Friday, Apr 22, 2016 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Nearly 1,900 people responded to the recent Citizen’s Utility Board survey about Exelon’s push to bailout its nuclear plants. Here is how CUB put it:
“Exelon says keeping its nuclear plants open will fight climate change—and they need economic help. Opponents say Exelon just wants bigger profits.
Should Illinois give unprofitable nuclear plants more money if it helps fight climate change?
No:1,583 (about 84 percent)
Yes:298 (about 16 percent)”
—————————————————
Illinois still has no budget, the state’s finances and services are in shambles, the social safety net is being decimated but Exelon STILL wants the Legislature to pass a huge BAILOUT.
BEST Coalition is a 501C4 nonprofit group of dozens of business, consumer and government groups, as well as large and small businesses. Visitwww.noexelonbailout.com.
* The Illinois Nurses Association informed CMS this morning that their tentative union contract agreement had been “overwhelmingly rejected” by its membership.
“613 nurses voted to reject the tentative agreement,” INA Executive Director Alice Johnson told me. Another 275 voted to accept. “It wasn’t a squeaker, let’s put it that way,” she said.
But the governor’s office thinks the union illegally put its thumb on the scale. From a Rauner spokesperson…
What happened here is a direct result of an unprecedented move by the Illinois Nurses Association bargaining committee not to support and recommend for passage the tentative agreement that the Union signed with our administration. That is a clear violation of labor law in Illinois. Had the Union complied with its obligations of good faith bargaining during ratification, we are confident the agreement would have been ratified, just like 17 other agreements that we had reached with numerous other unions. We have asked our attorneys to prepare an unfair labor practice charge to resolve this issue in a proper forum.
Whew.
* Johnson claimed that the INA is a “democratic union,” and pointed out that the vote was “not even remotely close” and came after a period when “all members had a chance to see the tentative agreement.”
“We met our legal obligation,” Johnson insisted. I also asked her about a claim by one administration official that the union had attempted to go around the contract by getting the General Assembly to pass a bill. “I don’t even know what that means.”
“We worked very, very hard in the negotiation process,” Johnson said. “There was a vote and this was the result.”
“I really wish they would’ve contacted us instead of talking to the media,” she added.
* This is significant since the INA tentative agreement is similar to the offer that Rauner has made to AFSCME.
* Overall, was the “stopgap” appropriation passed today for higher education a good idea or a bad idea? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
Friday, Apr 22, 2016 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Recently, a group of leading climate scientists and conservationists from Illinois and around the world, including Dr. James Hansen, Rachel Pritzker, and Michael Shellenberger, urged Illinois’ leaders in an open letter to save Illinois’ nuclear plants so they can provide clean energy for decades to come. They wrote:
Illinois generates more zero-emissions electricity than any other state. Most of it comes from the state’s six nuclear power plants, which produce about half of Illinois’ total generation and 90 percent of its low-carbon generation. These plants are in their prime and could stay in service many more years and even decades.
Unfortunately, Illinois is at risk of losing one or more of its nuclear plants and with them the progress the state has made in clean energy.
If Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants were replaced by natural gas, carbon emissions would immediately increase the equivalent of adding two million cars to the road. If they were replaced by coal, the carbon emissions would more than double.
… Illinois is at an urgent juncture. Failure to keep all of Illinois’ nuclear power plants running for the full lifetimes will result in more air pollution, and further cause Illinois to underperform on climate. Action now would establish all of you as leaders in safeguarding clean air today and the climate for future generations.
Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Munger issued the following statement Friday following General Assembly passage of legislation to partially fund state universities and community colleges and avoid further cuts and potential closings. The legislation also includes funding for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for college students. Governor Rauner is expected to sign the legislation:
“It is heartening that the Governor and legislative leaders have come together to authorize funding for our universities, community colleges and student MAP grants. I have directed my staff to begin processing payments immediately, giving top priority to students and the institutions that are suffering the most.
“The $600 million in funding for this legislation comes from the state’s Education Assistance Fund, which today has $354 million on hand. Those dollars will allow us to immediately pay student MAP grants and work closely with our universities and community colleges to ensure they have the resources they need to avoid further cuts and closings. We will continue disbursing funds as they become available, with final payments being made in July. Our students and schools have paid a heavy price for this budget impasse, and we will do everything possible to provide long-overdue relief.
“It is my deep hope that the spirit of cooperation we saw today will continue and lead to the comprehensive balanced budget that our state so badly needs.”
State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) filed early on Friday morning an updated 2016 1st quarter campaign disclosure report, revealing $983,154 in additional campaign expenses than were not reported on the April 15 deadline. […]
On April 15, Dunkin, an ally of Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, began the fourth quarter of 2015 with $221,143 in the bank; raised $1,309,500 ($1,300,000 from a Rauner ally) and reported spending only $294,462 and ending with $1,236,180 in the bank, according to state election board records.
Dunkin’s new report, which was filed at 12:31 a.m. on Friday, April 22, now shows that, after $1,220,197 in expenses, he still has a tidy $310,130 in the bank. Nice.
Much of the previously undisclosed money was spent on TV ads, but there are also a ton more workers listed now. Click here for the amended report, which has 932 pages of expenditures. And click here for the original report, which had 432 pages of expenditures.
“Governor Rauner has said that crisis creates opportunity and leverage, and that government may have to be shut down for a while. Now, he has forced a situation where some universities are on the verge of closing. The plan the House passed delivers emergency relief for the state’s colleges, universities and students as we continue pushing for a more comprehensive budget and full fiscal year funding.
“While the governor has said he would approve this small portion of funding for higher education, it’s unfortunate he was unwilling to approve any further funding for human services. If he continues his unwillingness to assist our human service providers, he will be successful in destroying the safety net for those most in need and for critical state services, including services for women who need breast cancer screenings, victims of child abuse and victims of sexual assault.
“I am hopeful the governor sees the funding in this higher education package not as a solution, but as emergency assistance to those most in need. Time will tell if Governor Rauner has further intentions of destroying our state institutions and human service providers, or if he will begin working with us to craft a full-year budget that is not contingent on passage of his demands that will destroy the middle class.”
Um, wow, he doesn’t sound too happy. As one person just said to me, “That sounds like a guy who lost.”
* By contrast, here’s Treasurer Michael Frerichs on today’s passage of the higher education approp bill…
“We took two very important steps today. We took a step closer to fulfilling our promise of helping families pay for college. Equally important, we also saw men and women from both parties work together to find common ground.”
Exactly right.
This war needs to end. Today was a small step. Legislators desperately needed to rediscover the fact that they could work together and trust each other and get something done.
When this thing unexpectedly went off the rails last night, people actually cried. One legislator looked like he was going to be physically ill. Another looked like he couldn’t catch his breath. Others were angrier than I’d ever seen them.
* Rank and file members forced this issue forward (too many names to mention here, but there were a lot of them, including Rep. Rita Mayfield, who pushed hard for Chicago State University and kept her focus throughout the day). The governor temporarily dumped his Turnaround Agenda not just to prevent a caucus revolt, but to keep the doors open at universities and colleges throughout the state. The House Speaker was accused of playing games yesterday, but he came around enough to let the bill move forward (although he’s clearly not yet sharing in the joy). The Senate President was patiently firm and didn’t panic when the bill didn’t move last night. He had said all along that he was prepared to keep the Senate in town until they could get a resolution, and he did that by canceling today’s scheduled adjournment. The Senate Republican Leader also kept her cool and worked cooperatively with Cullerton. Top Democrats figured there was no way House Republican Leader Jim Durkin could keep all of his folks in line, but he defied their expectations. Maybe that’s part of the reason why MJM is so upset.
And kudos to Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Sen. Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) for coming up with the outline of a plan to fund some higher education needs that was adopted by both chambers today.
* Shortly after approving the House-passed higher ed appropriation, the Senate passed yet another appropriations bill today that includes money for some social service programs. Click here to read it. The bill passed unanimously.
Here’s a quick response from Emily Miller of Voices for Illinois Children…
SB2047 was a surprise, so advocates haven’t had time to fully review it.
Upon first glance it appears that the maintenance of effort and federal match funds were not included in the appropriation. That’s concerning moving forward because it puts a lot of federal money in jeopardy when it comes to human services in Illinois in the long term. But without new revenue, there isn’t a lot that you can do to fully fund human services. The short-term cash infusion will be helpful for many providers and will slow some bleeding, but a long-term fix is going to require new revenue.
I hope that lawmakers don’t think their job is done after passing this.
Because of constitutional requirements, the House cannot vote on the Senate proposal today.
…Adding… Rep. Guzzardi is more succinct, but no less correct…
We need. A damn. Budget. Dipping into special funds for quick fixes is only postponing the day of reckoning.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure on Thursday that would exempt feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax. The plan heading to the House is a part of a national movement to eliminate the so-called “pink tax.”
The average statewide sales tax is 6.25 percent but can be as high as 10.25 percent in Chicago.
The roll call is here. Sen. McCarter initially voted against the tax cut, then rose to say his wife told him he voted the wrong way and asked to be switched to “Yes.”
In the House, lawmakers approved a measure that would expand contraceptive options for women by eliminating a complicated waiver process they must go through to get birth control medications not offered by their insurance companies.
Sponsoring Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, said women should be able to choose birth control that’s best for their bodies without having to pay more. She argued the bill actually would save the state money by preventing more unintended pregnancies. […]
“I seriously question how much promiscuity should an insurance company pay (for),” said Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon. “It’s simply wrong, and I think we’re trying to address issues that quite frankly don’t have any business coming up in this General Assembly.”
Supporters contended the debate wasn’t about cost or morality, with several female lawmakers arguing birth control could be used for means other than pregnancy prevention, such as treating migraine headaches or regulating menstrual cycles.
Say what you want. It’s a free country. But a guy running for reelection in a swing district (during presidential years, which this is) should probably keep in mind that a whole lot of happily married, monogamous women use birth control and lots more women who use contraception probably won’t be flattered by his characterization of their private lives when that quote hits their mailboxes come October.
* CTU President Karen Lewis has come under intense criticism for saying Gov. Bruce Rauner is an ISIS recruit…
“You know, I`ve been reading in the news lately about all of these ISIS recruits popping up all over the place — has Homeland Security checked this man out yet?” Lewis said. “Because the things he`s doing look like acts of terror on poor and working class people.” […]
When asked about her comments after the event, Lewis said the governor is “holding people hostage” by delaying the budget.
“Who does that?” Lewis said. “You hold defenseless mothers who are brand new, you hold people who are disabled hostage because you can’t get something you else want that has nothing to do with a budget? It’s ideological. That’s terrorism.”
* She was pretty defensive with a Twitter user…
@KarenLewisCTU@SharkeyCTU1 calling Gov. Rauner the new ISIS recruit it's time you step down and let someone with intelligence do the job!
A day after Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis made inflammatory remarks about Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, the Illinois GOP looked to raise some money from her comments and added its own spin. […]
In the fundraising email appeal, Illinois Republican Chairman Tim Schneider, whom Rauner hand-picked for the top party post, called Lewis’ comments “beyond despicable.”
“Our governor was compared to a group that murders innocent children in cold blood and sells women in to slavery,” Schneider said in the email.
“Stand with Gov. Rauner and tell Karen Lewis that her obscene rhetoric won’t be tolerated. She must be held accountable for such grossly inappropriate statements,” Schneider said. He said Lewis should “set a better example for our school children.”
* Remember Moon Khan? He’s the guy who ran as a write-in for DuPage County recorder, but was initially denied a victory after a bunch of votes weren’t counted. The DuPage Election Commission found 170 votes yesterday after a court-ordered recount, so he’ll be on the November ballot.
The DuPage Election Commission needs to investigate its processes and training of judges further and make significant changes before it runs another Election Night debacle as it did on March 15. It’s already been criticized for its slowness in counting ballots, and now it’s clear that judges erred in several write-in contests. […]
An earlier vote recount resulted in two Republican precinct committeeman write-in candidates also being declared winners. […]
Couple these errors with the need to investigate new technology to help speed up counting, and it’s clear that the election commission needs to get to work to improve it’s one main job.
* Jack Franks has never voted for a tax hike in his life. And even though “Fair Tax” supporters say taxes will increase only on one percent of taxpayers, that’s still a tax hike. So, no surprise here…
State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, said Thursday he intends to vote against his party’s progressive income tax amendment along with a proposed set of income tax rates in a separate plan.
Asked in a Reboot Illinois interview if he would vote against the amendment designed to ask voters if they approved of graduated tax rates, Franks replied, “That’s my intention.” […]
With all Republicans expected to oppose the progressive tax amendment and, therefore, all 71 Democratic votes required to approve it by a May 6 deadline for the fall ballot, Franks’ declaration could effectively block the plan that just was unveiled April 15. Sponsors said their progressive tax rate plan would generate $1.9 billion in new tax revenue. […]
Franks said he was concerned that rates could and would rise rapidly and that he believes structural changes should be made before tax rates change. That belief is in line with Gov. Bruce Rauner’s call for his turnaround agenda items before he will agree to a tax increase.
They’re gonna need Republican votes to pass this thing, but the governor and the House GOP Leader have done a remarkable job so far of keeping that caucus in line this year. Hey, strange things happen. Just look at yesterday. But GOP votes on this bill would be a truly strange occurrence. Stay tuned.
The [constitutional] amendment by Democratic Sen. Tom Cullerton of Villa Park to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor failed 21-28. Cullerton says it would save the state $1.6 million annually.
Critics say the lieutenant governor has little to do except stand by to succeed the governor if the top post goes vacant. Two lieutenant governors in the past 35 years have resigned for different jobs, and former Gov. Pat Quinn, when he took over for the impeached and ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2009, did not fill the post until 2011.
But Republicans criticized Cullerton’s idea, saying succession would fall to the attorney general — and that post could be occupied, as it is now, by a member of the opposite party.
Some Senate Democrats voted down the amendment, too, but the hypocrisy among Republicans — the party of so-called fiscal conservatives who advocate for smaller, more efficient government — was starker. Instead of putting the measure on the ballot for voters to decide, they swooped in and blocked it.
Even richer, 14 Senate Republicans who helped kill the proposal were co-sponsors of the same legislation in 2013.
Their issue this time around? Who would step in if the governor died or became unable to serve. That’s the primary role of the lieutenant governor. The proposal for a constitutional amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, would tap the attorney general for that role. Same as the 2013 bill that many Republicans co-sponsored. […]
We’re told the directive to vote “no” came from Gov. Bruce Rauner, who ran for office on a platform of government consolidation, not political gamesmanship. His own hand-picked lieutenant governor, Evelyn Sanguinetti, advocated recently for the elimination of her own office. Not long ago, she finished a lengthy report, at Rauner’s direction, on how local governments could get rid of unnecessary layers of government. How voters could be empowered to cut bureaucracy.
They’re right, but this little thing is the issue they finally throw down on?
*** UPDATE 2 *** The House has overwhelmingly approved the measure 106-2. Democratic Reps. Jack Franks and Scott Drury voted “No.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Senate unanimously approved the bill.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* The governor’s office and the House GOP Leader did a remarkable job of keeping things together yesterday, and then it all seemed to fall apart…
A bill to send $600 million to universities and community colleges to keep them operating until September was suddenly derailed in the House Thursday night, leaving the fate of the funding bill in doubt.
Illinois House members appeared poised to approve the bill that had bi-partisan support and, according to Republicans, would have been signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, suddenly announced that she would not be calling the bill for a final vote Thursday.
In the confusion that followed, Democrats said that House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, had requested that the bill not be called for a vote last night.
“There was something going on with the Senate. I don’t know what,” Currie said after the House adjourned for the night. She walked away without further comment.
Rep. Mark Batinick, a Republican from Plainfield, reminded lawmakers after the bill was postponed that prospective college students are deliberating where to go to school, with a May 1 deadline looming for their decisions.
“Congratulations, everybody,” he said, slapping away his microphone.
The money for the bill is possible because of a surplus in the state’s Education Assistance Fund, which takes a portion of income taxes for public schools and colleges. The funding proposal also has nearly $170 million in tuition grants for low-income students.
“The purpose of this bill is simply to provide emergency funding to our universities through the summer with the hope that we can continue to work on a budget so that we can fully fund them,” said Rep. Rita Mayfield, the Democrat sponsoring the measure.
Some lawmakers said they shouldn’t support a deal on higher education funding that amounted to a massive cut. Others saw an opportunity to add spending on social services to the mix. After all, allies of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner said he would support the budget bill without linking it to provisions to his political wish list known as the Turnaround Agenda. Perhaps they could get the governor to open up the state’s checkbook a little more.
“I think logic finally came in,” said Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, who argued against the bill. “I think we have an opportunity now. Because of this, it shows that the other side is now willing to go forward with budget items that don’t have the Turnaround Agenda tied to it, which I think is a major breakthrough.”
A revamped proposal could emerge Friday to provide temporary relief for schools that have been forced to shed jobs and cut programs amid a record-setting state budget impasse. It’s the last chance before lawmakers take a one-week break. Many are eager to act amid intense pressure from universities and social service providers back home, and rank-and-file legislators have been meeting privately all week in an effort to reach a deal.
In a sign of how delicate negotiations remain, even the sometimes pointed Rauner struck a measured tone in a statement released by his office late Thursday.
* The statement was indeed measured…
“The Governor applauds the members in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle who are coming together to deliver emergency assistance to our universities, community colleges and low-income students. We hope the majority will respect the bipartisan agreement reached today and move the agreement to the Governor’s desk without delay.”
Considering the blowups of the recent past, you gotta give them credit for keeping an even keel. It wasn’t easy, by any means.
Some people just want the war to continue. But, someday it has to end. That process should start today. Pass this stuff and move the heck on.
“Well, I’m not sure what just happened because even the old hands here in the Capitol were surprised by this. But clearly, we’re at the point of existential crisis for some of our institutions. And there has to be a patch. There has to be a stop gap” [said Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn].
Jack Thomas, president of Western Illinois University, was visibly angry and requested a few minutes to calm down before answering questions.
“We were all excited tonight, thinking that they were going to come to an agreement, and then BOOM! No budget right now, everything has been put on hold.”
A representative of Chicago State University - slated to close at the end of this month - had previously agreed to an interview but cancelled after the deal collapsed, telling me “We have nothing to say.”
* The flanger, the hair, the technique, the moves, the professionalism, the wordsmanship, the groove, the intelligence, the voice, the artistry, the brilliance, the soul, the end. This 13 minutes and 34 seconds will either change your life or already did….
You say you want a leader
But you can’t seem to make up your mind
The measure doesn’t apply to home-rule governments like Chicago and prohibits school districts from getting any more in property tax revenue than they did in 2015 unless voters approve an increase in a referendum.
The House voted 71-31 Thursday on the proposal by Democratic Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo.
Rauner’s call for a tax freeze includes letting local governments control costs by restricting labor-union power and limiting wages on public construction jobs.
But Republicans in favor of Franks’ proposal took the freeze even though it doesn’t include the governor’s reforms.
…Adding… Noting that the bill applies to nobody in Cook and the collars and most others, a Rauner admin official said “The real one failed by 14 votes yesterday.”
* The House Democrats have introduced their proposal to fund higher education and social services. Click here to read it.
The bill spends way more than the governor has proposed and it relies on lots of generic General Revenue Fund money, which means there is no way to pay for some of that spending.
There’s some speculation that this is a deliberate attempt by HDem leadership to derail everything by making the package too heavy. On the other hand, it could also just be a way to get to the governor to agree to more spending than he has so far. Whatever the case, the Senate can’t make any changes if this bill passes the House because it’s a Senate bill.
* However, I have been told by the governor’s office that there’s no way on Earth Rauner will sign an appropriations bill that doesn’t have a way to pay for it.
Rauner has outlined about a billion dollars in special state funds (subscribers know more), but the Democrats’ bill goes way beyond just tapping those funds. If the Democrats do this, then today’s work could very well be for naught. So, stop it already and make a darned deal.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I’m told the GRF money is “maintenance of effort” (explained here) to obtain federal matching funds. So, it is paid for, they say. Hopefully, this will all get worked out. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for calm.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From a senior administration official…
It appears the Speaker could not accept compromise and at the eleventh hour has tanked a bipartisan plan to save higher education. The governor will veto any plan that spends money the state doesn’t have. In the meantime, members of the majority will go home to their districts for a week to explain why they couldn’t support a bipartisan compromise to fund higher education and social services that the governor said he would sign into law.
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Rauner administration continues to insist that there is way more GRF money in the bill than the maintenance of effort stuff. “They have too much in there,” one top guy said of the Democrats.
*** UPDATE 4 *** In caucus today, House Republican members were asked if they planned to vote for the Democratic approp bill. Nobody raised their hands.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Dems are indicating there could be another approp bill vote if this one goes down. That second bill, if it happens, would apparently spend less money.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Sounds like they will do a stand-alone higher ed approp bill. CSU will reportedly be full funded, schools with big trouble get 50 percent, everyone else around 30ish. Not sure if that’ll pass, though. And not sure if that’s 100 percent accurate, either. There is also word that everything could revert back to yesterday’s levels. Stay tuned.
Thursday, Apr 21, 2016 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Credit unions exist as member owned cooperative financial institutions. Cooperatives are most often formed to support producers such as farmers, purchasers such as independent business owners, and consumers in the case of electric coops and credit unions. Their primary purpose is to meet members’ needs through affordable goods and services of high quality. Cooperatives such as credit unions may look like other businesses in their operations and, like other businesses, can range in size. However, the cooperative structure is distinctively different regardless of size.
As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions serve individuals with a common goal or interest. They are owned and democratically controlled by the people who use their services. Their board of directors consists of unpaid volunteers, elected by and from the membership. Members are owners who pool funds to help other members. After expenses and reserve requirements are met, net revenue is returned to members via lower loan and higher savings rates, and lower costs and fees for services. In exceptional years, bonus dividends may be deposited into member accounts as well. It is the structure of credit unions - not their size or range of services - that is the reason for their tax exempt status, and the reason why almost three million Illinois residents are now among 100 million Americans who count on their local credit union every day to reach their financial goals.
In case you were unable to attend the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board hearing earlier today, below you’ll find a statement from CPS CEO Forrest Claypool on the 4-1 decision to move forward to seek injunctive relief against future illegal CTU strikes.
Statement (Claypool)
“The Labor Board’s important ruling gives Chicago families more certainty that the CTU leadership cannot strike illegally whenever they want, and we are gratified that the Board has taken a major step toward injunctive relief against future strikes.
“Now we return to the bargaining table, in another effort to prevent a strike and the disruption that it would create for Chicago’s students, who are making more progress than ever before.
“We urge the CTU leadership to reconsider the recommendations of the neutral third party, or the deal their leadership previously negotiated and accepted, or the offer to use binding arbitration like police and fire unions. For our part, CPS will continue to use every tool at our disposal to reach a final deal.”
Background
· Three of the five appointees on the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board were appointed by Democratic governors.
· The next step is that the Labor Board will request that the Attorney General take the matter to court.
* As Democrats and their allies push a “Fair Tax” plan this week, Illinois Issues takes a look back at the Con-Con as part of an interesting explainer piece about why the state has a flat income tax and not a graduated one…
During the debate over the state’s Constitution there were those who backed versions of a revenue article that did not prohibit a graduated tax. However, the issue was not the subject of strong advocacy from the groups that would seem likely supporters. “Chicago Democrats could have provided for a graduated income tax by voting as a bloc,” wrote Fishbane and Fisher. But they did not. “Permitting graduated income tax was not, however, a matter vital to organizational maintenance or enhancement.” In other words, adamant support of a graduated income tax would not have helped the Democrats politically.
Some Democratic did not want to risk backing a different and potentially unpopular tax concept. * But they also wanted to make sure enough money would be available for education and social programs as the state moved away from taxing personal property other than real estate. “Democrats in the Constitutional Convention had a vital stake in the adequacy of state government revenue. They had to ensure a reasonably flexible income tax without appearing to stand strongly in favor of it,” Fishbane and Fisher wrote.
Meanwhile, Republicans argued that voters would not accept a Constitution with a graduated tax rate. David Davis, a downstate Republican delegate, said a graduated income tax would be “absolutely repugnant” to the people in his area.
While many education and labor groups supported a graduated tax, according to Fishbane and Fisher, they did little to lobby delegates for it. “Although major elements of organized labor were opposed to adoption of the new constitution, in part on the grounds that it prohibited a graduated income tax, labor made no significant effort to influence the convention’s decision on the matter.” The 40 delegates endorsed by the AFL-CIO “split almost evenly” on the issue.
* In other constitutional amendment news, the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform has looked into what could happen if a remap reform amendment clears the General Assembly and the remap reformers continue pressing on with their own proposal and then both measures wind up in front of voters this November…
If two proposals for redistricting reform end up on the ballot, this simple legislative language could clarify the process for all. It is not uncommon for two redistricting reform proposals to be on the same ballot – it happened in both California and Florida when they set out to give Independent Redistricting Commissions the responsibility of setting General Assembly districts. In California, the language below was included in both amendments. We believe that a similar provision would be very beneficial in any Illinois redistricting reform proposal.
SECTION 5. Competing, regulatory alternative.
A. In the event that another measure (“competing measure”) appears on the same ballot as this act that seeks to adopt or impose provisions or requirements that differ in any regard to, or supplement, the provisions or requirements contained in this act, the voters hereby expressly declare their intent that if both the competing measure and this act receive a majority of votes cast, and this act receives a greater number of votes than the competing measure, this act shall prevail in its entirety over the competing measure without regard to whether specific provisions of each measure directly conflict with each other.
B. In the event that both the competing measure and this act receive a majority of votes cast, and the competing measure receives a greater number of votes than this act, this act shall be deemed complementary to the competing measure. To this end, and to the maximum extent permitted by law, the provisions of this act shall be fully adopted except to the extent that specific provisions contained in each measure are deemed to be in direct conflict with each other on a “provision-by-provision” basis pursuant to Yoshisato v. Superior Court (1992) 2 Cal.4th 978.
…Adding… The criss-cross game is in full swing…
Senate approves its version of a remap amendment. Common Cause has found it wanting.
The artist known as Prince has died … TMZ has learned. He was 57.
Prince’s body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota early Thursday morning.
Multiple sources connected to the singer confirmed he had passed.
The singer — full name Prince Rogers Nelson — had a medical emergency on April 15th that forced his private jet to make an emergency landing in Illinois. But he appeared at a concert the next day to assure his fans he was okay. His people told TMZ he was battling the flu.
Thursday, Apr 21, 2016 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Nearly 1,900 people responded to the recent Citizen’s Utility Board survey about Exelon’s push to bailout its nuclear plants. Here is how CUB put it:
“Exelon says keeping its nuclear plants open will fight climate change—and they need economic help. Opponents say Exelon just wants bigger profits.
Should Illinois give unprofitable nuclear plants more money if it helps fight climate change?
No:1,583 (about 84 percent)
Yes:298 (about 16 percent)”
—————————————————
Illinois still has no budget, the state’s finances and services are in shambles, the social safety net is being decimated but Exelon STILL wants the Legislature to pass a huge BAILOUT.
BEST Coalition is a 501C4 nonprofit group of dozens of business, consumer and government groups, as well as large and small businesses. Visitwww.noexelonbailout.com.
* When I went out to spring training in Arizona last month I decided to rent a car instead of relying on Uber and taxis because the ballparks are so spread out and I was staying a week. It would’ve cost a whole lot more.
But, I gotta tell you, the actual rental experience was so bad that I almost walked out of the airport. I got into Phoenix late on a Friday night. I was tired after a rough week. The line was unbelievably long. They only had a couple people working behind the counter. And instead of processing drivers through as quickly as possible, they made everybody endure a long sales pitch on everything from the type of car (I had rented the cheapest, but they were just sure I wanted a better one), to insurance (”This is a no-fault state, so your insurance probably won’t cover the rental” the agent darkly warned), to GPS, to… I can’t even remember now because I tried to block it out of my memory to avoid hurting my otherwise very enjoyable trip.
* I get that everybody has to make money and that it may be tough to convince employees to work late on a Friday night, but I kept pointing at the long and ever-growing line behind me and pleading for those other customers while I had to wait out the endless and useless corporate-mandated sales pitches.
It took over an hour to rent that car. Somebody else I ran into who arrived the same night said she had to wait three hours. I cant remember if it was the same rental company.
This wasn’t an unusual experience, either. The only time I’ve ever zoomed through an airport rental car line is when I’ve been in a small city or got lucky and beat the rush.
Taxis aren’t the only ones that may be stressing out about Uber Technologies Inc. Transactions from the ride-hailing startup have surpassed rental cars among American professionals, according to Certify, the second-largest provider of travel and expense management software in North America.
Uber accounted for 43 percent of ground transportation transactions expensed through Certify last quarter, while rental cars had 40 percent. Ride-hailing services, with Uber at the forefront, overtook rental cars for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2015 and have since widened their lead, according to a study by Certify published on Thursday.
While an Uber or Lyft Inc. fare costs much less than the average rental car booking, the data show the changing preferences among business travelers. Rental car transactions have fallen 15 percentage points in two years. The decline isn’t quite as steep as the one experienced by taxis, which fell 23 percentage points over the same period. Taxis accounted for 14 percent of ground transportation transactions in the first quarter of 2016.
“It really comes down to convenience,” said Robert Neveu, president of Certify. “The ability to hail and pay efficiently—that convenience factor is huge, and we’re seeing it change the habits and behaviors of our users.”
* Subscribers know more about what could be in this higher education funding plan if it ever sees the light of day…
State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, who represents Illinois State University and whose daughter is a student there, assured the crowd that conversations are taking place across aisle to come up with a solution. He encouraged them to speak with their legislators.
“We need your help,” Brady said, adding that it will ultimately take agreement from House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and Rauner to move a plan forward.
Speaking later, Brady said rank-and-file lawmakers are working on a plan that would blend Fortner’s and Mayfield’s proposals in an effort to win bipartisan support.
* It’ll actually do more than than Rep. Fortner’s bill. Community colleges were also in the mix as of late yesterday. But it ain’t soup yet.
Members made significant progress yesterday, but there’s still some resistance behind the scenes today as some members demand that Chicago State University receive its full annual appropriation - which isn’t going down well with others who have universities that are only receiving a portion of their annual funding.
Using a Senate vehicle means both chambers can pass the legislation in one day. The Senate President canceled Friday’s session yesterday, but that could change depending on what happens today.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Click here for the latest numbers I could get. The last two columns contain what I believe is the current proposal along with the percentage of each institution’s “normal” approp. CSU gets the highest percentage among universities, at 40 percent. MAP grants would be funded at 43 percent. Everybody else is around 30-31 percent. But some CSU backers are still reportedly holding out for full funding.
*** UPDATE 2 *** A big meeting has wrapped up and I’m told CSU advocates emerged with full funding for the campus. “We’ll see if it holds up,” said a Black Caucus member.
Also, I’m told they’re using SB 2059 as the vehicle.
Over the past week, two proposals have been filed in the Illinois General Assembly to reform how district maps are drawn in Illinois. Common Cause is a national leader on redistricting reform as was demonstrated by our work to pass meaningful redistricting reform in California. Common Cause Illinois believes that a mapping process can be developed that is non-partisan, effective, and supports the protection of minority voting rights.
Here in Illinois, Common Cause continues to be a supporter of the Independent Maps campaign and their attempt to place an amendment to voters on the 2016 ballot. In the same spirit, Common Cause Illinois has analyzed SJRCA0030 (Sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul) and House Bill HJRCA 58 (Sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks). A summary of our analysis is below.
Senate Bill SJRCA 30
SJRCA 30 falls far short of the democracy reform Illinois residents deserve. It does not address the primary problem with redistricting in Illinois: the conflict of interest in allowing legislators to manipulate their own districts and congressional boundaries for political advantage. This bill does not prevent partisan gerrymandering and only removes politicians from the process under extraordinary circumstances that are unlikely to ever occur. Despite the addition of some neutral standards and public hearings, politician control over the process means that standards will be interpreted for maximum self-interest and public input can be ignored without consequence. With the prospect of strong reform on the ballot this November, we are asking senators to go back to the drawing board and draft a bill that will truly give Illinois residents a voice in their own representation.
House Bill HJRCA
HJRCA 58 provides a promising path forward for ending the unfair manipulation of legislative and representative districts in Illinois. Common Cause strongly supports the bill’s creation of an independent commission tasked with drawing General Assembly districts after hearing public testimony in open meetings around the state. We are working closely with Rep. Franks to improve the criteria that will guide the drafting process, strengthen conflict of interest provisions, and ensure the greatest possible independence from political leaders, protect minority voting rights, and strengthen the ability of Illinois voters to elect candidates of their choice. We commend Rep. Franks on this effort and look forward to a continued collaboration to end political gerrymandering in Illinois.
[House Speaker Michael Madigan’s millionaire tax surcharge] failed 68-47, after Madigan could not gather his 71 Democratic members needed to approve the legislation. Still, the move allows his loyal Democrats to send out campaign mailers saying they supported taxing the rich. Indeed, just minutes after the vote, Madigan’s office sent out a press release declaring “Illinois residents again ignored by House Republicans.”
[CTU President Karen Lewis], after her speech, praised Madigan, saying he is “somebody that’s trying to get things done.”
“But not ideological, and not stuck in the mud,” Lewis said. “Not ideological at all.”
Madigan assumes ideological postures as events fit. So, a few years ago, he stood with Bruce Rauner and others to ram through education reforms. His campaign committee was boycotted at one point by AFSCME, the IFT (to which CTU belongs) and the IEA. And now, with union leaders lining up at his door begging for help, he’s Walter Reuther.
At a time when the marathon state budget stalemate has cut off funding to vital social services, state universities and college scholarships to needy students, Emanuel wants to spend political capital, greatly diminished by his handling of the Laquan McDonald shooting video, to keep the Lucas Museum in Chicago on a lakefront site he hopes Friends of the Parks will agree not to challenge.
Specifically, the mayor wants to persuade Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Democratic legislative leaders and a General Assembly paralyzed by partisan politics to raise five tourism taxes and authorize $1.2 billion in new borrowing to expand McCormick Place. […]
While his top aides were outlining the five tax increases, Emanuel was insisting that there would be “no taxpayers’ support for this effort.”
The mayor can say that with a straight face only because the tourism taxes he wants to extend would be used to expand McCormick Place. Never mind that the expansion would not be necessary if he wasn’t planning to tear down McCormick Place East to make way for the Lucas Museum.
There may be good reasons to tear down McCormick Place East, the oldest part of Chicago’s lakefront convention complex. But clearing space for “Star Wars” mogul George Lucas’s Museum of Narrative Art isn’t one of them.
Desperate to keep Lucas from taking his museum elsewhere, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is prepared to sacrifice an important economic asset without a well-developed plan to replace it. Late last week, he proposed building the museum on the lakefront site of McCormick Place East, also called Lakeside Center.
The proposal came amid strong indications that a lawsuit filed by advocacy group Friends of the Parks will delay indefinitely, if not block outright, Emanuel’s original plan to put the museum on a parking lot north of the landmark convention hall. The 71-year-old Lucas, meanwhile, apparently is growing impatient to start construction on a museum he hopes to see completed in his lifetime. Emanuel also has high hopes for the Lucas Museum. He believes it would draw throngs of visitors and generate big money for the city.
Perhaps it will. But conventions already draw millions and generate big money for the city. It’s one of our most important industries, a major source of jobs for people around the region and a wellspring of revenue for local hotels, restaurants and myriad other businesses that serve conventions and convention-goers one way or another. And Lakeside Center is an integral part of that industry.
* But one influential group has weighed in today…
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Lucas Museum Net Positive for Chicago
Chicago, IL - The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce continues to be a strong supporter of McCormick Place and the Lucas Museum. McCormick Place is a critical economic engine and the Lucas Museum will deliver long-term benefits for the people of Chicago.
In its first ten years, the museum is projected to create thousands of construction jobs and over 350 permanent jobs. Attracting nearing 1 million visitors to Chicago, the museum could bring $2 billion in spending and generate $120 million in new tax revenue.
Investing in a revitalized McCormick Place and Lucas Museum is a net positive for the city. We will gain a state of the art cultural attraction and an improved convention center complex to enhance the lakefront and the economic climate of Chicago.
Add the agency that runs McCormick Place to the list of state funding beneficiaries being held hostage by Illinois’ ongoing budget stalemate.
Buried in the details unveiled yesterday of a new proposal to replace the convention center’s east building with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art was a troubling revelation for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority: The state owes it a lot of money.
McPier, as the agency is more commonly known, gets up to $15 million each year from the state’s general revenue fund that it uses to lure major events by offering them discounted rent.
For its 2016 shows, the agency and Choose Chicago—the city tourism bureau that actually books the shows—have committed $11.2 million in such incentives. But the state, which is mired in an ongoing battle over its 2016 budget, has not appropriated that money.
…Adding More… The CFL has also weighed in…
Statement from Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez regarding Mayor Emanuel’s plan to move the Lucas Museum to the current site of McCormick Place East
The Chicago Federation of Labor supports Mayor Emanuel’s plan to demolish McCormick Place East to make room for the Lucas Museum. Bringing this museum to Chicago will have a positive economic impact on our city and, more importantly, our working families. Having this one-of-a-kind museum in Chicago will allow our convention and tourism industry to be even more competitive, bringing new business and attracting more visitors to our world class city. The biggest benefit we will see is through the creation of thousands of short-term and long-term jobs for working men and women. It is estimated that approximately 8,000 building and construction trades jobs will be created to perform this work from start to finish. But the job creation doesn’t stop there. Construction jobs typically carry a five to seven multiplier, meaning for every one construction job that is created, five to seven new jobs are created throughout the rest of the workforce. In this case, many of these jobs will fall in our convention and tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, and airport workers, to name a few. Chicago has the most skilled workforce in the country, so this is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow our economy and create additional jobs for the hardworking men and women of the Chicago area.
* One of the most disturbing things you’ll see in a while…
Surveillance video released Wednesday captures the last moments of a popular hotel cocktail server who was punched and knocked unconscious, landing in a Near North crosswalk. The video also shows more than a dozen bystanders failing to come to his aid in the nearly two minutes before a cab accidentally drove over him.
Marques Gaines, 32, died at an area hospital after the incident about 4:20 a.m. Feb. 7 outside a 7-Eleven store in the 400 block of North State Street.
Attorneys for the family released grainy footage from a Chicago police pod camera that captures Gaines falling to the ground after a heavier man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants and white sneakers apparently knocked him out with a single right-hand punch. Gaines, who had just bought chips inside the 7-Eleven, could be seen running away from his pursuer before he was struck.
Especially troubling for Gaines’ family was that bystanders didn’t help as he lay in the crosswalk. At least one person believed to be a 7-Eleven employee called 911. Others walked past him without trying to pull him out of the street or block traffic.
Within seconds of the punch, a half-dozen people gathered around Gaines, including two men who appear to have rifled through his pockets. Gaines’ family said his cellphone and debit card were stolen. After a minute, the group and his attacker left the scene and as seconds tick away, individuals and groups of people walked by Gaines without trying to pull him out of the street.
Yes, it was really late at night, so people in that area were likely intoxicated and not behaving well. And, yes that one particular block (State and Hubbard) can be a bit rough at times. And it does look like somebody tried to drag him out of the street and failed.
But, man. That video will chill you to the bone.
* Related…
* Grim milestone: More than 1,000 people shot in Chicago this year
On the House floor on Wednesday, Madigan was asked by State Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, whether he believes term limits should come before the millionaire tax — that’s a reform Gov. Bruce Rauner has pushing in his Turnaround Agenda and one his administration says he’d support.
Madigan said term limits are administered by voters –who can choose to retain an elected official or not at the ballot box.
“Members of your political party and Gov. Rauner subjected me to a vote of the people in the last primary election, and I won overwhelmingly. Thank you very much,” Madigan told Sandack.
* Talks continue on the higher education appropriations bill. This ought to kick it up a notch…
The University of Illinois’ Urbana campus is making plans for possible layoffs, as a result of the budget stalemate. In a memo obtained by Illinois Public Media, Associate Provost for Human Resources Elyne Cole indicates that some jobs, including some in Civil Service, could be cut, effective at the start of the fall semester. […]
AFSCME Local 3700 President Ann Zettervall says she’s seen the memo, which was sent Monday to some campus personnel, including some who are covered by union contracts. […]
The memo from Associate Provost Cole outlines a schedule for action during a “position elimination period.”
Zettervall says Civil Service hiring and testing has been suspended during that period. That’s to minimize the disruption caused when Civil Service workers whose jobs are cut are allowed by seniority rules to take jobs from other Civil Service workers, who are then “bumped” into other positions.
The door opens and two teenage-looking girls look over at the guests, their eyes wide, before they return to the work in front of them, while an older woman, perhaps their mother, seems to relax at a chair in a corner, watching as a toddler plays with toys.
Another mom, with a smiling toddler in tow, finishes a call on the community phone downstairs and walks back up the stairs to the family living space she shares with other female parents and their children.
In the kitchen on the main level, another woman is making sandwiches, asking for help in loosening the lid on a jar of grape jelly.
This is life in The Women’s Center, a safe house for women and children who are victimized by domestic violence and those who are needing an advocate and help after they have been victimized by sexual assault. The center, which operates the Domestic Assault Program and the Rape Crisis Center, serves 1,400 people a year, about 250 of them in the sexual assault awareness program.
All those individuals that the program helps, though, are in danger of not having any place in the region to get help, if much-needed state aid does not come through by the end of June, its executive director Cathy McClanahan said. On Friday, there were 21 women and children living at the facility, which has a capacity for 36 people.
The center’s operating budget is $1.4 million, 80 percent of which comes from state funding.
These human beings are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Kicking them to the curb is just downright immoral.
A Senate committee advanced several measures that would overhaul the Illinois Constitution to eliminate the lieutenant governor’s office, replace the flat income tax rate with a graduated system based on income and overhaul how legislative districts are drawn.
Similar measures also are moving in the House, meaning it could all be for political show…. If each chamber chooses to pass only their versions of a bill, it would allow lawmakers to say they voted for the changes even if the bills have no chance of becoming law.
All of those issues poll well among the public, but changing the tax structure would be difficult in an election year when it would amount to a tax increase for the wealthy. At the same time, Democrats are loath to pass any legislation that could limit their power, such as eliminating a potential political office or making the legislative mapping process less political.
* The Question: If you could unilaterally change one thing in the Illinois Constitution, what would that one thing be? Make sure to explain your answer. And here’s a link to the Constitution in case you need to reference specific wording.
Also, in anticipation of a flood of responses on one topic, if your answer is “the pension clause,” go ahead and say it, but then give us something else.
House Speaker Michael Madigan released a statement following Wednesday’s vote in the Illinois House of Representatives on a constitutional amendment to increase state funding for elementary schools and high schools through a surcharge on millionaires:
“For the second time in less than a year, Republican legislators have rejected the wishes of their constituents and opposed a measure requiring the top 1 percent to pay more to help boost education funding in Illinois.
“This proposal is not a partisan issue. An advisory question on this matter was put to voters in the 2014 general election and it received over 60 percent support statewide. The people of Illinois spoke – they believe a surcharge on millionaires is a good way to get our schools the help they need. We should listen to the wishes of our constituents, not big business or the 1 percent who would put profits ahead of our children’s education. Unfortunately today, Republicans again failed to listen to their constituents.
“This constitutional amendment would give Illinois residents the ability to decide whether the state constitution should be amended to increase the income tax on multi-millionaires to provide additional dollars for schools across the state. All revenue from this proposal – an estimated $1 billion annually – would be distributed to school districts on a per-pupil basis.”
The rhetoric from folks like Lewis and some on the other side is so intense that I should probably repeat my worry that this craziness could gin up a nutball enough to take matters into his own hands and then something really bad could happen.
Not good at all.
…Adding… From Catherine Kelly at the governor’s office…
This kind of rhetoric has no place in American public discourse and sets a terrible example for our kids.
The Chicago Teachers Union will put on a major public relations blitz today, with a rally in Springfield and a speech by President Karen Lewis in Chicago.
It all comes amid the lack of a new contract. The school district’s chief says the system is on the brink of insolvency. Lewis says the union could soon go on strike, after it rejected an arbitrator’s findings.
Both sides point to Springfield as the path to a solution. To that end, union members and allies are scheduled to descend on the Capitol today to lobby lawmakers and rally in the building’s rotunda after boarding buses at 6 a.m. and heading south.
* Protesters have blocked the street near the governor’s mansion. Here’s a photo taken by a friend shortly after one o’clock…
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis dubbed Gov. Bruce Rauner a “new ISIS recruit” because “the things he’s doing look like acts of terror on poor and working class people” in her remakrs before the City Club Wednesday afternoon. […]
“If a man tells you he loves America yet hates labor, he is a liar. . . Bruce Rauner is a liar,” she said.
“If Governor Rauner says he loves Illinois, yet he hates labor, he is a liar! There is no Illinois without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other,” Lewis said. “I’ve been reading in the news lately about all of these ISIS recruits popping up all over the place. Has Homeland Security checked this man out yet? Because the things he’s doing looks like acts of terror on poor and working class people.”
…Adding More… From a pal…
Vandalism of the Capitol is an excellent way to persuade people to your point of view.
The pic he took in the 2nd floor men’s room…
I suppose it’s nice that at least one protester knew what he was in town for (lots typically don’t). But what a jerk thing to do. Now, one of our custodians is gonna have to try and clean up that mess.
There are once again competing proposals to get money to public universities that have been deprived of state funding during the nearly yearlong budget standoff at the Capitol.
The House Executive Committee signed off on a plan Tuesday from state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, that would send a full year’s worth of funding to the universities hardest hit by the lack of a budget: Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois and Northeastern Illinois universities. Mayfield said she plans to amend the bill to add $10 million for Southern Illinois University, 5 percent of its annual state funding. […]
State Rep. Mike Fortner, R-West Chicago, is proposing a plan that cover one-third of annual funding to all nine public university systems and one semester’s worth of grants to low-income students through the Monetary Award Program, which isn’t included in Mayfield’s plan.
Fortner’s plan would cost $558.3 million, with the revenue coming from the state’s education assistance fund. The fund, which gets dedicated revenue from the state income tax, gambling and other sources, is expected to have $600 million available by June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
The “stopgap” proposal from state Rep. Mike Fortner, a West Chicago Republican, follows a handful of other plans that have been debated in Springfield but all failed as Democratic leaders and Gov. Bruce Rauner continue their nearly yearlong war over the state budget.
But a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan called the idea a “distant third-place” among proposals to pay for higher education in Illinois, putting its future in question.
Ugh.
* I’m told, however, that Downstate House Democrats and many Senate Dems refused to support Rep. Mayfield’s bill. The new proposal will reportedly look more like Rep. Fortner’s idea.
Unless, of course, it falls apart yet again.
Stay tuned.
…Adding… A House Democrat involved with the process says they’re “Working through the numbers and working across the aisle.”
Keep your fingers crossed that somebody doesn’t try to blow this thing up.
* Well, I have been asking for more contemporary acts at the State Fair…
Pop/R&B singer Meghan Trainor is the latest addition to the Illinois State Fair concert lineup.
Trainor, 20, became a household name in 2014 with the hit song “All About That Bass.” The song reached No. 1 in 58 countries; it spent eight consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. […]
Tickets range from $28 to $50. Hailee Steinfeld (”Love Myself”) will open the show.
That’s great for her legions of area fans, but I was kinda thinking more along the lines of Umphrey’s McGee or Blackberry Smoke, or something. But, yes, I did ask for contemporary.
* Reporter John Gregory abruptly left the Illinois Radio Network shortly after the network was purchased by the Illinois Policy Institute. John has stayed mostly mum about his departure until now…
In such tendentious new company, could the Illinois Radio Network’s modest operation possibly remain uncompromised? Soon after IPI took it over, the radio network’s reporters in Chicago and Springfield both were doing something else. Dave Dahl in Springfield quit to work full-time for a local radio station, WTAX, where he’d already been moonlighting. John Gregory in Chicago says: “Disagreeing with the network’s coverage of certain topics was the reason given when I was fired.” Gregory is now freelancing.
The new man in Chicago, Julio Rausseo, has kept such lively company in the past that the radio network might be the most mainstream forum he’s ever turned up in. Here he is in 2012 on the Corbett Report discussing the “police state takedown” of the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. (If you’re not familiar with the Corbett Report, judge it by one of its high water marks: a breathless, five-minute argument for 9/11 as a massive conspiracy and coverup.) And here’s Rausseo talking about a favorite bête noir, the Transportation Security Agency—four years ago with Alex Jones, the radio and TV host and self-described “icon of the burgeoning liberty movement,” and last December on The Rundown Live, an alt-news website whose founder lists as his concerns “9/11 Truth and government corruption,” “promoting anarchist philosophy,” and “cop watching.” […]
IRN’s new man in Springfield, Greg Bishop, joined the Illinois Policy Institute in 2014 to run the Illinois News Network’s radio operation. He’d been a reporter and radio host on WMAY-AM 970 in Springfield, where according to a 2014 profile in Springfield’s State-Journal Register, he didn’t try to play it down the middle. “Back in 2012,” wrote reporter Bernard Schoenburg, “Bishop made no secret of his support for Ron Paul for president. He got himself named as a delegate to the state Republican convention that year, even as he was reporting on Springfield city government and other news and doing a talk show. One of the issues he pushed at that convention, he told me later, was a right-to-work resolution saying public sector employees shouldn’t be forced to pay union dues.”
“Taxation is slavery,” Bishop said in 2013. “If you don’t pay, they’re coming after you with guns.” He was “sick of my taxes being used to fund
incompetence.”
So far, most of the network’s “straight” news has been OK. Not particularly great, sometimes with obvious holes and slants, but OK. IRN, however, is now a shell of its former self.
*** UPDATE 1 *** React from John Tillman at the Illinois Policy Institute…
I find it ironic on a story regarding journalistic integrity and advocacy that neither Miner or you properly notes that this is only his “claim” and there is no evidence to support it beyond his word as a terminated employee. There is obviously another side to the story but employers are almost always prevented by labor law from commenting.
For my part anyway, I wrote that Gregory “says” he was fired for the above reason. Not sure why I’m lumped in there.
*** UPDATE 2 *** More from Tillman…
John Gregory was terminated by me with a witness present. I state categorically that the reason Gregory gives for his terminations is not true. While I wish I could provide more details other than refuting his false claim, we cannot comment further on such personnel matters.
With all the media attention, of the over 2,600,000 New Yorkers that went to the polls, 518,601 voted for Donald Trump and 1,037,344 voted for Clinton. […]
Illinois - which has a smaller population than New York - had 1,434,006 Republicans vote on March 15th. Of those, 556,000 voted for Donald Trump.
In the Democratic primary, 2,015,647 participated, with 1,017,006 voting for Hillary Clinton.
Altogether, 3,449,653 voters participated in the Illinois primary. Nearly 1 million more than in New York
Several people think turnout was so strong in Illinois because of the impasse. Voters are mad as heck and they turned out in huge numbers to express it. Also, too (in the city), Rahm. And (among Republicans and some ultra-liberal Dems) Obama. Then there’s the Trump factor in both parties (sparking turnout in support and opposition).
* OK, things are really getting weird now. The St. Clair County Republican Central Committee has voted to censure 114th House District Republican candidate Bob Romanik, who has personally deposited over $2 million into his own campaign account. Press release…
The St. Clair County Republican Central Committee (SCCRCC) has voted to censure Bob Romanik, Candidate for State Representative in the 114th Legislative District, after his attacks on the Republican Party, its elected officials, and candidates escalated in the last month.
“Bob Romanik has demonstrated that he is only interested in a self-serving agenda and is not interested in improving our county,” said Doug Jameson, Chairman of the SCCRCC. “He is using the electoral process to execute his own personal vendetta for past legal troubles.”
By issuing this censure, the Republican Party of St. Clair County is officially breaking all ties to Romanik, a lifelong Democrat who is attempting to run as a Republican in the 114th Legislative District following his run-ins with local Democratic leadership.
“His half-truthful, vulgar and destructive campaign of terror works to destroy anyone who does not agree with him,” Jameson continued. “The Republican Party is a party of inclusion, ideas and growth–not destruction, which is why the Central Committee voted almost unanimously to rebuke and censure him.”
After listing a series of offences, the Censure concluded: “Therefore the St. Clair County Central Committee expresses its official displeasure and vehement disapproval of the aforesaid language, actions and behavior of Bob Romanik, and adopts this measure as a formal and stern rebuke. This rebuke carries with it the following actions:
• The SCCRCC will not support nor endorse Bob Romanik’s election in any way.
• Bob Romanik and his representative will be denied attendance to any official meeting or event conducted by the SCRCC.
• Bob Romanik’s name will not appear on any official SCCRCC list of Republican candidates.
• SCCRCC will make no financial contributions to Bob Romanik’s campaign nor receive contributions from Bob Romanik.”
“Mr. Romanik’s language and behaviors have become so unacceptable and outrageous that this decision was absolutely necessary to send a clear message that no individual will be allowed to use the electoral process, which people have died for to protect, for personal vengeance,” said Chairman Doug Jameson. “It is hypocrisy to fight a ‘Culture of Corruption’ by using the same methods as the ‘Culture of Corruption’.”
“This election is a critical one for the people of St. Clair County. Voters want real change and the Republican Party is the voice of that change. Bob Romanik does not represent the St. Clair County Republican Party. By taking this action, we are taking a stand for decency and honesty. “
* The list of particulars…
• Republican Candidate for State Representative, Bob Romanik has proclaimed on his radio show “I am not a Republican” and “I am a Democrat”.
• At a meeting called to discuss “The Future of the Republican Party” on April 6th, Romanik said, “[F—] the Republican Party.”
• Romanik has intimidated political persons, which whom he does not agree, with threats of character assassination.
• Romanik verbally assaulted a Republican candidate for Judge on April 6th.
• Romanik on his radio show on April 7, malign the character of the Chairman of the Republican Central Committee with materially false statements.
• Romanik has stated at a SCCRCC event that he intends to give Democratic Precinct Committeemen $5,000 each to work their Precincts in East St. Louis.
• Romanik has caused the printing, public distribution and mailing of tasteless imagery of public officials in contradiction to any standards of decency of our Party.
• Romanik continuously uses profane language on and off the air in a political context that does not reflect proper decorum of our Party.
• Romanik has hosted a fundraiser for a Democratic candidate for County Board in opposition to a Republican candidate for the same office.
If Mr. Romanik would like to respond, I’d be more than happy to publish it here. But no profanity, please.
* I’m definitely not a fan of decriminalization because I’d much rather have full legalization to stop the illegal (and too often violent) growing and distribution network and bring in more money for the state. But, whatevs. Baby steps, I suppose. Tribune…
The Illinois Senate took another stab at decriminalizing marijuana statewide, approving a measure Tuesday aimed at satisfying Gov. Bruce Rauner’s concerns that led him to veto a similar bill last year.
The idea is that people caught with small amounts of marijuana would be fined instead of receiving jail time. The first-term Republican governor contended the old version would have let people carry too much marijuana and set fines too low.
The new edition drops the number of grams allowed from 15 to 10 and raises the range of fines from $55 to $125 to between $100 and $200.
Opponents argued that amount was still too lax, saying it was the equivalent of as many as 20 cigarette-sized joints. Supporters joked about that.
“Quite frankly, they can be different sizes,” said sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago. “One of my colleagues says the way she would roll them, it’d be about three.”
I honestly have no idea how many joints are in a gram. I even used the Google and still didn’t find anything certain. But Sen. Steans is right that they can be different sizes.
If the measure passes the Illinois House, it would follow action by more than 100 Illinois communities – plus 20 other states and the District of Columbia – which have already removed criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession, the statement said.
“Serious penalties should be reserved for people who commit serious crimes, not used to punish marijuana consumers. Nobody should face a lifelong criminal record simply for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol,” said Marijuana Policy Project legislative analyst Chris Lindsey.
* I’ll close with a GQ interview of the late, great Merle Haggard discussing Willie Nelson and weed…
GQ: What do you think motivates Willie? What do you makes him tick deep down?
Merle Haggard: Marijuana. [laughs]
GQ: There must be a bit more than that.
MH: He told me, and I don’t disagree with him, that had we not smoked pot during our life then we would probably be dead from drinking whiskey or smoking Camels… And there’s a lot of reasons they don’t want you to smoke it. The people who make the valium, they don’t want you smoking something you can grow in your [expletive deleted] garden, and the whiskey people don’t want you doing something you can do without using their brand.
In a statement, a CTU spokeswoman called the request a “publicity stunt.”
“We have hundreds of members in Springfield right now fighting for revenue,” the statement said. “CTU does not have binding interest arbitration because we choose to negotiate and write our own contracts—plus police and fire, as he referenced, cannot strike. We can’t say we’re interested in this until we know the rules of arbitration and under what terms.”
OK, then get them the rules and terms.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* From Chicago Public Schools…
April 20, 2016
Karen Lewis
Chicago Teachers Union
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 400 Chicago, Illinois 60654
Re: Proposal for Final and Binding Arbitration In Lieu of Strike
Dear Karen,
We are disappointed that the CTU decided to reject the Fact Finder’s recommendation. We are also aware of your public comments that the “clock is ticking” toward a strike. In our view a strike whether in May or in August or in September would be devastating to our students and parents. Further, we are at a loss as to how a strike would solve or even advance a solution to the considerable challenges that CPS faces. The best course is for CPS and CTU to join together in Springfield for long term sustainable funding for our schools. A strike is counterproductive and would only fuel the anti-CPS forces in Springfield.
To avoid disruption to our schools and to advance our partnership in Springfield, we are asking that CTU agree to final and binding interest arbitration in lieu of a strike. As you know, final and binding interest arbitration is permitted pursuant to section 12 (a-10) (d) of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Interest Arbitration has been used in Chicago for our Police and Fire contracts for decades. I believe that teachers are just as important as our policemen and firemen. The extraordinary circumstances that CPS currently faces demands that we use every means available to avoid disruption to our schools and our families.
We very much hope that you will give this offer your serious consideration. We would be most appreciative if we could have your response by April 27, 2016.
If they resolve this equitably with binding arbitration, it would go a long way to show that AFSCME’s very similar legislative proposal was right all along.
…Adding… So the other side, I suppose, is CTU’s desire to protect its right to strike, something that AFSCME was willing to give up. If the union rejects this arbitration offer, it’ll be signaling that the right to strike gives it more leverage and is more valuable than entering arbitration. But rejection will also show that opponents of the AFSCME bill may not be right when they claim that arbitration generally favors unions.
* DataUSA has developed profiles of each state. The site has already sucked up a bunch of my time today. Have a look…
Largest demographic living in poverty
Female 25-34
14.4% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Illinois (12.6M people) live below the poverty line. This is lower than the national average of 15.5%.
Largest race or ethnicity living in poverty
White
The most common race or ethnicity living below the poverty line in Illinois is White, followed by Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino. […]
93% of the population of Illinois are US citizens. This is approximately the same as the national average of 93%. […]
The most common non-English language is
1. Spanish
2. Polish
3. Chinese
Illinois has a relatively high number of speakers of
1. Polish
2. Serbo-Croatian
3. Gujarati
The most common language spoken in Illinois, other than English is Spanish. 22.6% of Illinois citizens are speakers of a non-English language. That is higher than the national average of 21.1%. […]
Most common [higher education] major is
1. Registered Nursing
2. General Psychology
3. General Business Administration & Management
High relative number of people major in
1. Agricultural Communication & Journalism
2. Horticultural Science
3. Other Applied Horticultural Business Services […]
65.5% of the housing units in Illinois are occupied by their owner. This is higher than the national average of 63.1%. […]
Commute Time
Average Travel Time
27.4 minutes
Employees in Illinois have a longer average commute time than the national average of 24.9 minutes. 2.88% of the workforce in Illinois have “super commutes” in excess of 90 minutes. That is higher than the national average of 2.62%.
Compared to other states, Illinois has an unusually high number of Podiatrists; Actuaries; and Cargo & freight agents. […]
The highest paid jobs in Illinois, by average salary, are Physicians & surgeons; Lawyers, & judges, magistrates, & other judicial workers; and Chief executives & legislators.
At a time when Chicago Public Schools has been desperately seeking financial help from Springfield to avoid insolvency, it instead has received something else: a bill for $23.5 million.
The Illinois Department of Revenue also says the almost-as-strapped city of Chicago owes it $19.4 million in alleged overpayments, Cook County $6.5 million, and dozens of area school districts and communities lesser amounts, as much as a half-million dollars each. […]
Other city units that got too much include City Colleges of Chicago, a reported $1.7 million.
Suburban units that allegedly received too much include the Niles Township high school district, $577,000; the city of Aurora, $533,000; and the Bloom Township high school district, $397,000. Among other governments in the millionaires club were the city of Rockford, $2.8 million, and the Granite City school district near St. Louis, $1 million.
The error, announced Tuesday by the Illinois Department of Revenue, is part of a misallocation of $168 million that had been distributed by the state to local governments since 2014.
The error affects about 6,500 taxing districts throughout Illinois, the agency said, and overpayment amounts are less than $10,000 for most of them. Just 10 taxing districts were overpaid by more than $1 million, including the city of Chicago, which was overpaid $19.4 million, and Cook County, which was overpaid $6.5 million.
The Chicago Park District received $5.6 million more than it should have, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District was overpaid $5 million. […]
The revenue department said the misallocation was the result of a paperwork error and was discovered as the agency was implementing a new ledger system.
* Department of Revenue press release…
A recent tax system modernization initiative at the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has uncovered a misallocation to the Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) Fund that began under the Quinn administration. The error has resulted in overpayment of an estimated $168 million to the taxing districts that receive PPRT disbursements. The over allocation was identified during IDOR’s implementation of a new general ledger system, designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency at the Department.
Approximately 6,500 districts are impacted by the misallocation that began in 2014. For 5,291 Illinois taxing districts, the individual taxing district’s total overpayment amounts to less than $10,000. For 10 taxing districts, however, the overpayment totaled $1 million or more. In 2014, the total amount of PPRT distributed to taxing districts was $1.37 billion, and in 2015 the amount was $1.43 billion.
“We are certainly sensitive to the impact recouping these funds will have on some of our taxing districts,” said Connie Beard, IDOR Director. “We will be working with the impacted taxing districts to establish a plan to recapture the funds over an extended period of time. The Auditor General’s regularly scheduled Financial and Compliance Audit of the Department began today, and we have fully disclosed the calculation error to the auditors for appropriate review.”
The miscalculation occurred under the prior administration following the passage of Public Act 098-0478. The statutory change resulted in the discontinuation of Form IL-1000 and revisions to Forms IL-1065 and IL-1120-ST, which caused calculation errors associated with the payments for these forms.
Personal property replacement taxes (PPRT) are revenues collected by the State of Illinois and paid to local governments to replace money that was lost by local governments when their powers to impose personal property taxes on corporations, partnerships, and other business entities was abolished in the 1970 Constitution.
