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Billionaire governor and spouse reported just $2.2 million in federally taxable personal income last year

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the governor’s campaign…

Attached are the state and federal tax return summaries for JB and MK Pritzker for 2020.

    According to the information provided by the trustees, in 2020, trusts benefitting JB Pritzker paid $16.3 million in Illinois taxes and $69.6 million in federal taxes.

    JB and MK Pritzker made $2.8 million in personal charitable donations last year.

They never disclose much of anything about the trusts, so we have to take their word for it.

Anyway, click here to see what they are willing to disclose.

…Adding… Good stuff here…


  13 Comments      


*** UPDATED x5 *** New congressional maps released

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

The House and Senate Redistricting Committees have released a proposed map of new congressional boundaries designed to comply with federal law and ensure the broad diversity of the state is reflected in the elected officials sent to represent Illinois in Washington D.C.

The release of this draft comes after a series of public House and Senate hearings held across the state intended to collect as much input and testimony as possible. The proposal can be viewed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting and www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during additional hearings that will begin next week.

“This proposal is an excellent first draft that amplifies diverse voices and gives every person in our state a say in government,” said Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, Chairperson of the House Redistricting Committee. “I look forward to ongoing discussion with members of the public, advocacy groups, and community organizations as we continue this effort to ensure our congressional boundaries reflect the diversity of this great state.”

“Population changes over the last decade meant many of the current districts were unbalanced. This proposed map is an effort to ensure every community across our state receives fair and equal representation in Washington,” said Sen. Elgie Sims, Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “We thank those who have taken time to participate in this process and look forward to receiving continued feedback from voices across Illinois.”

Finalized hearings for the House and Senate are as follows:

    · House Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 114
    · Senate Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 212 (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Additional hearing information will be forthcoming as dates and locations are finalized. These will be hybrid hearings with the opportunity for in-person and virtual testimony. Those wishing to provide testimony, submit electronic testimony or submit electronic witness slips can do so in advance of the hearing via the General Assembly website www.ilga.gov or through email at redistrictingcommittee@hds.ilga.gov and redistrictingcommittee@senatedem.ilga.gov. The General Assembly is expected to vote on new congressional boundaries by the end of the scheduled fall veto session.

Demographics are here. As expected, there’s only one Latino district.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Democrat Marie Newman and Republican Adam Kinzinger are in the same district (CD3).

*** UPDATE 2 *** Republicans Mary Miller and Darin LaHood are in the same district (CD16).

Also, US Rep. Robin Kelly’s district now goes south to… Ashkum in Iroquois County, and even further west it goes south past Fairbury in Livingston County.

…Adding… ILGOP…

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy released the following statement in response to Democrats unveiling their proposed congressional redistricting map:

“Illinois Democrats, led by Governor JB Pritzker, have made it clear that they are willing to disenfranchise Illinois voters and break repeated campaign promises to do the bidding of Nancy Pelosi and DC power brokers. Call this new Illinois map the Nancy Pelosi Protection Plan. It’s appalling that fair representation, keeping communities of interest together, and transparency in the mapmaking process in Illinois all had to take a back seat to the demands of national politics. No one has done more to degrade the Democratic process here in Illinois and add to the issue of hyper-polarization of elected representatives than JB Pritzker.”

…Adding… Durkin…

Below is a statement from House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) on the recently released Illinois Congressional maps:

“In another insult to Illinois voters, Democrats drew more partisan maps to benefit their incumbent politicians and protect Nancy Pelosi’s failing majority.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** You can view this map as a series of messages to some Democrats and Democratic constituencies. For instance, the message to Newman seems to be: You have a choice between running against Kinzinger with relatively few Chicago precincts or you can represent a Latino district. I’m told Newman made huge demands and was generally uncooperative.

…Adding… Kinzinger…

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after Illinois Democrats in Springfield released their proposal for the state’s congressional map:

“I have proudly served six terms in the U.S. House and it has been an honor to do so. Following the release of the new congressional maps for Illinois, my team and I will spend some time looking them over and reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House.

“This redistricting process has been anything but transparent, which comes as no surprise to anyone. I believe the people of Illinois deserve better.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Rodney Davis currently lives in what will be the 15th District, which does not appear to lean Democratic, despite what some other outlets are reporting. Tribune

The map would put Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Mike Bost of Murphysboro into their own districts, though Davis’ district would lean Democratic.

Crain’s

Davis’ district would be converted into a skinny Democratic-tilting district in which he might have a difficult time winning re-election.

Both of those articles appear to claim he’s in the 13th CD. Nope. Click here to look up Davis’ home address, then click here and input that address into the map search and see for yourself.

…Adding… Leader McConchie…

“This week, the Speaker’s Office confirmed that the Governor’s Office was a part of drawing the gerrymandered maps released today,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). “There is truly nothing you can trust about this Administration anymore. It is a sad day for democracy in Illinois.”

…Adding… Rodney Davis…

As expected, our lying Governor teamed up with state Democrats to draw a shameful, partisan gerrymander in a desperate attempt to keep Nancy Pelosi in power. This proposed map, along with this entire redistricting process, is a complete joke. It’s clear Governor Pritzker and the Democrats will stoop to any low if it means they can keep their corrupt system going.

…Adding… US Rep. LaHood…

When I served in the Illinois State Senate, I was proud to support a Fair Maps redistricting process because Illinoisans have made it clear that they are tired of politicians picking their voters. Illinois Democrats and Governor Pritzker have shown with their proposed map that they care more about doing the bidding of Nancy Pelosi than giving Illinois voters fair representation in Washington. The proposed maps are a slap in the face to good governance everywhere. Illinois voters deserve much better than this non-transparent, corrupt process.

…Adding… A very unhappy Democratic incumbent…

Representative Marie Newman (IL-03) released the following statement in response to the Illinois congressional map proposal that was released today:

“While our team continues to review the draft congressional map that was released earlier today, it is abundantly apparent that what has currently been proposed for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District is not only retrogressive but substantially diminishes the diverse and progressive voices of Chicago’s Southwest Side and suburbs. I know that IL-03’s constituents will ensure their voices are heard loud and clear at these public hearings over the coming days.”

“I look forward to continuing to represent the constituents of Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.”

  99 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 - ILGOP gloats *** ILGOP actually raised more federal/state/local cash than DPI during third quarter

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Politico

The Democratic Party of Illinois’ third-quarter fundraising numbers aren’t remarkable for their size: The party raised a total of $286,000 during the July-through-September period. What is impressive is where the money came from.

Without sharing data (the party hadn’t yet filed with the Federal Election Commission), DPI executive director Abby Witt said “numerous donors” have given to the Democratic Party “for the very first time” and from across the state — 65 cities total.

“The party is charting a new course that includes more people, more voices and a renewed commitment to serving all Democrats across our state,” she told Playbook.

Over the three-month period, the party raised $186,00 in federal funding, Witt said. The party raised about $100,000 in local funding and in-kind donations, not a particularly remarkable number though Democrats are putting a positive spin on it given local fundraising didn’t start until halfway through the quarter.

DPI’s state report showed the party raised just $65K in cash during the quarter. The other $35K came in the form of in-kind IT services contributions from several individuals at a data company in Delaware.

* The Illinois Republican Party reported raising $75K in cash during the quarter, but reported no in-kinds. Two years ago, DPI reported raising $334K in cash and the ILGOP raised $36K.

…Adding… ILGOP spokesperson Joe Hackler points out that the Republican Party also outraised DPI on the federal level, pulling in $223K to the Democrats’ $186K. Hilarious.

Also, the state DPI committee transferred $70K to its federal committee, but I’m not sure if that was double-counted above or not.

* Back to the story

Party chair Robin Kelly, who is not allowed to raise money personally for local races because she is a member of Congress, has established a separate fundraising committee within the party to focus on those contests. “Building Leadership, Unity, and Equity,” or BLUE, was started midway through the quarter in late August, so it’s still too early to analyze whether the fundraising mechanism is working.

Witt says BLUE is now funding support services that Democrats statewide can utilize, including data services, communications programs (that list Democratic accomplishments and talking points to counter Republicans) and helping individuals run their campaigns.

“These are the changes people wanted to see in their state party and this is just the beginning,” she said.

Thoughts?

*** UPDATE *** Heh…

After bringing in a record haul last quarter, the Illinois Republican Party will report raising more than the Democratic Party of Illinois for the second quarter in a row. The ILGOP raised a combined $297,977 between our state and federal accounts. Despite some fuzzy math, the DPI was still only able to report raising roughly $286,000 total for this quarter.

“It’s safe to say Democrats in Illinois are in complete disarray with a state party in shambles, lacking leadership and vision. It could not be more clear that momentum is on the Republican side heading into 2022. The people of Illinois are fed up with a state government ran into the ground by corrupt and incompetent Democrats. Our fundraising strength is a testament to that momentum. We can’t thank every donor enough in partnering with the ILGOP in saving Illinois.” - ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler

  15 Comments      


Harmon’s chief of staff Jake Butcher recovering from “mild” breakthrough case

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced Friday that Chief of Staff Jake Butcher is recovering from a mild breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Butcher experienced symptoms earlier this week. He immediately self-isolated and sought testing. Contact tracing was implemented upon receiving the result.

Butcher was vaccinated this spring.

Harmon, who had a mild breakthrough case in August, reminded the public to remain vigilant against virus.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated but to also continue to take safety precautions and not let their guard down as we try to get back to normal,” Harmon said.

…Adding… Click here for the Senate’s veto session protocols.

  3 Comments      


*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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Lynn Sweet: New congressional map will give Dems 14-3 advantage

Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Lynn Sweet

A draft of the proposed new 17-district lllinois congressional map will be released on Friday, several Democratic [US] House incumbents were told on Thursday by representatives of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside. […]

The Chicago Sun-Times has learned the new congressional map, based on the 2020 Census, will be drawn to favor voters electing Democrats in 14 districts leaving only 3 where Republicans can easily win.

The current map, based on the 2010 Census has Illinois sending 13 Democrats and 5 Republicans to Congress.

There is only one Hispanic district on the proposed map, which must be approved by the Illinois General Assembly. There was a push to create two. The number of Black Districts will remain at three.

…Adding… SJ-R

Republicans said Thursday that Democrats are trying to tip local courts in their favor through the once-every-10-years redistricting process and taking actions to bypass Illinois House and Senate committees in the creation of new congressional district maps for the state.

Democratic lawmakers were vague in their responses to the GOP complaints, or they sidestepped or refused to answer the questions, as Tuesday’s kickoff to this month’s six-day veto session approaches.

Democrats who control the General Assembly have said they plan to use the veto session, scheduled for Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28, to approve new district maps for Illinois’ U.S. House districts, and new maps for current judicial subdistricts. […]

State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, Republican spokesman on the House Redistricting Committee, said at a hearing in Springfield that he is concerned Democrats are considering creating new judicial subcircuits in downstate areas such as those covering Sangamon, Peoria and Champaign counties. No subcircuits currently exist in those areas.

…Adding… Republicans mad!…


  23 Comments      


Rep./Mayor Thaddeus Jones accused of bullying… again

Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Ted Slowik at the Daily Southtown

Political bullying may be the reason Calumet City citizens and taxpayers have been denied access to their public library for nearly a week, and no one seems willing or able to put a stop to it.

The library remained closed Wednesday, five days after Mayor Thaddeus Jones ordered it shut down.

Jones, who also is a state lawmaker, is developing a reputation for demanding loyalty and exacting revenge upon those who dare stand up to him. He previously was accused of bullying City Clerk Nyota Figgs and creating a hostile workplace for his fellow elected official.

Jones dispatched three loyalists from the city Public Works Department to the library Friday to serve as muscle and supervise the removal of patrons and employees from the premises, according to two witnesses.

Jones said in a cockamamie statement issued Friday he shut down the library due to alleged corruption. He falsely claimed in the statement he appointed a new library board when he was sworn in as mayor May 1 and asked the new board to order a forensic audit at that time.

Quite a lot in there, so go read the rest.

* Slowik in July

Nyota Figgs, the elected city clerk of Calumet City, said she feels city hall is such a hostile workplace she can no longer go into the office.

Figgs said she feels harassed to the extent that she is working remotely in a public park across the street from the municipal center, 204 Pulaski Road.

“I’m basically protesting the bullying I feel and the intimidation and retaliation I feel,” Figgs said Wednesday. “I almost get a physical reaction going into the office.”

She has been working in the park for about three weeks, she said. About a dozen people stopped by Wednesday morning to show support.

“I believe the way she is being treated by this administration is disrespectful,” 6th Ward Ald. James Patton said. “It’s not right.”

Figgs claims newly elected Mayor Thaddeus Jones has sidelined her by reassigning her staff to a newly appointed city administrator and stripping her of duties and responsibilities.

* Meanwhile…

Today City Clerk and Collector of Calumet City, Nyota Figgs (“Clerk Figgs”), through her attorneys, The Royko Group, LLC, filed a complaint against Calumet City Mayor and State Representative Thaddeus Jones because of his interference in the performance of her job as City Clerk.

Figgs allegations include the fact that Jones has interfered repeatedly with her ability to do her job including locking her out of her office, blocking her access to the financial software for her office, and preventing her from answering questions directed to her at City Council meetings.

In recent weeks, Jones’s harassment of City Clerk Figgs has escalated. He “hired” someone to act as office manager for the City Clerk’s office. Clerk Figgs was not consulted about this hire and does not have any idea what he is doing in the Clerk’s office. He has removed records and boxes from the office and has also prevented the Clerk from doing her job.

Despite the bullying and interference, Clerk Figgs has attempted to continue performing the duties for which she was elected by the taxpayers. However, Jones has created such a hostile work environment that Figgs has been forced out of her office and has had to start working in the park across the street from City Hall.

Clerk Figgs is seeking injunctive relief to restore her duties for which she was elected to perform. Clerk Nyota Figgs, as elected to the office of City Clerk for Calumet City, is entitled to serve as City Clerk and Collector and perform all such acts and duties that are statutorily directed to those offices by the Calumet City Municipal Code. She is seeking to have all her duties and authority reinstated.

The complaint is here.

…Adding… Press release…

Today, one day after Calumet City Clerk Nyota Figgs was forced to file a lawsuit against Calumet City Mayor and State Representative Thaddeus Jones for repeatedly interfering with her ability to do her job including locking her out of her office, blocking her access to the financial software for her office, and preventing her from answering questions directed to her at City Council meetings, Figgs has discovered that Mayor Jones is using her electronic signature to sign documents without her knowledge or consent.

Clerk Figgs said in a letter to the Calumet City Attorney Mike Kasper, “Attached are business licenses signed LIVE by the mayor and my electronic signature is used. My electronic signature is in the system because I used it in the past administration at one time. However, for almost 2 years, I have signed licenses with a wet signature. This has been the practice under the Jones administration as well.”

Figgs continued, “Before my duties began to be usurped by the City Administrator & the office manager (who was improperly installed in the Clerk’s office by the Mayor) The mayor and I both signed the licenses with a live wet signature. For the past few months, I have not even seen any business license applications. I have not issued any business licenses. I have no idea of any new licenses, renewals, or the process of business license issuance. I recently became aware there are now “temporary licenses” issued without my signature by this administration.”

“Today staff attempted to seal the attached Business Licenses with my electronic signature. This is illegal and unethical. Why would this administration, and the mayor generate a Business License, sign it LIVE and then go into the system to use my electronic signature?”asked Figgs. “No one has asked me to sign anything!!! Here again is an attempt to take over my office, statutory duties, and even my RIGHT to sign my name! The audacity of an elected person with state and legal knowledge to do such a thing. This action lacks integrity for anyone. Who should do such a thing?

Figgs continued by asking why would the administration think she would be ok with signing without reviewing documents? How would she know if applications were submitted correctly? How would she know if other departments signed off appropriately?

Figgs went on to ask City Attorney Kasper why the Thaddeus Jones administration thinks that it is ok to override, disregard, and misuse an elected official’s signature? Is it because they have been able to do whatever they like without consequence and repercussions?

“This is a travesty. Please also defend me as the City Clerk in my position to rightfully do my job and sign my name on documents I approve,” pleaded Clerk Figgs.

Figgs went on to ask and state the following:

* DO NOT USE MY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE FOR ANYTHING(INCLUDING ANY SIGNATURE STAMPS) WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION.

* I will be signing all documents in person.

* IT must remove my electronic signature from the system so it cannot be used.

* A letter to employees including the city administrator and office manager must be issued immediately instructing them not to use my signature WITHOUT MY CONSENT.
* Please send confirmation that you receive this communication and have acted on above requests.

According to Clerk Figgs, “ This is all disheartening, just yesterday the mayor accused me of illegally destroying records (in an email you all read) before his administration. He is also conducting a forensic audit. But he uses my signature on documents I have not seen. In addition, they were going to apply the city seal to these documents with my signature to authenticate. I wonder what else my signature has been used for without my knowledge? Accusations toward me and my office have been casually advertised and that same person authorizes the use of my signature? I do not trust this administration. I do not believe because of the current environment the mayor’s and his administration’s actions will, advocate, or perform in the best interest of myself or my office.”

She continued, “This is why elected offices have separate powers, rules, regulations, and employees. Now let’s think about that staff member who knew I wouldn’t approve something but was executing a directive. This environment is a breeding ground for corruption, bullying, intimidation, and a single authority- a dictatorship.”

Lastly Figgs told Attorney Kasper, “I will NOT be returning the licenses, I will hold them as proof. I am willing, able, and available to sign. Please reprint, sign, and send them to me with the application (as the ordinance states) and I will gladly sign them for execution to move things forward.”

“City Attorney Kasper, I know you will perform in a manner that protects ALL elected officials in the city and not just the mayor,” Figgs concluded.

  12 Comments      


*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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* Selected react to budget reconciliation bill passage (Updated x3)
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* RETAIL: Strengthening Communities Across Illinois
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* SB 328: Separating Lies From Truth
* Campaign news: Big Raja money; Benton over-shares; Rashid's large cash pile; Jeffries to speak at IDCCA brunch
* Rep. Hoan Huynh jumps into packed race for Schakowsky’s seat (Updated)
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