* Sun-Times…
Convicted former state Rep. Edward “Eddie” Acevedo briefly took the witness stand Monday and contradicted prosecutors’ claim that he did no work for the thousands of dollars he was paid by two utilities allegedly trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.
But that apparently differed from what the onetime assistant majority leader previously told authorities and a grand jury. Acevedo told jurors Monday that he couldn’t remember his past comments. He also admitted he’d been prosecuted for tax evasion and wasn’t happy about it.
And he forgot his eyeglasses — a move that seemed to annoy U.S. District Judge John Blakey so much that he threatened Acevedo with contempt if he forgot them again Tuesday, when his testimony is expected to resume.
“I’ll buy him a pair of glasses and bring it myself,” Acevedo’s attorney, Gabrielle Sansonetti, assured the judge.
* Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel…
* Tribune…
Prosecutors allege Acevedo, 61, was paid a total of $142,500 by AT&T and ComEd after retiring from the Illinois House in 2017, even though he was not expected to do much of anything for the money.
But questioning on that topic turned quickly contentious Monday when Acevedo claimed he had in fact attended meetings on behalf of AT&T and even given oral reports to Stephen Selcke, a former AT&T governmental affairs executive, about his thoughts on how the Latino caucus came down on certain legislation.
“I told you, I went to hearings,” Acevedo said at one point during a tense back-and-forth with Bhachu. “I went to meetings and I was always telling Steve Selcke what was happening. … I would meet him at the rail. … He would always ask me how I thought the Latino legislators were going.”
Acevedo also claimed he and his sons, Alex and Michael, would have meetings “on the side” where they “were discussing the legislation that they were trying to push through.”
That prompted Bhachu to confront Acevedo with his previous statement before a federal grand jury where he said he’d actually done no work for the utility. After reading a part of his grand jury testimony, Acevedo acquiesced. “It says I said that, so I guess so,” he said.
* Capitol News Illinois…
Bhachu then asked about the payments Acevedo received indirectly from ComEd in 2017 and 2018.
“And ComEd never tasked you with any work assignments, did they?” Bhachu asked.
But Acevedo insisted the utility did. When Bhachu asked about an FBI interview in 2019 in which Acevedo apparently told agents that he was “never given work assignments from ComEd,” Acevedo said he didn’t remember.
Bhachu tried asking the same set of questions about the ComEd lobbyists through whom he was paid.
“You never did any work assignments for them,” he said.
“Whatever they asked me, I did,” Acevedo replied, again saying he didn’t remember when Bhachu reminded him of what he’d apparently told the FBI in 2019 about not having received any work assignments from the lobbyists.
* Center Square…
During the 25 minutes or so Acevedo was on the stand Monday, Bhachu twice had to have the former lawmaker review his previous testimony. Acevedo said he couldn’t remember what he testified to in 2019.
Sansonetti previously said her client had dementia. However, the judge allowed Acevedo to testify. Blakey previously said he considered the entire record and pointed to the distinction between the credibility of the witness and competency to testify. He then instructed Acevedo to report to the courtroom Monday morning.
…Adding… The prosecution plans to rest their case later today…
* More…
* Center Square | Judge tosses state lawmaker’s testimony in Madigan corruption trial: A judge told the jury in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan without explanation Monday to disregard all testimony from Illinois state Rep. Bob Rita. Rita, D-Blue Island, testified for about 10 minutes during the trial on Oct. 24, but never returned to the witness stand. On Monday, Judge John Robert Blakey told the jury that Rita wouldn’t be part of the trial and to disregard all questions asked of him and all of his answers.
* Sun-Times | ‘Did you bring your glasses today sir?’ Testimony of ex-state Rep. Edward Acevedo gets testy: By reminding Acevedo of his failure to bring his glasses to court on Monday — which drew the ire of the judge — Bhachu set the tone for what would be a rapid-fire series of questions about Acevedo’s memory and how his testimony in Madigan’s trial differed from what he told a federal grand jury under oath two years ago. Acevedo, meanwhile, has been diagnosed with dementia and a brain tumor, and his testimony is sure to be framed by the defense as unreliable.
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* From a press release…
Today Governor JB Pritzker, joined by medical experts and legislators, announced his support for proposed legislation intended to regulate the “intoxicating hemp” industry, a term used to describe hemp-derived THC and CBD products currently sold outside of a licensed dispensary setting (such as Delta-8 products). The legislation, which follows reports of minors ingesting misleading or poorly labelled products, sets limits on intoxicating hemp products like those imposed on legal cannabis through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA). These regulations would ban misleading marketing and packaging that rips off consumer brands to appeal to children while moving intoxicating hemp products into the state’s existing marketplace to follow safe testing and dosage requirements.
“This regulatory gray area has created a loophole that put Illinois consumers of all ages, but particularly children, in danger while an underground market flourished—the exact opposite of what Illinois has done by regulating our cannabis industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re closing that loophole and protecting Illinoisans of all ages by incorporating these products into the regulated and equitable system of dispensaries already in place in the state.”
“These changes are motivated by a clear and present need to protect our children and communities. We have a responsibility to close these gaps that let unsafe, unregulated products reach the shelves,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This legislation ensures clear rules and fair oversight, protecting public health while creating a safer marketplace for everyone.”
The legislation:
• Regulates intoxicating hemp products similar to how legal cannabis is regulated, this includes:
o Prohibiting packaging designed to imitate candy/popular food products
o Prohibiting packaging/marketing designed to appeal to children
o Requiring safe packaging for intoxicating hemp products
o Imposing taxation and testing requirements consistent with CRTA
• Dictates that these intoxicating hemp products will only be sold at licensed dispensaries (as opposed to gas stations, smoke shops, or stand-alone delta 8 shops)
• Makes 21 years old the legal age for purchasing intoxicating hemp products
• Creates a hemp consumer product processor license to allow current hemp processors to sell into adult use cannabis dispensaries
In recent years, there have been increasing reports of minors ingesting intoxicating hemp products, including Delta-8 variants, often marketed using the recognizable brand colors and designs for popular snack foods. With no testing or dosage requirement for these products, many contain amounts of THC that far exceed what is permissible for adult use cannabis products and come from out of state with no oversight or testing for pesticides or biological contaminants.
Retail sale of non-intoxicating CBD products will continue to be allowed outside of a dispensary setting with certain product registration and quality standard requirements.
I’ll post industry/stakeholder react if I receive any.
…Adding… The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois…
“A federal loophole has allowed for the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products such as Delta 8, which use potentially harmful chemicals to alter the composition of hemp to get consumers high. This is happening outside the structure of the state’s legal cannabis industry, meaning there are no rules or regulations guiding the production or sale of these products – which the Federal Drug Administration warns have not been evaluated for ‘safe use in any context.’ This not only leaves consumers at risk, it also undermines the state’s carefully regulated cannabis market, particularly social equity cannabis license holders who face extensive rules and regulations to operate while those selling intoxicating hemp continue to get off easy,” said Tiffany Chappell Ingram, Executive Director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois.
“We applaud Gov. JB Pritzker’s call to protect consumers and rein in this gray market. We urge lawmakers to take swift action, as Illinois is already falling behind other states that have adopted meaningful regulations. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, House Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner and House Assistant Majority Leader Barbara Hernandez have been strong legislative champions, and we look forward to working collaboratively to put in place a measure that will empower consumers, protect public health and help ensure our state’s legal cannabis industry can reach its full potential.”
…Adding… Chris Lindsey at the American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp…
Governor Pritzker’s leadership on addressing unregulated synthetic hemp intoxicants represents an important step toward protecting public safety. Synthetic THC products like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10, and others, which are sold without proper testing, labeling, or oversight, pose significant risks to consumers who too often do not know they are consuming. Illinois has invested years in creating a robust regulatory framework for cannabis to provide for consumer protection and public health and safety. Unregulated synthetic hemp intoxicants undermine this goal.
Quote from Michael Bronstein, President of ATACH:
“Governor Pritzker’s call to regulate intoxicating synthetic THC products masquerading as “hemp” is both timely and necessary. These products create potential public health risks to consumers who all too often do not know what they are consuming. ATACH fully supports efforts to ensure cannabis and hemp-based products are tested, labeled, and regulated properly.”
…Adding… The Illinois Hemp Business Association is opposed…
“The Governor supports hemp regulation, and so do we. That is why Illinois hemp businesses – despite being ignored and dismissed – have long championed balanced, sensible regulations that shield families from bad actors who peddle dangerous synthetics disguised as hemp or shamelessly market to children. However, HB 4293 is not regulation — it’s a full-scale ban that wipes out nearly all federally legal hemp-derived products, including CBD lotions, shampoos, and pet care items.
“The legislation would benefit large marijuana corporations at the expense of Illinois residents and the legitimate small businesses that follow federal law, yet does nothing to curb online sales of hemp products to minors from out-of-state companies. We agree with the calls to enhance consumer safety, but we must work together to craft thoughtful, targeted regulations that deliver real public health and economic solutions for our state.”
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* News…
* Press release…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of transportation expert Gia Biagi to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), pending Senate approval. Biagi brings decades of experience in urban planning, transportation, and public policy, including previously serving as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. The announcement comes alongside Omer Osman’s retirement from IDOT after 35 years of service to the agency.
“As my administration continues our ambitious goals to revitalize transportation across the state, I’m excited to appoint Gia Biagi as the next leader of IDOT,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Her expansive portfolio and unique leadership experience will undoubtedly propel IDOT’s mission forward and strengthen Illinois’ infrastructure efforts. I would also like to congratulate Secretary Osman on his retirement and thank him for so many years of dedicated service to our State.”
Omer Osman began his career at IDOT in 1989, working as a civil engineer, and proceeded to move into more challenging leadership roles. He eventually transitioned to executive management of the agency, overseeing historic projects such as the modernization of Interstate 80 in Chicago area, the I-57/74 interchange reconstruction in Champaign-Urbana, capacity improvements to I-57 in southern Illinois and a renewed focus on multimodalism. He was appointed Transportation Secretary in 2019, where he led the agency through the historic Rebuild Illinois bipartisan infrastructure bill. Osman also championed diversity through all levels of the agency, and strongly advocated for minority- and women- owned businesses in partnership with IDOT. […]
Biagi joins IDOT after four years of service at the Chicago Department of Transportation. She also served as Principal of Urbanism and Civic Impact at Studio Gang Architects, a Chicago-based architecture and urban design practice, where she advised private- and public- sector clients on urban design, community engagement and land use planning. […]
Biagi spent more than 10 years at the Chicago Park District, eventually serving as Chief of Staff after years of various leadership and urban development strategy roles.
She brings unique leadership experience as a board member for the Shared Use Mobility Center, a board trustee of the Chicago Architecture Center, an advisory board member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, and a former board member of the National Association of City Transportation Officials. Biagi was recently named a Visiting Fellow at the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and her master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
…Adding… Biagi was interviewed about a year ago, and here’s just a little of what she said…
There are two kinds of problems in the world. There are the technical ones and there are the adaptive ones. We’re very good at solving technical problems in this field, like the Rubik’s Cube. I know what it looks like when it’s done and I know how to solve it. Then there are the adaptive challenges. They’re like a hurricane and you can’t really solve a hurricane.
The big challenges that matter are in that camp. It’s not to say that technical skills aren’t needed, but they can’t lead. They fit inside a larger context that is murky. We have to nest that technical work inside that adaptive lens and know what we’re solving for.
…Adding… American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois…
“Since his appointment to Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation in 2019, Omer Osman has been invaluable to rebuilding Illinois. We thank him for his leadership to the department and the entire Illinois transportation sector,” said Kevin Artl, president and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “Governor JB Pritzker has made an excellent choice in his appointment of Gia Biagi as the next Secretary to IDOT. As the Commissioner to the Chicago Department of Transportation, Gia was innovative and forward thinking. With her understanding of transportation needs not only in Chicago, but statewide, Gia will be an outstanding leader to continue rebuilding Illinois.”
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* House Speaker Chris Welch and Senate President Don Harmon sat down with Crain’s Chicago Business’ Greg Hinz this morning.
Let’s start with the CTU’s demand for $1.1 billion from the state…
Speaker Welch: I think there’s 800 school districts across the state that say we owe them more money. Anyone disagree with that?
Honestly, we have to do a job that represents all of the districts across the state. And, you know, what we’ve done under our leadership is every year we’ve increased the EBF funding $350 million we’re well over a billion dollars in funding since it into effect. We can do better when it comes to funding our schools. As a product of public schools, coming from a local school board. I believe the state can always do better, but we also have to be realistic about that.
Greg Hinz: So does that mean that maybe number 350 and that will be it?
Welch: We’ll see. […]
President Harmon: I owe the bank a fair amount of money on my mortgage, but they’re not getting more than the monthly payment that’s due this month.
* On the mass transit fiscal cliff…
President Harmon: I have expressed to several audiences, I’m relatively agnostic on governance. Leave it exactly the way it is, start from scratch with a brand new governing body, I don’t think that matters nearly as much as service matters. The people that I represent are asking the questions about the service, and we need to focus on the transit system of 2050 and not try to rebuild the one from 1975.
At a minimum. We need to make sure the three branches can coordinate so that you can leave your house and get to school or work without having to cross this barrier between Metra and Pace and CTA. They should work together.
Whether there’s more money, or the same money, the old governing board, the new governing board; what we need to really need to focus on is what does that service look like? As you pointed out, commuting today looks very different than it looked when I was a kid. It’s not a hub and spoke with everybody going to the Loop. We have to reinvent this system so you can get from where you are to where you’re going.
Greg Hinz: That sounds like you do not consider consolidation to be a necessity.
Harmon: Coordination is a necessity. Better service is a necessity. Clean fast trains and busses is a necessity. […]
Speaker Welch: One thing that I know we all agree on, it’s important that we talk about reforms first. What do those reforms look like? We don’t know yet, but it’s important that we talk about reforms before you can get to the other question.
Hinz: Are you of the belief that, assuming you get the reform, that the transit agencies need more money? And if so, where do you get it?
Welch: Well, clearly, they’re operating out of a deficit, but what that number looks like? We don’t know without reforms.
Harmon: I’ve explained this to many people in my office. There’s one puzzle on my desk, all the pieces are scattered around. It includes the state budget. It includes transit. It includes proposals from different sides on pension funding. We can’t solve one without solving all of them, and so what we’re trying to do right now is assemble all those pieces without losing any on the floor, and make sure all the corners fit.
Rich has been telling subscribers about the coordination aspect of transit reform.
* Yep, we’re still talking about the Bears…
Greg Hinz: Another group that has its hand out, there’s a lot of those in Springfield, is that impoverished family, the McCaskey’s who would like the state to contribute billions of dollars for a new stadium in Chicago. Or if that doesn’t work, maybe a lot of road money and some other money for a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Mr. Speaker, let’s start with you on that. These ideas did not appear to have moved very far or picked up a lot of support. Any chance that’s going to change?
Welch: No. let me say this: I don’t know anyone who wants us to give millionaires a tax-funded stadium. That was the case last year, and that’s the case right now.
You know, people are talking about groceries and rent, things of that nature, and for us to give billionaires taxpayer money to fund a stadium would be the last thing voters want us to do. I wore a red tie today because it’s the holiday season. I would love for the McCaskeys to give us two Christmas presents, a winning football team and in privately funded stadium, probably on the Michael Reese site.
Invest in a Black neighborhood that’s long been under invested, like Bronzeville, because I just think publicly funding a stadium makes no sense in this economy.
Hinz: Should the state? Let’s say the McCaskeys have an epiphany and they change their mind and said, ‘Ok, Bronezville won’t raise the capital for the stadium itself,’ should the state contribute money for infrastructure?
Welch: Well, I mean, the state has infrastructure dollars, and that’s a conversation that we could have. That’s a different conversation, but the conversation has, right now, focused on ISFA dollars and I think that’s a misplaced conversation.
* Chicago’s budget…
Greg Hinz: One other party with his hand out in Springfield that I want to talk about is Mayor Johnson, who has been presiding over a, let’s call it, a very messy budget process. He clearly would like some help from Springfield to prop up his budget. Have you had conversations with the mayor? What’s he want? What are you prepared to do? What’s on the table?
President Harmon: I’ve known the mayor for an awful long time. I like him. A great deal of great affection for him. I want him to succeed. I want to see-
Hinz: He worked for you at one point, didn’t he?
Harmon: He worked for me, early on in my time in the Senate, that said, I’m not involved in governing the city, and I have no basis on which to comment as to what’s going on over there. […]
Greg Hinz: Has [Mayor Johnson] given you a wish list.
Both Harmon and Welch: No.
Hinz: No communication at all?
President Harmon: We are committed to the success of the city. At this point the city hasn’t asked for anything in specific, and anything the city asks for we have to put through the filter of how do we how are we equitably dividing state resources and all the municipalities in the state.
Hinz: Hard to give you something if you haven’t asked for it.
Discuss.
…Adding… National Association of Social Workers…
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