When you liken the work of legislators to the deeds of the Nazis, you cheapen not only the memory of those murdered in the Holocaust, but those who fought to end the Nazi scourge. https://t.co/BC2ibzrdZjpic.twitter.com/2En4OQmI56
* OK, this is not recommended listening at all, but I feel strongly that at least some of the voicemails left for Rep. Deb Conroy about her innocuous bill ought to be shared. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like this in all my years. They are profanity-laden, disgusting, misogynistic messages from hateful and violent-sounding people. You’ve been duly warned…
There’s more, but that’s all I could stomach posting for one day.
* The same strong admonition above applies to a sampling of the emails and social media posts directed at Rep. Conroy. Click here for the emails and click here for the social media posts.
* And these people helped gin up that ignorant hate. All decent DuPage County Republicans should forcefully denounce this despicable behavior being done in their names…
2)HB4244 calls for involuntary vaccine registry & HB4640 allows Dpt of Health to "isolate/quarantine ppl whose refusal to undergo observation/monitoring results in uncertainty regarding whether he/she has been exposed or is infected w/a dangerously contagious infectious disease"
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the threats against State Rep. Deb Conroy:
“The vile, disgusting, and disgraceful threats against Rep. Conroy are deeply disturbing. No one in Illinois should condone this type of violent rhetoric and no one should be subjected to it. However, it is clear that the flames of political hatred are not just being spread by anonymous extremists, but also by a county Republican party and a Republican candidate for governor. This news comes on the same day the RNC describes the violent Jan. 6 insurrection as ‘legitimate political discourse.’ Republicans who disagree with this dangerous, misinformed rhetoric have a responsibility to speak out and demand an end to political threats and harassment.”
…Adding… Couple of Republicans…
There is NO plan for “concentration camps for the unvaxxed” but a false report has lead to multiple death threats for State Rep. Deb Conroy. Reactionfrom Minority Leader Jim Durkin: “there is not place in our political discourse for threats of violence.”
Important article. @StateRepDeb46 I’ve received many calls and emails about HB 4640. The bill’s intent is being misunderstood. Please don’t take the policy discussion to these dark places. https://t.co/FOKo2d4NC2.
State Representative Seth Lewis’ Response to Fellow DuPage County State Representive Deb Conroy’s Controversy
Stop! The threats, abusive language, and derogatory comments directed to Representative Deb Conroy are unacceptable! I disagree with my colleagues bill, but I have no problem stepping up to defend her and her staff against threatening abuse. It is not right! Abuse and bullying behavior towards anyone is NEVER acceptable!
* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin’s response to the governor’s budget address earlier this week…
The governor’s budget address is always a wish-list, and this year it’s clear that the governor wishes to be reelected. The budget laid out by Governor Pritzker today is packed with gimmicks and one-time tricks, but no structural reforms.
* That’s pretty funny. On November 23rd of last year, two members of Durkin’s leadership team proposed a one-time tax relief plan. From Center Square’s coverage…
“We may not be able to address at the state level the root causes of inflation, we can and we think it is our responsibility to provide relief,” [Assistant Republican Leader Avery Bourne] said. “And that’s why today we’re proposing inflation tax relief for Illinois families.”
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, wants to give up to $400 of tax credits to taxpayers under certain income thresholds.
Single tax filers up to $75,000 would get $200 back, joint filers up to $150,000 would get $400 and head of household filers up to $112,500 in income to get $200.
“Four hundred dollars won’t make all the problems go away, but it could have a positive impact,” Demmer said. “It could be an extra week or two of groceries, it could be an extra few utility bills, it could be the difference between being able to buy new shoes or winter coats for your kids.”
To pay for the $1.4 billion plan, Demmer suggested reprioritizing state spending to be offset by some of the $8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
* Deputy Republican Leader Demmer was asked at that press conference if the tax break was temporary or permanent…
We’re proposing it today as a one-time tax credit to address some of the acute problems that we’re seeing in family budgets today.
Leader Demmer said he’d consider making it permanent, “but what we’re focused on right now is delivering relief as quickly as we can and I think this is one of the ways to do it.” He said the idea was to implement it in the current fiscal year.
* Demmer also said that he and Bourne fully understood that their plan wouldn’t solve the problems caused by inflation, but it would help…
This would be just a small token of what we can do to provide relief for taxpayers. $400 won’t make all the problems go away. But it could have a positive impact to be an extra week or two of groceries. It could be an extra few utility bills. It could be the difference between being able to buy new shoes or a new winter coat for your kids
* At the time the HGOP plan was announced, the governor’s office didn’t directly comment on its substance (likely because they were developing their own $1 billion tax cut plan which was unveiled this week), but the governor’s press secretary did unleash a full-on snark bomb…
For the entirety of the pandemic Republicans have refused to engage on meaningful solutions aimed at helping working families deal with the resulting economic challenges. While Republicans now try and weigh in 18 months too late, this administration is hard at work putting billions of dollars of rental and mortgage assistance, small business grants, and utility assistance into the hands of working families, all of which passed without help from the GOP caucuses.
Adding to the irony is the fact that Republicans staunchly opposed the fair tax which would have provided tax relief to 97 percent of Illinoisans. Since Republicans in Illinois now support providing direct relief for the costs that are weighing on working families, we look forward to their support of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and would urge them to share their views on this with their counterparts in Washington.
* So, now what? Maybe everyone could swallow their mutual disdain and sheathe their campaign swords long enough to put together a one-year tax cut plan to help the people of Illinois? Wouldn’t that be great?
…Adding… I should’ve noted that while Richard Irvin’s running mate Avery Bourne proposed a temporary one-year tax break paid for with pandemic relief, Irvin has been saying since the budget address that a one-year tax break based on temporarily increased revenues is an “election-year gimmick” and has said “It’s almost like he’s looking to buy votes.” I’m now curious what he thinks of his running-mate’s proposal.
* More than three weeks after petition circulation season started, Jesse Sullivan finally finds a willing running mate. Her name may be familiar to some of you…
BIG NEWS.. I'm proud to introduce the next Lt. Gov of Illinois, @KMurphyIL!
A working mom, activist, and advocate for children & families, she's ready to take the fight to JB Pritzker. I’m excited to team up with Kathleen to offer a new generation of outsider leadership. #SaveILpic.twitter.com/4yonnszXEw
Kathleen Murphy was the Director of Communication and Spokeswoman for Jeanne Ives’ primary race for Illinois Governor against Bruce Rauner.
She is also the creator and host of Upstream Idea’s Follow the Logic, a man-on-street segment that challenges interviewees’ principles and fixed ideas on policies and politics. Kathleen has served as a co-host on 560-AM’s Illinois Rising. She additionally writes and produces Heart of the Matter, Dollars and Sense and Two-Minute Warning for Upstream Ideas.
She is also a political communication expert, with strong media background and extensive experience in research, analysis and messaging in the political arena.
As Director of Communication for Illinois Opportunity Project, Kathleen oversees the organization’s messaging and communication strategy; leads their media strategy; interprets and explains the politics behind state policies; and helps to advance center-right leaders and free-market policy solutions. She is a trusted advisor to many liberty-principled legislators, candidates, advocates and community leaders.
Additionally, Kathleen is member of the Ladies of Liberty Alliance Speakers Bureau. The national organization includes many notable women in the liberty movement, such as Amity Shlaes, Tammy Bruce, Katherine Timpf, Michelle Fields and Christina Hoff-Sommers.
Prior to joining the Illinois Opportunity Project, Kathleen served as Legislative Aide in the Illinois House of Representatives.
…Adding… Murphy does have TV advertising experience. She was featured in a gob of Dan Proft ads a half-dozen years ago…
…Adding… Press release…
Mom, activist, and Breakthrough Ideas president and co-founder Kathleen Murphy will join Republican candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan as his running mate for lieutenant governor:
“The working families of Illinois deserve a leader and advocate like Kathleen,” Sullivan said. “She is a devoted mother of two, a passionate advocate for the rights of children and parents, and a free thinker who will fight relentlessly for parents and families at a time when they are under attack. From helping to rebuild her church to assisting victims of domestic violence, Kathleen lives the values of faith, family, and service.”
“Kathleen represents the next generation of leaders we need to Save Illinois. She is no stranger to hard work, and like me, she is an outsider who is not beholden to the failed political system that has delivered high taxes and corrupt leaders.”
“I am proud to join Jesse Sullivan in this fight,” Murphy said. “He brings the kind of outsider energy, focused leadership, and an optimistic vision that our state so desperately needs.”
“I know what it’s like to wonder if you’re going to be able to make ends meet, and I am eager to represent working moms across the state in Springfield. Like most Illinoisans, I am sick and tired of watching a man who has had everything handed to him tell us how to live our lives.”
“Our children are hurting. I’ve seen it firsthand. Our school system is failing our kids, our economy is lagging behind our neighbors, and Illinois simply cannot afford four more years of JB Pritzker,” Murphy said.
“With Kathleen’s leadership, we will end Pritzker’s harmful mandates for our kids on Day 1,” Sullivan said.
…Adding… Jeanne Ives was all-in for Ted Cruz back in 2016, so this sort of thing is not surprise. Click the pic for more search results…
* Mike Flannery of Fox 32 interviewed Richard Irvin. It didn’t end well…
Irvin: I’m pro-life.
Flannery: Any exceptions for rape, incest, the life of the mother?
Irvin: You know, there are always exceptions, rape, incest, life of the mother.
Flannery: You would allow abortion in those circumstances? [Irvin looks to his right.] You would allow abortion in those circumstances?
Irvin: I think we’re done.
…Adding… He was being signaled that the allotted time had long expired, I’m told. But, man, that didn’t come off well.
…Adding… Now I’m being told by a top Irvin operative that he would’ve answered “Yes” to Flannery’s question. And they’re also saying he already answered the question before Flannery asked him point blank.
…Adding… The full interview (with higher quality) is here.
…Adding… He dodged another Trump question when talking to Greg Hinz…
But asked if he voted for Trump in 2020, Irvin wouldn’t say. “Joe Biden’s the president,” Irvin replied. Pritzker is just prompting such questions to change the subject from the fact that “crime’s out of control, taxing and spending is out of control, corruption is out of control.”
…Adding… Terry Cosgrove at Personal PAC…
When asked if he supported exceptions to abortion for rape and incest victims, Richard Irvin declined to answer and nervously looked to his handler for help. His silence speaks volumes and women across Illinois are listening. This question should be a no-brainer for anyone seeking our state’s highest office and is a reminder that everything is on the line this November. Richard Irvin has revealed himself to be another out of touch, right-wing extremist who would seek to take our state backwards, and we must do everything we can to ensure that he doesn’t get anywhere near the governor’s office.
Empower Local Health Departments Through Data
State Legislative Proposal HB 4640/ SB 3131
Background: Data Matters
Local health departments (LHDs) need timely access to health data, from hospital admissions to opioid prescriptions to death certificates. This is how LHDs learn patterns of disease activity and develop fast, robust responses. COVID-19 is a prime example. If health departments know what’s leading people to go to the hospital, for instance—or if they know what’s causing maternal mortality—they can identify causes and intervene. The CDC says this process is “essential” to public health.
Problem: Missing Data
State agencies such as IDPH are frequently the direct recipients and keepers of data from healthcare providers. All too often, however, LHDs are unable to access this data—or they receive subsets of it only after years have passed. Voluntary data use agreements generally don’t resolve this problem since they are often years in the making. The result is a lack of current data, which hinders local jurisdictions from carrying out their core public health functions.
Proposal: Improve Data Sharing
Our bill would ensure State agencies share public health data with LHDs upon request, with safeguards for privacy and security. Important data—some of which is shared with LHDs to varying degrees today—includes but is not limited to:
• Hospital and emergency department data, including admissions, discharge, and patient information.
• Vital records data, including birth, death, and maternal health data.
• Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE), the State’s immunization data registry.
• Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program, which collects data on controlled substances.
• Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, an ongoing survey of women who have recently given birth.
• Illinois Cancer Registry, a source for cancer incidence information.
• Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program data about people living with HIV and the services they receive.
• List of individual healthcare providers.
• Illinois Medicaid and Medicare datasets of various kinds, such as client-level data for syphilis and HIV, including enrollment in prenatal services.
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) data about people’s health conditions, access to care, and demographics.
Proposed amendments to the proposal are welcome as stakeholders work together to determine a path that is doable while empowering local health departments through needed data. [Emphasis added.]
Seems basic. The data already exists, but much of it isn’t shared in a timely manner, making it almost useless.
* But some amateur morons who can’t read legislation looked at the bill because it mentions immunizations and concluded that it will lead to concentration camps. I am not making this up. Here’s Fran Eaton’s Illinois Review…
Villa Park State Rep. Deb Conroy (Democrat) wants to “isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments.”
HB 4640 is scheduled to be heard in the Illinois House Human Services Committee February 2 at 9:00 AM.
If HB 4640 were to become law, persons exposed to an infectious disease could be placed under Public Health Department observation, only possible in a contained atmosphere with Department watch guards, some suggest such as a concentration camp.
The bill says:
To prevent the spread of a dangerously contagious or infectious disease, the [Public Health] Department may, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (c) of this Section, isolate or quarantine persons whose refusal to undergo observation and monitoring results in uncertainty regarding whether he or she has been exposed to or is infected with a dangerously contagious or infectious disease or otherwise poses a danger to the public’s health.
HB 4640 would also set up a state network data collection system for persons that have received mandated vaccines, medications, or otherwise.
Ridiculous. The quarantine language is part of existing state law. People are either too stupid, lazy and/or ignorant to realize that, before they threaten someone’s life, maybe they ought to check to see if only the underlined sections of bills are new language.
* Rep. Conroy sent Illinois Review a letter. Excerpt…
I am writing to let you know that your flagrantly false post about HB4640 has resulted in dozens of death threats aimed at my staff and me. It would have taken no more than 5 minutes to verify what the bill did and where it was coming from, but instead you chose to publish false information, I assume with the intention of enraging people in the hopes they would further spread your misinformation.
Your analysis of the HB4640 is foolish at best and maliciously false at worst. It does none of the things you claim. It allows local health departments the ability to employ local health solutions to share data. It does not give any local body the authority to violate someone’s privacy rights and certainly does not allow for anyone to be detained.
“Any rules necessary:” Villa Park Democrat Conroy bill would create Illinois concentration camps for non Covid-vaxxed
State Rep. Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park) wants to create concentration camps for Illinois residents who refuse to take COVID-19 vaccines.
Her bill would allow the state to “isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments.”
That could include segregating non-COVID vaccinated Illinoisans from COVID vaccinated residents, and more.
Conroy’s bill would give local health departments and state politicians formal legal authority to fully control the behavior of any individuals who don’t follow their COVID-19 restrictions and rules, including keeping people isolated and under police guard.
…Adding… Emily Bitter at the governor’s office responded to the DuPage Policy Journal article…
This lying propaganda hits all the high notes for the conspiracy-theory-loving crowd. It equates Covid-19 to the Holocaust, peddles misinformation and attempts to provoke hysteria – a true fringe-element hat trick. This is no surprise; this site is part of a network of extreme right wing sites that consistently try to deceive the people of Illinois.
The governor will continue to deploy proven and lawful mitigations as needed, as he listens to scientists and doctors about how to fight this pandemic.
* Not hyperbolic at all…
JB Pritzker’s Democratic Party wants to mandate you into quarantine if you don’t get a COVID vaccine. THIS IS NOT A JOKE - PRITZKER WANTS COVID JAIL. The Bill, HB4640, will be heard in Committee tomorrow. The Democrats have lost their minds. Retweet this and get the word out.
Republican candidate for DuPage County Chairman Greg Hart released the following statement in response to Democratic State Representative and candidate for DuPage County Chairman Deb Conroy’s new legislation, HB 4640: “Deb Conroy’s bill- HB 4640- presents a serious breach of the public’s trust. There has already been considerable opposition to this bill - over 12,000 opposing witness slips so far. But if that is not enough to communicate the public’s sentiments, then I am happy to express on behalf of all Illinoisans my strong opposition to Deb Conroy’s legislation and the blatant overreach it permits. I call on Representative Conroy to listen to her constituents instead of special interests and pull her bill.”
* Rep. Mazzochi was her usual reserved self…
State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) issued the following statement regarding HB 4640, legislation that State Representative Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) has recently started pushing:
“State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) tried to modify the Immunization Data Registry Act by forcing physicians to disclose to the Illinois Department of Public Health sensitive vaccine medical records without patient notice or consent. His efforts were widely condemned by Illinois doctors and residents across the state, and he reluctantly withdrew the bill.
Now Deb Conroy wants to move HB 4640, which will have the effect of doing covertly and dishonestly, what Rep. Morgan tried to do overtly and honestly–expand the power of IDPH, and any local public health authority, to attain peoples’ private medical records to create the registry, without patient knowledge or consent, so long as it created under the guise of “research.”
After the people of Illinois spoke so strongly on this issue, it is an insult to try to achieve the same results through a sneaky back door approach. I call on Rep. Conroy to table the bill, and for Illinois residents to yet again explain to Rep. Conroy that they do not appreciate this cynical effort to have their private medical records targeted in this way, and for this purpose.”
Oh, for crying out loud.
Rep. Conroy told me she had to close down her office because of all the threats to herself and to staff. She’s also reported numerous threats to the Illinois State Police and is also turning over information to the local state’s attorney.
* Mary Ann Ahern sat down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin for a few questions. Here he is on his Democratic primary voting record…
I voted in some down-ballot local races to make sure in this Democratic stronghold I’m in, as a Republican and a conservative, that we continue our conservative values here. Let me tell you who who agrees that I’m a Republican, Barack Obama, when he came here to campaign against me in 2005.
Listen, what we’re talking about here is the state of Illinois. And the state of Illinois, once I become the Republican governor, I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.
Nice dodge, but I’m not sure he can keep that up as the question begins to change.
…Adding… DPI…
As the positive reviews roll in for Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address, Rauner Reboot centerpiece Richard Irvin tip toed out from hiding for his first television interview. The results were…not great. Irvin admitted to voting in several Democratic presidential primaries, admitted it was in fact the governor who has the power to dispatch the National Guard, and was conveniently mum about Ken Griffin’s support of his campaign.
But Irvin’s most uncomfortable moment may have been when he danced around a straightforward question about whether Donald Trump represents the Republican Party. Instead of answering, Irvin desperately tried to pivot away from Trump and declared himself the “head of the Republican Party in the state of Illinois.” Irvin’s uncomfortable answer was reminiscent Bruce Rauner’s infamous “focus, Amanda, focus” debacle when the failed governor nervously tried to dodge questions about Trump.
We’ll see if Irvin can step his game up once he feels ready to hold a press conference or talk to actual voters, but if the first interview was any indication, he’s got a lot of work to do before he’s ready for prime time.
* Since only the governor can call out the National Guard, why did he take credit for doing so in his TV ad?…
JB Pritzker doesn’t know to come to Aurora and address the crime and what was going on in our riots and our looting, pillage and plunder unless I called. I had to call for them. So absolutely I called out the National Guard
He also said he is vaccinated, but opposes mandates.
Despite an influx of cash from wealthy donors, Aurora Mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin said “I am nobody’s pushover” when asked about the contributions during an exclusive interview Wednesday with the Daily Herald.
“I’m a combat veteran of the United States Army,” Irvin said. “I’m a former prosecutor, a person who put violent criminals behind bars. I’m the mayor of the second-largest city in Illinois with a proven record of results getting things done. […]
Regarding Griffin, “I think we’d all agree he’s done a lot for the state of Illinois,” Irvin said. But “it’s just one person, one vote, and I look forward to listening to all the residents of Illinois about what we can do to take the state back.” […]
“As a community-based prosecutor, I worked side by side with police officers to root out crime — arresting drug dealers, gangbangers, wife beaters,” Irvin said, “addressing quality-of-life issues in neighborhoods, just like the one I grew up in … where there wasn’t a whole lot of hope and (there was) a whole lot of drugs and gangs in my community.”
Griffin may have just one vote, but he also has $20+ billion.
* And while Irvin undoubtedly did all those things when he was a prosecutor, he’s now a criminal defense attorney with his own firm. From his firm’s website…
Abuse and neglect: We represent parents who have a petition to terminate parental rights for abuse or neglect brought against them by the state of Illinois. We work extensively with Catholic charities and the Illinois Department of Family Services to reunite families.
It’s the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and it’ll be interesting to see if he’s defended any really bad parents.
Possession of heroin, in any amount, is a felony. If you face felony charges for possessing heroin in Illinois, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect you from harsh consequences such as lengthy jail sentences. The Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates represents clients charged with heroin possession in the Aurora area.
Everyone deserves effective counsel and that’s probably OK in a general election, but it’s definitely not so good in a Republican primary.
Felonies. At The Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates, we represent clients charged with felonies such as burglary, forgery, reckless homicide and many others.
Aurora / Elgin – Drug Possession With Intent Attorney
Whether you were arrested for allegedly selling drugs to an undercover police officer or following a traffic stop, our lawyers will take aggressive steps to mitigate the charges against you. If the police officer who arrested you did not have probable cause to do so, we will pursue a motion to suppress, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges against you.
If the office did have probable cause, we are prepared to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges to a lesser offense. As a former prosecutor, attorney Irvin understands how prosecutors view a case. This experience makes him an effective negotiator. He is prepared to defend your constitutional rights and your freedom. The sooner you reach out to an Aurora possession with intent to distribute attorney, the better your chances for a fair and favorable outcome will be.
Ibid., Primary. See also: “arresting drug dealers, gangbangers.”
If you are charged with battery, you can face devastating consequences following a conviction. It is important to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
At the Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates, we understand that emotions can run hot in many relationships. Whether it is a dating relationship, a marriage or a relationship with a shared child, tempers can flare. When those tempers or arguments lead to threats, or physical violence, legal consequences can soon follow. If you have been charged with battery, our Aurora domestic violence attorneys will zealously defend your rights.
There are several circumstances in which a domestic battery charge can be successfully defended, including:
• If the victim is the only other person present when the battery occurs, and the victim does not appear in court, the state cannot prevail in the case.
• Most individuals will claim that the battery occurred in self-defense.
A charge of domestic battery can be considered a felony under certain circumstances. If an individual is charged with domestic battery and has a prior domestic battery charge on his or her record, or if the victim received an injury that can be considered harmful or egregious, the battery charge can be a felony. If an individual is convicted of the felony charge, the consequences can include prison time. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to begin your defense immediately.
Defending that work in a general could be challenging. See also his above comment about “wife beaters.”
*** UPDATE *** Irvin was also interviewed by Craig Dellimore…
Dellimore: What would Richard Irvin say to voters in Illinois who supported Donald Trump?
Irvin: And that’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants us to be talking about, anything other than his record in the state. You know, we got to look at my record, my record, as mayor of the city of Aurora is one of success. I grew up in Aurora, I grew up in public housing and raised by a mother, 16 years old, and in an environment where it seemed like there was no hope. And I served my country and got out of that environment, went to the military. I joined when I was only 18 years old, served my country in time of war, came home, became a prosecutor putting criminals behind bars. And then I became the mayor, the second largest city in the state, first African American mayor, as I pointed out, in 180 years. I’ve got a record of success. The minute I became mayor, I added more police officers to our police department to drive down crime. The minute I became mayor, we started to do economic development. We did more economic development in the last four years, my first four years as mayor than the city has seen in 40 years. And I don’t just say that tooting my horn, there have been buildings that have sat empty in the city, running and ruin and dilapidated for 20 years, 30 years, one 40 years. A building that hadn’t seen its lights turned on in 70 years. All of that is being redeveloped as we speak. There’s not an empty building left in the city of Aurora. All that happened in the first four years and because of it, we’ve created excitement. And we’re now doing new development. There’s not a portion or quadrant of the city that’s not seeing new development right now. What I’ll bring to the state is proven success and will do that and more for the state of Illinois. We will take our state back.
* Greg Hinz talked to Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois President Carol Portman and Civic Federation President Laurence Msall about yesterday’s budget proposal…
“The governor’s budget proposal is good news,” said Portman. “I’m sure lots of folks, including us, can find things they wish were in there, or weren’t, but overall it is a refreshing change from what we’ve seen too often in the past. Shoring up the state’s rainy day fund, contributing more than the required minimum to the pension system, and paying down the remainder of the state’s bill backlog are all straight out of the ‘good fiscal policy’ playbook.”
Msall used the same phrase: Good news. If the General Assembly follows Pritzker’s lead and enacts those plus dedicating much of the $3.5 billion the state has left in federal COVID relief to pay off debts in the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, “That would be a really positive thing.”
Msall even went a little farther, lauding Pritzker for using state revenues that have been surprisingly strong of late to pay off debt first, rather than spending more. That, in part, is due to Pritzker’s decision last year to balance his budget without assuming he’d get lots of federal relief. When that relief came in, the state to some extent had extra money, Msall said. […]
Portman said that while the governor may have balanced his budget without direct federal aid, the rosy news is a direct result of a growing state economy, an economy that was kicked into high gear by enormous pump-priming at the federal level.
That last bit is true. All states benefited from federal spending designed to boost the nation’s economy.
* Meanwhile, the Tribune editorial board appears to be relying on the Illinois Policy Institute’s website, because the board parroted the IPI’s line about the state receiving $14 billion from the feds. Here’s IPI…
After receiving $14 billion in one-time federal aid, Illinois could see a balanced budget for the first time in 22 years
And it’s worth noting that the federal aid hardly was limited to that $14 billion.
The state received a bit over $8 billion for itself and, by federal law, local governments were given the rest. The state was a pass-through entity. If this goof had happened a year ago, I’d think it was deliberate. Now, I just think the board is too lazy and/or ignorant to check facts.
…Adding… From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Illinois received additional funds from CARES as well as an increase in Medicaid matching funds. When you add it all up, its $14 B. If you include all aid to local governments, the number is approx. $32B. Wanted to pass along. Source: https://www.covidmoneytracker.org/.
* Here’s your roundup. I tried to include info that we didn’t cover much yesterday…
* Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposes more money for anti-violence programs, state troopers and nearly $1 billion in temporary tax relief in reelection year budget proposal: Recognizing the GOP message could take hold among critical suburban swing voters, Pritzker proposed allocating $240 million, largely from federal pandemic relief funds, toward community-based violence prevention. That’s close to the total of $250 million he pledged to spend over three years when signing violence prevention legislation last fall. … Pritzker also is proposing an $18.6 million increase to the Illinois State Police budget to hire and train an additional 300 troopers, an additional $10 million in grants for local law enforcement agencies to purchase body cameras as required under the criminal justice overhaul he signed last year, and $20 million to fund a new protection program for witnesses of gang crime. “Crime is a complex and multifaceted problem to tackle, and it’s cynical and counterproductive to simply shout ‘Lock them up’ while providing fewer resources to the people and programs that prevent crime in the first place,” Pritzker said in his speech. “A truly effective approach to tackling crime involves both short-term and long-term investments and a commitment to see those investments through,” he said.
* Pritzker outlines $45.4 billion budget proposal, calling out his critics: Included in the budget are initiatives aimed at expanding the state’s health care workforce. Among those is a $25 million program called the Pipeline for the Advancement of Healthcare, or PATH, workforce program to help community colleges train nurses, technicians and other high-demand health care personnel. It also includes a $180 million Healthcare Workforce Initiative directed at hospitals, clinics and other providers to pay for staff bonuses, continuing education, training and staff retention and recruitment. Some other highlights of the budget proposal include increased funding for all levels of education – early childhood, K-12 and higher education – as well as increased funding for human services like foster care, mental health and disability services; and funding to train and hire 300 new Illinois State Police officers.
* What’s in Pritzker’s proposed budget?: Approximately 21 percent of the budget is dedicated to Pre-K-12 education, an increase of $498 million from one year ago. That includes $350 million for the evidence-based funding formula for K-12 schools, which prioritizes new money toward the schools furthest from their “adequacy” target, which takes into account class sizes, a local district’s property values and other factors. The budget asks for another $54.4 million to provide early childhood education services to another 7,100 children, and another $96 million in transportation and special education grants for schools. Another $12 million would be added to the Regional Offices of Education budget to address truancy and chronic absenteeism, and agriculture education funding would increase by $2 million.
* Gov. JB Pritzker’s $45.4 billion budget plan includes $1 billion in tax cuts: The governor celebrated several financial wins that have happened since he took office. During his tenure, Illinois has received two credit upgrades and reduced a backlog to pay bills. At its worst, the state had $16.7 billion in unpaid bills, with some being unpaid for more than 500 days. He said the average bill now sits unpaid for about 15 days. … The budget plan includes $4 billion in debt paydowns, which the governor’s office said will repay all COVID-19 related borrowing, pay $900 million in delayed health insurance bills and $392 million to other bills, among other things. … The governor’s proposed budget projects decreases from last year in both money coming into the state, down about 4.2%, and money being spent, down about 3.5%.
* Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker offers a $45.4 billion spending plan for 2023, with tax relief taking center stage: Beyond stressing those financial improvements, Pritzker used his speech to also emphasize the physical and economic struggles Illinoisans have faced during the pandemic and repeatedly invoked the teachings of the famed, late anthropologist, Margaret Mead, who taught the importance of caring for others. “Maybe it’s time we remember what Margaret Mead was trying to teach…long ago: that who we are is measured by how we care for those who need us. And that we wouldn’t be standing here today if that simple ancient value wasn’t deeply ingrained in our very existence,” Pritzker said, delivering some of the final lines of his more than 45-minute speech.
* Black and Latino caucuses voice support for proposed budget: The proposed budget includes funding for the Illinois Supreme Court’s requested $26 million to establish comprehensive pretrial services in the 63 counties that lack such services. It includes another $10 million in new appropriations from the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to pay for the obligations associated with the SAFE-T Act. … “One of the things I like is we will be addressing healthcare disparities, ensuring economic viability by retaining and creating jobs, investing in small businesses, which is the backbone of our local economies, supporting education,” said Rep. Nick Smith, D-Chicago.
* Gov. J.B. Pritzker Details Temporary Tax Relief Plan in Budget Address Kicking Off Reelection Year: “I urge the governor to release the $30 million from the American Rescue Plan funding for safety net hospitals and hospital transformations,” State Sen. Emil Jones III, D-Chicago, said in a statement. “The safety net grants must be restored back into the budget so that our most vulnerable communities are properly equipped to combat this pandemic and other health disparities. For years, many of our safety nets haven’t seen a dime of their much needed funding. Let’s deliver on the promises we already made before we commit to new ones.”
* ‘The proof’s in the details’: Suburban mayors, business leaders react to Pritzker budget: In Hanover Park, the village’s annual share of the grocery tax is about $690,600, Mayor Rod Craig said. Pritzker said the state will reimburse municipalities for any revenues lost, but “we collect those receipts quarterly. How’s the state going to process that? The proof’s in the details,” Craig said. Likewise with tweaks to motor fuel tax revenues, “for us, we use a lot of that for road resurfacing,” Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said. “The details are important.”
On February 2, 2022, Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated three separate traffic crashes involving ISP squad cars. Two Troopers were struck in ISP District 9 – Springfield and one in ISP District 10 – Pesotum. The two crashes in ISP District 9 were both Move Over Law related.
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at approximately 7:40 a.m., an ISP District 9 Trooper was on the left shoulder of Interstate 72 westbound at mile post 122, near Illiopolis, assisting a stranded motorist who had slid off the roadway due to weather conditions. The squad car was stationary with all of its emergency lights activated. A gray Chevrolet Impala traveling westbound failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle, slid on the roadway and struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. The driver of the Chevrolet, 29-year-old Anthony L. Newman of Springfield, IL, was uninjured. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and released. While this crash remains under investigation, a violation of the Move Over Law was a contributing factor.
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at approximately 12:36 p.m., a Trooper working in ISP District 10 was traveling on Interstate 57 southbound at milepost 181, south of Mattoon in the right lane, without emergency lights activated. A black 2016 Chevrolet Trax driven by Dalton M. McCarthy, a 20-year-old male of Maryland Heights, MO., was traveling in the left lane. As McCarthy passed the Trooper’s squad car, McCarthy lost control on the slick pavement and struck the rear of the squad car. Neither McCarthy nor the Trooper were injured in the crash. McCarthy was cited for Following Too Closely. (No photo available.)
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at approximately 3:22 p.m., a Trooper working in ISP District 9 was on the right shoulder of the ramp from southbound Veterans Parkway to Interstate 72 eastbound, in the southwest corner of Springfield, handling a crash. The fully marked squad car was stationary with its emergency lights activated. A vehicle traveling on the ramp lost control on the ice, struck the rear bumper of the squad car, and pushed the squad into the initial wrecked vehicle. The driver of the offending vehicle was uninjured; however, the Trooper was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. While this crash remains under investigation, a violation of the Move Over Law was a contributing factor.
“The brave men and women of the Illinois State Police (ISP) have placed themselves in harm’s way throughout the day today, will continue to do so throughout the night and will be there long after this winter storm has passed,” stated ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. He continued, “If there is one thing those courageous souls understand it is the fragility of life, yet they continue to do the work of the people, protecting and serving. Please, everyone, stay at home. If you absolutely have to get out, move over and slow down upon approach of first responders. Give them the room they need to assist other motorists and get home safely to their families.”
So far this year, there have been three ISP squad cars struck in relation to the Move Over Law and two Troopers have sustained injuries from Move Over Law-related crashes. The ISP would like to remind the public of the requirements of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as the “Scott’s Law”. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down AND move over. A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
* Photos…
“The brave men & women of the ISP have placed themselves in harm’s way throughout the day today, will continue to do so throughout the night & will be there long after this winter storm has passed…they continue to do the work of the people, protecting & serving.” -Director Kelly pic.twitter.com/uqMFCjzLCa
On February 3, 2022, Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated three separate traffic crashes involving ISP squad cars. Two Troopers were struck in ISP District 10 – Pesotum and one in ISP District 5 – Lockport. The crash in ISP District 5 was Move Over Law related.
On Thursday, February 3, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., an ISP District 10 Trooper was handling a crash on the right shoulder of Interstate 74 eastbound at mile post 188 near Urbana. The squad car was stationary with all of its emergency lights activated. A Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer driven by Leonard A. Smith, a 30-year-old male of Trenton, NJ, sideswiped the ISP squad car. Neither Smith nor the Trooper were injured in the crash. Smith was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions.
On Thursday, February 3, 2022, at approximately 5:19 a.m., an ISP District 5 Trooper was in the right lane of Interstate 80 westbound at mile post 139 near New Lenox, conducting traffic control for a tow truck. The marked squad car was stationary with all of its lights activated. A red Mazda traveling westbound failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle, slid on the roadway and struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. Neither the driver of the Mazda nor the Trooper were injured in the crash. The driver of the Mazda was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions, Improper Lane Usage, and Scott’s Law Violation.
On Thursday, February 3, 2022, at approximately 10:00 a.m., an ISP District 10 Trooper was traveling westbound on Interstate 74 at mile post 203 near Muncie. A blue Volkswagen Passat traveling westbound struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. Neither the driver of the Volkswagen nor the Trooper were injured in the crash. This crash is still pending further investigation. (No photo available.)
“During inclement weather, obeying Scott’s Law is even more important,” stated ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. He continued, “As the officers of the Illinois State Police (ISP) continue to put their lives on the line, we ask you, the motoring public, to help them out by Slowing Down and Moving Over while they do their jobs.”
So far this year, there have been four ISP squad cars struck in relation to the Move Over Law and two Troopers have sustained injuries from Move Over Law-related crashes. The ISP would like to remind the public of the requirements of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as the “Scott’s Law”. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down AND move over. A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
