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Report: Former Rep. Howard to plead guilty

Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* To those who know her, this is probably a big surprise…

Former State Rep. Constance “Connie” Howard, a once-prominent South Side Democrat, is expected to plead guilty to a single count of federal mail fraud Wednesday related to misusing scholarship funds from a charity she founded.

Howard is expected to admit skimming roughly $28,000 out of about $76,700 raised between 2003 and 2007 from the Tee Off For Technology charity golf outing, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield.

The money that she took went for personal and political purposes and to the benefit of an unnamed individual.

The event was designed to raise scholarship funds for needy students pursuing college degrees in computer science and related fields. But out of the nearly $77,000 raised, Howard is expected to admit awarding only five $2,500 scholarships.

…Adding… From the US Attorney’s office…

Today, at 1:30 p.m., a court hearing is scheduled in Springfield, in federal court, for former Illinois State Representative Constance ‘Connie’ Howard to waive indictment and enter a plea of guilty to an information charging her with a single count of mail fraud. Howard is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron G. Cudmore.

For more information, the case U.S. v. Constance A. Howard, Court Docket #13-30057, and the filed information are available at the U.S. Clerk of the Court, on PACER… The U.S. Attorney’s Office expects to issue a news release following completion of the scheduled court hearing.

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*** UPDATED x1 - Nope - A manufactured story *** Is Quinn planning yet another stunt?

Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

*** UPDATE *** After listening to the raw audio of the governor’s walk and talk with reporters, I’ve come to the conclusion that this was a manufactured story by the media. The governor didn’t sound to me like he was planning any sort of special session. Listen for yourself…

Click to listen

It appears that some folks were desperate for copy. That’s not a good thing.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* AP…

Gov. Pat Quinn is hinting at the possibility of a special session on pensions when lawmakers are in Springfield next month for the Illinois State Fair.

A bipartisan panel is attempting to come up with a solution to the nearly $100 billion crisis after the House and Senate remained deadlocked. However the panel blew past Quinn’s deadline to report back and he halted their pay as a consequence.

Quinn told reporters Tuesday that legislators will be in Springfield for the annual days devoted to state political leaders and it’s an “ideal time” for them to also work on pensions. But the Chicago Democrat wouldn’t specifically say if that’s his plan.

If the pension reform conference committee is still meeting by State Fair time, then this would be a needless stunt. Period. End of story.

But, of course, the media will lap it up. Quinn will fail again. Legislators will be even angrier.

And the 15-day clock might start ticking on Quinn’s vetoes if the House convenes a regular session, which would make this an even bigger stunt, with more media lapping, more angry legislators, more failure.

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Obamacare rollout begins here

Monday, Jul 22, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From a press release…

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that enacts a critical part of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making Medicaid coverage available to all low-income adults in Illinois. Today’s action delivers on a major priority announced by Governor Quinn in his 2013 State of the State address and is part of his agenda to improve the health of the people of Illinois and increase access to quality health care. […]

Sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 26 will make Medicaid coverage available to adults with annual income below 138 percent of the federal poverty line, which is $15,860 for individuals and $21,408 for couples. The measure is expected to enroll 342,000 people by 2017. Currently, Medicaid is only available to children, their parents or guardians, adults with disabilities or seniors. Enrollment for the newly eligible population will begin Oct. 1 with coverage starting on Jan. 1.

Under the ACA, for the first three years, coverage of newly eligible adults will be 100 percent federally funded. The reimbursement rate will phase down to 90 percent by 2020. State officials estimate this will bring more than $12 billion in new federal funding to support the state’s health care system from 2014 to 2020. […]

Under Governor Quinn’s leadership, Illinois is also increasing access to health coverage through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, another major feature of the ACA. The Marketplace, which also launches enrollment Oct. 1 with coverage starting Jan. 1, will be accessed through a user-friendly website where individuals, families and small businesses will be able to compare health care policies and premiums and purchase comprehensive health coverage. Those with income between 138 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level will receive subsidies on a sliding scale if they obtain coverage through the marketplace.

Discuss.

…Adding… From state Sen. Heather Steans…

Illinois’ share of the costs will total approximately $100 million per year in 2017-2019 and about $200 million in 2020 and each year thereafter.

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