* Press release…
Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) announced on Friday additional appointments to the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention.
“In making these appointments, it is important to bring both diversity and an outside perspective to how best address this important issue in the public and private sectors,” said Brady. “I want to commend those who are willing to serve on this Task Force, and I look forward to working with them when their recommendations are presented.”
As part of the Task Force’s composition, each Senate leader will make 12 appointments. On Nov. 13, Brady announced his five legislator appointments. The remaining seven appointees announced Nov. 17 are comprised of statewide associations that represent women or work to advance civil rights (2) and members of the public (5).
The two members from statewide associations that represent women or work to advance civil rights are:
* Ahlam Jbara – Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
* Dr. Kathleen Robbins – Equality Illinois
The five members of the public include:
* Maria Rodriguez – Former Mayor of Long Grove
* Maureen Maffei – Attorney, Ice Miller
* Julie Proscia – Attorney, Smith Admundsen
* Anita Rodriguez – Assistant State’s Attorney, Adams County
* TBD – Awaiting final confirmation
The goal of the new Task Force is to conduct a comprehensive review of legal and social consequences of sexual discrimination and harassment in both the public and private sectors. The Task Force will study and make recommendations on combating sexual discrimination and harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and in State and local government.
Members of the Task Force will not receive compensation for their service and will submit a report to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2018.
Dr. Robbins is a Vietnam veteran and is transgender. Jbara is a Muslim. Those are not the sort of picks you’d normally expect from a conservative Republican like Leader Brady, so good for him.
…Adding… Press release…
Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, the state’s LGBTQ civil rights organization
We applaud the appointment of Dr. Kathleen Robbins by Illinois Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady to the Illinois Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention. Kathleen is an excellent addition to the task force. She has significant life experiences, from service in the U.S. Air Force, the business sector, and the non-profit space, and is a member of the Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group.
We thank Leader Brady for appointing Kathleen and for ensuring an inclusive discussion of the impact of sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination in Illinois.
Indeed, it is essential that the voices of LGBTQ people, especially transgender individuals, be included in these discussion and deliberations. According to the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey of more than 27,000 transgender respondents from across the United States, 47% have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime. Furthermore, 10% were sexually assaulted in the year preceding the survey.
In Illinois, 13% of individuals who are out or perceived to be transgender report being sexually assaulted in their K-12 schools because of their gender identity. And, among transgender Illinoisans who saw a health care provider in the year preceding the survey, 33% report having at least one negative experience related to being transgender. For some respondents, that included being physically or sexually assaulted.
The prevalence and impact of sexual violence on transgender people are problems that must be acknowledged and addressed. We call on the task force, the Illinois General Assembly, and Governor Rauner to propose and act on robust policy proposals to ensure the dignity of women and LGBTQ people and to build a better Illinois.
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* Cook Political Report…
The last two weeks have seen some significant movement in Democrats favor. First, there were the impressive results from last Tuesday’s elections. This week, we’ve seen two polls — one by Quinnipiac and one by Marist — that show Democrats with a congressional ballot advantage of +13 to +15. Three other recent polls — ABC/Washington Post, Fox, and NBC/Wall Street Journal — show Democrats with an advantage of anywhere from +7 to +15.
These are political wave numbers. […]
My colleague David Wasserman has been digging into the question of just how big of a wave Democrats need to get in order to surf into the majority. The short answer: they need to see a generic ballot advantage of +8 or more, which roughly translates to getting at least 54 percent or more of the national House vote in 2018.
The last time Democrats enjoyed a margin of +8 or more in a mid-term year was 2006. That year, Democrats won the House vote by 8.5 percent. The last time that Democrats got into the double digits was 2008 when they carried the House vote by D+11. This has led to a lots of talk that Democrats can only hit significant margins of victory in presidential elections when their base is more engaged and involved. It also helped to have a transformational candidate - Barack Obama - at the top of the ticket. Something they obviously don’t have in 2018. But, there is precedent for Democrats winning the House vote by double digits in mid-term years. In the post-Watergate midterm of 1974, Democrats won by a whopping 17 points. In Ronald Reagan’s first midterm of 1982, Democrats won the House vote by 12 points.
* As a result, Cook has moved Peter Roskam from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up”…
IL-06: Peter Roskam (R) - Chicago west suburbs: Wheaton, Palatine
Toss Up. Roskam has been a party loyalist since 2006, narrowly losing a bid for GOP whip in 2014 and casting conservative votes. But his suburban Chicago district has moved away from the GOP so fast that Democrats are now wishing they hadn’t protected him in their 2012 gerrymander. In 2016, Clinton won this seat 50 percent to 43 percent. Only eight House Republicans represent a seat Trump lost by more. Defeating Roskam will be Chicago Democrats’ top priority.
The large Democratic field is led by financial adviser and former North Barrington Village Trustee Kelly Mazeski, who had $343,000 on hand at the end of September. Clean energy businessman Sean Casten, former congressional aide Carole Cheney and 2016 nominee Amanda Howland are running too. Fortunately for Democrats, Illinois’s March 20 primary should give the nominee more time to consolidate support and raise money to compete in a very expensive market.
…Adding… I’ve generally avoided covering the Dem primary because there are so many hopefuls and I wasn’t sure who would even survive the petition season. This may change things…
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* Umm…
* I wasn’t at today’s Chicago press conference, but I did listen to the audio and that’s not the question Rauner was asked and his answer was more involved than that. The governor did dodge the question, for sure, but here’s what he actually said…
Mary Ann Ahern: Can you say today whether or not, are you aware, yes or no, of sexual harassment complaints within your office?
Gov. Bruce Rauner: So, here are the simple facts. We have a very clear, rigorous process for investigations of any potential of wrongdoing. Clear lines of authority, clear lines of reporting. We have a very independent, very confidential executive inspector general. Any specific requests or questions you have about anything pending really needs to go to the inspector general. I am not authorized to comment about it. And I specifically have taken action to put out a code of ethics, code of ethical behavior in my administration through executive order. And have pushed, made sure everybody in our state government has gone through ethics training, specifically around harassment.
Quite the pickle.
…Adding… Per a commenter, if you look at page 49 of the Office of Executive Inspector General’s latest report you’ll see one “founded report” for the governor’s office in Fiscal Year 2017. It’s unclear what that is, exactly. But here’s the procedure…
If the OEIG, upon the conclusion of an investigation, finds reasonable cause to believe that a violation of law or policy has occurred within its jurisdiction, it will write a founded report that documents:
• the allegations of wrongdoing;
• facts confirmed by the investigation;
• an analysis of the facts in comparison to the applicable law, rule, or policy; and
• findings and recommendations.
In accordance with State law, OEIG reports are provided only to the affected public entities and other appropriate authorities, such as the Governor or a board of trustees. The OEIG does not have the authority to enforce its recommendations, and therefore, it is the responsibility of the affected agencies to act upon OEIG recommendations.
So, the governor knows of at least one founded report from OEIG. I wonder what that one’s about?
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* Gov. Rauner was asked yesterday why he hasn’t spoken to Comptroller Mendoza since she was sworn in…
No need to talk with her directly, my team is talking to her all the time. I can tell you [crosstalk] this is important. We put a tax hike on the people of Illinois. I vetoed it, but it went in anyway. We’re still running a $2 billion deficit. The fiscal irresponsibility of the folks in charge, Speaker Madigan, is outrageous.
We have to fix this. Our unpaid bills are still going up. And we can’t invest to grow jobs. We can’t invest to invest enough. We got a federal grant for this [off-road vehicle trail system on reclaimed Saline County strip mine], but we could be doing more if we had balanced budgets. And we could be doing more if we grew our economy.
And, and the, the comptroller and the Speaker, who she really works for Speaker Madigan, they don’t get that. They, they just think taxes, more taxes, higher taxes are the answer. It’s not the answer. We gotta grow. Grow good paying jobs in southern Illinois. Don’t tax people and push the jobs out. [Crosstalk] Thanks, everybody.
…Adding… It should be noted that Rauner’s hand-picked comptroller, Leslie Munger, now works for the Rauner administration. And the new comptroller candidate backed by Rauner, Darlene Senger, is on Rauner’s payroll as his chief legislative liaison.
*** UPDATE *** From Comptroller Mendoza…
Governor Rauner has no accomplishments of his own to boast of, so he resorts to patronizing and condescending attacks on me.
He’s struggling with the fact that he has been outworked, outperformed, and beaten at every turn by a strong and independent 5’3” woman. Last week’s bipartisan 164-3 rebuke on the override of the Debt Transparency veto must still sting.
To be clear, I was elected by 2,676,244 voters, which is 852,617 more votes than Governor Rauner received, to work for the 12+ million people in the State of Illinois. I am accountable to them, and it is time that the Governor be as well.
Absent the pleasure of a meeting with the Governor, I’d like to ask him this: What did you spend the $2.8 billion in unauthorized deficit spending on, and how do you plan to pay for it? How much will your Rauner Tax cost the people of Illinois?
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
…Adding More… Check out the not so subtle trolling of Gov. Bruce V. Rauner on the comptroller’s website…
…Adding Even More… Aviva Bowen makes a good point on Facebook…
Why is it SO hard to believe that a tenacious, smart woman can’t be impressive in her own right, that she must be doing the bidding of a man?
Rauner really needs to rethink these attacks in the current climate.
* Meanwhile, from the same press conference…
In broad, vague terms, he also called for rolling back the “Madigan income tax hike,” lowering property taxes and restoring good government. “I’ve got, actually, dozens of companies who want to come to Illinois. They want to come to Southern Illinois,” Rauner said. But he said Illinois is losing out on that potential to neighboring states such as Indiana where “the property taxes are one-third, the workers’ comp costs are one-quarter.”
“They’d love to be in Illinois but the costs are prohibitive,” Rauner said.
An aide to Rauner cut off questions from media six minutes into a question-and-answer session following his announcement of the ATV park.
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* Press release…
Today, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs endorsed JB Pritzker for governor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Illini Union. This marks JB’s third endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed the campaign.
“There is no one standing taller for Illinois families than Treasurer Mike Frerichs,” said JB Pritzker. “Mike works hard every day to put his office on the side of working families. While Bruce Rauner racks up state debt, Mike is fighting for the investments that will help reduce the debt. And while Bruce Rauner lets businesses leave our state and wastes opportunities, Mike is finding ways to encourage investment in our economy and looking to the future. I think it’s time Mike had a partner in the governor’s office, fighting right beside him. Together, we’re going to make Illinois a place people respect and a place where innovation happens. When I’m governor, we’re going to help small businesses thrive.”
“As the state’s chief investment officer, I’m confident that JB Pritzker will restore fiscal responsibility in Illinois and I’m so proud to endorse his campaign today,” said Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. “I’ve seen firsthand how Bruce Rauner has wrecked our state finances, putting Illinois through a historic budget impasse and pushing colleges and universities to the brink. We must bring Illinois out of financial ruin and I know JB is ready to get our state back on track. JB has real plans to stand with our entrepreneurs and college students, grow our economy, and create jobs across the state. I look forward to standing with him to invest in our communities and chart a new path forward for Illinois.”
*** UPDATE *** ILGOP…
Mike Frerichs is “Standing Tall” for Mike Madigan’s Handpicked Candidate
With a record of standing in Madigan’s shadow, no surprise Frerichs has lined up with Pritzker
“With yet another Madigan ally lining up behind Pritzker, it is clear that the Madigan Machine will stop at nothing to secure the nomination for Pritzker. Mike Frerichs has repeatedly stood with Madigan to gerrymander legislative maps and hike taxes on Illinois families. Now, Frerichs plans to do the same with J.B. Pritzker, Mike Madigan’s handpicked candidate for governor.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot
On Wednesday, Mike Madigan ally and tax-hike supporter Mike Frerichs endorsed J.B. Pritzker for Governor. The announcement comes as no surprise as Frerichs has a record of blocking reform to protect Madigan’s power.
During his time in the Illinois Senate, Frerichs voted in support of Madigan’s gerrymandering of legislative district maps.
Frerichs also voted for the 67% Quinn-Madigan tax hike that put an increased strain on Illinois families already grossly overtaxed by Democrats in Springfield.
Madigan’s Tax Hike Team is back at it, adding one more name to the growing list of Madigan cronies backing his handpicked candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Press release…
Today, Daniel Biss announced the endorsement of Illinois State Representative Carol Ammons, who represents the 103rd District.
“After three years of working with Daniel on progressive legislation that prioritizes working families and the marginalized members of our state, I was filled with hope when he announced his run for governor,” said Representative Ammons. “Today, I am proud to endorse Daniel Biss for Governor of Illinois.
“The 2018 election will be a defining moment in Illinois’ history. We have the opportunity to change the landscape, direction, and priorities of Illinois politics all across the state by voting in our local elections all the way up to the governor’s race” said Representative Ammons.
“With his decade-long record of grassroots organizing and legislative accomplishments to make our state a better place for middle-class families like his own, Daniel is the progressive leader I trust to lead that change. I look forward to rallying our communities and our state around a hopeful 2018 election cycle.”
“Carol is a progressive champion and it’s an honor to welcome her to Team Biss,” said Daniel Biss. “This campaign is about building a grassroots movement to fight for middle-class and working families in this election cycle and beyond. Recognized in her own community, across our state, and even by Bernie Sanders as a tireless leader of the progressive movement, Carol is an invaluable member of our team. Her passion and dedication have been an inspiration in the legislature and progressive community, and I look forward to working together on the campaign trail and beyond.”
In endorsing Daniel Biss, Carol Ammons joins other progressive leaders and organizations including U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, former Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, State Representatives Kelly Cassidy and Will Guzzardi, and many more. See the full list of endorsements here.
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* Using union contractors on private home construction isn’t exactly common. But I guess stuff like this happens when Rep. Michael McAullife, Chicago’s only Republican state legislator, who has past union support but then repeatedly voted against unions on a bill to ban the creation of local “right to work” zones in Illinois and then hired non-union workers for extensive renovation work on his house…
Operating Engineers Local 150’s truck and IBEW Local 134’s van are pictured above. It’s IBEW’s rat and I’m told the union has established an official picket line.
150 is upset about a non-union excavator operating within the city limits, but they’re just doing “bannering” - meaning its truck drives around.
As you already know, 150 took the lead on the right to work zone ban bill, which could not overcome a Gov. Rauner veto.
I’ve asked the House GOP for a response.
Fair or not?
*** UPDATE 1 *** From Rep. McAuliffe…
I respect that people have a difference of option and the right to peaceful protest. This is the core of our democracy and fabric of our freedom. However, protesting outside of my home and driving a van with disparaging content in front of my children’s school is completely unacceptable. My presumed opponent, Merry Marwig and certain union leaders have demonstrated a new low in politics and while I respect that fact that we have a difference of opinion I would hope that the line can be drawn when it comes to disrupting the lives of my family and our neighbors.
It appears from one of the photos that Marwig was in the crowd at his house.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Merry Marwig…
Michael McAuliffe has taken millions of dollars from Bruce Rauner, and he continually votes with Rauner at the expense of union families from our neighborhood. Just last week, McAuliffe broke a promise when he thought we weren’t looking by refusing to stand up to Rauner’s extreme assault on workers’ rights. After 20 years of Michael McAuliffe pretending to be our buddy when he’s in our neighborhood and then turning his back and selling us out in Springfield, it’s no surprise that hardworking men and women are calling out McAuliffe’s dishonesty.
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