and vaccinating new arrivals at the landing zone as part of the intake process, according to the news release.
* Sun-Times | City shuts down work on wooden ‘tiny house’ structure at Dan Ryan homeless encampment: “It is the most heartbreaking thing ever, a veteran, a senior veteran dying in a tent,” McLuckie said. “That’s what I want to avoid in the future. Nobody should have to die in a tent, especially somebody who served our country.” The group planned to finish construction of the shelter over the weekend, but the Department of Buildings placed an off limits/do not enter sticker and a stop work order on a structure, “because it was built without plans or permits,” according to a department spokesman.
* WBEZ | CTA announces spring cleaning for rail and bus stations: These renovations are part of the CTA’s Refresh & Renew program. The program will spend about $6.5 million repairing and improving 13 rail stations and three bus turnarounds through the end of May. These changes include painting and power-washing at all locations, as well as lighting upgrades, improved platform amenities and removal of outdated fixtures and equipment.
* Will County Forest Preserve District | Migration watch: Monarch butterflies have landed in the U.S.: Spring is creeping in ever so slowly all around us, and here’s another exciting indication that warmer temperatures are right around the corner: Monarch butterflies are winging their way toward us. In the eastern portion of the United States, they’ve been spotted as far north as Marietta, Georgia.
* Tribune | Strike averted after nurses and UChicago Medicine reach agreement: “Our decision to call a strike forced management to address a number of our outstanding demands at the bargaining table,” said Stephanie Gamboa, a nurse in the dermatology clinic and a bargaining team member, in a news release. “We’re looking forward to ratifying our new contract, which will improve working conditions for nurses and health care for our patients.”
* NYT | Trump Aides, Taking Over R.N.C., Order Mass Layoffs: Days after allies took over the Republican National Committee, Donald J. Trump’s advisers are imposing mass layoffs on the party, with more than 60 officials, including senior staff members, laid off or asked to resign and then reapply for their jobs, according to two people familiar with the matter.
* CBS | 3 children, 2 adults killed in school bus crash in Illinois: The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. local time in Schuyler County near Rushville, about 230 miles southwest of Chicago and 57 miles northwest of the state capital of Springfield. The school bus crossed over into oncoming traffic “for unknown reasons” in front of the truck, which was hauling sand, police said. Both vehicles were “engulfed in flames,” police said.
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich 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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