* On the long list of Gov. Rauner’s bill signings today was this measure which garnered no specific mention…
Amends the Vital Records Act. Defines “intersex condition”, “licensed health care professional”, and “licensed mental health professional”. Changes provisions concerning the issuance of new birth certificates for individuals that have undergone gender transition treatment. Provides that in order to change an individual’s sex designation on the individual’s birth certificate, a licensed health care professional or licensed mental health professional must make a declaration concerning the treatment. Requires that the licensed health care professional or licensed mental health professional sign and date a specified statement. Provides that newly issued birth certificates may reflect a name change if the documents for a name change are submitted. Changes a reference from “sex change” to “change of sex designation”. Provides that following the issuance of a new birth certificate, the individual may request the original certificate and evidence of adoption, paternity, legitimation, or change of sex designation for inspection or certification purposes. Makes corresponding changes.
Oh, some heads are gonna explode on the far right this weekend.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
State Senator Toi Hutchinson – 40th District:
“Transgender and intersex persons in Illinois deserve to live their lives with dignity and safety, consistent with their gender identity. It is an honor to have worked with so many others to pass this legislation, especially as we see other states and the White House attempt to enshrine discrimination based on gender identity into law.”
State Representative Greg Harris – 13th District:
“I’m proud to be part of a team in Illinois that is expanding equality and fairness for all our citizens. Especially in a time when so many are trying to roll back legal protections and foster intolerance and hate, it is important that we stand together.”
Brian C. Johnson, CEO, Equality Illinois:
“With the simple act of bringing Illinois law up to date with modern medical standards, the lives of transgender and intersex people have become meaningfully better. Every year, we hear stories about how the outdated requirement to undergo surgery before updating the gender marker on your birth certificate placed an onerous burden on transgender Illinoisans. The American Medical Association and many other respected professional organizations said this burden was unnecessary and inconsistent with modern medical standards.
“We heard from a transgender high school senior in Springfield who said the costs of the unnecessary surgical procedures required by the old law means he’d have to sacrifice a year of college. We listened to a mother in Urbana who lamented that the state will deny her child’s authentic self if the law was not modernized. And we read a letter from a transgender woman born in Illinois who now lives in Arizona about how she has no agenda other than to live authentically and without burden.
“Now, transgender and intersex individuals born in Illinois can update their birth certificate, and align all their relevant identification documents, consistent with modern medical standards. Thank you to Governor Bruce Rauner for signing the bill into law today and to our chief sponsors Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Toi Hutchinson for their fierce leadership and tenacity.”
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* The governor took a lot of bill actions again this afternoon. Click here for the full list and his veto messages.
He vetoed the state treasurer’s bill, for instance…
Today, I return House Bill 302 with specific recommendations for change to provide a clear, constitutional threshold to help Illinois families receive insurance benefits and to stop the inappropriate payment of contingency fees to private auditing firms.
Few things are more traumatic than the death of a loved one. Life insurance provides an important resource for financial assistance after such a loss. As public servants, we have a duty to protect beneficiaries and ensure they receive the benefits they are owed. That is why I signed legislation (Public Act 99-0893) creating the Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act, which took effect January 1, 2017. The Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act requires life insurance companies to continually cross check in-force policies with the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to determine potential beneficiary eligibility. If a potential match is identified and a beneficiary has not yet come forward, insurers are required to make a good faith effort to locate the beneficiary or beneficiaries and provide claim assistance.
While the current law is forward-looking for all policies in force as of January 1, 2017, HB 302 retroactively would require insurers to cross check policies that have lapsed or terminated. For those insurers with electronically searchable records, records must be searched back to 2000. However, if an insurer does not have electronically searchable records, the search must be conducted back to only 2012.
While I support the intent of this legislation, HB 302 is inequitable and potentially unconstitutional. Illinois’ administrative rules only require insurance companies to keep lapsed or terminated policy records for the current year, plus the five prior years. See Title 50, Section 901.20. Creating a two-tiered enforcement timeline creates an arbitrary and discriminatory requirement that does not uniformly impact the life insurance industry. An insurer’s obligation to comply with HB 302 should not depend on differences in its record retention policies. Such differential enforcement violates due process. See Nat’l Endowment for the Arts v. Finley, 524 U.S. 569, 588-89 (1998) (due process protects against “arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement” of legal standards). To avoid this inequitable and constitutional flaw, I support a clear and logical threshold that mirrors the current five-year administrative recordkeeping requirements so that all insurers — regardless of their record-retention policies and capabilities — are required to retroactively search for policies in force at any time on or after January 1, 2012.
Additionally, this legislation does nothing to stop the continuing overreach of private auditing firms that currently contract with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, and they are reaping great rewards that would otherwise benefit taxpayers. Throughout the country, including Illinois, states have retained private auditors with contingency fee arrangements for the identification of unclaimed property, including life insurance policies. The expansion of these private auditors, however, incentivizes behavior that rewards private companies at the expense of state taxpayers. One such company has made more than $20 million in finder’s fees in Illinois since 2011. That money could have (and would have under current state law) gone to pay down our state’s desperately underfunded pension liability. We should stop this practice and pursue more responsible financial arrangements. This will ensure that we are conducting searches of unclaimed property in a fiscally appropriate manner and in a way that best serves our state’s taxpayers.
* The governor also vetoed the attorney general’s bill…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 1351, which seeks to create the Student Loan Servicing Rights Act.
While the intent of this bill to support struggling student-loan borrowers is laudable, the bill, as written, encroaches on federal government’s responsibilities and would add confusion to the already complex student loan process.
This legislation would require servicers to be licensed by the state, adding another layer of Illinois state bureaucracy without any guarantee the change would improve service. In fact, this requirement may push smaller servicers out of business. The recent U.S. Department of Education decisions regarding student-loan borrowers have been cause for concern. Therefore, my staff will continue to work with the department and members of Congress to address these concerns as the federal government moves to reauthorize the Higher Education Act.
Students do need additional support in understanding their loan repayment options, but loan servicers are not the appropriate actors for the role. Instead of adding another layer of state bureaucracy in the form of a student loan ombudsman, the General Assembly should consider allocating those funds to nonprofit counselors who are far more effective at advising students than any government agency.
There are several important components of the Student Loan Bill of Rights contained in SB 1351. Students should not be defrauded – purposely or through incompetence – by their loan servicer. I urge the sponsors to work with members of the Department of Education and my office to ensure a set of common-sense student protections that will not conflict with evolving federal regulations and to craft a more narrowly tailored bill to support student-loan borrowers in Illinois. Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1351 entitled “AN ACT concerning education,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
* He also vetoed this one…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 1720, which would make failure to pay wages a Class 4 felony instead of a misdemeanor.
Every worker is legally entitled to wages earned, and there should be penalties for employers who fail to make due on wages owed. However, there is little evidence that the current system of making failure to pay wages a misdemeanor requires a major shift to making it a felony.
* And this one…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 1714, which would add reporting requirements for consultants retained by retirement system, pension fund, or investment boards.
This legislation is a classic example of multiplying red tape without first demonstrating any benefit. Retirement system, pension fund, and investment boards all hire consultants to help identify investment opportunities. Under this bill, all consultants now will have to report to the boards that hired them on their engagement with investment services provided by a minority-owned business, a female-owned business, or a business owned by a person with a disability.
* Then there’s this one…
Today, I veto House Bill 2462, which would prohibit employers from enquiring about previous salary and compensation of prospective employees.
The gender wage gap must be eliminated, and I strongly support wage equality. Massachusetts already has established a best-in-the-country approach to the issue of employers inquiring about salary history. Illinois should model its legal regime on Massachusetts’ model.
* And this one…
Today, I veto HB 1797, which would remit the $15 million debt owed by the Illinois International Port Authority to the State of Illinois. HB 1797 is requesting the State of Illinois absolve the port authority of its debt with no clear plan for future profitability.
Furthermore, the International Port Authority was cited in 2013 by the Illinois Auditor General for numerous findings, indicating reasons for limited profitability through financial and ineffective governance. Additionally, Auditor General Holland cited the port authority for a nonexistent, long-term plan for economic development of water or rail to pay the debt owed to Illinois. This bill does not address the broken aspects driving the port district’s current financial instability, but instead masks the endemic problems with false hopes of increased economic opportunities.
The Illinois taxpayers deserve transformational changes at the International Port Authority before we should consider forgiving this debt. Internationally, new port management models have been created to deliver greater private sector participation and investment in ports. New management models could increase port utilization and create new jobs, while reducing operating costs and eliminating risks to the taxpayers. I look forward to working with the International Port Authority and the City of Chicago to find a solution to benefit the people of Illinois and our economy in the near future.
* And…
Today, I veto House Bill 2525, which addresses Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation System.
Illinois remains in a fiscal and economic crisis that taxes and regulations cannot solve. The only way to truly improve our state’s financial status is to grow our economy through the creation of jobs and opportunity. Our workers’ compensation insurance is one of the most expensive in the nation, and the statutory scheme underlying these costs is riddled with problems and stakeholders that stand in the way of getting injured employees back to health and encouraging employers to invest in Illinois again. We need thoughtful reform of this system, and we must focus our efforts on solutions that encourage economic growth while also making sure we are providing efficient and effective care to injured workers.
Unfortunately, this bill does not make the changes necessary to achieve those goals. It fails to acknowledge the cost-drivers that are putting our state at a competitive disadvantage for jobs and growth. Instead, it imposes additional regulatory structures where they are not needed.
This legislation does not represent real reform. It does not address the competitive disadvantages that are resulting in the disappearance of jobs in our manufacturing sector, where middle-class workers once could find opportunities for growth and advancement. It will not stop the flood of hardworking individuals who are leaving our state when these opportunities are lacking.
* And…
Today, I veto House Bill 2567, which creates the Automobile Dealers’ License Task Force to study licensing and oversight of nontraditional vehicle dealers in Illinois.
Regulations for vehicle dealers in Illinois must be fair for traditional and nontraditional vehicle dealers. However, this bill excludes nontraditional vehicle dealers from participating on this new task force. Instead of creating a task force comprised of a diverse representation of the automobile dealers industry, this task force only welcomes traditional industry groups to have a seat at the table in this discussion. Unfortunately, this one-sided approach could facilitate damaging public policy that protects traditional automobile dealers at the expense of nontraditional dealers and, potentially, consumer and market preferences.
Illinois must encourage competition and innovation, which means embracing traditional and nontraditional business models that provide value to the people of Illinois. That requires including diverse perspectives and inviting traditional and nontraditional entities to have a say in market regulations, which this bill does not accomplish.
* And…
Today, I veto House Bill 3897 from the 100th General Assembly, which will impose a new regulatory burden on Illinois businesses.
House Bill 3897 would create a new mandate on businesses throughout Illinois. The State of Illinois already suffers from a bloated administrative code. Illinoisans will spend at least $250 million in direct license fee costs and fill out more than 4 million pages of paperwork for state agencies over the next decade. Miring small and new businesses in red tape hinders their growth and makes Illinois less competitive than its peers.
In the face of a swollen administrative state, all new legislation mandating more rules and regulations should be held to the highest scrutiny. House Bill 3897 fails to pass this test.
That one was about trampoline safety.
* And…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 41 from the 100th General Assembly, which allows municipalities to assign, sell, or transfer their interest in funds received from the State.
Illinois is suffering from one of the most mismanaged and overburdened public finance systems; ranking second worst in the United States by independent outlets. This bill would create a moral hazard that encourages additional borrowing at the local level, while prioritizing bonded debt at municipalities over the provision of services.
…Adding… The provisions of SB41 was in the BIMP bill, which is now law. So the veto means nothing.
There were others, so click here. I’ll post reacts on another post.
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* No press release or even a list of signed and vetoed bills from the governor, but there are some press releases…
Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed legislation that would have increased the statewide minimum to $15 per hour by January 2022.
“Governor Rauner’s veto doubles down on his stance against some of our most vulnerable communities. Throughout his term he has irresponsibly cut the child care assistance program, held up grant money for low-income college students and caused severe damage to our social services through a historic budget stalemate.
“There is no reason why a single parent working full-time should qualify for food stamps and Medicaid. Our workers deserve financial independence and the empowerment that comes from being able to provide for a family.
“Our fight does not end here. I will continue to stand for hardworking people struggling to make ends meet as I have done my entire career because I know the difference a living wage can make in a person’s life, in our communities and in our entire state.”
* And another one…
Following is the statement of SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelley following Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 81, legislation to raise the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 by 2022.
“Bruce Rauner’s veto of a $15 minimum wage for Illinois sets the stage for 2018. More than 2.3 million Illinois workers would have benefited from Senate Bill 81, which was carefully considered and vetted by business groups, workers and economists before its passage by the General Assembly.
“Knowing this was wrong for Illinois he waited to the last minute and, with this veto, Gov. Rauner showed us once again who he is and what his vision is for Illinois: A permanent low-wage economy, where services and infrastructure are slashed, where workers are deprived of dignity and rights and where corporations call all the shots.
“In supporting the $15 wage bill, we understood that raising the wage isn’t a threat to jobs. In fact, it would have immediately provided a BOOST to the Illinois economy. It would have stopped the subsidy of corporations who don’t pay a living wage. It would have slowed population flight by making Illinois a wage oasis. And it would have helped MILLIONS of Illinoisans get a fair shot at entry into the Middle Class.
“The Illinois minimum wage has remained at $8.25 since 2010. This is not even CLOSE to enough to get by and the terrible effects are falling disproportionately on women and people of color.
“The time for a raise to is now. If Gov. Rauner won’t allow this to happen in Illinois, we will join with workers across this state to elect someone next November who will.”
*** UPDATE *** Here’s his veto message…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 81 from the 100th General Assembly, which raises the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next four years.
Helping low-income families and individuals get out of poverty is a top priority, and I share the passion of many members of the legislature for improving the well-being of those struggling to make ends meet. However, mainstream economic theory and mainstream economic evidence strongly suggest that an increase in the minimum wage of this magnitude will hurt the very individuals it seeks to help.
The most thorough research to date, published earlier this year by researchers at the University of Washington, found that for every 10 percent increase in the hourly earnings of low-wage workers, there was a 30 percent reduction in employers providing those jobs.
This research implies that Senate Bill 81 will result in a net reduction of earnings for low-wage Illinoisans in excess of $1,500 per year. This legislation would cost significant sums of money for the very people it purports to help. Illinois needs to be seeking comprehensive solutions that grow the economy and the number of jobs available where individuals can train, grow and attain better lives for themselves and their families.
* Press release…
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Todd Maisch’s statement on Governor Rauner’s veto of SB 81:
“Thanks to the governor’s veto of SB 81 Illinois employers can breathe a little easier today. We applaud the governor for vetoing legislation that would have increased the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. This keeps Illinois in competition with our neighbors by helping to maintain our jobs and to recruit prospective employers.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the legislation because the proposed increase in minimum wage would kill jobs, even for those looking to climb the economic ladder. By vetoing the legislation, the governor is saving thousands of jobs.
A study completed by the University of Washington this summer confirmed that jobs and work hours fell in Seattle after it raised its minimum wage to $13 just last year. If anything, this should be a sign that $15 minimum wage laws do more harm than good. Even St. Louis is expected to roll back its minimum wage from $10 per hour to $7.70 per hour at the end of this month.
Elected officials in other states are acknowledging that higher minimum wages are destructive to job growth. Too many lawmakers continue to ignore the truth that raising the minimum wage, like in SB 81, kills jobs.”
* And…
On Friday, Governor Rauner vetoed SB 81, which would have gradually raised the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. Grassroots Collaborative is a labor-community coalition representing tens of thousands of Illinois low-income families whose lives and communities would have greatly benefited from the passage of SB 81. The following is a statement from Amisha Patel, Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative.
“Governor Rauner has shown once again that he does not care about our communities and the pain Illinois families are experiencing. Raising the wage floor in Illinois to $15 per hour would have created a pathway for 2.3 million Illinois workers to move their families out of poverty. After decades of cuts to vital services, education, and infrastructure Governor Rauner is adding insult to injury for communities that continue to be abused by the Governor and his wealthy clique of political insider friends.”
“Governor Rauner showed his true allegiances by protecting his wealthy friends at the expense of Illinois working families. By vetoing the bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, Rauner denies a desperately needed raise to 40% of all Illinois workers - 46% of all female workers in Illinois, 48% of African American workers, and 61% of all Latino workers. After cutting funding to communities across the state by not passing a budget for two years, Rauner’s veto further devastates these 2.3 million Illinois workers. Bruce Rauner cares only about corporate CEOs and their lobbyists - and millions of workers will be the ones who pay the price.”
* Pritzker campaign…
“Today, Bruce Rauner vetoed an opportunity for working families across this state to build better lives,” said JB Pritzker. “Once again, Rauner abandoned Illinois working men and women and stood in the way of progress for those striving to get into the middle class. It is time Illinois’ working families had a partner in Springfield who is committed to the fight for 15. I know we need to raise the minimum wage to $15 and I will make sure Illinois workers have a seat at the table in the work ahead. Rauner’s veto reminds us that our fight is far from over and I look forward to standing with Illinois families every step of the way.”
* Biss campaign…
“Rauner may have proven himself an ally to a few hundred CEOs, but with this veto he’s also confirmed himself as an enemy to the 1.3 million Illinoisans who work at low wage jobs.
“We need a government that works for the rest of us, not for the millionaires—and this election gives us an opportunity to rise up and make our voices heard. To say loud and clear that no one deserves to live in poverty, and all workers deserve a living wage. That’s why I co-sponsored the minimum wage increase in the Senate, why I’ll work to override Rauner’s veto, and why I’ll keep fighting for living wages when I’m governor.”
* Rep. Guzzardi…
State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39th) issued the following statement in response to Bruce Rauner’s veto of SB 81, which would have raised the minimum wage to $15 in Illinois:
“I am deeply disappointed but not in the least surprised by this veto. Once again, Gov. Rauner has shown that he’d rather protect the profits of his corporate allies than help lift millions of Illinoisans out of poverty. We, the people of this state, know whose side the Governor is on. It’s not ours.
“We’ll work harder than ever to build support for a living wage in the legislature. I hope we can override the Governor’s veto. And I also hope we can elect a Governor who will put working people before corporate profits.”
* Ameya Pawar…
“When Bruce Rauner was running for governor, he was outspoken against raising the minimum wage in Illinois. Meanwhile, during his time as a venture capitalist, he relied heavily on low wage workers to make hundreds of millions of dollars in profit.
“Now we see him vetoing the graduated increase of a minimum wage for Illinois workers by 2022 at a time when corporate profits are at an all-time high and the Illinois economy continues to struggle. Make no mistake: This is Rauner’s vision for Illinois, a race to the bottom where workers are stripped of wages and rights, where middle-class families are struggling to get ahead while all control of our future is placed in the hands not of everyday Illinoisans, but in corporate boardrooms where scruples fail to reach.
“A $15 wage floor for Illinois workers is needed to keep our state competitive, to grow our economy and to ensure dignity for those whose labor profits others. Rauner’s veto will not end this fight and it will not end mine.”
* IRMA…
“Illinois retailers applaud Governor Rauner for standing up for Main Street businesses by vetoing SB 81, legislation that would have forced employers to reduce hours and eliminate jobs. The state’s minimum wage is already the highest in the Midwest and if this measure had become law it would have put Illinois retailers at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring states. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the real-world effects of the political campaign for a $15 minimum wage in Chicago and other jurisdictions and the results are in; it deprives economic opportunity from those with few or no skills. We thank Governor Rauner for his actions today on behalf of every retailer across this state.”
* Greg Baise…
“The IMA is strongly opposed to the ‘Fight for $15’ minimum wage increase, a wholly irresponsible measure that would force employers to make cuts and put more middle class families out of work. Across the country, states and municipalities with an increased minimum wage are experiencing the aftermath of that decision, and even in Illinois where Cook County passed a minimum wage increase in 2016, more than half of their municipalities are opting out of this job-killing measure. To create jobs and grow businesses in Illinois, we need sound public policy and meaningful reforms that entice companies to grow within our borders, and not just another mandate that artificially inflates wages. Lawmakers should focus on creating good, high-paying manufacturing jobs that pay more than $74,000 annually in wages and benefits, far more than the minimum wage. We applaud Governor Rauner for standing with employers on this decision.”
* Chicagoland Chamber…
“We applaud Governor Rauner for standing up for Illinois’ business community by vetoing SB 81. At a time when our employers continually see new taxes, fees and mandates at both the local and state level, we cannot afford new laws that would inhibit job growth and business development. In addition, we need to do the harder work of investing in our citizens’ workforce development, including vocational training, community college, and the trades. A politically expedient increase in the starting wage does not provide a road to prosperity over the long term. Our state is in need of sound economic reforms, which will strengthen our communities, and the Governor’s actions today was a major step in protecting our state’s jobs,” said Michael Reever, acting president & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
* Chris Kennedy…
Governor Rauner has dealt a cruel blow to all working people today by vetoing SB 81, a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Rauner cannot be trusted to serve in the best interest of the people of Illinois. His leadership does not represent our state.
As governor, I will continue to push for a $15 minimum wage and promise to sign such a bill into law. When those most impacted by poverty do better, we all do better. As FDR once said, “In our seeking for economic and political progress, we all go up - or else we all go down.”
* Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan…
“Governor Rauner’s veto of the bill to increase the state’s minimum wage is another failure in his leadership. Our economy is off balance, with too much wealth in too few hands. The state minimum wage has not been increased since 2010, and it is there to provide for economic stability for working families. Rauner chose winners and losers with his decision today, he once again chose corporate CEOs over working people.”
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* Press release…
Daniel Biss released the following statement in response to Governor Rauner’s inclusion of private school vouchers in the most recent school funding proposal.
“While I am encouraged that we are closer than ever to an agreement on public school funding, it is absurd that, in order to fund public schools, Governor Rauner and his allies are demanding a tax credit scheme that will just put more money in the pockets of millionaires and billionaires. The private school voucher program doesn’t help create a more equitable education system—it’s a false choice, and just the latest example of Rauner putting millionaires over the middle class.
“What we need is equitable school funding for all Illinois students, not more money in the pockets of people like Bruce Rauner and J.B. Pritzker.”
Not a bad political move by Biss because it forces Pritzker to make a choice between the teachers unions and supporting a funding reform bill.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From Galia Slayen at the Pritzker campaign…
JB and Daniel Biss are both in favor of funding our schools and are both against private school vouchers. It’s unfortunate that Daniel Biss is more focused on playing politics than standing up to Bruce Rauner and doing what’s right for Illinois kids.
I asked Slayen if the statement meant that Pritzker was opposed to the negotiated agreement, but haven’t heard back. I’ll let you know.
…Adding… The Pritzker people say they don’t want to comment on the bill itself until it’s finalized.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the Chris Kennedy campaign…
Rich,
Here’s video of Chris speaking out against vouchers last week during his interview with Capitol Connection.
https://www.facebook.com/CapitolConnection/videos/698836610310607/
At the 2:05 mark, Mark Maxwell asked Chris to weigh in and Chris responds:
“If you read the state Constitution, it makes it very clear in plain language that we’re not allowed to use tax dollars to fund private education and Catholic education. Now, maybe Bruce Rauner can find a way through twists and turns to get around that provision in our state constitution, but once you start violating Constitutions, I don’t know where that game ends.”
Additionally: While it’s certainly a sign of progress that leadership has reached a school funding agreement, it’s concerning that it seems to maintain Governor Rauner’s $75 million school voucher program masked as a scholarship program. Our governor shouldn’t advocate for robbing the public education system to enrich private schools. Our governor should serve the needs of all students throughout the state. We need a leader who will overhaul the way we fund schools so that all students have access to a quality public education.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Ameya Pawar…
“Education funding should be distributed equitably to public schools across Illinois. It is dead wrong to give vouchers and tax credits to private or parochial schools. Using taxpayer money to fund private schools benefits the children of wealthy families at the expense of the rest of the state.”
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* I’m hearing that the House Democratic teleconference meeting today was “brutal” on this topic. “Our caucus is going crazy over the quasi voucher [stuff],” said one House Democrat. “I don’t see a path to 71,” said another. “Longest caucus call ever,” said yet another who was on the call.
If Downstate Republicans allied with the IEA start to jump ship (especially now that the governor has given them political cover to do so by essentially saying the bill is another Chicago bailout attempt), then we’re in for some real turmoil.
The tax credit could get pulled out of the bill by the leaders or yet another side deal is cut against the governor’s wishes like what happened with the budget, or… Well, I’m not sure at this moment. Maybe Madigan can work some magic. But this is gonna be tough.
Ugh.
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* Gov. Rauner gave a “good news, bad news” speech today at the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Here’s one part…
I think we’re on the verge of what is [pause] largely good education funding reform. Our education funding in Illinois has been broken for decades. We have the largest gap between what low income districts and especially rural small rural districts get per student versus what high incomes districts get per student. We’ve got a new funding formula, we’ve been battling it through. It’s also got more school choice in it. And it’s a funding formula that I believe in, it’s a better system.
Bad news is Speaker Madigan’s caucus took the bill, inserted a bunch of bad things in it, we’re trying to get out as many of those as we can. A lot of, they’re trying to divert a lot of the money that should be coming to southern Illinois and central Illinois and divert it to the broken financial condition of Chicago. So, we’ve been battling, we’ve been battling that. And it’s not been easy. […]
The bad news is, again, there was an insertion to assist Chicago and its financial crisis and diverting money that shouldn’t go to Chicago. Um, in, in, it should be in the classrooms, spread around the state. Some should be in Chicago, but many, much of it should be here in, you know, Williamson County, it should be in Sangamon County as well. It’s not fair, but it’s going to end up being a compromise, it’s not where we’d like it to be, but what I’ll try to do is fix the problems with it in subsequent legislation.
He agreed to a deal yesterday, had his state party apparatus praise it this morning and then dumped all over it later in the day. He just can’t help himself.
…Adding… Video…
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They refuse to let this cartoon story drop
Friday, Aug 25, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Yesterday, Dan Proft said this about Gov. Rauner on his radio show…
“If you can’t stand up for yourself, if you can’t lean into criticism and push back, if you’re too busy etch-a-sketching and reinventing yourself every time a snarky tweet is directed towards you, then you’re going to get run over.”
* So, I asked Proft about his comment last night. I agree that Rauner too often allows others to get up in his head. But why would Proft denounce and threaten primary opponents against Republican Reps. Tom Demmer and Grant Wehrli - who always vote “right” - over a couple of tweets about a cartoon? His response via text message…
First, Wehrli doesn’t vote “right” and even when he does it’s often not without drama. Second, and more importantly, the charge of racism in these times and in the present context is a lot more than “snarky” and the communication channel through which it’s made is irrelevant.
My response was precisely the opposite of reinventing or etch-a-sketching based on a tweet, wasn’t it? When race hustlers and identity politics simps try their smear tactics with me I raise their profile so everyone can see that bulljive shoved right back up their hind quarters.
One additional point: Dem pols, Chicago/Springfield govt press corps have been trying to keep this phony story alive for a week and Demmer, Wehrli helped them do it while also allowing the claim of “bipartisan” outrage to be bandied about, didn’t they?
* Meanwhile, the Illinois Policy Institute did its best to keep the cartoon story alive today by issuing this press release…
Pastor Corey Brooks: Statement on behalf of Illinois Policy Institute cartoon
“Racism is all too real for thousands of members of my congregation and community in Woodlawn. We have struggled to bring good job opportunities close to home. We have struggled with a justice system that too often puts punishment over rehabilitation. And for decades, we have struggled to provide quality educational opportunities for our children.
“Most of all, we have struggled to provide hope. And the reaction to the Illinois Policy Institute’s editorial cartoon from a small group of lawmakers in Chicago is not reason for me to hope.
“Instead of fighting against injustice and inequity in our education funding system, our lawmakers have decided to slander the Illinois Policy Institute with accusations of racism and bigotry.
“Witnessing the Institute’s work on behalf of our community, those accusations could not be further from the truth. But sadly it’s not surprising to me that politicians have made them so carelessly.
“The cartoon speaks to a dangerous truth about the nature of TIF slush funds and how they affect our children. And speaking truth to power is not tolerated in Chicago. Especially when that truth shines a spotlight on how politicians have failed our city’s black community.
“I do not agree with all of the policy solutions proposed by the Illinois Policy Institute. But I do know that they are deeply invested in the future of Chicago children. Instead of dividing us with false charges of racism, lawmakers should be working together with groups like the Illinois Policy Institute toward TIF reform that keeps more money in the classroom for our kids.”
…Adding… They keep pushing back…
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* So after decrying the “false rumors” about staff exits earlier today and telling his own staff that rumors about Dennis Murashko leaving were false, his general counsel did, in fact, resign. From the governor’s office…
General Counsel Dennis Murashko will leave the Administration at the end of August to pursue opportunities in the private sector. As part of the legal team’s succession planning, Kenton Skarin will assume the role of Acting General Counsel to the Governor. He currently is serving as the Governor’s Deputy General Counsel and is responsible for managing all aspects of legal operations within the Administration.
“One of the most talented and creative lawyers, Dennis has been my trusted senior adviser for almost three years, and I have always valued his good counsel,” Gov. Rauner said. “On behalf of the residents of our great state, I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Before assuming a role in the Administration, Kenton worked in the Issues and Appeals Practice of Jones Day’s Chicago Office. There, he practiced complex litigation and appeals in trial and appellate courts in Illinois and across the country. Kenton also previously served as law clerk to the Honorable Justice Clarence Thomas on the United States Supreme Court and to Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth District. Kenton graduated first in his class from Northwestern University School of Law and summa cum laude from North Central College in Naperville. He is a lifelong resident of Illinois.
*** UPDATE *** From this morning’s press conference…
REPORTER: “Are you keeping your chief of staff?”
RAUNER: “We announced some changes in the communications department, and that’s all the changes there are.”
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* No details yet, but unless there’s some last-second glitch I’m told an announcement is coming momentarily from the leaders. Stay tuned.
While we wait, I should note that I told subscribers yesterday that reaching an agreement was “all on” House GOP Leader Jim Durkin’s shoulders. He obviously needed a deal to prevent yet another member revolt, but he had the unenviable task of convincing Gov. Rauner to go along. That’s never easy. So, kudos.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
Joint Statement from House and Senate GOP Leaders on School Funding Reform
Chicago, IL - House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and Senate Republican Leader-designee Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) today released the following statement on school funding reform negotiations:
“This afternoon the four legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement in principle on historic school funding reform. Language will be drafted and details of the agreement released once the drafts have been reviewed. The leaders will reconvene in Springfield on Sunday in anticipation of House action on Monday.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Statement from Democratic leaders on school funding negotiations
House Speaker Michael J. Madigan
Senate President John J. Cullerton
“The legislative leaders appear to have reached a bipartisan agreement in concept and will meet again on Sunday in Springfield. The Illinois House is expected to be in session on Monday at 4:30 p.m.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…
The following statement can be attributed to the Governor’s Office:
“Governor Rauner applauds the four leaders in coming to a consensus on historic school funding reform that reflects the work of the School Funding Reform Commission. He thanks them for their leadership and looks forward to the coming days when the legislation is passed by both chambers.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Sen. Andy Manar…
“I am encouraged that the legislative leaders appear to have reached an agreement in concept on school funding reform. As many have reiterated time and again for years on end, the inequities that deepen with each passing day in our public schools are a horrible stain on our great state. The status quo is unjust and immoral. Our goal is simple: create a system that is both adequate and equitable for all children. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this job done.”
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* The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition has a pretty good summation of the TRUST Act bill. And since there’s so much opposition from people who don’t know what’s actually in it, I thought I’d share part of their press release with you…
Trust ACT SB 31 is a ” very reasonable” bill, as Governor Rauner said on Friday, August 18 on WBEZ’s morning shift program. It has the backing of business leaders and support from some big names in state law enforcement like Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran. Trust Act will make our communities safer and our economy stronger.
SB 31 was negotiated from 40 pages down to 2 pages, see the actual language SB 31 (and amended by HA#3) HERE. These changes and amendment have led to some confusion about what SB 31, as approved, does and does not do.
SB 31 was negotiated with law enforcement and immigrant advocates, with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police in support, and the Illinois Sheriffs Association neutral and prominent law enforcement officials, such as sheriffs Tom Dart (D-Cook County) and Mark Curran (R-Lake County) actively in support.
What IS in TRUST ACT SB 31-HA#3 See the actual language HERE
1) State and local police would not arrest or hold a person based solely on immigration status.
2) State and local police honor ICE detainers sanctioned by a judge.
3) State and local police are allowed to communicate with federal agents, and fully compliant with federal statutory requirements.
What is NOT in TRUST ACT SB 31-HA #3 See the actual language HERE
1) SB 31 does NOT create “safe” zones such as hospitals and schools
2) SB 31 does NOT create “sanctuary” state or municipalities
3) SB 31 does NOT prohibit law enforcement communications with federal agents
WHY TRUST ACT SB 31 is a Good Step Forward for Illinois
1) The core duty of local police is community safety, not federal immigration enforcement. Immigrants are more likely to report crimes and come forward as witnesses to crimes when they are not afraid. Trust Act SB 31 promotes trust between immigrants and local police which strengthens community safety for all Illinois residents.
2) Reduce unnecessary disruption to the workforce - our economy depends on immigrants as workers, business owners and entrepreneurs. Efforts to repair our broken immigration system have been stalled in Congress for well over a decade, with no resolution in sight. That’s the reality that makes the Trust Act a smart move for Illinois.
WHO SUPPORTS TRUST ACT SB 31
LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORTS SB 31 CLICK HERE
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart
Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Melrose Park Chief of Police Sam C Pitassi
Stone Park Chief of Police Christopher P. Pavini
Franklin Park Chief of Police Michael Witz
Chicago Heights Chief of Police Tom Rogers
Elgin Chief of Police Jeffrey Swoboda
Berwyn Chief of Police Michael D. Cimaglia
Elmwood Park Chief of Police Frank Fagiano
Evanston Police Chief Richard Eddington
174 BUSINESS LEADERS SUPPORT SB 31 CLICK HERE
179 FAITH LEADERS SUPPORT SB 31 - CLICK HERE
* But this was a bit odd today…
*** UPDATE *** From the Welcoming Illinois Campaign…
Hey Rich, we thought you’d also like to have the list of over 80 organizations that make up the Welcoming Illinois Campaign, which actually wrote SB31, negotiated with law enforcement and legislators, and successfully passed it this spring by working closely with Senate President Cullerton, Rep. Chris Welch, and Rep. Lisa Hernandez. This began and will end as a community driven victory.
Here’s the list:
Access Living
ACLU Illinois
Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment (AFIRE)
American Immigration Lawyers Association - Greater Chicago Chapter
Apna Ghar Inc.
Arab American Action Network
Arab American Family Services
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Casa Michoacan – FEDECMI
Centro Romero
Centro Trabajadores Unidos
Champaign Urbana Immigration Forum
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Irish Immigrant Support
Chicago Legal Clinic
Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network
Chicago Religious Leadership Network
Chicago Teacher’s Union
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
Communities United
Community of Congregations
Council on American Islamic Relations - Chicago
Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
Chicago Teachers Union
Enlace Chicago
Erie Neighborhood House
Faith Coalition for the Common Good
Family Focus Aurora
Famil Federacion de Hidalguenses en Illinois
Fedenaymo Nayaritas at Midwest
Federacion Internacional de Morelenses
Fight For $15
Gamaliel of IL/Iowa
Gamaliel of Metro Chicago
Grassroots Collaborative
Hamdard Center
Hana Center
Hanul Family Alliance
Healing to Action
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
Illinois AFL-CIO
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Illinois People’s Action
Illinois Women’s March
Indo-American Center
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Interfaith Leadership Project
Jobs With Justice
Latino Organization of the South
Latino Policy Forum
Life Span Center for Legal Services and Advocacy
Logan Square Neighborhood Association
Mano a Mano
Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Mujeres Latinas En Accion
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Illinois Chapter
Northern Alliance for Immigrants
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
North Suburban Teachers Union
Northwest Suburban Organizing for Action
Pan Asian Voter Empowerment (PAVE) Coalition
PASO West Suburban Action Project
Peoria No Ban No Wall
Planned Parenthood Illinois
Project Irene
Quad Cities Interfaith
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
SEIU Local 1
SEIU HCII
Southern Illinois Immigrant Rights Project
Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project (SSIP)
Syrian Community Network
The Resurrection Project
The Young Center of the University of Chicago
United African Organization
United Congregations of Metro East
United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations
UNITE HERE Local 1
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Thanks for the ZZ Top earworm, JB
Thursday, Aug 24, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* JB Pritzker is fully self-funding his campaign. So, instead of asking for small-dollar contributions to boost his e-mail contact list (as well as mailing addresses and mobile phone numbers for further outreach and volunteer recruitment), he’s now giving out free swag…
Hey there–
Summer’s almost over, but you can still show your support for JB today with a pair of free JB sunglasses!
This has been a big summer for our campaign—we’ve rolled out plans for healthcare and early childhood education, marched in a ton of awesome parades, and announced our amazing Lieutenant Governor candidate, Juliana Stratton—and we’re just getting started.
We want to thank you for continuing to support us on this journey.
Tell us where to send your JB sunglasses – and we’ll get them to you as soon as we can!
Thanks for everything,
JBPritzker.com
P.S. Nothing’s holding you back from passing this along to friends and family in Illinois so they can get some matching shades!
Maybe they shoulda handed out free eclipse glasses last week. Also, click here if you didn’t understand the headline.
Anyway, what do you think about this?
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* From the IEA…
After years of starving the education system in Illinois, many people came together in an unprecedented way to pass an education funding reform bill that helps provide “adequate and equitable” funding throughout the state.
Illinois has been ranked, for years, 50th among all states in funding our children’s future. Senate Bill 1 will change that. But in an effort to get enough votes to get SB 1 passed, it is being proposed that the state fund a tax credit (voucher) program.
“It’s a bitter irony that, to get the governor to do the right thing on school funding, the General Assembly is being pressured to do the wrong thing and pass a voucher program,” said Kathi Griffin, president of the Illinois Education Association.
“A voucher program is the wrong thing because it reduces money available to educate children in public schools, because private schools are not accountable for how they spend public dollars and because there is no advantage for the children this proposal is, allegedly, intended to help.”
In an age where accountability means everything – where standards are being implemented to ensure students are being taught what they need to succeed in life – why would Illinois take public money and give it to private schools that have no accountability?
“The voucher scheme is essentially a ransom payment that is being demanded in order to get fair funding for public school children statewide. It’s wrong,” Griffin said. “If we are really interested in helping children, the obvious thing to do is support existing schools. We oppose this voucher scheme.”
Again, and with feeling this time. It’s not a voucher program. The MAP grant program is much more akin to a voucher system. The state gives money to colleges (public and private) based on awards to individual students who apply and qualify financially.
This is not that. It’s an income tax credit for individual donations to private schools (and even public schools for out-of-district tuition assistance). There’s a big difference. The state doesn’t hand you or your kid’s school a voucher, and you won’t get a tax credit when you pay your own kid’s tuition, either. You have to donate to the school’s scholarship fund to qualify for the credit and then that school hands out the awards under certain state guidelines.
* Anyway, the IEA is also asking members to contact legislators and urge them to oppose the proposal. And some Downstate legislators in both parties are starting to feel heat on this topic as we ramp up to next week’s House action.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
The Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE), a unit of the Council for Administrators of Special Education (CASE) opposes all publicly funded subsidies of private education such as private school voucher programs (including tax credits, taxpayer savings grants/scholarships, and portability) for all students, including students with disabilities, as they are contrary to the best interests of students and their families, the public school system, local communities, and taxpayers. Public education is essential to provide equitable opportunities and positive educational outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. IAASE opposes public subsidy of private education for the following reasons:
• Students with disabilities do not have equal access to private schools. Mission-based entrance policies which describe students who “match” a private school’s mission are often discriminatory against students with disabilities. There is evidence of discriminatory practice within this context based on race, disability, and socioeconomic status. Any organization receiving public funding must offer equal access to their programs.
• Private schools significantly lack accountability. As such, the measures so critical to considering school success are missing from private education. Standardized assessment, student achievement targets, funding oversight, reporting requirements regarding discipline, oversight on least restrictive environment, transition outcomes, discipline, disproportionality, maintenance of effort, evaluation timelines, special education teacher certification requirements, incidents of restraint and seclusion and other essential oversight required of the public school systems are necessary to ensure equitable access for students with disabilities.
• Students with disabilities and their families are not guaranteed basic due process rights afforded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when they enter private schools. If parents make a unilateral decision to enroll their child in a private school, the right to an individualized education program (IEP), special education and related services, mediation, dispute resolution and other due process rights are not available. Therefore, participation in the educational program is limited for students with disabilities in private schools.
• Subsidizing private schools with public funds does irreparable harm to public schools. Access to equitable public opportunities and positive educational outcomes are based on a strong state and federal investment in public education. Use of public dollars to pay for private education decreases the funding available to ensure a strong public school system which is essential to quality educational opportunities for students with disabilities. A parallel system of education publicly funded in the private sector is unsustainable for taxpayers and harmful to students with disabilities.
For these reasons, IAASE calls upon the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois State Senate to oppose any statutory or administrative change that promotes public subsidy to private education, such as vouchers, scholarships, voucher-like programs and/or tax credits.
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* The Tribune has more about the staff meeting I told you about earlier this morning…
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner held a conference call with staff members Thursday morning to announce the departure of his new communications team, saying they were “good people trying to do good work” but ended up being not a “good fit.”
According to one person who was on the call but who was not authorized to speak publicly about it, Rauner told aides “the intensity of the battle is going up” and he wanted to address the staffing rumors because he expected them to continue, the source said.
“The reality is in addition to the enemies on the other side of the aisle (Democrats), we have enemies in the media and enemies who should be on our side, some of them former members of the administration,” the source recounted Rauner as saying.
*** UPDATE *** Sfondeles…
During a morning staff conference call, Rauner sought to dispel controversy over the exodus, according to a source with direct knowledge of the call. He called rumblings of the departures of his chief of staff Kristina Rasmussen and chief legal counsel Dennis Murashko “rumors.” And he confirmed the communications staffers’ exits, saying they were not a “good fit.”
And he pointed the finger at “enemies” — everyone from Democrats, media, bloggers and “people who shouldn’t be our enemies, including people who used to work for this administration.” Rauner, too, vowed to go on the offense against attacks on his administration.
The governor told staffers his team would “fight every rumor and innuendo diligently,” calling them “disgusting,” the source said. The governor said his administration would “stand together” and squash rumors in every possible way and said some were coming because he’s trying to challenge the “status quo.”
Whew.
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* Press release…
Statement from Gov. Bruce Rauner
CHICAGO (Aug. 24, 2017) – Diana Rickert, Laurel Patrick, Meghan Keenan and Brittany Carl have submitted their resignations to the Office of the Governor.
We are grateful for their hard work on behalf of the people of Illinois and wish them all the best going forward.
Elizabeth Tomev is acting communications director.
* We will have live video soon from BlueRoomstream.com of the first event, even though it says in his daily public schedule that he won’t take any questions…
Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, August 24, 2017
What: Gov. Rauner signs HB 418, protecting taxpayers from police pension fund abuse
Where: Naperville City Hall, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville
Date: Thursday, August 24, 2017
Time: 10 a.m.
Note: No additional media availability
What: Gov. Rauner signs series of criminal justice reform bills
Where: Safer Foundation North Lawndale Adult Transition Center, 2839 W. Fillmore St., Chicago
Date: Thursday, August 24, 2017
Time: 1:15 p.m.
Note: No additional media availability
*** UPDATE *** From the DGA…
Rauner’s Office in Disarray (Again) As He Struggles to Respond to a Cartoon
Prairie State Purge 2.0 – Rauner Fires Staff He Hired Just a Month Ago in Last Purge
Rauner Fires Top Staff in the Middle of Major Education Funding Fight
Last night, Governor Bruce Rauner commenced a staff purge targeting staffers he brought in just weeks ago, during his last purge. In early July, Bruce Rauner suffered an embarrassing defeat when a group of bipartisan lawmakers overrode his veto of the state’s first budget in two years. Rauner decided to clear house and 21 people were fired or resigned. He replaced much of his top aides with members of the right-wing think tank Illinois Policy Institute believing it could solve his communications problems.
It has not been a good month for Rauner’s new inexperienced staff:
The bodyman was hired and fired on the same day for homophobic and racist tweets;
A comms staffer had to explain her past writings comparing abortion to Nazi eugenics;
A policy staffer got into a twitter fight over the rules of a blog’s comment section;
Rauner was repeatedly unprepared for basic questions about his policy;
Rauner was criticized for his office’s slow response to major flooding;
And more.
It all came to a head last week. The still existent Illinois Policy Institute published a cartoon many deemed racist and which drew immediate and bipartisan condemnation on the Illinois House Floor. For a week, Rauner’s team fumbled its response to the cartoon; Rauner refused to condemn the it, refused to look it, and proceeded to argue that some people did not find it offensive. On Tuesday, Rauner’s office produced dueling statements. The first said Rauner, “as a white male”, had nothing more to add to the debate. The second read “Earlier today an email went out from my office that did not accurately reflect my views.” The second statement did not condemn the cartoon or add much to the debate, however.
So, Rauner begins again. The details are still fuzzy but Rauner’s Prairie State Purge 2.0 includes most of his communications staff, with others potentially later.
The timing could not be worse – Rauner’s in the middle of a major political fight he started by issuing an amendatory veto of the state’s education funding formula. Rauner’s veto was seen as extreme and influenced by his then-new Illinois Policy Institute staffers. Illinois schools are opening their doors unsure if they would survive past October as lawmakers try and deal with the veto. Rauner’s plan has not received much support – it was already overridden in the Senate, and received zero votes in the House.
“At no time has Bruce Rauner ever taken responsibility for the consequences of his failed leadership, and this recent staff purge suggests he is not about to start,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “As Governor, Bruce Rauner forced the state through a two-year budget crisis that was only ended over his objection. Debt piled up, social services were cut or closed, and jobs and people fled the state. Now Rauner is pushing the school system to closure for political gain. No staff purge can solve the problem at the center of this administration – Bruce Rauner.”
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Rauner tells staff that three have resigned
Thursday, Aug 24, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* During a Rauner administration staff meeting this morning, three comms staff resignations were confirmed: Diana Rickert, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications; Laurel Patrick, his communications director; and Brittany Carl, a comms person best known for her “Nazi eugenics” comment.
The governor told staffers that reports that his chief of staff Kristina Rasmussen and his chief legal counsel Dennis Murashko could also be resigning were “vicious rumors.” But I’m told Murashko has been asked to stick around until a replacement can be found. His policy director, Michael Lucci, appears to be safe.
The communications team departures, Rauner insisted to staff, were “mutual decisions,” and that the staffers were “not a good fit.”
The governor also reportedly blamed many of his current problems on the top staff members who were fired or resigned in July and, I’m told, said he would use legal means to go on offense and stop them.
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