* Press release…
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has yet to respond to a proposal that would produce a “win-win” outcome for both her and a faction of lawmakers currently opposed to her bid to obtain state authorization to increase the city’s tax on property sales.
The attempted compromise would modify Lightfoot’s proposal to raise the rate of Chicago’s Real Estate Transfer Tax on sales of elite properties, yielding sufficient revenue to boost city funding to provide affordable housing for Chicagoans experiencing homlessness– a plan the Mayor promised to support during her campaign for office – without diminishing revenues she said she needs to trim the budget deficit.
Under the concept presented to the Mayor last week, the city would adjust the graduated structure of Lightfoot’s RETT increase by 1.) changing the rate for property sales worth more than $10 million from the 2.55 percent that Lightfoot proposed to 4 percent, with the rate applying only to the portion of the sale over $10 million, not the entire sale; and 2.) apply the rate that Lightfoot has proposed for properties sold for between $1 million and $3 million to those also sold for more than $750,000. The counter proposal also ensures that any property sold for less than $800,000 would receive a tax cut. This equates to roughly 70% of property transactions in the city.
State lawmakers who devised the compromise sought to work together with the Mayor’s administration to advance the idea, but their overture has elicited no response.
“I can’t emphasize enough that we see this proposal as a “win-win” opportunity for everyone,” said Representative Thersea Mah “It leaves the money that Mayor Lightfoot had budgeted to curb the deficit unscathed, but it also honors her campaign commitment to support a dedicated revenue stream to combat homelessness by investing in permanent, supportive housing. This is what our city desperately needs after generations of chronic under-funding at the city level.”
During her campaign for office, Lightfoot repeatedly promised to seek a RETT increase exclusively to address glaring housing needs in the city. Advocates with the Bring Chicago Home (BCH) coalition have pressed the Mayor to uphold her promise and last week, 13 state lawmakers – including 10 representing districts that include areas of the city – cautioned Lightfoot that they could not support her quest for legislative approval of a RETT increase unless the Mayor made good on that pledge.
Lawmakers pointed out that their proposed amendment to the RETT increase would meet the Mayor’s goals for shrinking the budget deficit – ostensibly sparing her any need to consider a property tax increase – while concentrating the impacts on a small fraction of the city properties sold at high to ultra-high prices.
* Greg Hinz…
But the move may not be enough to save Lightfoot’s proposal, which faces deep opposition in Springfield. […]
Either way, I’m hearing Lightfoot’s plan still is in trouble, facing opposition both from Republicans and real estate groups that oppose tax hikes, and from downstate and suburban Democrats who see no reason to take a tough vote even if progressives may be climbing aboard. […]
If Lightfoot doesn’t get action from the General Assembly in the veto session, she’s strongly hinted she’ll instead have to raise property taxes at least $50 million in 2020. The tax would be implemented at midyear, and eventually pull in $100 million a year. Lawmakers return for the veto session Nov. 12 through 14. After that, they’re not back in session until January.
I heard maybe 20-something votes in the House today. It’s gonna be a tough climb.
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* From 2015…
The Rauner administration said Monday it has reached tentative or final agreements on new labor contracts with five groups of Teamsters units representing about 4,600 workers statewide.
The announcement comes as the Illinois House prepares to return to Springfield on Wednesday and possibly vote on overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 1229. The bill, pushed by Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, would place contract talks in the hands of an independent arbitrator in the event an agreement cannot be reached at the bargaining table.
The Rauner administration has previously used settlements with Teamsters locals as evidence that it bargains in good faith and can reach contract settlements with unions representing public employees.
* From that 2015 Teamsters contract…
Maintenance of the current level of health care benefits for employees and their dependents as part of the State’s continued contributions to the independent Teamsters Local 727 Health & Welfare Fund.
That was supposed to be paid for with a four-year wage freeze. What Rauner did was provide lots of state money to move Teamsters union members out of the state health insurance fund, which he was trying to kill off or at least hobble. Costs have since climbed even higher.
* From AFSCME’s new contract…
Employee premiums and out-of-pocket costs in the state group health insurance plan will increase. Although specific employee contributions vary by type of health plan and salary levels, premiums will go up each January by a composite $13 per month for individuals and $18 per month for families.
* Yesterday…
* From a Pritzker spokesperson…
The administration is committed to negotiating contracts that are fair to workers who serve the state and taxpayers, and we are committed to working through issues in this contract at the bargaining table.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As we’ve already discussed, Gov. JB Pritzker said yesterday that he wants to move forward next week with a “first step” on lobbying disclosure. Pritzker was asked this morning what he’d like to see disclosed by lobbyists which they do not now disclose…
Well, one example is… the City of Chicago requires lobbyists to report how much they’re getting paid to lobby for organizations, but the State of Illinois does not require that. I think that’s something that we ought to be looking at.
I went over this topic with subscribers this morning.
* The Question: Should registered Statehouse lobbyists be required to disclose their compensation? Please explain your answer in comments. Thanks.
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* Hannah Meisel early this morning at the Daily Line…
Democratic political operative Alaina Hampton shook up Springfield politics last year when she accused a top aide to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) of sexual harassment, and subsequently sued four of Madigan’s operations — the Democratic Party of Illinois and three of his political funds: Friends of Michael J. Madigan, Democratic Majority and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization — alleging retaliation for “asserting her rights to be free from unlawful harassment and a sexually hostile work environment by failing to hire her to work as a political consultant for the 2018 campaign cycle.”
After traveling and working on out-of-state campaigns last year and earlier this year, Hampton has been back in Chicago, and aims to launch a not-for-profit organization before the end of 2019 that she describes as a foundation that helps pay for “recovery treatment for victims of workplace sexual harassment and abuse.”
But before then, Hampton is rolling out another effort aimed at helping those who have experienced workplace harassment: a monthly support group. The first meeting of Hampton’s group, the Chicago Workplace Sexual Harassment #MeToo Meet Up will be Dec. 2 at Great Central Brewing Company in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.
Hampton told The Daily Line she’s opening registration for the event to anyone who has been affected by workplace harassment — not just women — and also welcomes those who work outside of politics.
In fact, Hampton said, she got the idea for support group from a professional woman who messaged her on Facebook after a September profile by NPR Illinois, when Hampton revealed she felt she could not seek traditional therapy, because therapy notes are discoverable in a lawsuit when a plaintiff is seeking damages for emotional distress. The woman said she’d had a similar experience at her non-political job, and had been searching for a support group but found none, Hampton said. […]
“When I was being harassed at work, I felt very alone and felt like I was the only person going through this,” Hampton said. “As I sought help and no one helped me, I felt even more isolated…if I had other people I could talk to [who had also been] in those situations, I would’ve felt so much more comfortable.”
More info is here.
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ComEd’s lobbying crew is heavy on Madiganites
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WBEZ…
Fifteen of the 23 firms that worked for Commonwealth Edison in Springfield this year deployed lobbyists with direct ties to powerful Illinois House Speaker and state Democratic boss Michael Madigan, a WBEZ investigation has found. […]
Will Cousineau, another trusted Madigan aide, lobbied ComEd together with colleagues from the Cornerstone Government Affairs firm.
Cornerstone reported that it had stopped representing ComEd in the Illinois Capitol on Oct. 25. […]
In addition to [former Rep. John Bradley, who also is no longer representing ComEd], the retired Democratic members of the Illinois House who have landed gigs as ComEd lobbyists are Annazette Collins, Kevin McCarthy, Donne Trotter and Howard Kenner.
Donne Trotter left the House in 1993 after he won his state Senate race. Trotter and Madigan weren’t exactly close.
Cornerstone’s Statehouse lobbyist list includes Chris Sarley, who worked for retiring GOP Congressman John Shimkus.
Mike Kasper is listed in the story. He is most definitely a bigtime Madigan guy, but his two partners are former high-level Senate Democratic and House Republican staffers.
Travis Shea is listed as a current ComEd lobbyist and former MJM staffer, but he was booted from his firm in March. The head person at his old firm, Chip Englander, is a former Rauner guy.
ComEd also employs lobbyists like former GOP Rep. Ed Sullivan, former GOP Sen. Dave Sullivan and the brother of Leader Durkin’s campaign consigliere Tom Walsh.
* But, yeah, make no mistake, that company does indeed have a whole lot of Madigan types on its lobster payroll.
…Adding… The article lists Jake Miller as a Madigan guy. Miller (no relation) was on Tech Review (legal) staff for one session 17 years ago.
…Adding… I checked in with Mike Kasper and he said ComEd was originally Jim Fletcher’s client. Fletch is now retired, but, Kasper said, ComEd is principally handled by Courtney Nottage, who is a former chief of staff for Senate President Emil Jones. Kasper said he does do work for ComEd as a partner in the firm, however.
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Campaign roundup
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Madison - St. Clair Record…
Fifth District Appellate Court Justice David Overstreet of Mt. Vernon will seek election to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2020, for the seat being vacated next year by retiring Justice Lloyd Karmeier.
Overstreet, 53, was elected last November to a 10-year term at the appellate court in a race against Kevin Hoerner, Democrat, who later got appointed associate judge in St. Clair County in January.
He is the first candidate to publicly announce for the Karmeier vacancy, and will run as a Republican in a district comprised of the state’s 37 southernmost counties. The primary election is March 17 and the general election is Nov. 3, 2020.
Four of the seven seats on the state’s high court will be on the ballot next year - open seats at the Fifth and Chicago-based First Judicial District, as well as the retention campaigns of Justices Robert Thomas, Republican, of the Second Judicial District and Thomas Kilbride, Democrat, of the Third Judicial District. Judges running for retention don’t face rival candidates - they are retained if they get 60 percent voter approval.
* BND…
A man who previously worked on President Donald Trump’s campaign is now jumping into the race for the GOP nomination in the Illinois 15th Congressional District.
Kent Gray, 49, of Leland Grove, who worked as an advance man for the Trump administration, announced his candidacy for the seat that U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, is leaving at the end of term.
“President Trump needs reliable supporters in Congress to help him accomplish his agenda,” Gray said. “I want the president to know that the 15th District of Illinois embraces his successes with the U.S. economy, honest trade, tax cuts, immigration management, judicial appointments and protecting the Second Amendment. The 15th District is overwhelmingly supportive of Donald Trump. My existing relationships with numerous congressmen, senators and administration officials will allow me to hit the ground running for district residents.” […]
Gray ran for state representative in 2016, but lost in the GOP primary.
He finished third in a three-way primary in that race.
* From the Jeanne Ives campaign…
Friends,
I’m going to be blunt: If you don’t want a radical, leftist mob led by Sean Casten getting a foothold in government, you need to step up and get Jeanne Ives elected.
Jeanne is a fighter. She has an Economics degree from West Point. She is an Army Veteran and a Military Mom.
But what I like best about Jeanne is that she is who she says she is. As a state legislator, she promised to defend taxpayers and that was exactly what she did - even when it meant standing alone.
As a Congresswoman, Jeanne will protect the opportunities available to your kids. She will protect your jobs and pocketbooks. She will uphold the rule of law. And she will push back on the Socialists in Congress in a way they won’t soon forget.
Join Jeanne and me on Wednesday, November 6 to help take her campaign to the next level. Tickets start at $50 and you can RSVP right here.
If you submit two completed petition sheets to help Jeanne get on the ballot, you can join us for free. Download your petition and instructions here.
Hope to see you there!
All In,
Dan Proft
AM-560 Morning Drive Host
* Jim Oberweis campaign…
The Lake County Republicans held their primary endorsement session Saturday, and Jim Oberweis won the endorsement on the first ballot against a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican party nomination for the 14th Congressional District.
All Township Chairmen and all Lake County Republican Central Committee officers could vote in the endorsement session. To win the endorsement, Oberweis had to receive two-thirds of those voting at the Saturday meeting.
Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mark Shaw said, “all of the Republican candidates seeking the nomination for US Representative from the 14th Congressional District had an opportunity to make their case that they would be the best candidate to win the General Election in 2020. Jim Oberweis earned the endorsement because he made the strongest case for success against Rep. Lauren Underwood. We need a candidate who stands up for our Republican values, and who has a path for victory in the race for US Representative in the 14th District. Jim Oberweis checks all of these boxes.”
The 14th Congressional District is widely considered a seat Republicans can retake. Oberweis says he is honored to have the confidence of the Lake County party especially in light of how important this race is nationally.
“If Republicans are going to retake the House in 2020, it starts with the 14th Congressional District in Illinois,” Oberweis said. “But the first step to defeating Lauren Underwood is to win the nomination and garnering the support of the Lake County Republican Party is a big step forward for this campaign. I am honored and humbled to have their endorsement.”
* Politico…
Freshman Rep. Lauren Underwood’s name is being batted about for a House leadership position freed up after California Rep. Katie Hill resigned last week.
The empty position is reserved for first-term Dems, according to POLITICO’s Heather Caygle.
Underwood, who flipped the right-leaning 14th District in 2018, is part of the “Big Six,” a set of freshmen who serve as liaisons to leadership. Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York coined the nickname because the group is seen as those most likely to climb into leadership roles. Underwood, for example, sits on leadership and strategy meetings.
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Um, no
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Um…
Some lobbyists are still cozying up to Luis Arroyo. The state Board of Elections reports five lobbying organizations donated to the former state rep’s political account two days after he was charged with bribery and accused of offering kickbacks to an unnamed state senator in exchange for favorable gaming legislation.
SEIU Healthcare Illinois/Indiana PAC and Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois each gave $1,500 to Arroyo. American Council of Engineering Companies, Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 and Electric Contractors Association each gave $1,000.
The contributions came in before Arroyo ultimately resigned from the General Assembly last Friday, but it should come as no surprises that lobbyists would be undeterred by a federal investigation. It was nearly a year ago that Ald. Ed Burke’s offices were raided by the feds — and just days later hundreds of folks turned out for his annual holiday fundraiser.
Keep in mind that Illinois law requires disclosure after campaign checks are deposited in the bank. So, you cannot discern when the checks were written by looking at the candidates’ disclosure reports.
I reached out to three of the contributors listed above this morning.
* The Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois sent me its canceled check. The check was written on September 20th for an event Arroyo held on September 12th which was co-hosted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Speaker Madigan. An ABDI official said the association mailed the check the same day…
As you can see, the check was deposited on October 31 or November 1 (it’s difficult to tell), a couple/tree days after we found out Arroyo had been arrested. This sort of thing happens literally all the time (late deposits, that is, not arrests). Campaign committees often only deposit checks once or twice a month, particularly in the off-season. And some committees (I doubt Arroyo did this) have attorneys vet their checks to make sure they’re not taking money from someone they shouldn’t be.
* The American Council of Engineering Companies said their check was dated September 9th and mailed the same day. An association official said the check was cashed on November 1. Here’s their canceled check…
SEIU Healthcare Illinois/Indiana claims its check was cut on July 29th and mailed on Oct. 9th. Again, Arroyo’s arrest was first reported on October 28th.
Also, a search of the state’s registered lobbyist database came up empty on both the Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 and the Electric Contractors Association.
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Note to readers
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As you can plainly see, my RSS news feed reader is currently down. I’m not sure when it will be back online. I apologize for any inconvenience and I’m trying to figure out a work-around in case this continues very much longer.
…Adding… It’s back up again. Not sure what happened.
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* Tribune…
As hundreds of people sipped cocktails and snacked on hors d’oeuvres at a Cook County Democratic fundraiser, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday night he was “disgusted” by Democrats caught up in sweeping federal investigations and proposed broadened lobbyist disclosure rules for legislators to consider in the final week of the fall veto session.
Pritzker said more robust lobbyist disclosure would be a first step that could be accomplished in the three-day legislative session next week, and that comprehensive ethics legislation must be on the agenda when the General Assembly starts a new spring session in January.
“I am furious watching public officials, some from our own party, betray the public trust. I am disgusted that some people seem to think the old way of doing politics is the right way of doing politics. It is time to change the way politics is done in this state — period,” Pritzker said. […]
Pritzker’s remarks were ignored by many attendees who chatted to themselves throughout his address in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago in the South Loop.
* Sun-Times…
Vowing to help lift the cloud of pay-to-play politics over Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday told Cook County Democrats that he plans to return to Springfield next week to help craft legislation that would shed more light on lobbyists as the first in “a series of ethics reforms that are frankly long overdue.” […]
Pritzker did not elaborate about his ethics proposal. And the governor’s office declined to provide any additional details.
“As a first step on much-needed ethics reform, Governor Pritzker is committed to passing legislation in next week’s veto session to shine a brighter light on lobbyist activity so there is far more transparency for the public,” Emily Bittner, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications, said in a statement. “He also believes that there must be more broad, comprehensive ethics reforms in the next legislative session, and he plans to work with stakeholders on meaningful reforms.”
Pritzker has increasingly ramped up his rhetorical outrage as the federal investigations dominate the headlines.
Subscribers know a bit more.
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