Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

From the sub-zero temperatures and unyielding snow of winter to the blazing hot summer temperatures that are just around the corner, the state of Illinois knows a thing or two about extreme weather.

Nearly half of Illinois’ electricity comes from nuclear energy, which is always on, providing reliable power when we need it most – even under extreme weather conditions. Without nuclear energy, there would be inadequate energy to meet our needs on the coldest and hottest days of the year.

During the 2014 Polar Vortex, when coal, natural gas, and wind facilities did not perform well, nuclear plants maintained a capacity factor between 95 and 98 percent, allowing businesses and residents the ability to keep their lights and heat on during that period of extreme weather.

But half of our state’s nuclear energy plants may be shut down prematurely because of outdated energy policies. According to the State of Illinois, the cost of these premature closures would be enormous and include:

• Decreased Electric Grid Reliability
• Forcing Consumers to Pay For Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In New Transmission Lines
• Elimination of Nearly 8,000 Jobs
• The Loss of $1.8 Billion Annually in Economic Activity
• The Destruction of State and Local Tax Bases
• Increase in Carbon Emissions and Dirtier Air
• Higher Consumer Energy Costs

If we lose these plants, things could get really uncomfortable.
Members of the Illinois General Assembly: Vote YES On HB 3293 / SB 1585

Learn more at: www.nuclearpowersillinois.com

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Today’s number: $42,000

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Uh-oh…

According to campaign records with the Illinois Elections Board, Illinois State Senator James Clayborne from East St Louis, the number two man in the state senate, spent some $42,000 on chauffeured limousines between 2003 and 2014.

Fox 2 also discovered Clayborne spent $50,000 in campaign funds during those years on overseas travel to a dozen nations.

The senator represents some of the most impoverished areas of the metro east.

When asked to explain himself, Clayborne said, “Campaign dollars are donations. They’re not public dollars.”

* Ugh. Here is just a small handful of the Senator’s disclosures. Click here for the full file…

* One quibble…

But clearly the public cares how candidates spend dollars. The Illinois Policy Institute helped with this investigation.

“Campaign money should go towards campaigning,” said executive director Kristina Rasmussen.

Actually, state law allows legislators to use campaign money to pay for legislative functions. It saves taxpayers some money. But that many limo rides? Sheesh.

* Video…

44 Comments

Out of state biz journalists peeved at Rauner

Monday, Apr 27, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Welcome to Illinois…

If it was part of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s agenda to court the press during his speech at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers conference in Chicago, it didn’t quite work out.

Rauner, a businessman who made his fortune in private equity, gave the keynote speech on Saturday, the final day of the conference, to a nearly-full ballroom, pitching his ambitious agenda to transform Illinois.

He opened his speech with a request to reporters to help him pass his reforms, asking for the press’s support three times during his 15-minute speech. […]

After the governor wrapped up his speech, he declared he wouldn’t answer any questions from the audience. An audible groan rippled through the crowd. As he left, several reporters followed him into the hallway. […]

According to [Marty Wolk, president of SABEW], it was a difficult process to get Gov. Rauner to appear at the event. He explained that all speakers know beforehand that their comments are on the record and are expected to take a few questions, given their audience is a room full of business journalists.

“An hour before he arrived, his advance person said no questions from the podium, but that he would be available for 15 minutes afterward to meet people,” Wolk said. Rauner left immediately after his speech.

“For a public figure to say, ‘I want you to help me sell this story’ and not understand it’s a two-way conversation, and not take questions? It fundamentally misunderstands the role of media in this age. In any age,” Wolk said.

* Video…

Raw audio is here.

* This is not unusual. Here is the governor’s latest public schedule notice…

Daily Public Schedule: Monday, April 27, 2015

What: Governor Attends Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing Luncheon

Where: Chicago Marriott

540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Date: Monday, April 27, 2015

Time: 12:15 p.m.

Note: No additional media availability.

What: Governor Discusses Turnaround Agenda at Great Lakes Economic Forum

Where: Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington St., Chicago

Date: Monday, April 27, 2015

Time: 2:15 p.m.

Note: No additional media availability.

Emphasis added.

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Reader comments closed for the weekend

Friday, Apr 24, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The grass ain’t greener, the wine ain’t sweeter either side of the hill…

Clank your chains and count your change

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