Pritzker appoints two members to PRB
Friday, Apr 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Background is here if you need it. There was no press release, but the governor appointed two members to the Prisoner Review Board today. One is former US Attorney Rodger Heaton, who was also Bruce Rauner’s last chief of staff. The other is attorney Robin Shoffner.
From the Senate Republicans…
State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) released the following statement after Governor Pritzker made two new appointments, Rodger Heaton and Robin Shoffner, to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board:
“The Prisoner Review Board plays a critical function in our state’s public safety, and I’m glad to see the Governor is taking steps toward addressing recent vacancies. For over three years, Governor Pritzker sought to avoid oversight and accountability by allowing his controversial appointees to fulfill his agenda until even Democrats had enough of his gamesmanship. It is my hope that the Governor learned from his mistakes and allows these individuals to undergo the proper Senate confirmation process. Transparency is foundational to a healthy democracy, and this should be about sound public policy, not politics. I look forward to vetting and reviewing these appointees to ensure they are best suited for this very important position.”
The board now has a quorum, at least.
…Adding… Senate Executive Appointments is meeting tonight and the committee may take up the new appointees plus two previous PRB appointees.
…Adding… Heaton and Shoffner were both unanimously confirmed by the Senate. The PRB now has a quorum and a Republican majority.
3 Comments  
|
No longer just a bill
Friday, Apr 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Pritzker…
Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on the full passage of Senate Bill 257, a nation-leading piece of legislation that expands protections for survivors of sexual violence in the military.
“Survivors of military sexual violence deserve robust protection and that should not end when they leave their workplace. With this bill, our state will lead the nation, prioritizing victims’ safety and recovery, and holding perpetrators accountable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to applaud Leader Tony Munoz and Representative Stephanie Kifowit for their dedication to the protection of those serving in the military from sexual violence.
“Since I took office, my administration has delivered on a commitment to providing survivors of sexual violence with the protections and resources necessary for recovery. I am thankful to the General Assembly for their partnership in building on this work and ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support and compassion they deserve.”
* Carpenters…
Workers around the state have new protections to help ensure they are paid what’s owed to them under new legislation that passed the Illinois General Assembly on Friday.
HB5412 makes a primary contractor liable for the failure of a subcontractor to pay wages owed to its workers. The subcontractor would in turn be required to compensate the primary contractor for any wages, damages, interest, penalties or attorneys’ fees as a result of the subcontractor’s failure to pay wages.
Advocacy for the new primary contractor liability law was led by the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council to hold cheating subcontractors accountable and level the playing field for contractors who play by the rules. The bill’s lead sponsors were House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago) and Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).
“All of us in the Carpenters Union are thrilled to see the Legislature take action on this landmark legislation,” said Gary Perinar, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. “We have been leading the fight against worker exploitation in every state, and Illinois is showing that hardworking men and women are valued and protected here. When workers are getting ripped off and not paid what they are owed, that should outrage every single person on a job site. I thank Senate President Don Harmon, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Leader Evans, and Senator Castro for their unwavering commitment throughout this process to support working families.”
In the construction industry, wage theft and tax fraud most often comes in two forms: paying employees in cash, and purposely misclassifying employees as independent contractors. In addition to the losses suffered by workers, wage theft and tax fraud forces the state to lose out on key revenue because cheating subcontractors are not paying income taxes, employment taxes for Social Security and Medicare, and contributions for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. A recent study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute said 20 percent of construction workers in Illinois are victims of payroll fraud. Factoring in lost wages and benefits, this costs the state $186 million in lost revenue every year. In addition, a new study by the UC Berkeley Labor Center found that 34 percent of the families of construction workers in Illinois are enrolled in at least one safety net program at an annual cost of over half a billion dollars in public funds.
HB 5412 seeks to close the state’s tax fraud and wage theft loopholes and provide protections for exploited workers.
“If a worker gives his or her time on a job then they deserve to be paid no matter what,” said Rep. Evans, the House sponsor. “Bad actors who use workers, benefit from workers, and fail to pay workers will not be tolerated in the State of Illinois.”
Added Sen. Castro, the bill’s Senate sponsor: “Construction jobs are unique in that they often feature various subcontractors under one general contractor whose job it is to make sure all laws, including wage-related ones, are being followed. This measure will ensure that the hardworking individuals who are employed by subcontractors receive fair compensation should that subcontractor fail to pay them.”
* Yesterday…
Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement after the full passage of House Bill 246, which reforms nursing home rates to incentivize higher staffing levels and quality improvements at facilities.
“For 45,000 vulnerable seniors in nursing homes across the state, the passage of HB 246 will mean improved care and accountability in the places they call home. For the first time, increased funding for nursing homes will be tied to staffing levels at these facilities, ensuring new funds go directly to improving care for our seniors instead of profit for owners and allowing us to hold bad actors accountable.”
“This legislation is the product of more than a year of hard work led by my Department of Healthcare and Family Services along with our partners in the General Assembly, stakeholders, and industry leaders. I applaud their work to protect our seniors and the leadership of Senator Gillespie and Representative Moeller to move this bill forward in the General Assembly.”
* WAND…
A bill adding two years to the state employee pension buyout program is going to the desk of Gov. JB Pritzker.
Pritzker announced Thursday House Bill 4292 has moved through the General Assembly. He released the following statement:
“I want to applaud Representative Bob Morgan and Senator Rob Martwick for leading the effort to add an additional two years to our state employee pension buyout program, which would be extended to June 30, 2026, under this legislation,” Pritzker. “Since the expansion we implemented early in my administration, the program has already led to overall liability reductions of $1.4 billion.
“My administration has always supported every constitutional action to address our pension structures while honoring promises made to retirees. This session alone, we are set to invest $500 million beyond the state’s required pension payment, reducing unfunded liabilities by $1.8 billion for taxpayers. I’m pleased to see the General Assembly send this legislation to my desk and look forward to our continued partnership in responsibly managing the state’s pension obligation.”
* Another…
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge issued the following statements concerning the passage of Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4667, legislation that allows all active duty and retired Illinois correctional officers to carry concealed firearms while off duty, a right that all other Illinois law enforcement officers have had for years under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004:
“The Illinois FOP has been fighting for nearly two decades to get the same rights for correctional officers as for other police officers in Illinois, and the day of equality has finally arrived,” said Illinois OP Corrections Lodge 263 President Scot Ward. “Now more than ever in this dangerous, anti-public safety atmosphere, it’s vital that all public safety officers have an equal chance to protect themselves and their families from violent threats while they are off duty or after they are retired.”
“More than any other law enforcement professionals, correctional officers and their families face constant threats from dangerous, convicted felons who would not think twice about assaulting the men and women who helped to keep them confined in jails or prisons,” said Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “This right to equal self-protection is long overdue, and will doubtlessly help to keep many hard-working correctional officers and their families safer in Illinois.”
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
* More…
Gun Violence Prevention PAC President and CEO, Kathleen Sances issued the following statement in response to the passage of new legislation (HB 4383, SA 2) that will make ghost guns illegal in Illinois:
“Gun violence continues to pose a significant threat to people across Illinois, which is why I commend the efforts of the Illinois General Assembly today, as they took action to make ghost guns illegal. This legislation provides law enforcement with another tool to keep these dangerous weapons off our streets and makes our communities and neighborhoods safer.
“Ghost guns help dangerous individuals work around all of the significant gun control policies and regulations that we’ve fought so hard to put in place, which puts lives directly in the hands of violent actors. But now, thanks to all of the champions who stood up against the corporate gun lobby that puts profit over lives, we are one step closer to stopping gun violence in Illinois.
“I want to thank Representative Buckner, Speaker Welch, Senator Collins, and President Harmon for standing up and rejecting violence. Until our communities are safe for everyone — especially those that have been plagued by violence for decades due to severe disinvestment in critical programs and services that are proven to end violence — we will keep fighting to end gun violence, no matter what.”
The legislation now heads to the Governor’s desk. Illinois would become the twelfth state to enact a law to protect residents from ghost guns. The newly passed legislation protects Illinoisans by:
Immediately prohibiting the sale of unserialized gun parts that can be turned into guns.
• Existing unserialized gun parts must be serialized in 6 months.
• Existing unserialized guns must be serialized in 6 months.
Requiring serial numbers on guns manufactured with a 3D printer.
• Existing 3D-printed guns must be serialized in 1 month.
• Going forward, 3D-printed guns must be serialized during the manufacturing process.
Creating standards for serialization for existing unserialized firearms at federally licensed firearms dealers and other federal licensees authorized to imprint serial numbers.
• Unique serial numbers will be applied to firearms.
• Licensees must keep records outlining pertinent details of the serialized firearm.
* Press release…
On April 7, 2022, HB4430—Increasing Access to PrEP and PEP sponsored by State Representative Kelly M. Cassidy—passed the Illinois House on concurrence with a vote of 72-30. This bill specifically prioritizes pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which are two highly effective prevention methods in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV. The bill will soon be sent over to the Governor Desk for the final step in the state legislative process.
Once signed into law, HB4430 would enact the following reforms:
• Allow pharmacists, under a standing order, to initiate lifesaving pre-and post-exposure
prophylaxis medication and care to the communities most vulnerable to HIV.
• Aid pharmacists in referring individuals to ongoing preventative care and giving them the ability
to connect patients to laboratories for additional tests to determine if PrEP is the most appropriate course of care. Pharmacists will continue to facilitate connections to ongoing medical care and social support services.
With Governor Pritzker’s signature, Illinois will become the 8th state in the nation to make HIV prevention care more accessible by expanding access through pharmacies.
“The passing of HB4430 is momentous as we are truly changing lives and circumstances for many Illinoisians who’ve been too often left out and left behind,” said State Representative Kelly M. Cassidy (D-Chicago). “This win exemplifies our power to change once we engage the whole community, from medical providers to community advocates. We are one step closer to our goal of getting to zero new cases of HIV transmission by 2030, but work does not stop here. Together, we must continue listening and addressing the needs of our community.”
Supported by a broad coalition, including AIDS Foundation Chicago, pharmacists, medical providers, HIV & LGBTQ advocacy groups, and community advocates, HB4430 will work to offset the persistent barriers that those most vulnerable to HIV, especially in Black and Latinx communities, face in accessing equitable health care and HIV prevention drugs.
The Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) dashboard illustrates that all genders, races, racial and ethnic groups and geographic regions in Illinois are affected by HIV; however, they are not affected equally/
“This bill will cut down on waiting times and provide potentially life-saving care to thousands of Illinoisans,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “Doing so will especially help reduce new HIV transmissions among Black cisgender women, LGBTQ+ people, Latinos, and those who lack health insurance.”
1 Comment
|
It’s just a bill
Friday, Apr 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the synopsis of Senate Floor Amendment 2 to HB1568…
…a State policeman, investigator for the Secretary of State, conservation police officer, investigator for the Department of Revenue or the Illinois Gaming Board, investigator for the Office of the Attorney General, Illinois Commerce Commission police officer, or arson investigator under the Tier 2 provisions is entitled to an annuity calculated under the alternative retirement formula, in lieu of the regular or minimum retirement annuity, only if the person has withdrawn from service with not less than 20 years of eligible creditable service and has attained age 55 (instead of age 60), regardless of whether the attainment of age 55 (instead of age 60) occurs while the person is still in service
From today’s Senate floor debate…
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro): I’m actually supportive of your bill here. But when pension changes were made a few years back, the [correctional] officers that fall under the same SERS issue now have to work until they’re 67 years old. 67 years old in a prison is extreme. Why did you not add those additional individuals to this bill?
Sen. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago): Thank you, Senator Bryant. And I think you make a valid point. I personally would agree with you. They weren’t added in this bill because this bill was designed for recruitment and retention of police officers that are addressing crime in our streets. And so that was the intention of it. I will tell you that I will give you my word, I will be happy to work with you on legislation in the future to bring correctional officers in. I think that they should be entitled to some sort of purchase credit and all that. It is not contained in this bill, but I will be happy to work with you on that in future legislation.
Sen. Bryant: Thank you. I appreciate that help. It’s extremely unfair to have correctional officers working until they’re 67 years old when we know that the life expectancy of a correctional officer is 59 and a half. So we basically set them up to not be able to draw their pension until far beyond their life expectancy. So I’ll take you at your word, I support you on this bill and would appreciate if you’d support me in the future on a bill.
The bill passed 42-2 (Republicans Syverson and Wilcox were the only opponents). It now goes to the House for concurrence.
…Adding… Cost…
* Press release…
A measure to help medical professionals get more tests into the hands of individuals who battle opioid addiction cleared the General Assembly thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).
“This measure will help save lives,” Peters said. “We still have a long way to go, but removing these penalties is a responsible way to address the opioid crisis and to create real public safety for all instead of continuing the misguided policies of the past.”
House Bill 4556 is designed to expand on a 2019 law, the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, which authorized government agencies and non-governmental organizations to create needle and hypodermic syringe exchange programs. This measure would increase the number of persons and professions in the medical community who would not be penalized for possessing a limited residual amount of a controlled substance as part of the drug testing process.
Additionally, the supplies would be required to be stored at a medical office with limited access and would be available to designated workers such as an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant.
“We need to ensure that all communities in our state are protected and that they know what is going into their body,” Peters said, “I’m glad that the General Assembly is taking this important step to make sure that people will not be left to the wolves of the fentanyl overdose crisis.”
The measure passed the Senate on Thursday.
* Press release…
The Illinois chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after the Illinois Senate passed HB 4729, legislation that would require the Department of Public Health to develop and implement a comprehensive 2-year statewide secure gun storage public awareness campaign. The bill now moves to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law. State Representative Maura Hirschauer, a former Moms Demand Action volunteer, sponsored the legislation while it was in the House of Representatives.
“We’re proud that our lawmakers continue to prove their commitment to gun safety by prioritizing legislation, like this bill, and taking meaningful action to address our state’s gun violence crisis,” said Cameron Baltrum, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in Illinois. “Secure storage education is a lifesaving measure that can reduce prevent gun violence by preventing youth access to firearms, which can address school shootings, unintentional shootings, and gun suicide, before it happens. It’s critical that all gun owners are informed about the importance of secure storage – Governor Pritzker should quickly sign this bill into law.”
Nationwide, an estimated 54 percent of gun owners don’t lock all of their guns securely and it’s estimated that 4.6 million children live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded gun.. Gun owners can make their homes and communities safer by storing their guns securely — unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.
According to Everytown’s new gun law rankings report, Illinois has the sixth strongest gun safety laws in the country and is a national leader in enacting gun violence prevention laws. Learn more about gun violence in Illinois here.
* Press release…
Crime survivors will soon have a new voice in public safety policy making thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).
“I fundamentally believe that public safety must belong to the people,” Peters said. “This measure will center crime survivors and put them at the center of the conversation without fear of repercussion.”
House Bill 4736, which would help invest in community-centered public safety by creating a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state. The Crime Reduction Task Force would be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority would also establish a grant program open to organizations and units of local government to assist in the creation of anonymous tip hotlines or other systems to crime victims and witnesses. Additionally, this measure makes improvements to the state’s existing witness protection, which requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to create a program to assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of perpetrators of certain crimes.
“Everyone in every zip code should feel comfortable being able to walk down the street,” Peters said. “No matter where you are, or who you are or where you live you should deserve to feel comfortable and safe. This measure does that by expanding witness protection and by incorporating the voices and needs of stakeholders and survivors.”
The measure passed the Senate on Thursday.
…Adding… Press release…
The Illinois Senate adopted a plan by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to invest in child care services for workers with non-traditional schedules, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and more.
“Finding reliable child care can be difficult for first responders and other third shift emergency workers,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating the Off-hours Child Care Program Fund, Illinois is working to increase accessibility for parents in public service who work non-traditional hours.”
Under Glowiak Hilton’s proposal, the Department of Human Services would be required to establish and administer an Off-Hours Child Care Program to assist first responders and other workers with access to off-hours, night, or sleep time child care. The program is subject to appropriation.
“Many state child care facilities don’t offer services outside of normal work hours,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This measure will help fund child care for hardworking individuals serving our communities.”
House Bill 1571 passed both chambers and moves for final consideration by the governor.
* Another release…
ELGIN – A new payment system will drive meaningful reform for safer nursing home care in Illinois under a measure introduced by State Rep. Anna Moeller now headed to the Governor.
Rep. Moeller, D-Elgin, led the effort in the Illinois House with a 113-0 vote Thursday night on House Bill 246, a negotiated reform package after years of concerns about unsafe, unhealthy conditions in Medicaid-funded nursing homes across the state.
Concerns from patient and worker advocates about low wages and staff shortages led to intensive legislative hearings and discussions over the past year, and ultimately this compromise package aimed at holding nursing homes accountable to provide safer living conditions for residents. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the problem, with the Illinois Department of Public Health estimating nearly 8,000 residents and 100 staff members died – accounting for nearly one-quarter of all COVID-19-related deaths to date.
The new package:
• Provides more than $700 million in increased funding, more than $500 million of which comes from federal matching dollars
• Shifts funding to ensure workers receive higher pay, and facilities receive more funding as they hire more staff and improve safety ratings
• Ties for the first-time nursing home funding to health equity, increased staffing levels and accountability
• Requires increased ownership disclosure of nursing home facilities and systems
Rep. Moeller noted in comments to her colleagues that all of the hours of negotiations among nursing home operators, patient and worker advocates, lawmakers and the Pritzker administration were made worth it after hearing a number of horror stories in hearings last year from patients and their families about deplorable, dangerous living conditions.
“This is the culmination of several years of hard work, negotiation and listening to families of residents in nursing homes to understand how the conditions are affecting the quality of life for the most vulnerable in our communities,” Moeller said. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Healthcare and Family Services Department Director Theresa Eagleson and her staff, Senator Ann Gillespie, Senate and House Staff, IHCA, Leading Age and AARP for their work in negotiating and advocating for these reforms. Because of resistance in the industry, these reforms took many years to introduce.”
“This is a bill that we can all be very proud to vote for tonight. It’s one step in a long process to ensure that the most vulnerable in our state receive the best quality care and the safest facilities in our nursing homes.”
* Another…
The Southland Reactivation Act, championed by State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), passed the Illinois Senate on Friday.
“This will help bring new business to the Southland by incentivizing the revitalization of commonly overlooked properties,” Joyce said. “This legislation is a major victory for our Southland community.”
The act would create a tax abatement incentive to property developers who purchase commercial and industrial property in the Southland. The bill targets commercial and industrial properties that have shown a clear pattern of economic stagnation or decline of real estate taxes as a result of depressed conditions. The property must be located in Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Rich, Thornton or Worth Townships in Cook County.
“The Southland Reactivation Act is an exciting economic tool we can use to attract investment to our community,” DeLuca said. “By encouraging businesses to move into the area and create jobs, we’ll create an environment that expands the local tax base and drives down property tax costs on homeowners.”
Identified properties that meet qualifying criteria would be assessed at 50% of the last known equalized assessed value. For the first year a property is certified as a southland reactivation property, the aggregate tax bill liability for the property cannot exceed $100,000. Discounts on the liability would decrease gradually, but continue for a total of 12 years.
“South suburban municipalities are thrilled with the passage of the Southland Reactivation Act and look forward to having a new economic development tool in our toolkit to get tax exempt and long vacant commercial and industrial property back on the tax rolls”, said Kristi DeLaurentiis, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Executive Director. “This innovative law will allow communities to address blight and bring in new investment, new jobs, economic recovery and tax base growth benefitting everyone.”
The Southland Reactivation Act is contained in Senate Bill 3189. The legislation passed the Illinois Senate and now heads to the governor for further action.
* Another…
To make housing more accessible to families with nonwage income, State Representative LaShawn Ford and State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation to prevent housing providers from discriminating against a prospective applicant’s source of income.
“Source of income fair housing protections will have a major positive impact on ensuring a more just and equitable housing market across our state, as well as addressing systemic racial and economic segregation,” Ford said.
House Bill 2775 adds “source of income” to the Illinois Human Rights Act’s protections against discrimination in real estate transactions, making it a civil rights violation to refuse to consider an individual for housing solely based on their source of income. Over half of Illinois households have been susceptible to source of income discrimination because they earn non-wage income, such as social security, retirement income and public assistance. In addition, about 99,000 households who use Housing Choice Vouchers to pay their rent often experience source of income discrimination.
“No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent,” Villivalam said. “Too often, individuals on government assistance, single mothers receiving child support or seniors on fixed incomes are turned away solely based on where they receive their income each month.”
Sharon Norwood helped advocate for the legislation based on her own past struggles to rent a home using a Housing Choice Voucher.
“Having statewide source of income protections will help people avoid what happened to me. I had to give up my voucher, because I could not find a landlord to rent to me in the community I wanted my family to live in,” Norwood said. “Once I gave up my voucher, I did find a landlord who rented to me, but I was paying a lot more rent than I could afford because of it.”
The legislation was advocated for by the Illinois Coalition for Fair Housing, which has more than 130 organizational members, including Access Living, Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Housing Action Illinois, HOPE Fair Housing Center, Housing Choice Partners, Illinois Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-IL), Northside Community Resources, Shriver Center on Poverty Law and Working Family Solidarity. Background information and a list of all coalition members are available at https://www.housingchoicepartners.org/soi-campaign.
“For far too long our neighbors utilizing Housing Choice Vouchers to help pay for their rent had to endure the disrespect caused by source of income discrimination and the resulting exclusion from the communities that were always theirs. Today the State of Illinois said ‘no more’,” said Michael Chavarria, Executive Director of the HOPE Fair Housing Center.
Passage of HB 2775 brings Illinois in line with the 19 other states across the country that have similar laws. In Illinois, Chicago, Cook County, Naperville and Urbana already have source of income fair housing ordinances.
The coalition that advocated for passage of the bill urges Governor Pritzker to sign the bill into law as soon as possible.
* And…
To help ensure construction workers are properly compensated, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) spearheaded a measure to allow construction workers employed by a subcontractor who fails to pay them to seek remedy from the primary contractor.
“Construction sites can involve a complicated network of multiple subcontractors and dozens of workers,” Castro said. “When subcontractors fail to pay their workers, we have a duty to ensure there is a mechanism in place for workers to receive their hard-earned wages.”
In a typical construction project, commercial property owners or developers will hire a primary, also called a general, contractor to oversee a project. The general contractor will hire and coordinate with subcontractors, such as ones specializing in painting, window installation, electrical and more. Subcontractors employ their own workers to carry out their part of the project.
Under House Bill 5412, if a subcontractor fails to pay an employee, goes bankrupt or cannot pay their employee for any other reason, that employee can file a legal claim with the general contractor for any unpaid wages and benefits. Additionally, it requires the subcontractor to compensate the general contractor if this happens.
“Unfortunately, people experience the very real burdens of wage theft when companies cheat their way out of paying out a paycheck,” Castro said. “This measure will not only ensure hardworking men and women are paid for their labor but also incentivize general contractors to be better business partners with their subcontractors and have a vested interest in their success.”
The legislation includes exemptions for residential rehab and small commercial projects and does not include projects where a homeowner acts as their own general contractor. Additionally, it adds a statute of limitations for when complaints can be filed and creates a task force to consider innovative ways to bring bond reform to the construction industry.
HB 5412 passed the Senate Friday.
7 Comments
|
* Press release…
[Yesterday], U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) called on Marie Newman and Iymen Chehade to publicly release the details of the settlement at the heart of the US House of Representatives investigation into Rep. Marie Newman for promising federal employment to Mr. Chehade in exchange for his political support.
“I first ran for Congress in 2018, in part in response to the ethical lapses of Donald Trump,” said Rep. Casten. “Public service is a trust, and our entire democracy is jeopardized when voters have reason to believe that any elected officials are placing our personal self-interest above the public good. Ethics matters.”
“Until now, I have declined to comment on the investigation into Marie Newman to give her the opportunity to clear the record herself. It has been over five months since the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously voted to further the investigation into Marie Newman. Five months of silence is unacceptable. It is time for her to level with the public.
“Here are the facts:
• The nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics found “substantial reason to believe” Marie Newman bribed a political opponent. (Page 1)
• Congresswoman Newman signed a contract with Iymen Chehade, promising him a taxpayer-funded job paying at least $135,000 (Page 11).
• In email exchanges shortly before the contract was signed, OCE’s investigation revealed that Mr. Chehade proposed he would not ‘announce or submit his candidacy’ for the 3rd Congressional District in exchange for the position Congresswoman Newman later promised him (Page 10).
• Iymen Chehade is now on Marie Newman’s campaign payroll and was paid over $54,000 between July 1 and December 15th last year. (Source)
“On multiple occasions, Congresswoman Newman has dismissed these credible charges against her as partisan – taking zero accountability even as a left-leaning ethics organization has repeatedly expressed alarm at her actions.
“In eight days, the next quarterly FEC report is due. Congresswoman Newman still faces questions voters deserve to know the answer to. How much of the money entrusted to her by her campaign donors has she promised to pay Iymen Chehade? Has she made any promises to pay him with taxpayer-provided funds? Does the settlement provide Mr. Chehade with any input on her policy positions or impact on her votes, as suggested may be the case based on her email exchanges with Mr. Chehade? What did Mr. Chehade commit to provide Congresswoman Newman in exchange for the cash payments?
“Rep. Newman can answer these questions, and owes it to the voters to do so. They have given us their trust. They deserve the truth. That starts with releasing the details of her settlement with Iymen Chehade and releasing Chehade from his non-disclosure agreement so he may fully cooperate with the investigation.”
* Lynn Sweet with react and some more context…
Newman’s campaign has not answered repeated requests to explain if there was a connection between the lawsuit settlement and Chehade’s new job. On Thursday, Newman campaign spokesman Ben Hardin said in response to Casten’s disclosure call, “Our campaign cannot legally comment on the settlement that Rep. Casten is referring to.” […]
Chehade said in a statement, “It’s disappointing” that Casten “is using a labor agreement as a cheap tool for political gain at a time when so many working people in Illinois are facing hardships.” […]
The OCE report included an e-mail exchange between Chehade and Newman. At 1:57 a.m on Oct. 27, 2018, Chehade sent his employment proposal to Newman, where he states he agreed not to run for Congress and “in exchange,” Newman will hire Chehade, as her chief foreign policy adviser to focus on Palestinian-Israeli issues.
He made the highly unusual demands for him to never have to meet with any representative from the Israeli government and to have the final word on her policy positions.
Chehade’s statement equating his sweet little “labor agreement” to struggling workers is just absurd.
* Related…
* Press release: Casten Lambasts GOP Hypocrisy on Today’s Gasoline Prices & Energy Efficiency: Imagine a world where the Republican party praised the President for raising the price of oil by 24 percent. That sounds crazy, right? And yet it’s exactly what happened two years ago this month when Trump threatened to remove U.S. troops from Saudi Arabia unless they cut oil production. Oil prices are not set by the President; they are a function of global supply and demand. But when the President pressures another country to slash supply, the price at the pump – and oil industry profits – surge accordingly. That’s exactly what happened in April of 2020. The GOP praised Trump’s approach. What’s more, nearly 50 of my Republican House colleagues wrote a letter directly to the Saudi Crown Price demanding that he cut crude output. They wanted higher oil company profits, so they forced a reduction in supply to make it happen. Fast forward today: the same Republicans who pressured Saudi to cut oil supply and increase prices just two years ago are now berating President Biden for using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to BOOST supply AND opposing every effort to boost our energy efficiency and cut fossil fuel demand. So why, you might ask, would a party that fought to raise oil prices two years ago also be fighting to raise the price of oil today? Because given a choice between your wallet and the fossil fuel industry, the GOP will always take from you to subsidize them.
*** UPDATE *** The gloves are definitely coming off…
Congresswoman Marie Newman’s campaign spokesperson Nick Uniejewski released the following statement in response to Congressman Sean Casten’s call for her to disclose a settlement agreement:
“As Rep. Casten is aware, this settlement can not legally be discussed. Voters should, however, be aware of several recent lawsuits encompassing Rep. Casten, after being accused of an effort to enrich himself at others’ expense as well as the current federal investigation in which Rep. Casten is accused of a federal felony for illegally coordinating his campaign and his father’s Super PAC against former female primary opponent Kelly Mazeski.”
“Casten’s fossil fuel company, Recycled Energy Development (RED) was sued in 2015 and 2016 for gross mismanagement and using investors’ money to line his family’s own pockets. After allegedly transferring money to his own family, misreporting on financial reports, and shafting individual investors, the lawsuits were settled.”
“If anyone has a pattern of questionable ethics in this race, it’s Rep. Casten. The unanswered questions about Rep. Casten’s ethics, transparency, and accountability need to be answered:
• Rep. Casten never answered questions about his current and active FEC complaint and investigation into the allegation of a federal felony where he, his campaign, and his father’s Super PAC illegally coordinated to oust a progressive female primary opponent, all under one roof.
• Sean Casten has never had to answer for his numerous lawsuits where he is accused of fleecing investors, in some cases draining them of their entire retirement savings.
…Adding… From the Casten campaign…
Hey Rich,
I saw Newman’s response to our release and wanted to clarify something. There is no “federal investigation” into Rep. Casten. A Newman donor did file an FEC complaint against our campaign, but to say that Rep. Casten is being “investigated” for anything isn’t just misleading, it’s factually wrong.
17 Comments
|
*** LIVE COVERAGE ***
Friday, Apr 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Today’s live coverage post is sponsored by the Illinois Hospital Association. Follow along with ScribbleLive…
Comments Off
|
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on the budget agreement with Democratic leadership.
“For the past three and a half years, my partners in the General Assembly and I have worked to right this state’s fiscal ship and ensure state resources are responsibly directed to government’s fundamental purpose: uplifting working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, leaders in both chambers have come to an agreement on yet another responsible, balanced budget that does just that. Our plan delivers more than $1.8 billion in tax relief to Illinois residents, adds $1 billion to our state’s long-depleted Rainy-Day Fund, and doubles down on our efforts to make unprecedented investments in public safety.
“I thank Speaker Welch, Senate President Harmon and their teams for a productive negotiation process that always placed the best interests of Illinoisans at the forefront. Once again, Democrats are demonstrating that ours is the party of fiscal responsibility — and there’s nothing more responsible than putting working families first. I look forward to passing our third consecutive balanced budget through the legislature, signing it into law, and delivering real relief to working families across Illinois.”
###
DEMOCRATS’ FISCAL YEAR 2023 BALANCED BUDGET
A strong economic recovery paired with responsible fiscal decisions has resulted in the state’s largest surplus in more than two decades. Democrats have worked to ensure Fiscal Year 2023’s budget puts money back into the pockets of hardworking families, invests in critical public safety measures, supports human services, and saves for a rainy day.
After a strong economic performance in the first quarter of this calendar year, revenue projections have been revised upward from the Governor’s proposed budget by approximately $2 billion over FY22 and FY23.
$1.83 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
• Suspend the tax on groceries for one year – saving consumers $400 million
• Freeze the motor fuel tax for six months – saving consumers $70 million
• Double the property tax rebate – up to $300 per household
• Permanently expand the earned income tax credit – putting $100 million per year back into the pockets of working families who need it most
• Provide direct checks to working families
o $50 per individual
o $100 per child, up to three children per family
Income limits: $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers
• Back to school tax relief for families and teachers – saving $50 million
Total relief for working families: $1.83 billion
$1.2 BILLION FOR LONG-TERM FISCAL STABILITY
Builds on $4.1 Billion in Debt Paydown in SB2803
• $1 billion for Budget Stabilization Fund
• An additional $200 million pension payment, bringing the total pension payment over what is required to $500 million dollars and saving taxpayers more than $1.8 billion.
o These measures are in addition to the debt payment outlined in SB2803, which included $230 million for College Illinois and $898 million for Group Health Insurance bill backlog.
PUBLIC SAFETY INVESTMENTS
Invests more than $200 million on top of the Governor’s proposed budget to support public safety measures, invest in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes and strengthen investments in violence prevent programs that keep communities safe.
…Adding… SGOPs…
In response to the recent budget announcement from the Governor and Democrat Leaders, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued the following statement:
“What is most unfortunate about the Democrats’ budget plan is we have an opportunity right now to provide permanent tax relief for the people of Illinois, yet instead, the Democrats are choosing to provide one-time checks and other temporary relief just before the election which expires right after the election. Additionally, we are significantly increasing government spending. Evidently, they think they know how to better spend your money better than you do.”
* The HGOPs take the opposite tack…
Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) and Republican Floor Leader Mark Batinick offered the following comments on Governor Pritzker’s federally-funded budget that ignores the financial pressures in Illinois’ immediate future.
Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer:
“A year and a half ago, Gov. Pritzker was threatening Illinois voters with draconian cuts or across-the-board tax increases unless they approved his $3.4 billion tax increase amendment. But voters said no.
“Now, as Gov. Pritzker is running for re-election, he’s used the avalanche of federal bailout cash to paint a rosy picture of the state budget.
“But the facts show a different story. This year’s budget increases spending by 8% on state operations, while revenues are projected to decline by 1% over the same period—which makes this budget framework untenable. The problem is that Gov. Pritzker’s budget spends as if voters approved his tax hike—but they didn’t. When the federal bailout runs out, Gov. Pritzker will revert to pushing his tax hikes, and voters will be threatened again.”
Republican Floor Leader Mark Batinick:
“This isn’t a triumph of good management; the state is simply experiencing an inflation-induced sugar high. When the state crashes we will still have the same problems, but without the federal funds to bail us out. No structural changes have been made. No permanent property tax relief has been extended, and no regulatory relief has been implemented. Eventually, the pressures of inflation will catch up to the expense side of the ledger. There are storm clouds on the horizon.”
…Adding… Comptroller Mendoza…
Comptroller Mendoza’s statement on the budget agreement:
I am very encouraged by the budget agreement announced by Gov. Pritzker, Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon:
• A full billion dollars that the state will NOT spend and will instead divert into the Rainy Day Fund to protect us from economic downturns. That’s responsible budgeting.
• $500 million extra to pay down the state pension shortfall – saving taxpayers $1.8 billion. That’s responsible budgeting.
• Property tax rebates up to $300 and other relief for working families including a break on grocery sales tax.
I commend them on reaching this agreement. I strongly urge the legislature to swiftly adopt this fiscally responsible budget, keeping us on the path to further credit upgrades.
25 Comments
|
It’s just a bill
Thursday, Apr 7, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* SJ-R…
The Illinois House of Representatives rejected a measure Wednesday night designed to provide protection to consumers in the case of a contract dispute between an insurance company and a health care provider.
“The main gist of it is to provide network adequacy, to get rid of ghost networks, and transparency,” said Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, on the House floor Scherer is the chief sponsor of the bill.
The bill, HB 1463, was rejected by the House on a vote of 40-21-7, with 50 of the House’s 118 members not voting on the measure. It needed 60 votes to pass. […]
“Tomorrow, if I want to answer who’s owned by the insurance companies, guess what? I’m handing them a roll call and you try to explain it,” said Scherer.
“If you just don’t care, why are you even here?” she added.
The roll call is here.
* Press release…
Legislation to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation—specifically to incentivize the purchase and use of electric motorcycles—was advanced by both chambers of the General Assembly Wednesday evening.
“ABATE of Illinois is pleased the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed SB2940. When signed into law, this will ensure all motorcycles, including electric motorcycles, are included in the future of Illinois transportation,” said Ryan Hubbard, State Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois. “Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation for thousands of riders in Illinois, and their inclusion in transportation planning is an important part of ensuring everyone can return home safe after every ride.”
When the Clean Energy Jobs Act passed in 2021 with electric vehicle language that specifically excluded motorcycles, ABATE of Illinois made it a priority to remedy the issue. The changes in Senate Bill 2940 ensures electric motorcycles are considered when planning infrastructure and provides an incentive of $1,500 towards the purchase of an electric motorcycle.
“The transition to electric vehicles will affect all forms of transportation. As a longtime supporter of motorcyclists in Illinois, I wanted to make sure they were treated equally when it came to this transition,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), chief sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring together stakeholders to secure motorcycles as part of the future of transportation in Illinois.”
Senate Bill 2940 passed both chambers of the General Assembly with no opposition. The bill had over 30 Senate sponsors and 60 House sponsors, including the Speaker of the House and House Minority Leader.
“The unanimous bipartisan support of SB2940 by the General Assembly sends a clear message that motorcycles will continue to be accounted for when planning the future of transportation,” said Josh Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator. “ABATE of Illinois looks forward to having the Governor sign this bill and join with the General Assembly in their support of Illinois motorcyclists.”
* Press release…
To offer financial relief to struggling wine makers, the Illinois Senate adopted a measure championed by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) to lower licensing fees for first-class manufacturers.
“Wineries are unique small businesses providing service to residents and visitors throughout the entire state,” Crowe said. “By re-implementing the previous licensing fees, we can offer financial support to wine operators as they work to recover following pandemic-related burdens.”
In partnership with the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Crowe’s measure lowers the licensing fees for first-class wine manufacturers to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.
“Wineries in Illinois offer diverse experiences, but the industry endured similar hits during the pandemic due to a business model built almost exclusively on social visits, tastings and in-person sales,” Crowe said. “Wineries play a critical role in developing local economies and tourism, and I will continue to explore initiatives to help producers grow their operations.”
Senate Bill 1001 moves to the House for further consideration.
* Press release…
This week, the Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation filed by State Representative Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich), House Bill 4593, to hold those who sexually abuse children accountable. The legislation, which previously passed the Illinois House in February, is now ready for the Governor to sign into law.
“The unanimous passage of House Bill 4593 in both the House and Senate says to victims in a unified voice that we see you, we hear you and we will not let your abusers off the hook for their depraved actions,” said Bos.
Under the legislation, those who pay for sex would no longer be able to claim they did not know the person they solicited for sex was underage or was a person with an intellectual disability and use it as an affirmative defense. This change in the law would place the burden on the exploiter who solicited the sex to prove they did not know their victim was underage or disabled, rather than placing the burden on the victim.
Bos, an advocate for victims of sexual exploitation, noted during the debate on the House floor in February that the majority of the underage who are exploited are victims of human trafficking who have been forced or manipulated into their sexual abuse.
“Making it harder for these predators to escape justice is vital to ensuring fewer children and vulnerable people become victims,” said Bos.
State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) carried the legislation in the State Senate. Speaking of his support, Bos said, “I’m proud to have a partner like Sen. McConchie working alongside me, and other advocates, in the fight against sexual exploitation.”
* Press release…
To better recognize the historic injustices that Black farmers face in the agriculture industry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to create the Agriculture Equity Commission.
“For far too long, our Black famers have been systemically pushed out of the agriculture sector of Illinois,” Simmons said. “My goal is to see this commission address the root issues and find actionable solutions to give Black farmers justice in the largest job producing sector in Illinois.”
The commission would reflect representation of socially disadvantaged communities, businesses, and farmers, and include academics, policy experts, and legislators who are experienced in agriculture and related matters.
In 1920, Illinois had 892 Black farmers, and Black Americans owned 14% of the nation’s farmland. As of the 2017 Agricultural Census, there are 188 individually Black-owned farms which make up a combined 40,412 acres. Out of the 116,417 agricultural producers in Illinois, 267 are Black and 115,896 are Caucasian. Farming is Illinois’ top job producing industry.
“I want to thank the stakeholders who worked with Rep. Sonja Harper and me on this timely legislation,” Simmons said. “I appreciate the bipartisan nature of the passage and look forward to righting the wrongs of previous generations.”
House Bill 5201 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration.
* Press release…
State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) championed a measure that passed the Senate Wednesday that would give people another option to become an organ donor.
“In January 2010, I received a kidney transplant,” Belt said. “After living on dialysis for a year, I understand how important organ donors are.”
House Bill 4696 would allow the Department of Natural Resources to offer online hunting license holders the opportunity to be redirected to the First Person Consent Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. On average, 300 people die each year waiting for an organ donation. More than 4,700 Illinois residents are waiting for an organ or tissue donation. In 2020, there were 7 million Illinoisans registered as organ donors.
The first-person consent law provides an opportunity to save more lives and ensures that your wish to be an organ/tissue donor is honored. Prior to the first-person consent registry, many Illinoisans who signed the back of their driver’s license as a donor were unaware that family consent was still required in order for donation to occur.
“Organ donors save hundreds of life,” Belt said. “This measure would make it easier for individuals who hold hunting license to join the organ registry.”
House Bill 4696 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and heads to the governor’s desk.
* Coming late to this…
Echoing action taken around the world in response to Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, passed a comprehensive effort Tuesday to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Illinois and end state investment in Russian financial interests.
“It is absolutely tragic to see the senseless pain and suffering that has been forced on the Ukrainian people,” LaPointe said. “We have a moral obligation to stand up against Russian aggression, it’s important for Illinois to send a strong message and impose new rules that target the financial support for Putin’s war machine.”
“We’ve all witnessed the horrors taking place in Ukraine at the hands of Vladimir Putin, and his actions continue to threaten democracy around the world,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “What the Illinois House passed today won’t stop Putin’s war, but it ensures Illinois is collectively pulling every lever possible to support the Ukrainian people. I want to congratulate Representative LaPointe for her hard work on this consequential piece of legislation.”
LaPointe introduced House Bill 1293, which puts Illinois on a path to divest from Russian stocks and sovereign debt, including money found in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and funds directly overseen by the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI). Systems not controlled by the state, including the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) are strongly encouraged to follow the state’s lead in divestment. Russia’s war ally Belarus is also targeted for disinvestment.
Additionally, the proposal would provide the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) emergency rulemaking powers to begin a Refugee Resettlement Program that could provide health care, mental health services and English language assistance to Ukrainians and others who are granted temporary protected status or refugee status.
House Bill 1293 also includes a plan to develop a Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force that would assess the exposure of residential, industrial and commercial real estate sectors in Illinois to illicit Russian investments.
“I know there’s been a strong local response in support of the Ukrainian people, and I’m grateful for those who have taken time to donate to those in need,” LaPointe said. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in the world, let’s do our part as a state to make an impact.”
LaPointe’s measure passed the House Tuesday without opposition, and heads to the Senate for consideration.
…Adding… The Democrats held caucus meetings on these bills and every member but one of the Black Caucus and Latino Caucus voted for this particular bill. This is one person complaining. Not saying he doesn’t have a point about the bill itself. Politico…
SLEIGHT OF HAND: Moderate Democrats in Springfield pulled a familiar move Wednesday to ram a series of public safety bills through the House. They brought up the bills the same day as the vote, giving little time for progressives to study the language and no time for the public to comment.
It’s the kind of move Democrats make on Republicans when they want to get legislation passed quickly.
“My concern is that I can’t sell this to people in my district because it doesn’t make them feel safer,” Democratic Rep. Curtis Tarver II told Playbook.
He points to House Bill 1103, a new measure that would prevent law enforcement from using cameras on expressways to profile people. Problem is, if someone is concerned about a video and wants to see it, the Illinois State Police wouldn’t have to answer a FOIA because it doesn’t have the staffing to do so (even though the governor and both chambers are pushing to beef up cadet classes so there would be more employees to process FOIAs). The legislation also requires that the video be deleted after 180 days.
“It doesn’t set a good precedent to allow an agency without any proof of a unique hardship to exempt itself from FOIA, then simultaneously require that agency to destroy the very evidence that could prove profiling,” said Tarver, who didn’t vote on the bill.
HB 1103, along with other public safety measures pushed by moderate Democrats, passed the House with Republican support and are headed to the Senate, where they could be taken up as early as today.
…Adding… Press release…
Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters.
“Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed,” Munoz said. “Too often innocent people come to find parts missing from their car, leaving them without transportation. We have to find a way to end these senseless crimes.”
House Bill 107 would add catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen would be required.
In addition, the measure would prohibit a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.
According to a recent ABC report, Illinois ranks third in the nation for catalytic converter thefts with over a 300% increase since 2019.
“This measure tightens the law that many find a way around,” Munoz said.
House Bill 107 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.
4 Comments
|
* Subscribers were given a heads up about this earlier today…
Members of the media,
Please see the attached one-pager that outlines the relief package Leader Harris and House Democrats outlined in this morning’s press conference, which also includes proposed new funding for public safety. These items are in addition to the Governor’s proposed Family Relief Plan and public safety funding levels.
These House-led proposals were filed last night. HB 1497 is the House’s proposed relief package, HB 969 is the House’s proposed budget.
* The proposal…
House Democrats
Illinois Family Recovery Act – Fact Sheet April 5, 2022
House-proposed Assistance Package
Governor’s Proposed Illinois Family Relief Plan
We propose funding the Governor’s Illinois Family Relief Plan, including the proposed relief plans on gas, groceries, and property taxes. Estimated cost: $1 billion.
Additional House Proposals for Family Recovery
• Create the FY 2023 Low-Income Family Tax Rebate (LIFT Rebate). Estimated cost: $165 million.
o $100 per EITC-eligible filer
o $50 per child in an EITC-eligible household
• Permanent Expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Estimated cost: $103.5 million.
o Expand to include ages 18-24 and 65+
o Expand to include ITIN filers; refundable and with same age expansion
o Add 2% of federal EITC level, inclusive of age and ITIN expansion
• Create the FY 2023 Reducing Inflation Impact Fund (RIIF Fund) to give a one-time add-on to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Estimated cost: $100 million.
House-proposed Teacher Support
We propose doubling the tax credit for teachers purchasing classroom materials. Estimated cost: $15 million. Total Illinois Family Recovery Act Cost: $1.38 billion, paid for with higher than expected revenues.
House-proposed New Public Safety Funding
In addition to public safety funding in the Governor’s budget, including the $250 million for the Reimagine Public Safety Act, we are proposing an additional $236M for public safety:
• $124M will go to support local police and reduce violent crime
o This includes funding for body cameras, automatic license plate readers, ballistics testing and
forensics, and non-lethal equipment to subdue suspects with less risk to life
o This includes funding for mental health screenings for local police departments, funding for a
co-responder pilot program, and law enforcement retention grants.
• $48M is allotted to prevent carjacking with funding for local safety councils, youth summer jobs
programs, YouthBuild Illinois, Teen REACH, Youth Redeploy Illinois, Parents Too Soon, and
Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services
• $12M to fund a program for neighbors to actively assist in reporting crime. This will include money for
witness protection, a tip line and a pilot program to use ring cameras to help solve crime.
• $50M will go towards domestic violence
• $2M will go towards expanding trauma recovery centers
* React from the Coalition to Make EIC Work…
Leaders in the House of Representatives unveiled a $1.38 billion tax relief proposal on Wednesday morning. The proposal called the “Illinois Family Recovery Act” answers advocate calls to expand eligibility of Illinois’ Earned Income Credit (EIC). It would include nearly one million Illinoisans who are currently excluded from the refund—namely, childless workers aged 18-24 and over age 65, as well as immigrants who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). In addition to newly eligible filers, it would benefit the existing 3.6 million EIC recipients by increasing the credit amount available for each family, raising the match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from the current 18% to 20% of the EITC value. House Democrats also propose $165 million to fund a one-time cash transfer for all EIC eligible families at the value of $100 plus $50 for each child dependent.
The Coalition to Make EIC Work has been leading the charge in advocating for tax relief that directly benefits Illinois’ low-income families (see details below). Amber Wilson, Statewide Campaign Manager at Economic Security for Illinois issued the following statement on behalf of the Coalition to Make EIC Work:
“We are thrilled to see House leadership take seriously the need to expand the Earned Income Credit and put cash directly into our neighbors hands. The impact of the House proposal is huge: It would reach over 4.5 million Illinoisans across every single zip code in the state and offer hundreds more to low-income families at a moment when relief is sorely needed.
Based on similar estimates of our proposal, we know this is a wise investment that can create hundreds of millions in local and state economic benefits, far exceeding the cost of implementation.
Most importantly, an expansion to the Earned Income Credit is permanent, and will continue to benefit ITIN filers and childless workers for years to come.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker commented on the HDem plan this morning…
My early observation is that House Democrats took a comprehensive approach and adhered to my goals of achieving a fiscally responsible, balanced budget, and delivering tax relief to families that need it most. My team and I are still in the process of reviewing the details of their legislation. But I’m certainly pleased to see more ideas in the mix to cut taxes and give working families a break.
I also want to commend them for including a responsible expansion of the Earned Income Credit, which is something that I’ve supported for quite some time.
During my tenure as governor, I’ve worked to support local governments and have delivered more than a billion dollars more to them so far, in this latest House budget proposal, I want to ensure that what’s being provided to local governments continues to be affordable within a balanced budget framework.
I look forward to working with legislators to provide relief to working families while continuing to strengthen our state’s fiscal foundation. It’s particularly important to put away money in the rainy day fund, maintain a responsible bill payment cycle and make an extra payment into our pension systems. My partners in the Statehouse and I are having productive conversations about how to ensure that relief prioritizes those who need it most. Putting working families first has been a hallmark of my time in office. And I have full confidence in our ability to further that mission in these final days of the legislative session.
28 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
* Last night from Jason Meisner…
A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the unsealing of a court filing containing excerpts of grand jury testimony by Tim Mapes, the former chief of staff to House Speaker Michael Madigan who was indicted last year on obstruction of justice charges.
The order by U.S. District Judge John Lee came after Mapes’ attorney, Andrew Porter, filed a motion to dismiss under seal last week out of “an abundance of caution,” since grand jury testimony typically is kept secret.
But since the charges against Mapes are directly related to that testimony, both Porter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz on Tuesday agreed that what is contained in the defense motion can be made public. Lee directed the clerk of the U.S. District Court to unseal the motion, but the filing was still not visible on the docket as of Tuesday evening.
Mapes, 66, of Springfield, has pleaded not guilty to lying to a grand jury investigating sprawling corruption allegations against Madigan, including an alleged scheme by utility giant Commonwealth Edison to bribe Madigan by paying his associates as lobbyists and consultants in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation in Springfield.
* Today…
That last bit is pretty important as far as semantics and legalese go, but, man, everyone should’ve known that McClain was still doing tasks for Madigan after McClain “retired.” Most of us didn’t think anything of it at the time, but still.
*** UPDATE *** Click here for the full document.
13 Comments
|
* Have a look and tell us what you think…
Carjackings
House Bill 3699 (Martwick/Hastings)
• House Bill 3699 would allow Metropolitan Enforcement Groups, or cooperatives of law enforcement, to work together to target carjacking.
• The measure would allow the Metropolitan Enforcement Groups to receive state grants to assist in enforcement.
• A person commits vehicular hijacking when he or she knowingly takes a motor vehicle from the person or the immediate presence of another by the use of force or threatening the imminent use of force.
o Carjacking is currently a Class 1 felony, punishable by 4-15 years imprisonment. If a gun is used in the carjacking, the person is guilty of a Class X felony, punishable by 15 years up to natural life imprisonment.
• House Bill 3699 would provide additional resources to law enforcement to target and capture these offenders.
House Bill 3772 (Aquino/Peters)
• House Bill 3772 would provide protections for victims of carjackings who receive red light or speed camera violations after their vehicle has been hijacked.
• Under the measure, if a person receives a citation due to one of these systems, the court or hearing officer would be able to consider whether the vehicle was hijacked before the violation occurred or not under the control of or possession of the vehicle at the time of violation.
• Under current law, any county or municipality can charge administrative, towing and storage fees if a person’s car is impounded. However, under House Bill 3772, those fees would be waived if an owner submits proof that a report demonstrating the vehicle was hijacked was filed with law enforcement in a timely manner.
…Adding… Press release…
Last year alone, more carjackings were reported in Chicago than in any other city. To address the increase of the crime and provide relief to victims, Illinois Senate Democrats are spearheading legislation which they outlined at a press conference Tuesday.
“When someone is a victim of a carjacking, they are already dealing with a traumatic experience that could be worsened by burdensome fees and tickets they weren’t even at fault for,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “This measure is about ensuring economic security for folks who have already been victimized.”
Aquino’s House Bill 3772 would provide protections for victims of carjackings who receive red light or speed camera violations after their vehicle has been hijacked. Under the measure, if a person receives a citation due to one of these camera violations, the court or hearing officer would be able to consider whether the vehicle was hijacked before the violation occurred or the victim not under the control of or possession of the vehicle at the time of violation.
Additionally, if a person’s car was towed following a carjacking, the associated fees would be waived if they submit their police report.
According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1,800 carjackings were reported in Chicago last year, according to data released by police departments to CNN.
Chicago’s 2021 tally was the most on record over the last 20 years. Carjackings had been steadily declining in the city after 2001, hitting a low of 303 in 2014 but began to tick upward before skyrocketing to 1,400 in 2020 following the onset of the pandemic. Last year saw more than five times as many carjackings as in 2014.
State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is sponsoring House Bill 3699, which would allow Metropolitan Enforcement Groups, or cooperatives of law enforcement, to work together to target carjacking. Further, it would allow the Metropolitan Enforcement Groups to receive state grants to assist in enforcement, and provide additional resources to law enforcement to target and capture these offenders.
“The uptick in carjackings is a disturbing trend,” Martwick said. “But because of the nature of the crime, suspects aren’t often caught. By allowing law enforcement officers to put their heads together to decipher ways to tackle the ongoing issue, we are a step closer to getting to the bottom of the issue.”
Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus hope to hear the bills on the Senate floor before the planned April 8 adjournment date.
38 Comments
|
* Some background from International Business Times…
A Springfield police officer has been placed on unpaid leave after allegedly posting racist and anti-semitic posts on social media.
Springfield opened an investigation after online reports identified officer Aaron Paul Nichols, 46, as the person responsible for racist and anti-Semitic postings on multiple social media forums.
The website Anonymous Comrades Collective, which describes itself as “dedicated to exposing Nazis, racists, and fascists” shared a series of posts made by accounts reportedly belonging to the nearly 20-year veteran of the Springfield police force on Gab – a social media network that champions free speech and is known for its far-right userbase.
In his posts, made from accounts with the name “WeWillWin” and “MagicDirtFarmer,” Nichols not only praised Hitler but also disparaged Jews and people of color. In one post, Nichols said the convicted vigilante killers of Ahmaud Arbery “did nothing wrong” and were only charged “because of Jews.”
* Press release…
As members of the Illinois General Assembly, we come from several different caucuses (Asian-American, Black, Jewish, Latino, Progressive, and Queer) to demand that the Springfield Police Department fully address the incredibly disturbing allegations of hate activity by an officer in their employ. We further urge all of our law enforcement partners to identify and eliminate the presence of officers in your ranks who operate without respect for our constitution, the human dignity of our communities, or basic human decency.
We learned this week via an investigation by Anonymous that Officer Aaron P. Nichols appears to be the person behind several online accounts (including one on Ken Griffin funded Gab) associated with extreme right wing agendas including racism, homophobia, and antisemitism. A post published 4/1/2022 provides extensive details of the investigative methodology and links to Officer Nichols’ online accounts and disturbing posts. We have subsequently learned that the Springfield Police Department has suspended Officer Nichols and are thankful for their swift action. We await the results of a truly independent investigation.
A few examples of online traffic from accounts allegedly tracing back to Officer Nichols include:
“I despise the government and have for nearly 3 decades. The best place I can possibly be inside the beast.”
“Hitler did nothing wrong”
“Hitler is the most lied about figure in history, bar none.”
“If I found a genie and I had one wish? The Jews would be a distant memory in 72 hours.”
“I am a supporter of as many holocausts as it takes to cleanse this world of Talmudic influence.”
“N**’s ruin everything. Even if it’s Whites doing the stealing, they’re likely selling the meat to blaq run restaurants or trading it to n**’s for dope. Real talk.”
“I frequently deal with a basketball American who is related to a pro basketball American. Dude parks a $200,000 car in the drive of a $60,000 house. N**’s are so fucking dumb.”
“Being forced to live with n**’s is a human right violation. Where’s Merrick Garland when he could actually be useful?”
(With a pic of Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson) “Here’s our next Sheeboon Supreme Court Justice. I’m sure she’ll be completely impartial.”
“Homosexuality is rampant in the blaq community because the majority didn’t have dads around to protect them.”
“I’m a n** harm reduction specialist and we have minimum manning requirements. Someone has to clean these streets.”
“I dumped a homeless women’s (sic) cart out in the drive up of a @tacobell because she repeatedly refused to unload it herself. I then took the cart back to the @babiesrus she appropriated it from. I’m doing the Lord’s work out here”
“When I seize power ‘hate crimes’ will be encouraged.”
“I’m not willingly giving up my way of life. I’ll die in a pile of brass.” “When you decide you’re not afraid of death you’re finally free”
His social media handles have changed over time. While this investigation initially focused on @NogAirForce, he also allegedly wrote on an explicitly racist site known as Gab under the handle @_14words, which refers to the white supremacist slogan “we must secure the existence of our people and a future for White children,” quoting American neo-Nazi David Lane. The published results of their investigation provide significant evidence of the validity of the claims.
It would be disturbing enough to know someone with these views was living in your community. But to learn that such a person is exercising authority over the very people he declares his hatred for is terrifying. We need a thorough and independent investigation on Officer Nichols and anyone else espousing these beliefs. We need transparency on any misconduct and allegations. After such investigation anyone holding these beliefs must be immediately removed from their positions of authority before someone is hurt.
Senator Omar Aquino
Senator Chris Belt
Senator Melinda Bush
Senator Jacqui Collins
Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Senator Napoleon Harris
Senator Mattie Hunter
Senator Adriane Johnson Senator Emil Jones III
Senator Laura Fine
Senator Julie Morrison
Senator Cristina Paciones-Zayas Senator Robert Peters
Senator Elgie Sims
Senator Mike Simmons
Senator Doris Turner
Senator Ram Villivalam
Senator Celina Villanueva
Representative Carol Ammons
Representative Dagmara Avelar
Representative Kambium Buckner
Representative Jonathan Carroll
Representative Kelly Cassidy
Representative Lakesia Collins
Representative Margaret Croke
Representative Daniel Didech
Representative Robyn Gabel
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Representative Edgar Gonzalez
Representative Will Guzzardi
Representative Greg Harris
Representative Theresa Mah
Representative Joyce Mason
Representative Anna Moeller
Representative Bob Morgan
Representative Delia Ramirez
Representative Anne Stava-Murray
Representative Denyse Wang Stoneback
Representative Ann Williams
Representative Sam Yingling
*** UPDATE *** I’m told that Nichols has resigned from the police department. Because he quit while under investigation, he’ll be decertified and placed on the “do not hire” list by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
42 Comments
|
It’s just a bill
Tuesday, Apr 5, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
…Adding… Advisory…
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Democrats outline plan to address increase in carjackings statewide
SPRINGFIELD – Last year alone, more carjackings were reported in Chicago than in any other city. To address the increase of the crime and provide relief to victims, Illinois Senate Democrats are spearheading legislation which they will outline at a Tuesday press conference.
WHO: State Senators Robert Marwick, Omar Aquino, Kimberly A. Lightford, Bill Cunningham, Michael E. Hastings and Robert Peters
WHAT: Press conference on plan to address carjackings
WHEN: Tuesday, April 5 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Room, Illinois State Capitol and live on BlueRoomStream.com
* Capitol News Illinois…
Officials at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services believe they made “significant progress” last week toward reaching agreement on a plan to overhaul the way nursing homes are reimbursed through the state’s Medicaid program, according to a letter obtained by Capitol News Illinois.
It’s something Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration has been working on for two years to ease the severe staffing shortages that exist in many of the state’s long-term care facilities. An estimated 45,000 Illinois Medicaid recipients live in about 700 nursing homes throughout the state.
In his budget proposal in February, Pritzker proposed a $500 million plan to increase reimbursement rates for facilities that raise their staffing levels up to certain targets. Some of the money would also be used to fund pay raises for certified nursing assistants as they gain more experience in their jobs.
The money for that would come from a bed tax the state levies on nursing homes, which would draw down additional federal reimbursements.
* Press release…
On Monday, Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39) passed House Bill 1466 in the Illinois House. The legislation aims to make insulin more affordable and accessible for all Illinoisans.
HB 1466 tackles insulin affordability in two ways. First, it creates an Urgent Need Program, which allows people with diabetes to access an emergency 30-day supply of insulin at a minimal cost of $35 from their local pharmacy. This program ensures that people with diabetes have access to life-saving and sustaining medication regardless of their insurance status, and prevents the need for insulin rationing and other high-risk cost-cutting measures.
The bill also caps the total copay amount an insurer is allowed to charge an insured person at $35 a month. The $35 copay cap will apply to all Illinoisans who purchase health plans on the state-regulated exchange, roughly 20% of insured people in the state.
“Taken together, these two provisions will provide a vital safety net for people struggling to afford their insulin,” said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39). “People in crisis will be able to get insulin when they need it, rather than rationing and putting their health at risk.”
This act strives to make diabetes medicine more affordable to people who need it, many of whom now have to choose between their medication and other life-saving essentials such as food, housing, or other healthcare.
According to the American Diabetes Association, the price of the most popular types of insulin has tripled over the past decade. For instance, a 10ml vial of Eli Lilly’s Humalog cost $93 in 2009; today it costs around $335. One in four insulin users across the US have said cost has impacted their insulin use. Using less insulin than medically necessary can lead to drastic health impacts including brain swelling, organ failure, and death.
“The past two years have been a vivid reminder that pharmaceutical research can produce incredible results. But no matter how great they are, drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them,” said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39).
* Press release…
[Yesterday], the Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by State Representative Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) to ensure no one has to die alone, even in a pandemic. Senate Bill 1405, sponsored in the Senate by Republican Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), ensures a family member may be by the side of their loved one in their final moments while in a healthcare facility.
“No one should have to die without a family member by their side. No one should have to learn their mother or their husband is suffering rapid decline but be denied the opportunity to give them love and compassion in their final moments,” said Bos. “Unfortunately, many were denied this opportunity.”
Due to executive orders in response to COVID-19, no exceptions existed to allow for end-of-life visitation with a family member in a healthcare facility. Even as mitigation rules were changed in response to the pandemic, residents in skilled nursing homes, extended care, or intermediate care facilities were denied even one visitor. Under SB 1405, at least one visitor, not including a member of the clergy, must be permitted to visit a loved one. Healthcare facilities are empowered to set safety guidelines and ensure that neither the patient nor visitor are endangered by the visit, but no longer could they be outright denied due to an executive order.
“This legislation recognizes the dignity of every life and ensures no one else will be forced to face death alone,” said Bos.
As SB 1405 was amended in the House, it now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote before being sent to the Governor for his signature. Bos is hopeful it receives the same strong level of support and will be signed into law without delay.
* Press release…
The following statement is attributable to Jacqueline Gomez, executive director of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), on House Bill 5412, which may soon be called for a vote in the Illinois State Senate:
“We are disappointed that Illinois lawmakers have allowed House Bill 5412 to reach this phase of the legislative process despite several warnings from minority and women-owned construction firms of the detrimental impacts it will have on small business. Wage theft is a crime that ruins working families. It deserves more attention and more thought-out solutions than this hastily crafted legislation. HACIA is committed to working with the Legislature and the Illinois Dept. of Labor to prevent these crimes from taking place.
Unfortunately, Illinois lawmakers seem to believe they know better than those of us who work in this industry day in and day out. Instead of incorporating ANY of our suggestions into their proposal, they are moving forward with their own. If HB 5412 becomes law, prime contractors will unfairly be held responsible for bad acting subcontractors who do not fulfill their payroll obligations and will create competitive barriers for small businesses as a result of higher liability costs.
On behalf of HACIA members and women and minority-owned construction firms across Illinois, I call on the Illinois State Senate to reject HB 5412 and instead engage in honest discussions with our dedicated small business owners and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our community and who believe that a diverse construction industry is a direct bridge to the middle class for our young and talented workforce.”
* Some very informal proponent dot points on the revamped Organized Retail Crime bill…
• It creates a dedicated [Organized Retail Crime] statute. Illinois is one of the few states in the nation that do not have a dedicated ORC statute. No more piecing together various crimes trying to come up with something. Doesn’t exist today.
• Funding for AG and assistant state’s attorneys dedicated to ORC and illicit trade; a major focus is on investigators which is a priority of the AG’s office. Doesn’t exist today.
• Funding for a statewide intelligence gathering platform. Does not exist today and is essential to effectively addressing ORC.
• We changed it so an individual cannot get caught up in ORC. Has to be 2 or more people working together with the intent to monetize. Again, the ORC measure is aimed at what we all saw what occurred in Chicago and the suburbs (and continue to see) – smash and grabs, U-Hauls, social media folks organizing, etc.
• We inserted a $300 threshold so someone stealing lip gloss, as an example, can’t get caught in ORC. The current felony threshold in retail theft is $300 so it is consistent.
• Addresses on-line marketplaces which are the flea markets and pawn shops of the 21st century. Mirrors the legislation being pushed in DC by Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Schakowsky. Doesn’t exist today.
• Allows a state’s attorney in any jurisdiction in which any element of the crime occurred to bring suit. This is imperative to prosecute criminals. Doesn’t exist today.
• AG given specific authority to utilize statewide grand jury for ORC. Doesn’t exist today.
* Open letter
04/04/2022
Re: Opposition to HB 1091
To the members of the Illinois House and Senate:
The undersigned organizations represent thousands of Illinoisans who are writing to express strong opposition to HB 1091, the “organized retail theft” bill. While the impact of this legislation on mass incarceration is ample reason to oppose it, we would like to share our specific opposition to this measure because of its impact on survivors of gender-based violence and women in general.
Retail theft laws already disproportionately impact women and survivors of gender- based violence.
There is a strong connection between domestic violence and incarceration of women. When a survivor leaves an abusive relationship, they are usually at an economic disadvantage. This can exacerbate mental health challenges including problems with substance use, and result in resorting to survival crimes. Results of a 2017-2018 survey of women incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center showed that 99 percent of the women incarcerated there have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Women who are subjected to domestic violence are nine times more likely to use drugs and 15 times more likely to use alcohol. While men are more likely to be targeted by law enforcement, many of the victims of the war on drugs are women and are disproportionately women of color. These factors all mean that further criminalizing retail theft will harm survivors of domestic violence.
Statewide data shows that a significant number of women are arrested for retail theft. According to data from Loyola University, from 1989-2019, there were 29,307 court admissions to women’s prisons for property crimes, representing 38% of ALL court admissions during this period. Retail theft cases have rightfully been linked to supporting an addiction or basic survival needs, but the link to domestic violence and human trafficking is often overlooked. In our collective experience, it is common for domestic abusers and traffickers to force and coerce their victims into committing crimes, including retail theft. Also, survivors experience extreme financial control leaving them to commit theft to meet basic needs for themselves and their children, including diapers, clothing and food.
More here.
….Adding… Press release…
State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) advanced a measure out of the Senate that would collect additional information for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in an effort to strengthen support and care for children in the foster system.
“One of the best ways we can improve our foster care system in this state is to listen to the kids about their experiences,” Ellman said. “It’s our responsibility to make sure they’re cared for and their concerns are heard as they move from one home to another.”
House Bill 4304 requires exit interviews to be conducted within five days of removal for every child age five and older who leaves a foster home. This process is modeled after a similar procedure followed by caseworkers in Florida.
Under current regulations, DCFS caseworkers are involved in the child removal process when requested by the foster home. This legislation lays the groundwork for a formal process to work to ensure caseworkers are gathering important information about each child’s experience in a home upon removal.
Information gathered during these interviews will depend on the age and maturity of the child and the circumstances of the removal request. House Bill 4304 requires the child to be asked if their basic needs were met in the home, if they had access to a caseworker or therapist, if they felt safe and comfortable in the home, and whether or not they felt included by their foster family.
“When fostering situations change, we need to understand why,” Ellman said. “Children should feel safe and included in their foster homes, and the data collected from these interviews will improve foster family conditions over time.”
The legislation now awaits further action by the governor.
…Adding… Press release…
In response to an event that stopped traffic on Eisenhower Expressway, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) lead a measure through the Senate Tuesday that would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway that causes traffic to slow or stop.
“People should not be allowed to stop traffic for their own entertainment, especially on a busy, fast expressway,” Munoz said. “Situations like these put residents in unneeded danger. It’s important that we work with law enforcement officials to ensure they are able to protect people in any situation.”
According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.
House Bill 5439 defines a street sideshow as any event in which one or more cars block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, or motor vehicle exhibitions of speed. Munoz’ measure would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway in Illinois and a person may not knowingly cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for the purpose of facilitating street racing or a street sideshow. Under current law, people cannot be arrested for blocking a street or highway.
The measure would penalize the impediment of traffic for a street sideshow or street racing in the same manner as the act of street racing. The first violation is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a determinate sentence of less than one year and a minimum fine of $250. A second or subsequent violation is considered a Class 4 felony punishable by a sentence of one to three years and a minimum fine of $500.
“As a former Chicago police officer, I know law enforcement’s number one job is to protect people,” Munoz said. “Without this measure, drivers could be put in an unsafe situation and police officers can’t do anything to protect them.”
House Bill 5439 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House for concurrence.
7 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
|
Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
|
   
|
Hosted by MCS
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax
Advertise Here
Mobile Version
Contact Rich Miller
|
