* In the end, it wasn’t even close. Some Democratic opponents flipped to “Yes” and some Republicans came out of the woodwork to support it…
* Senate President Don Harmon…
“The shared goal among the Senate, House and Governor Pritzker has been to position Illinois as a national leader on reliable, renewable and affordable energy policies. This proposal accomplishes that shared goal. I commend the work the House has done to build on the progress the Senate had made.
Senate session will be scheduled for Monday to advance this vital proposal to the governor’s desk so it can become law.”
* Gov. Pritzker…
Today, with the House passage of SB 2408, the State of Illinois is one historic step closer to reaching a 100 percent clean energy future. For many years, comprehensive energy legislation that puts consumers and the climate first has been debated while scientists around the world have sounded the alarm about the growing impacts of climate change. SB 2408 puts the state on a path toward 100% clean energy and invests in training a diverse workforce for the jobs of the future. Illinois will become the best state in the nation to manufacture and drive an electric vehicle, and equity will be prioritized in every new program created. The days of utility companies writing energy legislation to pad their profits has ended because SB2408 puts consumers and climate at the forefront, prioritizes meaningful ethics and transparency reforms, and institutes key ratepayer and residential customer protections.
A legislative package of this magnitude required bringing all stakeholders to the table, holding regular meetings for more than a year, keeping an open mind, negotiating in good faith, and reaching consensus on a bill that fights climate change and preserves and creates jobs. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Speaker Welch and Leader Evans for their tireless collaboration to get this package across the finish line. To the members of the Clean Jobs Coalition who have worked day and night to protect our planet, thank you for fighting this urgent battle for the next generation of Illinoisans. Your advocacy will leave our children a better and safer Illinois. To our brothers and sisters in organized labor, thank you for fighting for working families across the state and ensuring a just energy transition for Illinois’ energy workforce.
I look forward to SB 2408’s swift passage in the Senate, and signing it into law as soon as possible, because our planet and the people of Illinois ought not wait any longer.
* Speaker Welch…
“What the House has accomplished tonight is monumental and life changing for the future generations of Illinois,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “With the passage of this comprehensive energy proposal, Illinois is on the path to a greener future that prioritizes a reduction in carbon emissions, saves jobs, diversifies the energy sector and tackles necessary ethics reforms. I am incredibly proud of Leaders Evans, Gabel, Hoffman, and Representative Williams. It is thanks to their continued negotiations that we have a product our entire state can be proud of.
* In case you missed it, this is just a tiny taste of how bizarre tonight’s debate was at times…
Rep. Meier just went on and on and on, often without any direction or purpose. The Prairie State coal-fired electricity plant is in his district, so he was given extra indulgence and time. It didn’t help his cause.
At one point, Rep. Blaine Wilhour claimed the bill will somehow prop up the Chinese Communist Party. Another predicted daily, hours-long Iraqi-style blackouts.
On the other hand, often legitimate questions weren’t replied to with satisfactory answers, particularly on the eminent domain issue.
* CJI…
Labor coalition Climate Jobs Illinois (CJI) applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of historic legislation that will put thousands of union laborers to work building a 100 percent clean energy economy in Illinois and provide a new pathway to the middle class to address growing income inequality in underserved communities most impacted by climate change.
SB 2408 sets the strongest clean energy labor standards in the country and promises to raise the bar for other states seeking to enact new labor and employment policies for building and maintaining clean energy developments.
The bill will create thousands of new clean energy union jobs, expand union apprenticeships for Black and Latinx communities, increase energy efficiency for public schools and safeguard thousands of union workers at the state’s nuclear plants that currently generate the bulk of Illinois’ zero-emissions energy.
“We commend the House and all parties for meeting this moment, putting aside considerable differences to pass an ambitious bill that takes on the climate change, puts union men and women to work, and opens up new opportunities for historically underserved communities most impacted by the climate crisis,” CJI Executive Director Joe Duffy said. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Senate to get this historic legislation passed and sent to Gov. Pritzker for his signature so that we can get to work building a cleaner, fairer future for all Illinoisans.”
Specifically, major provisions of the bill include:
• 50% renewable energy by 2040 and zero carbon emissions by 2045
• All privately owned coal generation closed by 2030; municipally-owned coal plants to reach zero carbon emissions by 2045
• $700 million in negotiated subsidies for the Byron, Dresden, Braidwood nuclear plants for 5 years to sustain Illinois’ primary source of current clean energy
• Expanded apprenticeship and training programs to increase representation of Black and Latinx communities in the energy workforce, with required diversity hiring reports by renewable industry employers
• Strongest labor standards in the country on wind and solar developments
o Project labor agreements required on all utility-scale wind and solar projects and prevailing wages for all non-residential clean energy projects
• “Just transition” program for areas economically reliant on fossil fuel generation
• 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, with state rebates funding up to 80% of charging station installation and requires prevailing wages on installation
• Increased energy efficiency for public schools
• Increased accountability and transparency — return to traditional ratemaking vs. formula rates, and requires utilities to establish a chief ethics and compliance officer who must report to the Illinois Commerce Commission
* Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition…
“After years of hard work and community collaboration, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition applauds this significant leap forward on climate change and nation-leading equity standard that assures every part of the state shares in the promise of the clean energy economy. This urgent, job-creating plan puts Illinois on a path to a 100% clean energy future while providing a just transition for workers and communities historically dependent on dirty fossil fuels, enacting some of the toughest utility accountability measures in the nation, and creating jobs and wealth in Illinois’ Black and Brown communities, which are often the first to suffer negative consequences of pollution but the last to reap the health and economic benefits of a clean energy future.
“We would like to thank the numerous advocates, stakeholders, legislative champions, and particularly Governor JB Pritzker for their hard work and urge the Senate to bring this urgent legislation across the finish line swiftly.
* Sierra Club…
“This historic bill represents a nation-leading plan to set Illinois on course to 100% clean energy, heeds the call of science for bold action on climate change, and centers equity and environmental justice every step of the way.
“I want to thank the Governor, legislative leaders, stakeholders, and the tens of thousands of Illinoisans who have raised their voices as part of this process. Today, those voices were heard, as this historic agreement is grounded in their hopes for a better future for Illinois and our planet. We urge the Illinois State Senate to vote to concur with the House on SB2408 as soon as possible so that the Climate and Equitable Jobs Bill can become the law of the land and we can deliver a better future for all the residents of our state.”
* Path to 100 Coalition…
“Illinois is now on the path to 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% renewables by 2050. If the Senate approves this legislation immediately, we will have taken critical action to address the climate crisis while keeping equity at the forefront, protecting consumers, and creating tens of thousands of good jobs,” said Nakhia Crossley, Central Region Director for the Solar Energy Industries Association. “We thank the members of the House and Senate who have worked for years to craft this policy and move it forward. We call on the Illinois Senate to pass this bill and get it to the Governor so we can get back to work.”
* Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling…
“We are closer than ever before to passing the nation’s most comprehensive, equitable climate bill. The passage of SB2408 today in the House of Representatives was an enormous victory that was only possible because environmental champion state representatives stood strong and sided with their constituents over the polluting fossil fuel interests who have called the shots in Springfield for too long.
“We applaud the representatives who voted yes today—they are climate champions. We encourage members of the Senate to vote for SB2408 so we can put Illinois on a path to 100% clean energy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, establish nation-leading equity programs, reduce pollution and hold utility companies accountable for corruption. The climate won’t wait. Let’s get this done!”
* TechNet…
TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today applauded the passage of Illinois SB 2408, a bill that would put the state on a path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. The bill will also increase the adoption of electric vehicles in Illinois and invest in the state’s clean jobs workforce through job training and other assistance. The following statement is attributable to Tyler Diers, TechNet’s Executive Director for Illinois and the Midwest:
“Combatting climate change is one of the most critical global issues of our time. Immediate and consistent action is required, and technology companies are helping lead efforts to transition to a clean energy economy through innovation and investment in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
“This legislation enables Illinois to take a much-needed step in reducing carbon pollution by setting a path to decarbonize the electric grid, ensuring the state’s transportation future is all-electric, and making the policy inclusive for communities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change. The bill also enables companies to voluntarily support their energy needs with renewable energy now and in the future, which makes the grid cleaner for everyone and accelerates private investment in new utility-scale renewable energy in the state.
“The technology industry stands in support of SB 2408 and applauds lawmakers from both parties for taking the necessary action to make Illinois’ future cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable.”
* Rep. Mike Murphy…
“More than a decade ago, City, Water, Light, and Power, a municipally-owned non-profit energy provider, took steps to plan for our energy future in central Illinois and reduce its carbon emissions by building the Dallman 4 plant. That plant followed all the carbon reduction regulations put in place by the Obama-Biden administration. Now, with 19 years left on the bond obligation for that plant, the state of Illinois is pulling the rug out from under our taxpayers’ non-profit energy provider, while down the road a state-run coal-fired plant for state facilities can stay open.
“Not only does this energy overhaul cripple non-profit power plants, but it also gives private power entities the eminent domain authority to build transmission lines across farmland without owners’ approval. All of this is on top of a rate increase, and since we can’t meet power capacity needs without our coal-fired plants, we’ll be buying coal-fired energy from neighboring states. We are rushing to completely alter our energy production at the expense of countless jobs and reliable energy for the sake of special interest and it’s terrible.”
* Rep. Anna Moeller…
“Today is a day to celebrate Illinois as a national leader in protecting our environment and creating our clean energy future.
As Chair of the Illinois House Green Caucus, and a longtime supporter of clean energy legislation, I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature, House Speaker Welch, Gov. Pritzker, the environmental advocates and everyone who made today’s historic vote possible. We can look back to today as a true turning point in the fight against climate change and for a better future for all Illinoisans.”
* Rep. Tim Butler…
“Well over a decade ago, my community made a wise investment to move forward with a reliable, competitive source of power to keep our lights on; a source of power which was approved by the State of Illinois during the Obama-Biden administration. Today, the Illinois House turned the lights out on the community in which the Capitol sits.
“The taxpayers of Springfield will almost certainly be on the hook for paying twice for their energy due to this legislation. My neighbors wanted a reliable source of energy for our future, so we supported the construction of the Dallman 4 unit. Now the state has voted to shut down this municipally-owned, non-profit facility and to trample the rights of private property owners. All our property taxes already go to paying old pension debt, now all our utility bills will pay for closed power plants.
“What was done here today completely ignores the serious harm to jobs and the economic health of downstate and central Illinois communities, along with our municipally-owned non-profit utilities. We are being sacrificed on the altar and at the expense of special interests and investor-owned private utility company profits.”
According to Rep. Hoffman, CWLP was neutral.
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Sullivan vows Illinois “turnaround”
Thursday, Sep 9, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Jesse Sullivan’s campaign kickoff speech…
The turnaround of Illinois starts right here, right now!
The whole thing is a bit, well, oddly Rauneresque. He said he has “muddy Sangamon River water flowing through my veins,” for instance. Read it for yourself.
…Adding… DPI…
Jesse Sullivan: Another Page out of the IL GOP Playbook
Fueled by out-of-state contributions, another anti-choice candidate enters the race
Chicago - In response to Jesse Sullivan’s campaign announcement, Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement:
“Jesse Sullivan may offer a new name and a different face, but he follows the Illinois GOP playbook entirely. Playing up fear tactics instead of providing real policies and solutions and equating leadership with questionable out-of-state donations is not what Illinois needs.
“Jesse Sullivan has a lot of important questions to answer about where he stands on issues that matter most to Illinoisans. Until then, no one is fooled by the packaging.”
Jesse Sullivan’s largest contribution - $5 million - comes from a Californian named Chris Larsen who is currently being prosecuted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Jesse Sullivan is not the first Republican candidate to enter the gubernatorial race burdened with ethical and finance-related problems. The Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association highlighted Gary Rabine’s ties to Turning Point USA, an ultra-conservative organization with questionable finances.
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* Background on today’s action can be found here and here. House Democrats are being briefed on a climate/energy bill agreement hammered out this afternoon at the insistence of Speaker Chris Welch between the unions, the governor’s office and Rep. Jay Hoffman.
The language is a little involved, but, as I understand it, the huge coal-fired Prairie State power plant must hit a 45 percent carbon reduction target by 2035. If it misses the target, it has three more years to hit the target or close one of its two generation units by 2038. The whole plant goes offline in 2045 unless there is a 100 percent reduction in emissions. The $20 million a year for ten years to help finance decarbonization which was in an earlier proposal is now out.
And I’m told the enviros are now on board.
* The House had teed up the bill for debate, but then both parties decided to caucus. An earlier version passed out of committee this afternoon.
…Adding… At the moment, House Democratic opponents include (but may not be limited to) Reps. Tarver, Crespo, Cassidy and Flowers. One other that I know of is said to be on the fence. But the greens claim they have four Republican votes, so, if that’s true, the proponents will have just enough to pass a bill.
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* Former Gov. Pat Quinn is one of the attorneys involved in the suit…
*** UPDATE *** The Tribune’s story is now up…
The Citizens Utility Board, which joined the ongoing proposed class action suit against ComEd in January, sought millions in restitution from ComEd to be paid directly to customers allegedly harmed by the scheme to influence Madigan and pass legislation the utility wanted in Springfield.
But in a 24-page decision filed Thursday, U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso wrote that despite the fact ComEd has pleaded guilty to orchestrating the bribery scheme, the plaintiffs failed to allege what specific pressure was put on any legislators by Madigan, or that the pressure was unlawful.
“If, by pressure, plaintiffs mean logrolling, committee assignments or help with reelection, then that does not suffice,” Alonso wrote. “Plaintiffs fail to allege that Madigan put any improper pressure on those lawmakers … Allegations that are as consistent with lawful conduct as they are with unlawful conduct are not sufficient.”
*** UPDATE *** The second court-related news today is about a separate lawsuit filed on behalf of Exelon stockholders…
60 days, eh?
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*** UPDATED x1 *** Welch issues warning
Thursday, Sep 9, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Background is here. Speaker Chris Welch’s spokesperson just told me that SB2408 “is the only proposal that we’ll be moving today” on climate/energy. They’re not calling any other bill, including the Senate-passed SB18, which apparently has only 20 HDem votes. A large handful of folks in Welch’s caucus are holding out on SB2408 and trying to change course. Not gonna happen and they’ll clearly wear the jacket if this agreed bill goes down.
Press release…
“I want to first thank Leaders Evans, Gabel and Hoffman for their tireless work and dedication in helping craft a comprehensive energy proposal that prioritizes our climate, equitable job preservation and creation, and meaningful ethics reform,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Senate Bill 2408 is the product of good-faith negotiations that has the support from both environmental and labor groups. With this consensus among stakeholders, it is the only proposal that will advance today. I hope to see the same broad bipartisan support in the House for this historic piece of legislation that puts Illinois on the path to a greener, more sustainable future while also prioritizing a diversified energy sector.
…Adding… Click here for a summary of the changes in the new proposal.
…Adding… Most of the House Democratic opposition is centered around objections by Assistant House Majority Leader Jay Hoffman. But Rep. Kelly Cassidy told her constituents today “I can honestly say I’m still weighing all the components”…
I have never been a fan of providing subsidies to profitable corporations and this remains a key component of this bill, even as it provides a clear pathway to reducing carbon emissions, transitions Illinois to clean power on a defined timeline, makes significant investments in renewable energy development, and provides pathways for equity in the energy sector.
*** UPDATE *** Hearing about an amendment in the works in an attempt to placate the Hoffman crowd.
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* WGN…
A do-over in Springfield is set to take place Thursday, as Democratic leaders say they will try again to approve ethics legislation that people on both sides of the aisle call ‘watered down.’
The Illinois House is back in Springfield to consider urgent energy legislation. But what about ethics reform?
“We will be voting on that AV tomorrow, we will have all of our members there and I’m sure it will be approved,” said Democratic Majority Leader Greg Harris.
Last week, the House rejected Governor Pritzker’s amendatory veto (AV) of an ethics bill that passed in May, throwing its fate into question.
Harris says although Democrats can pass it with their supermajority, he hopes Republicans go along with it.
It came up short because a bunch of House Democrats left town. It wasn’t a policy thing.
* And Leader Harris may have expressed hope, but it’s not the plan…
On Wednesday, anticipating Democrats will try to call the bill again, state Rep. Mike Marron, R-Fithian, said Republicans will oppose the motion. He said passing weak reforms gives cover to kicking the can down the road on real reforms.
“Given the circumstances of where we’re at right now, I don’t think that we can do that,” Marron said. “We have to be honest with people. We have to take meaningful reform.”
Republicans say they have strong reform bills ready to vote on if Democrats would cooperate.
To the governor’s changes to the ethics bill, state Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, said he should have given the legislative watchdog more independence to investigate wrongdoing of legislators and staff. Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope announced she’s resigning the position because of the lack of strong ethics reforms. Instead, Bourne said the governor’s change impacts the inspectors for executive agencies.
“So he’s actually trying to bring less oversight of his own agencies with his amendatory veto,” Bourne said in a news conference Wednesday.
* More…
“We say that we’ve fixed the problem and it really does nothing to change anything,” said Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian). “That would cause such a lack of faith in confidence in us that it would just be unforgivable.” […]
Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) served on the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying throughout 2020. That group spent months listening to testimony about necessary changes. Still, they missed the deadline to give a final report to lawmakers. Windhorst is one of several lawmakers upset that the group never submitted the information. He feels ethics fell in importance.
That’s why Windhorst filed an ethics omnibus bill last spring, including many proposals previously introduced by Republicans. His proposal would create a one-year revolving door ban for lawmakers hoping to become lobbyists. The plan also gives more power to the Legislative Inspector General. But, most importantly, the LIG would have subpoena power without prior approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission.
“The Democrats’ ethics package so impaired the LIG’s ability to do her job that our current Legislative Inspector General submitted her resignation after the legislation passed,” said Windhorst. “She pointed out specific deficiencies in the bill in her letter of resignation.
Nobody says they’ve fixed the problem and the bill does change some things. C’mon, Mike.
* Videos…
* WTTW’s Chicago Tonight
* WSIL TV
* WBBM Radio
*** UPDATE *** As expected, the House has accepted the governor’s AV. Republican Reps. Amy Elik and Jeff Keicher joined the Democrats on the motion…
…Adding… Comptroller Mendoza…
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s “no exit bonus/no signing bonus” reform will be enacted as part of a larger ethics package after lawmakers today voted 74-41 to accept the governor’s amendatory veto of the legislation.
The measure ends the shady practice of legislators leaving the General Assembly in disgrace but dating their exit on the first day of the following month to claim an extra month’s pay for a day’s work.
“This is a matter of common sense and accountability,” Mendoza said. “Waitresses and factory workers don’t collect a month’s pay for a day’s work, and legislators don’t deserve that luxury either – especially on the backs of Illinois taxpayers.”
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* This is big…
Climate Jobs Illinois issued the following statement regarding the proposed amendment on SB 2408:
“Our coalition has reviewed the proposed amendment and supports the current version of the bill. The legislation sets the strongest clean energy labor standards in the country, requiring project labor agreements on all utility-scale wind and solar projects and sets prevailing wages for non-residential projects. These provisions will raise the standard for other states seeking to enact new labor and employment policies for building and maintaining clean energy developments.
The bill will create thousands of new clean energy union jobs, expand union apprenticeships for Black and Latinx communities, increase energy efficiency for public schools and safeguard thousands of union workers at the state’s nuclear plants that currently generate the bulk of Illinois’ zero-emissions energy. These key components were our top priorities in any clean energy legislation enacted, so we are pleased with the result.
We applaud the hard work of everyone who has come to the table to debate these issues for months, and we’re committed to getting this bill signed and getting to work to build a cleaner, fairer future for all Illinoisans.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Statement…
“After more than three years of community collaboration, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is proud to support this legislation that meaningfully addresses our climate emergency, takes bold action on creating equitable jobs all across the state, and enacts tough utility accountability measures including the end of automatic formula rate hikes.
“Throughout recent negotiations, our diverse coalition’s values have been simple and clear: a climate bill must include a specific timeline for decarbonization as well as interim pollution reductions demanded by science and public health. And, it must create good-paying jobs and wealth for working families in Illinois’ Black and Brown communities, which are often the first to suffer negative consequences of pollution but the last to reap the health and economic benefits of a clean energy future.
“This agreed upon legislation accomplishes those goals. We would like to thank Governor Pritzker, legislative leaders, and stakeholders for their hard work and urge lawmakers to vote yes on this historic legislation.”
Despite the active involvement of Speaker Welch, I’m told there still may be some issues with the House roll call. Stay tuned.
…Adding… One of the roll call problems is with Lake County House Democrats. They want some property tax relief for Zion because the town is struggling since its nuclear power plant shut down. They also want some help cleaning up after a Waukegan coal plant shuts down next year. But I’m told that language is in the bill, so those folks should be fine.
…Adding… Lake County delegation is now on board…
Today, Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D – Northbrook), Rep. Daniel Didech (D – Buffalo Grove), Rep. Joyce Mason (D – Gurnee), Rep. Rita Mayfield (D – Waukegan), Rep. Bob Morgan (D – Deerfield), and Rep. Sam Yingling (D – Grayslake) released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s efforts to pass historic clean energy legislation:
The Lake County House Delegation strongly supports SB 2408, sponsored by Leader Marcus Evans, which will make Illinois the nation’s leader in fighting climate change, expanding our renewable energy economy, saving and creating energy sector jobs, holding utilities accountable, and investing in historically disinvested communities like Waukegan and Zion. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has spent so much time drafting and negotiating this compromise bill, especially Rep. Jay Hoffman, Rep. Marcus Evans, Rep. Robyn Gabel, Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Kam Buckner, Rep. Larry Walsh, our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor’s office, and all the stakeholders who have helped craft a bill that will be in the best interests of the people of Illinois. We are especially pleased that this package includes provisions we requested that address some of the unique energy-related issues facing Lake County. This is an historic opportunity to create a truly inclusive, clean energy future for our state. The time to act is now, and we are eager to finalize and pass this bill today.
There are other issues, however. Stay tuned.
…Adding… Sierra Club statement is here. IEC statement is here. Rep. Ann Williams’ statement is here. Path to 100 statement is here. The Illinois Chamber’s statement in opposition is here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Gov. Pritzker…
“I would like to thank Speaker Welch and Leader Evans for their collaborative leadership in reaching a compromise amendment that puts consumers and climate first, while protecting and creating jobs. I look forward to this amendment advancing in the House and Senate and making its way to my desk where I will sign this historic agreement into law.
…Adding… By my count, 7-10 House Dems are at this moment against the bill. Two HGOPs are considered to be for it. But, leadership and lobbyists are working it hard. Stay tuned.
…Adding… Subscribers already knew this…
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[This post has been bumped up from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning for visibility purposes.]
* Background is here if you need it. Whew…
Dude isn’t messing around.
* All out of state…
* Media advisory…
TOMORROW: Business Leader and Illinois Native Jesse Sullivan to Make Major Announcement in Republican Race for Governor
Petersburg, IL – Jesse Sullivan, who was born and raised in Petersburg, will make a major announcement on his intentions regarding the Republican race for Illinois Governor tomorrow, from Lincoln’s New Salem. He will be joined by friends and family and will make remarks about what he sees for the future of Illinois.
What: Major campaign announcement
Who: Jesse Sullivan
When: Thursday, September 9, 2021, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Visitor’s Center, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, Illinois 62675
Session day, half an hour from the Statehouse. Not sure what sort of media turnout he’ll get.
…Adding… His top contributor last December…
The Securities and Exchange Commission filed charges Tuesday against Ripple, the fintech company best known for cryptocurrency XRP, and two of its executives.
The SEC alleged that Ripple, co-founder Christian Larsen and CEO Bradley Garlinghouse, raised more than $1.3 billion through an unregistered, ongoing digital asset securities offering.
Garlinghouse said the SEC’s suit was “fundamentally wrong as a matter of law and fact” and questioned its timing.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Tribune’s Rick Pearson interviews Sullivan…
Sullivan, who has promoted his Roman Catholic faith along with family and service as his core values, said he believed a Republican could be successful in an increasingly Democratic state by avoiding a focus on “wedge issues” and instead concentrating on ways to improve the economy and reducing taxes, corruption and crime.
But while he said his background in technology and finance could “serve as a bridge” to suburban voters, his opposition to abortion rights could become an issue for a key regional demographic — moderate suburban women. […]
Sullivan also said he has been vaccinated for COVID-19 and encourages vaccination, in contrast to Rabine and Bailey. […]
“I am not an ideologue,” Sullivan said, before making a reference to Rauner. “I actually think it’s really not healthy to be an ideologue if you want real outcomes — especially if you’re going to run as a Republican in a Democratic-leaning state where they’re the supermajority in the legislature. I think we tried that experiment previously and it did not work.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Gary Rabine, a candidate for Governor, is issuing the following statement on Jesse Sullivan declaring his candidacy for Illinois Governor.
“It is important for Illinois Republican voters to choose a candidate who best reflects the values of this party and the working class families of our state. Most all of Mr Sullivan’s campaign cash has come from Silicon Valley. The values of Silicon Valley are not the values of the Republican Party here in the heartland. To defeat Pritzker’s War on Families, Illinois will elect a candidate who is vested in the culture of small businesses and families in Illinois, not California. While Jesse Sullivan has been partnered with Silicon Valley elites, I have been creating jobs for working families right here in Illinois.
I have been at the forefront of recruiting and funding initiatives to support leaders in freedom and small business for a long time. I have been in the trenches since the beginning of great national organizations, such as Job Creators Network and TPUSA, supporting the fight against socialism and bad regulations that kill small businesses. Republican voters know I am the candidate best able to end the war on families in Illinois.
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Corngate continues!
Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We talked about “Corngate” yesterday…
The results are in and Gary Rabine, candidate for Governor, was the clear winner of the Illinois State Fair Straw Poll.
The Illinois Republican Party tent conducted a straw poll during the State Fair. Fair goers had the option of putting corn in the jar of their favorite candidate and Gary Rabine was the undisputed straw poll winner.
The ILGOP jumped in to note that the party didn’t actually conduct a straw poll…
The “Corn Poll” was not monitored, no one counted the corn at the end of each day and it started over new the next day as a fun thing for folks to do when inside the tent.
* Sen. Darren Bailey objected to Rabine’s victory claim by, um, posting photos showing that “other/undecided” were ahead at one point…
* The post brought out the weird and the funny…
* And then today, Rabine refused to give up the crown of corn…
The gift that keeps on giving.
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* The Southern…
Employees of the Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center took to the streets Tuesday to protest Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandate that state employees be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Early in the day, about a dozen protestors stood at the intersection of Vienna and Main streets with signs protesting. Most had worked the midnight shift at the center before attending the protest. Later, leaders of the group said the crowd grew to about 30 people as those working days at the center got off work and joined the protest. […]
State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, agreed.
“I have always been in favor of encouraging improved access and availability to vaccines for citizens who make the personal choice to be vaccinated. However, the Governor’s recent vaccine mandate is just the latest example of the Governor’s massive overreach when it comes to the state’s pandemic response,” Bryant told The Southern.
Click here to watch the video of the small group of anti-vax protesters, who are supposed to be caring for some of our state’s most vulnerable individuals, and make sure to check out the top pic. Ouch.
…Adding… Senate Republican staff…
Good morning Rich! Hope you are well.
In regard to your post titled “Sen. Bryant calls state worker vax mandate “massive overreach,” I wanted to provide you with Sen. Bryant’s full statement on the issue. The Southern only ran the first part.
“I have always been in favor of encouraging improved access and availability to vaccines for citizens who make the personal choice to be vaccinated. However, the Governor’s recent vaccine mandate is just the latest example of the Governor’s massive overreach when it comes to the state’s pandemic response.
“The Governor’s recent actions to mandate vaccinations is a slippery slope. People’s rights are being threatened single-handedly by one person. The right for someone to make the personal choice to get the vaccine shouldn’t be left to the Governor’s unilateral discretion.
“While I understand and respect any and all efforts to protect our most vulnerable residents, I firmly believe that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the answer.”
Thanks!
Not sure how that context helps her, but whatever. Many of the Choate residents are profoundly disabled. They cannot be cared for at home. And their care requires close human contact because many have to be moved. And yet some state workers believe their own mythical “rights” that do not exist in this nation’s history outweigh the health and safety of their co-workers and the people they are being paid to help.
* Related…
* 3 Choate Mental Health administrators indicted on felony charges
* Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center: How an archaic system results in tragic consequences for people with disabilities
* Your ‘personal choice’ not to get COVID vaccine is putting our ‘healthcare heroes’ at risk
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*** UPDATED x1 *** Get off Facebook!
Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My southern Illinois brother reached out to me the other day to tell me the region’s rumor mill was blowing up about a school shutdown in the region. I checked it out for him and reported back that it was bunk. Some people, however, don’t bother to check out social media rumors before inserting both feet into their mouths…
In his weekly letter to parents Highland Superintendent Michael Sutton said it’s crystal clear that the most difficult challenges are still ahead, and went on to mention that he has heard a rumor that the Governor is talking about a shutdown and mandating vaccines for kids 12 and older.
“As soon as we were eligible for the vaccine, we all got it,” said Stehlik.
Governor JB Pritzker’s office vehemently denied those rumors. In a statement they said:
“There is absolutely no truth to this rumor, the Governor is not closing down schools. The Governor and the Illinois State Board of Education have worked closely with school districts to ensure the wellbeing of students, teachers and communities by requiring masks, establishing a vaccine mandate for teachers and staff, and ensuring students have access to remote learning if they are required to quarantine. School district leaders have a responsibility to lead with honesty and integrity while putting policies in place to ensure that students can learn and grow in a safe environment.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker’s chief of staff…
*** UPDATE *** Please, stop listening to evil crackpots and grifters…
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Sep 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This one will be for the old-timers and Illinois history buffs…
* The Question: Your memories of Adlai Stevenson III?
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* Politico…
Watch for Republican tech entrepreneur Jesse Sullivan to throw his hat in the ring to run for governor this week. He’s notified friends that he’ll be announcing Thursday. Sullivan lives in Petersburg but is also founder of the Alter Global venture capital firm in San Francisco. He’s been reaching out to potential donors, telling them he has $5 million in commitments, according to a fundraising booklet obtained by Playbook. Sullivan also has pulled together a campaign team, including campaign manager Noah Sheinbaum, a management consultant who worked for Bain & Co., and Eric Wilson, a digital strategist who also worked on Sen. Marco Rubio’s campaign. Sullivan would face state Sen. Darren Bailey, former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, and business owner Gary Rabine, in a June 2022 primary.
* He has some good stories to tell. From 2010…
Petersburg native Jesse Sullivan is living in a tent during one of Washington, D.C.’s worst winters on record to help raise money to provide emergency shelter for the people of Haiti.
2012…
When Jesse Sullivan arrived in Tor Ghai, a community in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, it was riddled with violence.
Gun battles were routine, and improvised explosive devices were a constant threat.
Sullivan, 27, was there as part of a U.S. Army human terrain team. Made up of civilian and military personnel, the teams are embedded with brigades to help military commanders gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural environments in which they operate.
* Sullivan has never contributed to a state or local campaign, but he did volunteer for a Democratic congressional candidate in 2008 against Aaron Schock.
* From Sullivan’s plan to win…
• Over-perform and drive up turnout among rural and religious base voters
• Bring back the Suburbs! Message to college educated female and suburban voters with an appealing message
• Activate the youth vote with a future-focused campaign centered on economic growth and opportunity
Not sure how he does the first two at the same time. He also thinks he’ll be the early frontrunner, which he claims will avoid candidates being forced to take extreme positions, even though there’s likely no way of convincing people like Darren Bailey to get out.
Also, his campaign manager has never had any high-level campaign experience, but I’m sure this is the second coming of the “Best Team in America” ™.
* Speaking of Bruce Rauner…
Ken Griffin, the GOP megadonor and billionaire founder of the hedge fund Citadel, donated $5 million to DeSantis’ campaign in April — the largest donation he has received this year. DeSantis also raked in $500,000 in May from WeatherTech founder David MacNeil, $250,000 in March from Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and $250,000 in February from former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who moved to Florida after he lost re-election.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
The results are in and Gary Rabine, candidate for Governor, was the clear winner of the Illinois State Fair Straw Poll.
The Illinois Republican Party tent conducted a straw poll during the State Fair. Fair goers had the option of putting corn in the jar of their favorite candidate and Gary Rabine was the undisputed straw poll winner.
“The results, of course, are not scientific but a win is a win,” Rabine said. “We are building momentum every day and we will continue our march to a victory not only in the primary but also against JB Pritzker. We can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I am the outsider our state needs right now.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Text from an ILGOP official…
We did not conduct a straw poll. The “Corn Poll” was not monitored, no one counted the corn at the end of each day and it started over new the next day as a fun thing for folks to do when inside the tent.
*** UPDATE 3 *** FRAUD AT POLLS!…
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*Alexi Giannoulias fundraising pitch…
Dear Friends,
Let’s face it. It’s hard to find anyone who loves their driver’s license photo.
But what if you could do a retake?
Earlier today, our campaign announced a plan that would allow Illinoisans to choose the photo placed on their driver’s license.
Under our proposal, the Secretary of State’s office would allow Illinoisans to take up to three additional photos when they renew their license or state identification card at one of the Secretary of State’s facilities.
The Secretary of State’s office would charge $10 for each additional photo taken. The additional cost would only apply to those who want to have their photo retaken.
Revenue generated from the extra photos would go towards a new driver safety fund to support education, safety and training programs.
Will you help us keep our policy driven campaign going by contributing $25, $50 or $100?
There are many important policy issues involving the Secretary of State’s office that we have discussed and initiatives we’ve proposed. This isn’t one of them.
But we want to give Illinoisans a choice and have the opportunity for a more flattering photo while generating new revenue to make our roads safer.
Sincerely,
Alexi
The change wouldn’t take effect until the current long lines finally dwindle.
Your thoughts on this?
*** UPDATE *** Potential Republican challenger issues formal response…
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* Looks like he’s putting pressure on everyone to come to a final deal…
The Illinois House plans to return on Thursday, September 9th for the purpose of considering legislative measures related to a comprehensive energy proposal.
“I am pleased to see negotiations moving forward on a comprehensive energy proposal that prioritizes a greener future for Illinois, as well as meaningful ethics reform and maintaining our current workforce,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I cannot thank Leaders Evans, Gabel, and Hoffman enough for their dedication and ensuring all stakeholders are heard throughout this process. I am confident that we will have a plan that Illinois can be proud of and will be viewed as a model for many other states.”
Information on the current energy proposals can be found at ilga.gov.
…Adding… CNI…
The latest House amendment is carried by Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, a longtime renewable energy advocate who was the sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act that provides much of the framework for the negotiated bill. It has the backing of leading environmental groups making up the Clean Jobs Coalition.
“I think the decarbonization piece, for many of us, many members of the General Assembly, is an important part of any clean energy package,” Williams said in a phone call Tuesday. “For me, it’s not good enough to do yet another utility bill without addressing the elephant in the room, which is our looming and ever-increasing climate crisis.”
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Get your shots, please
Tuesday, Sep 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Too much ill-informed click-bait is a big reason for this…
* From that story…
In an unvaccinated person, a viral load is akin to an enemy army facing little resistance. In a vaccinated person, the human immune system launches a powerful response and tends to prevail quickly — often before the host body gets sick or infects others. That the viral loads were initially similar in size can end up being irrelevant. […]
But at least one part of the American anxiety does seem to have become disconnected from the facts in recent weeks: the effectiveness of the vaccines. In a new ABC News/Washington Post poll, nearly half of adults judged their “risk of getting sick from the coronavirus” as either moderate or high — even though 75 percent of adults have received at least one shot.
In reality, the risks of getting any version of the virus remain small for the vaccinated, and the risks of getting badly sick remain minuscule.
In Seattle on an average recent day, about one out of every one million vaccinated residents have been admitted to a hospital with Covid symptoms. That risk is so close to zero that the human mind can’t easily process it. My best attempt is to say that the Covid risks for most vaccinated people are of the same order of magnitude as risks that people unthinkingly accept every day, like riding in a vehicle.
…Adding… From comments…
As a vaccinated person you’re now far more likely to die of any number of things that have nothing to do with Covid. And if we reported on those risks the way we do breakthrough infections you’d probably never leave your house. If a 1 in 5,000 chance of getting Covid is too high of a risk for you to take on, you might want to revisit any number of activities you’re engaged in on a daily basis.
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AFSCME flooded with vax mandate feedback
Tuesday, Sep 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Form response letter from AFSCME Council 31…
Thank you for your feedback regarding vaccination mandates. We’re sorry to reply with this form letter, but we have had far too many letters from members (both for and against mandates) to respond to each individually.
We wanted to be sure you know that AFSCME supports the same kind of mandate that President Biden has put in place for federal government employees and that Governor Pritzker has put in place for all teachers and other school and university personnel, as well as for hospital and nursing home employees. This form of mandate requires that employees either be vaccinated or provide proof of weekly (or even twice weekly) testing.
We believe that state employees—or city or county employees—should be treated no differently than teachers and staff in our schools or nurses and doctors in our hospitals, and our bargaining is pressing for the same treatment for all.
Council 31’s position was developed in consultation with local union leaders from across the state. It is not anti-mandate, as some in the media have implied, but against a rigid, punitive mandate that would result in the discharge of every employee who does not get vaccinated by early October.
Our position is the same that most other unions are taking, and we are coordinating with some of those unions in the bargaining now underway with various employers.
AFSCME has been and will continue to be a leading voice in promoting COVID vaccinations. We have distributed informational materials and handouts, developed videos, held webinars and posted information on the Council 31 website and Facebook page, all with the goal of encouraging members to get vaccinated—and many thousands have done so!
In addition, our union has relentlessly advocated for appropriate protective measures in the worksites where tens of thousands of union members have been working every day since the outbreak of this pandemic—measures that employers have often been all too slow to put in place.
AFSCME’s overriding priority is to protect the health of our members and the public they serve. We will continue to act with that imperative front and center.
We appreciate you taking your time to write and express your opinion.
As I told subscribers last week, AFSCME is basically asking for the status quo ante. But that hasn’t stopped outbreaks in the state’s congregate facilities and it has rewarded employees who refuse to be vaxed with unlimited paid time off.
Get your shots.
…Adding… From comments…
The difference is that a student or a parent of a student can choose to avoid unvaccinated teachers through remote learning or homeschooling. Others that rely on state services, such as those in prisons or those in veteran homes, do not have that choice. By ignoring those that are dependent on state services, AFSCME’s argument of status quo is invalid.
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