Pritzker campaigned on freezing gas tax hikes and cutting grocery taxes. If those tax cuts were good enough to campaign on, why weren’t they good enough to make it into his budget? I asked him: pic.twitter.com/7XTgvzE29s
Well, let’s start with we did cut taxes last year when we had a surplus that we could put toward temporary tax break for everybody when inflation was going up. We did that. And I’ll continue to look for ways to put money back into peoples’ pockets with tax breaks. I also want to point out we’ve underfunded our education system, we’ve underfunded early childhood education. And so we’re trying to do things simultaneously as resources are made available. But remember, none of this can be done, I want to point this out and make sure everybody pays attention, can’t be done if you don’t balance the budget and make sure you’re allocating if you have surplus resources, allocate them properly when we thought those were one time funds over the last couple of years because some of it came in from the federal government. We said we’re only going to put them toward one time expenditures. And that meant for example, paying down debt for the state, we paid down almost $11 billion of debt for the state as a result of those excess revenues or surpluses that we saw, because we weren’t sure about whether we were going to see continued increases in our state sources of revenue. We now are looking at the state sources, we’re not seeing any federal revenue to augment that and yet we’re still running surpluses. That’s why we have surpluses here in FY23. It’s allowed us to pay down more debt. But and some of it will go to, for example, the pensions. We’re seeing that as a stable level of revenue. We dropped the revenue estimate by about one and a half billion dollars for next year. Because again, being prudent, I’ve been very conservative about revenue estimates. And so going into the next year, we’re actually proposing less revenue and lower spending overall than we had in FY23. And we’re dedicating that to trying to uplift our children across the state.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
* And here’s his response to the second question…
Oh, believe me, I want to make any tax cuts that we could propose permanent. Let’s start with that. I would like to lower everybody’s taxes. That’s number one. I’d love to do that. We also as you know, have deficits that have been run. I’m talking about infrastructure, investment deficits, deficits and investing in education that we need to work on simultaneously with trying to get more money back into people’s pockets. We’ve not raised taxes. In fact, we’ve held taxes the same. What we’ve seen is a level of economic activity in the state and our GDP rising, and that has brought in more dollars in our regular you know three big sources of revenue and that sales tax, individual income tax and corporate income tax, and we’re trying to put those in the right places. We’re getting to where we want to be in Illinois, again, rising in the rankings. And one thing to point out to you is that today, we’re number six in the country in K-12 education according to US News and World Report. And we’re number one among the most populous states in the country, the 10 most populous states we’re number one. I want us to maintain that I want us to make sure we’re investing in the right things. I have to say early childhood is absolutely the best place.
(A)round 95% of all General Fund spending on services goes to the four core areas of Education (Pre-K, K-12, and Higher Education), Healthcare, Human Services, and Public Safety. For too long, the state’s structural fiscal problems have forced decision-makers to cut Illinois’ real, inflation-adjusted investment in those core services. Just last year, Illinois’ funding for those services was collectively 16% less in real terms than it was in FY 2000, resulting in inadequate funding for schools, and inadequate capacity to meet the health, safety, and human service needs of everyone from senior citizens to individuals with disabilities, mental health concerns, or who have suffered from domestic violence. [Emphasis added.]
There’s more in Ralph’s report, but I went over it with subscribers earlier today, so I’ll just leave it at that.
With less than two weeks left until Election Day, the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy (CSDD) at Northwestern University and a coalition of Black and Latino nonprofits released a nonpartisan poll showing common ground among Black and Latino voters in the Chicago mayoral race. Results from the survey showcase the need for candidates to address safety, cost of living and jobs, among other priority issues for Chicagoans.
The poll also shows a tight race between Paul Vallas (19%), U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (17%), Mayor Lori Lightfoot (14%) and Willie Wilson (12%). Broken down by demographics, 40% of Latino voters are leaning toward Rep. Garcia, 23% of Black voters are leaning toward Mayor Lightfoot, and 25% of white voters are leaning toward Vallas. More than 20% of voters still remain undecided.
The poll was conducted by BSP Research. Northwestern and a coalition of Black and Latino nonprofits funded and developed this poll to better understand the issues mobilizing Black and Latino Chicago voters. The coalition includes Hispanic Federation, Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative, Latino Policy Forum and Latino Victory Project.
The poll found that crime (57%), inflation/cost of living (44%), and wages/jobs (25%) dominate as the most important issues for all Chicago voters. A majority of Black (54%) and white (64%) respondents as well as a plurality of Latino voters (46%) identified crime as the most important issue. Equally important, 46% of all voters strongly support decreasing police funding and investing in addressing root causes of crime. […]
The poll also found that Chicago voters agree on an active and effective government, with overwhelming support across racial groups to:
• Create more affordable housing (56% of Latinos, 63% of Blacks, 47% of whites )
• Make childcare accessible to all parents (55% of Latinos, 57% of Blacks, 41% of whites)
• Increase the number of police on the force (48% of Latinos, 38% of Blacks, 47% of whites)
• Tax multi-million-dollar properties to help pay for services (54% of Latinos, 44% of Blacks, 39% of whites)
• Create a humane and orderly way to allow immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers to live and contribute to Chicago (88% of Latinos, 78% of Blacks, and 76% of whites)
[…] In terms of commonality among racial groups to work together on issues, 85% of Latino voters and 75% of Black voters think that both communities have more in common when it comes to government and politics in Chicago. Additionally, over 70% of Black and Latino voters think Chicago would be better if Black and Latino communities work together on issues.
Finally, Latino voters show the lowest rates of being 100% certain to vote at 69%, followed by 78% of Black voters and 83% of white voters.
The poll includes 643 registered voters in Chicago who were randomly contacted by cell phone, email or through other online panels and carries a margin of error of +/- 3.9%. The poll was in the field Feb 5-10, 2023 and available in English or Spanish. Respondents who said they were not planning to vote were excluded. Final data were weighted to match the known U.S. Census Bureau estimates for voters in Chicago.
After pressing likely voters who initially said they were undecided to pick a candidate they were leaning toward…
Vallas 23%
Garcia 16%
Lightfoot 15%
Wilson 12%
Johnson 8%
Green 5%
King 4%
Buckner 3%
Sawyer 3%
Undecided 10%
By the way, President Biden was rated favorably by 74 percent of likely voters, while Gov. Pritzker was rated favorably by 71 percent.
Vallas 13%
Lightfoot 15%
Wilson 12%
Garcia 10%
Johnson 7%
Green 7%
King 5%
Buckner 4.5%
Sawyer 1%
Write in/Other 3%
Undecided 22%
* The Get Stuff Done PAC is spending money in aldermanic races, both against progressives and for more moderate candidates. They just reported another $250,000 contribution from Michael Sacks. He’s now up to $750K.
A group that represents the real estate industry has quietly become a major player in this month’s Chicago aldermanic elections, spending funds in nearly a dozen races that will determine control of the City Council.
According to disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, Illinois Realtors has spent money via an independent expenditure affiliate in at least 11 wards scattered around the city. Included are vacant seats in the Lincoln Park 43rd Ward, south lakefront 4th Ward, West Side 30th Ward and north lakefront 46th and 48th Wards, as well as embattled incumbents in the 11th, 12th, 23rd and 50th wards. […]
Illinois Realtors’ spending comes on top of donations from another group backed by business interests, the Get Stuff Done PAC. Former by allies of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, it has reported raising about $1.5 million so far, with some spending in the same wards as the real estate group.
* Press release…
Fresh off of a series of polls showing him continuing to lead in the race for Mayor and a major endorsement from Alderman Brendan Reilly, mayoral candidate Paul Vallas is releasing a new television ad that starts running on broadcast and cable today. Titled “Great City,” the ad showcases the support Vallas is receiving from a broad, diverse coalition of Chicagoans who are backing the candidate and his vision of putting crime reduction and public safety first.
“I could not be more proud of the movement our campaign is building of Chicagoans from all different backgrounds who agree that we need a Mayor who believes that public safety is a human right, and who will deliver on the promise to make our city safer,” said Vallas. “With just two weeks remaining until Election Day our team will continue working hard to earn the support of every Chicago voter by staying focused on what matters most to them, which is making our city safer.”
The Vallas ad features genuine supporters from neighborhoods across the city including Southside, Little Village, Bridgeport, Loop/Downtown, Hyde Park, and Lakefront/Lakeview.
…Adding… Garcia campaign…
Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, candidate for Mayor of Chicago, released the following statement in response to the story regarding the cover up of the Inspector General’s report on Hilco.
“I live near the old Crawford plant – this is my neighborhood and those harmed were my friends. That Lori Lightfoot would cover up a preventable disaster is unconscionable. Her administration’s cover up, bad decision-making, and lack of accountability is emblematic of the incompetent and corrupt decision making that we have come to expect from Lori Lightfoot,” said Congressman García.
“Chicagoans have long deserved to see the Inspector General’s report but rather than being open and honest with Chicagoans, Lori Lightfoot decided to cover it up, stick by the failed leadership that was responsible, and lie to all those that were harmed by this disaster. If Lori Lightfoot is willing to cover up something of this magnitude then we know she is willing to do anything to avoid accountability.”
* Isabel’s roundup…
* WTTW | City Officials Could Have Prevented Botched Little Village Smokestack Implosion, According to Full Watchdog Report: The report determined that city officials put Little Village residents at risk when they allowed the smokestack demolition to proceed based on a permit issued in July 2018 that did not mention the use of explosives. At the same time, other officials did not do enough to ensure the implosion did not cause a massive dust storm while others brushed off or downplayed concerns about whether the demolition should take place a month after the COVID-19 pandemic swept Chicago, according to the full report.
* Tribune | Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas insists he’s a lifelong Democrat. But he’s backed by conservative donors and the FOP: The encounter highlights a thorny campaign issue for Vallas: As he makes his second bid for Chicago mayor and proclaims himself a “lifelong Democrat,” he’s pivoted to run on law-and-order and other themes that have drawn support from conservatives in the city and state. While Vallas doesn’t want to lose conservative supporters — many on the Northwest and Southwest sides who could propel him past the Feb. 28 election into a runoff — he also can’t alienate the rest of the city if he wants to win on April 4.
* Block Club | Search Every Political Donation Made To Chicago Aldermanic Candidates: You can use the database to find out who’s donated to the alderpeople or challengers in your ward — as well as how much they’ve given, who else they’ve given to and how that compares to other wards across the city. Where candidates get their campaign money often reveals a lot about their connections and priorities: It pays to follow the money.
* Tribune | Lori Lightfoot takes aim at Brandon Johnson as mayoral race enters final two weeks: The mayor’s appearance highlighted a subtle shift in her campaign strategy as the candidates enter the last two weeks before the Feb. 28 election. While Lightfoot has worked to build a base of support among Black voters on the South and West sides since announcing her reelection campaign last summer, she has largely ignored Johnson and aimed her fire at business owner Willie Wilson.
* ABC Chicago | Chicago Mayoral Forum focuses on issues impacting African-American community: Monday night’s forum focused on issues impacting the African-American community. Some of the sharpest exchanges occurred between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Brandon Johnson. “If Commissioner Johnson is not planning to impose a tax on people earning a $100,000 or more, he should say right here and right now that he will never support such a plan,” Lightfoot said.
* NBC Chicago | Here’s What Chicago Mayoral Candidates Have to Say About Ending Cash Bail: All nine candidates running for mayor of Chicago were asked about a bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly that would eliminate cash bail, a piece of legislation that is currently on hold as court challenges to the bill move their way through the court system.
* Tribune | Ghost buses, CTA budget woes, shared streets: Transportation challenges ahead for Chicago’s next mayor: The problems facing Chicago residents go far beyond long wait times for public transit and sometimes dirty train cars. Whoever becomes the city’s next mayor will contend with a CTA that is facing steep staffing shortages and a looming financial shortfall, and is struggling to address complaints about violent crime and nuisance behavior such as smokers on the “L.” There are also increasingly vocal concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety and a steep decline in ridership.
* WBEZ | Mayor Lightfoot offers few details on fixing registries for sex, drug and violence crimes: The failure leaves people convicted of some crimes subject to arrest for failure to register, despite their efforts to follow the law. Advocates for survivors of sexual assault have expressed concern that the overburdened office is indicative of a department that isn’t prioritizing their safety concerns.
* WGN | Candidates for Chicago mayor square off in hotly contested forum: Brandon Johnson was under fire as his rivals in the race for mayor turned the spotlight on him. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot threw the first punch by raising Johnson’s “tax-the-rich economic plan,” to pay for massive new spending.
The Illinois Lottery Grandstand will be rocking when REO Speedwagon returns to the Illinois State Fair on Tuesday, August 15. The group, which was loosely formed in the late 1960’s at the University of Illinois, has been a constant in the rock world over the last five decades.
From their chart-topping rock love ballads “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” and “Keep On Loving You” to rock classics like “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Keep Pushin,” REO will bring a catalog of songs that span generations.
“REO Speedwagon always bring everything they have to the stage,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “In the over 50 years they have been together, there has not been a year where REO Speedwagon didn’t perform live. This will be one of those performances where we will be able to hear the crowd singing along throughout the whole fairgrounds.”
Their 2023 stop will mark the groups seventh time headlining at the Illinois State Fair, the last coming in 2013. Ticket sales for announced shows will go on sale at a date that is yet to be determined.
Tuesday, August 15: REO Speedwagon with TBD
Tier 3 - $33 / Tier 2 - $38 / Tier 1 - $45 / SRO Track - $45 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $100
Saturday, August 19: Maren Morris with TBD
Tier 3 - $50 / Tier 2 - $58 / Tier 1 - $68 / SRO Track - $68 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $123
*A $30 Stage Side Party ticket is offered as an additional upgrade for all paid concerts.
* Monday is Lincoln’s birthday, a state holiday. Enjoy. Here’s The White Stripes covering a song written by Hal David and the late, great Burt Bacharach…
Like a summer rose
Needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love
To feel all the way
It is tradition for the Governor to deliver his annual State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session in the House Chamber. However, for the past two years, a global pandemic and a dangerous snowstorm forced Governor JB Pritzker to relocate. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is excited to host the governor for the first time since he was elected to lead the chamber.
“In my first two years as Speaker, we faced unprecedented challenges and I’m thrilled that we are beginning to gain a sense of normalcy again,” said Speaker Welch. “I’m grateful we will be able to host Governor Pritzker and I look forward to hearing more about his priorities for this session.”
After three years of pandemic disruption that saw postponements, downsizing and a special outdoor summer edition, the Chicago Auto Show may be hitting on all cylinders for the 2023 edition.
The annual show, which opens Saturday, has expanded back into two halls at McCormick Place, with a full roster of brands, exhibits and test tracks, hoping to draw large crowds of EV-curious and old-school car enthusiasts.
* IDPH…
The department is reporting 10,234 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending February 5, and 62 deaths. … As of last night, 834 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 100 patients were in the ICU and 34 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
* Scott is right (as usual). This isn’t a “loophole”…
I've seen this "loophole" comment several times now. A US supreme court ruling allowing for SuperPACs that can raise unlimited money, that cannot be limited or regulated by any state or local law, is not a loophole.https://t.co/inkLSk9s3M
The 77 Committee is run by Dave Mellet, a longtime top political adviser to Lightfoot, who said the committee operates independently of any campaign for mayor, as required by law.
“We do not communicate or coordinate with any of the campaigns for mayor and all decisions on strategy, fundraising and expenditures are made solely by the committee,” Mellet said in a statement to WTTW News.
They didn’t have to communicate with the Lightfoot campaign because the campaign, like most campaigns, has what is known as a “red box” on its website. They’re designed to let independent expenditure committees know what the campaign would like them to focus on, provide oppo, etc. Click the “Media” link on Lightfoot’s homepage and you’ll get this…
Voters on the go across Chicago, especially Black frequent municipal primary voters, need to know about Brandon Johnson’s extreme background contrasted with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s progressive accomplishments.
Brandon Johnson wants to defund the police. Johnson introduced a resolution to “redirect funds from policing.”
Brandon Johnson’s tax plan would hit the middle class, drive jobs to the suburbs, and jeopardize Chicago’s tourism and the status of O’Hare.
Johnson wants to defund the police, putting our safety at risk; raise taxes on the middle class and drive jobs away from Chicago.
* Hard to disagree…
Beer. My nominee for coolest thing manufactured in Illinois is beer. Manufactured across Illinois. Distributed by a skilled Union workforce statewide. Sold in businesses huge & tiny and enjoyed in homes, bars, and at family gatherings across our fair state.
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement following the House passage of the Assault Weapons Ban, H.R. 1808:
“Assault weapons are weapons of war designed for one purpose and one purpose only: efficiently killing human beings. There is simply no reason for a civilian to own one of these firearms.”
And here’s Sam Royko on the right…
* Press release…
State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) has been tapped by Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) to serve as the Minority Spokesperson for two House Committees. The committees he was chosen for include State Government Administration and Transportation: Vehicle Safety.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve as Spokesperson on these committees,” said Rosenthal. “My past experience leading the Department of Natural Resources and the men and women of the Illinois National Guard has given me valuable insight to address the issues that will come before these committees as we work to improve state government operations and transportation safety on our roadways.”
Since Rosenthal previously served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, it made him eligible to serve as a committee Spokesperson because House Rules require Spokespersons to be in at least their third term of office. In this role, Rosenthal will be responsible for leading the work of his fellow Republican members on the committee and promoting Republican initiatives and legislation.
As the former Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 2015 to 2019, Rosenthal brings the practical experience of having administered a state agency to the work of the legislature’s committee process. This makes Rosenthal uniquely and highly qualified for the Spokesperson role.
“As I’ve said before, my top priority is providing the best possible service to constituents,” said Rosenthal. “I will bring that same focus to my committee work over the course of this term.”
In addition to serving as Spokesperson on the aforementioned committees, Rosenthal will also serve as a member of the following committees: Agriculture and Conservation, Energy and Environment, Higher Education, and Veterans’ Affairs.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Crain’s | Rivian’s challenges pile up as new rivals swarm into the EV market: Recent setbacks pummeled Rivian shares to a 52-week low of $15.28 last month. Price cuts by rivals Tesla and Ford weigh on the shares, which peaked at more than $170 following Rivian’s November 2021 IPO. Amid shrinking cash reserves and recession fears, the company announced it was laying off 6% of its workforce, although sparing its primary production facility in Normal. That follows a similar-sized layoff last summer.
* Sun-Times | Will Bridgeport bank failure trial reveal more secrets about clout bank linked to Patrick Daley Thompson?: This time, it will be centerstage when Robert M. Kowalski, a lawyer and developer — he has called himself “Bob the Builder” in court filings — who got millions of dollars in loans from the bank, goes on trial Monday. He’s the first to face trial of 14 people charged with having a role in what federal authorities have said was an embezzlement scheme that involved top executives of the bank.
* Beacon-News | City Council eyes $500 million data center project in Aurora: The proposed development at the southwest corner of Bilter and Eola roads would eventually feature three buildings, being developed by Seefried Properties to eventually be owned by Endeavour Edged, an international company known for data center development around the world using 100% renewable energy and a zero-water cooling system, officials said.
* Fox Chicago | Polar plunging raises funds for Special Olympics of Illinois: Polar plunging has been gaining attention with some research saying it’s good for your health. It can also help raise money for the Special Olympics of Illinois. One brave plunger demonstrates “cold exposure therapy” in Lake Michigan live on Good Day Chicago.
* Sun-Times | After taking a pass on mayor’s race, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley endorses Garcia: Earlier this week, he was endorsed by former Gov. Pat Quinn, who circulated nominating petitions for mayor before deciding not to join the crowded field. Quinn chose Garcia over Mayor Lori Lightfoot, whom he supported four years ago, and Paul Vallas, whom he chose in 2014 as his running mate for lieutenant governor.
* WBEZ | Right after landing a big deal with the CTA, businessman helps Lightfoot’s reelection effort: Less than a month ago, the Chicago Transit Authority — whose leaders are appointed by the mayor — announced a lucrative new contract with a company founded by prominent real-estate magnate Elzie Higginbottom. Just a few weeks later, another company tied to Higginbottom gave a $50,000 contribution to a new political fund created by a close ally of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
* Chalkbeat | COVID prompted many Chicago principals to leave. What will it take to help them stay?: Before the pandemic, the district’s principal turnover was slowing, dipping to a rate below the national average. Still, about half of elementary school principals and more than two-thirds of high school principals were leaving their jobs within five years, according to a pair of new University of Chicago reports based on eight years of staffing data and interviews with local principals.
* WaPo | Rick Steves: Don’t skip Europe’s second cities: While lacking the popularity and the bucket-list sights, Europe’s second cities tend to enjoy a creative edge, a strong civic spirit, a Rust Belt toughness, fun-loving eateries with cutting-edge menus, entertaining street art … and far fewer tourists, which also means lower prices, a more authentic welcome and arguably a more honest cultural experience.
