Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      About     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here.
Kinda dull and quite sparse

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* AP on Democrat Day

It marked a day of jabs at Rauner for attacks on the middle class, the minimum wage, labor rights and working families. But Thursday afternoon at the traditional, old-style state fair rally, few answered the trumpet to arms. Many dignitaries hit the gates before the speeches ended. Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, a candidate for state comptroller, told about 50 stalwarts, “Thanks for sticking around.”

There weren’t a whole lot more than 50 to begin with. When you don’t have the governor’s office, you don’t get the crowds, especially in an off year.

You’d think, though, that organized labor would send some folks. Didn’t really happen.

And those who did show up weren’t exactly enthusiastic, in stark contrast to the Governor’s Day crowd, which was a fired up bunch.

It was tough for anybody to get fired up, though, considering the ability of some of the speakers, one of whom went on and on and on so long that I might’ve considered heckling her if I’d had any beers in me. There wasn’t much there there. The Sun-Times had to resort to writing about yet another announcement by Secretary of State Jesse White that he isn’t running again.

But, hey, it was good to see some old pals, even if I was among those who split early. But I was under doctor’s orders not to stay longer than 90 minutes. I don’t think many others had that excuse.

  48 Comments      


Caption contest!

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* A friend snapped this pic of me at Governor’s Day yesterday…

I kinda wanted a beer and a corn dog, but I obeyed my doctor’s orders and didn’t even get out of the golf cart. It sure was good to get out of the house and see some friends, though.

I’m heading back out there in a few minutes, so keep your eyes on our live coverage post.

  130 Comments      


The Credit Union Difference

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The followihg is a paid advertisement.]

  Comments Off      


Ever Feel Like We’re Being Set Up By Exelon?

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Exelon has been dropping not so subtle hints lately that it’s about to close its Quad Cities plant unless it gets a bailout. They’re complaining the plant is losing money. They’re complaining the energy market is getting worse.

But here’s what they’re not telling you:

Exelon Profitability Grows: In the last six months alone, Exelon, the company that claims it needs a bailout has reported more than $1.3 BILLION in PROFITS.

PJM Capacity Auction Revenues Substantial: The PJM grid operator that includes the ComEd service territory is conducting three auctions for “capacity”. These auctions will pay winning power companies hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue starting in June 2016.

Carbon Regulations Likely To Boost Revenues: The US EPA finalized its rule restricting carbon emissions which will likely close some Illinois coal plants, resulting in higher prices for electricity and more revenue for Exelon.

EVEN IF EXELON ANNOUNCES IT’S CLOSING QUAD CITIES, IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE

No Closure Possible Before June 2017: because Exelon has already sold its Quad Cities power through that period.

PJM Reliability Study Before Closure: If Exelon notifies PJM it is planning to close a plant, PJM will launch a study to determine if that plant is needed for grid reliability.

Must Run Contract to Ensure Reliability: If PJM determines Quad Cities is needed for reliability, Exelon will receive a “must-run” contract which will keep the plant open and pay Exelon its costs plus a guaranteed profit for a number of years.

Just Say “NO” to the Exelon Bailout

BEST Coalition is a 501C4 nonprofit group of dozens of business, consumer and government groups, as well as large and small businesses. Visit www.noexelonbailout.com.

  Comments Off      


Question of the day

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Illinois Public Radio

[Gov. Bruce Rauner] went on to blame Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan for Illinois’ troubles.

“He doesn’t care about central Illinois, he doesn’t care about agriculture. He’s about the Chicago machine,” Rauner said to reporters.

On stage, he raised the rhetoric, saying “I love Illinois. This is home and boy, I’m a feisty guy. You mess with my home, Speaker Madigan, you have picked a fight with the wrong guy! You have picked a fight with the wrong guy!”

* The Question: How much is House Speaker Michael Madigan to blame for Illinois’ economic and fiscal woes? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.


online survey

  128 Comments      


Zopp “better than Obama”

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* US Sen. Dick Durbin reiterated his support today for US Rep. Tammy Duckworth’s Senate bid. But others are touting one of her opponents

U.S. Senate candidate Andrea Zopp is more qualified for the post now than President Barack Obama was when he ran for the Senate in 2004, one state senator said Thursday.

“If you look at President Obama’s experience at the time he was running for U.S. Senate, yes, [Zopp is] better than President Obama,” Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, told reporters. “President Obama did not have the experience of being in the U.S. Attorney’s office, running the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. President Obama didn’t have the experience of being the senior vice president and general counsel of three major corporations. President Obama, you know, he was a community organizer but he did not run the Chicago Urban League.”

“I don’t think we’ve had a candidate like this,” said Raoul, who replaced Obama in the Illinois Senate.

* Sen. Raoul left out part of her work history, however. Zopp sat on the CPS board when it closed all those schools. And one of the other African-American Senate hopefuls brings that topic up everywhere he goes, including today…


* Zopp, who will formally announce her candidacy today, responded

Zopp said it was a “very difficult decision” but it was the right one and she doesn’t regret it.

* Meanwhile, a bit of member management…


* Duckworth spent a good part of her speech today talking about her upbringing. Her middle class family went broke after her middle-aged father was deemed “over qualified” for his job, she said. They wound up in a one-room apartment and had real trouble making the rent payments.

She also told some jokes…


  27 Comments      


Human Rights Campaign releases polls on Dold, Lipinski

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the Human Rights Campaign…

To: Interested Parties
From: John Hagner, Clarity Campaign Labs
Date: August 14, 2015
Subject: IL-10 Voters Show Strong Support for Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections

A new poll conducted by Clarity Campaign Labs on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign shows strong support for a new federal LGBT non-discrimination bill (The Equality Act) in the district of Congressman Bob Dold. The same survey shows Dold starts with a narrow lead over former Congressman Brad Schneider and is well under 50%.

Support for the new Equality Act was widespread. Voters in IL-10 support it by a 21 point margin, with 49% saying Congress should pass it and 28% saying they should not. Democrats support it by wide margins – 70% to 10%, but equally important is the strong support from Independents: 59% to 21%. There is substantial Republican support as well, with 22% of Republicans saying Congress should pass the bill.

We described the law neutrally, reading voters this summary: “The Equality Act is a bill that would extend existing non-discrimination laws to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in housing, services and public spaces, credit, and employment.”

Voters who are undecided on this new non-discrimination bill appear highly persuadable. 71 percent of those undecided on the Equality Act are either Democratic or Independent voters. Importantly, Congressman Dold’s willingness to oppose the Equality Act could have significant implications for his re-election.

If he opposes the Equality Act, 18% of his current supporters say they would be less likely to vote for him next November, and 29% of people who are currently undecided say they’d be less likely to support him. Only 18% of undecided voters say they’d be more likely to support him.

We find that in the race for Congress in 2016, the incumbent Republican Dold starts out with a narrow lead, within the poll’s margin of error. Including leaners, 44% of voters are supporting Dold, with 40% supporting former Congressman Brad Schneider.
The voters of the district have divided opinions on Dold, with 43% having a favorable view and 33% an unfavorable one.

Methodology: A poll of registered voters in Illinois’s Tenth Congressional District. We surveyed 530 voters with an IVR survey and we matched the sample to the voter file and weighted it to reflect the electorate in this district. The margin of error is +/- 5.16% at a 95% confidence interval.

So, in other words, supporting the bill might erode some of Dold’s conservative GOP support. Then again, where else are they gonna go unless a strong third party candidate emerges?

* Some charts…

* Meanwhile, there’s been a bit of chatter recently from gay rights groups about ginning up a Democratic primary against Congressman Lipinski. So…

To: Interested Parties
From: John Hagner, Clarity Campaign Labs
Date: August 14, 2015
Subject: IL-3 Voters Show Strong Support for Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections

A new poll conducted by Clarity Campaign Labs on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign shows strong support for a new federal LGBT non-discrimination bill (The Equality Act) in the district of Congressman Dan Lipinski. The same survey shows Lipinski leading in his re-election campaign, but that more than a third of his supporters would be less likely to support him if he didn’t support the Act.

Support for the new Equality Act was widespread. Voters in IL-3 support it by a 28-point margin, with 56% saying Congress should pass it and 28% saying they should not. Democrats support it by wide margins – 74% to 10%, but equally important is the strong support from Independents: 49% to 31%. There is substantial Republican support as well, with 27% of Republicans say Congress should pass the bill.

We described the law neutrally, reading voters this summary: “The Equality Act is a bill that would extend existing non-discrimination laws to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in housing, services and public spaces, credit, and employment.”

Voters who are undecided on this new non-discrimination bill appear highly persuadable. 70 percent of those undecided on the Equality Act are either Democratic or Independent voters. Importantly, Congressman Lipinski’s willingness to oppose the Equality Act could have implications for his re-election. If he opposes the Equality Act, 34% of his current supporters say they would be less likely to vote for him next November.

We find that in the race for Congress in 2016, the incumbent Democrat Lipinski starts out ahead of an unnamed Republican challenger. 51% of voters are supporting Lipinski, with 20% supporting a Republican.

70% of the district’s voters have an opinion on Dan Lipinski, and they’re relatively favorable, with 43% having a favorable view and 27% an unfavorable one. His unfavorable ratings are similar among both Republicans and Democrats – 26% of Democrats have an unfavorable opinion of their Congressman.

Methodology: A poll of registered voters in Illinois’s Third Congressional District. We surveyed 538 voters with an IVR survey and we matched the sample to the voter file and weighted it to reflect the electorate in this district. The margin of error is +/- 5.01% at a 95% confidence interval.

* Charts…


* Questions as asked…

If the November 2016 election were held today and the candidates for Congress were a Republican candidate, or Dan Lipinski, the Democrat, press 1 if you would vote for the Republican, press 2 if you would vote for Lipinski, or press 9 if you’re unsure.               

I would like to read you a little bit about some laws being debated in Congress and get your response. The Equality Act is a bill that would extend existing non-discrimination laws to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in housing, services and public spaces, credit, and employment. Press 1 if you think Congress should pass this law, press 2 if you think Congress should not pass this law, and press 9 if you’re unsure.

If your members of Congress didn’t support this law, would that make you more or less like to vote to re-elect him? Press 1 if you’d be more likely to vote for your member of Congress if they opposed the Equality Act, Press 2 if you’d be more likely to vote against them, and press 9 if it wouldn’t effect your vote.

Discuss.

  8 Comments      


Morning hyperbole

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* AP

Democrats vying to be Illinois’ next comptroller criticized Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s handling of the budget and attacks on labor unions during the annual Democratic County Chairman’s Association brunch and Democrat Day festivities at the Illinois State Fair. […]

Biss says Rauner is “focused like a laser on destroying unions, shrinking the middle class and pushing down everybody’s paycheck.”

Mendoza says if elected she won’t be Rauner’s “wingman” on hurtful budgets.

The comment is a reference to Republican Comptroller Leslie Munger, who described herself Wednesday as Rauner’s budgetary “wingman.”

* Monique…


  31 Comments      


Yesterday’s other big Senate story

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The chamber approved college MAP grant funding at Gov. Rauner’s proposed levels

The bill would allow up to 130,000 students to continue receiving financial assistance through the program even though the legislature and Gov. Bruce Rauner have been unable to agree on an overall state spending plan. Because of that impasse, students who rely on the awards feared they would be left without financial assistance when colleges and universities start the fall semester.

Sen. Dan Kotowski, D-Park Ridge, said the amount in the bill is consistent with what Rauner requested for the MAP program in his budget proposal earlier this year.

However, Rauner has said he is opposed to a bill that authorizes another piece of the budget without having a full budget proposal in place.

Republican senators criticized the bill for the same reason. Kotowski acknowledged that, including the MAP grants, the state is on pace to spend about $34 billion because of court orders and existing state laws that require the state to continue spending money even without a budget in place. The state is expected to have about $33 billion in tax collections during the current fiscal year, which began July 1.

The sole Republican “Yes” vote was Sen. Sam McCann.

  17 Comments      


Today’s quotable

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From a pal…

If I’m Sam McCann, I send an AFSCME lobbyist out to start my jeep last night.

Heh.

  39 Comments      


Yikes

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois property taxes are now so high that they are equivalent to a second mortgage, according to a new study from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, a Washington-based tax-research and -education center.

The report, which shows the effective property-tax rates in each state, ranks Illinois as the second-highest property-tax state in the U.S. The top spot goes to New Jersey, where the effective property-tax rates is 2.38 percent, barely higher than Illinois’ 2.32 percent.

The Tax Foundation’s report is in line with an earlier study by WalletHub that showed the dollar amount for property taxes in each state. WalletHub’s study also ranked New Jersey’s $3,971 as the highest average tax burden, while Illinois’ was just a shade lower at $3,939.

An effective property-tax rate of 2.32 percent means that if a typical Illinois homebuyer purchases a home at age 30 and lives there until the age of 79 (the average American life expectancy), that homeowner will pay more to the government for the privilege of owning a home in Illinois than the home is actually worth. If that homeowner lives in that home a few years beyond age 73, the property taxes paid will have surpassed the home’s value. For example, an Illinoisan who buys a $200,000 house will pay $4,640 in property taxes each year, or $46,400 per decade. Owning an Illinois home for a little more than four decades means that person pays property taxes equal to the entire value of the home to the local government.

The Tax Foundation study is here.

  68 Comments      


Other voices on the AFSCME bill

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* We’ve all seen how the governor and the unions have portrayed the AFSCME “no strike” bill. But here’s a take from a Tier One targeted Senate Democrat that I thought you might be interested in…

Forby: AFSCME contract negotiations shouldn’t be politicized

The fight for employee equality advanced today when the Illinois Senate voted on two critical measures that ensure working families are given fair wages and benefits. The first measure Senate Bill 1229, which was overridden by the governor, aims to bar the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees from striking or being locked out while a collective bargaining agreement is negotiated.

The union’s collective barging contract expired on July 1st. The Governor’s office and the state largest labor union AFSCME have yet to reach an agreement.

State Senator Gary Forby (D- Benton), who serves as the Senate’s Labor Committee Chairman, thinks the measure takes bureaucracy out of the negotiations, which will create a platform for non-politicized negotiations.

“Since Governor Rauner began his term, he has waged an all-out war against organized labor and working families,” said Forby. “It’s clear the Governor doesn’t want fair negotiations, so if we take the bureaucracy out of the negotiation process, then it gives us a clearer path to reach an agreement.”

* And from the debate

“There is an unusual degree of hyperbole and hypocrisy about this bill,” said Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park. “It does not require arbitration. Both sides can stay at the bargaining table.”

Harmon said similar arbitration has been in place for years for police, firefighters and prison guards, who are not allowed to go on strike. He said AFSCME has never invoked the arbitration provision for prison guards the union represents. […]

Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, is a former director of the Peoria Area Labor Management Council. He said the arbitration bill will actually bring the two sides closer.

“If your proposal is out of line, it has a chance of being thrown out,” he said. “It forces people to the middle.”

* More

Cullerton said current law gives the governor “a real strong position to just impose a draconian plan” that would leave unions with no choice but to strike.

“If we have a strike, then we have trauma,” Cullerton said. “We’re not suggesting the governor can’t continue to negotiate with them, this just makes sure there is no strike.”

* Murph, however, gets the last word

Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, said union leaders are fighting for pay and benefits, but those employees are making 80 percent more than they did 10 years ago. “Go home any of you and talk to your taxpayers about that,” he said.

“This is wrong to take the people’s one elected person out of the negotiation room and say we’re going to go to this arbitrator,” Murphy said.

“Do not override this veto,” he warned before the Senate voted.

Watch the floor debate by clicking here. The roll call is here.

  152 Comments      


Another take on EIU’s future

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Rep. Mark Batinick…

Rich,

It’s late. Kid 3 broke her collarbone and this is my wife’s first day going back to work as a teacher. There are likely typos but I wanted to get this information to you. I’m ok with you posting as-is if you warn people that it may not be grammatically perfect. I believe this to be very important information that needs to be discussed.

He was responding to our discussion yesterday about Eastern Illinois University’s troubles.

* So, let’s focus on his considerable substance below, not his style. Here it is…

As you may know, I am on the Higher Education Appropriations committee. I believe Eastern Illinois University is important to the state’s future and wanted to provide additional important information for you and your readers. I am of the belief that the state’s “brain drain” is actually its biggest crisis, trumping the pension situation and the FY’16 budget. Solving our significant issues within Higher Education is a big part of stopping the “brain drain.” We need Eastern Illinois.

A big concern of mine has long been the high in-state cost of our public universities. I compared the tuition of U of I and our directional schools to their public conference peers. I used information from US News and World report to be consistent. Our tuitions are 30%-60% more expensive. I can tell from personal experience that the high in-state cost of tuition is driving our youth out-of-state. My daughter received a better deal to go to school at Truman State University in Missouri. My son will likely take his talents out-of-state as well. Both were ranked near the top of their class and will likely pay a lot of taxes — to another state. Studies show that once a student leaves for school, he is much more likely to leave for good. This state cannot afford to lose tomorrow’s high income earners. If you talk to people with children going off to college, you’ll find many of them leaving the state. Many schools offer out-of-state tuition waivers to good or even decent students. They are stealing our talent!

We currently have a net-out migration of over 16,000 students per year! That is like losing 2 Eastern Illinois’ annually. That’s every year. It’s a multiple of that when you consider that kids go to school for many years. Just stemming that tide, would fill Eastern, Western, and Southern quickly. Also, between 2009 and 2014 we have lost 70,689 students going from 397,018 to 326,329. Look, the easiest way to solve our pension crisis is through growth. We are going in the wrong direction fast. I cannot over-emphasize how this demographic shift creates future fiscal challenges for the state. Access the back-up data by clicking here.

Before taking office, I had assumed that the high cost of tuition is due to a lack of state funding. To my great surprise, it is not. According to the State Higher Education Executive Officer’s 2014 Report we actually rank 3rd in Full-Time Equivalent funding. We spend $12,293 while the national average is $6,552. Supporting data is attached. And the entire SHEEO report can be found by clicking here.

Critics will say that the only reason our FTE funding is so high is because we are catching up on our pension payments. But I have also attached a chart that we were given by the board of higher education that shows that after stripping out all pension costs we still rank 9th in the funding of higher education. I know we are making up pension payments, but pulling out all retirement costs is an over-correction. All universities have some retirement costs even if it is merely the matching social security payment. So reality is somewhere between 3rd and 9th in funding. No matter where that is it is well above the national average.

Armed with this data, I asked representatives of various universities in committee, “Why is it so expensive to educate someone in Illinois?” I repeatedly received the same answer. “The cost of doing business is high in Illinois.” Let’s get specific. The University of Illinois actually cited in our data packet the higher cost of Worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Their liability insurance has gone up 1000% in the last 20 years. That’s a wee bit over inflation. Data attached. They also often cited our state’s regulatory climate. When the cost of doing business is high for businesses, it is often high for taxpayers as well.

Another issue raised almost universally was our procurement code. We would hear about having to wait months for approval on items costing administrative time and often price increases. We hear about how the bid process doesn’t work for purchasing specialty items. In fact, U of I has told me that trying to match the state code with federal grant requirements has caused the University to “house” some grants at Purdue. Our federal grants are moving out of state! And last week I heard a new one. Illinois State University spoke at the Lt. Governor’s consolidation committee I am on about a “soy-bean based ink preference.” I’m not sure if this is something for the farmers or for renewable energy. I currently have the LRU looking into how much that requirement is costing the state. Now I’m for renewable energy. And I love farmers. I even own a car that can run on used vegetable oil. But we can’t save the world if we can’t save the state. We have to do things more cost-effectively. Requirements like this have to go. Click here for a link to me trying to get procurement relief for universities.

While procurement and regulatory relief would help, it likely isn’t enough. I believe that the universities need much more autonomy in the way they operate. With all the stories that I have heard, it seems like the state micro-manages them through all sorts of mandates and red tape. But in exchange for autonomy, the state should be measuring a small set of large metrics. We should more concerned about the cost of tuition, amount of in-state students, graduation rates, and in-state job placements than what type of ink a university buys.

Which brings me back to Eastern Illinois University. With a little freedom, Eastern is set to thrive. I have many friends who had children attend recently. I traveled from Champaign to Charleston often during my college years. It is a great campus in a wonderful town. I’ve only heard positive experiences from students. It is very conveniently located close enough to our population center, while far away enough from Mom and Dad. It’s right off I-57. I also would like to mention that according to the May 2013 Auditor General report, Eastern Illinois University has the lowest administrative cost per student. See page vii of this link. Eastern Illinois should be an integral part of Illinois’ renaissance. I expect it to be.

Stay healthy!

Mark Batinick

  95 Comments      


*** LIVE *** Democrat Day coverage

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Democratic County Chairman’s Association brunch kicks off today at 9. Click here for live video from BlueRoomStream.com. The fairgrounds rally starts at noon. Click here for live video from BlueRoomStream.com.

And watch it all via ScribbleLive

  10 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Illinois State Fair political events schedule

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


Good morning!

Thursday, Aug 20, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The New Barbarians with Ringo

Crazy looking mama
Don’t you know you’re too young to die

  6 Comments      


Rauner blasts Senate for AFSCME bill override

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the governor’s office…

Governor Bruce Rauner has issued the following statement on the Senate’s decision to override his veto of SB 1229:

    “Every Senator who voted to overturn our veto chose special interests over the taxpayers. They made it abundantly clear that they’d rather raise taxes than stand up to the politically powerful. It is now up to House members to take the responsible, pro-taxpayer position and uphold our veto.”

…Adding… From organized labor…

Illinois Senate super-majority overrides Rauner veto of fair arbitration bill

Union leaders: Bill ensures reasonable compromise and keeps Illinois working

By a vote of 38-15, a super-majority of state senators from every part of Illinois voted today to override Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of the fair arbitration bill, Senate Bill 1229.

Applauding the action was the Illinois AFL-CIO and many unions that represent state workers and other public employees, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), the Illinois Nurses Association (INA), the Laborers International Union of North America-Midwest Region, the Police Benevolent & Protective Association (PB&PA), SEIU Healthcare Illinois and the Illinois Education Association (IEA).

The legislation offers to state employees (such as child protection workers, nurses and caregivers) the option of the same fair arbitration process provided to state and local police, fire and prison security personnel in Illinois for more than 30 years.

The bill would help avert the potential conflict, hardship and disruption of a statewide strike or lockout by offering arbitration as an alternative means of resolving contract disputes between state employees’ unions and the Rauner Administration if ongoing negotiations fail to produce agreements.

To enact the bill, three-fifths of the state Senate and House of Representatives must vote to override the Governor’s veto. With the Senate’s action today, the House now has 15 days to follow suit.

As a candidate, Governor Rauner repeatedly vowed to “take a strike and shut down state government for a few weeks” in order to force workers to accept his extreme demands. More recently, the governor has made legislation that strips the rights of workers to bargain collectively a precondition of his willingness to enact a state budget or address other unrelated policy matters. And in a possible signal that the governor’s office is preparing to provoke a work stoppage, the Rauner Administration has reportedly solicited retirees to serve as strike breakers and considered mobilizing the National Guard.

“The Senate has done right by the citizens of Illinois today,” Illinois AFL-CIO president Michael Carrigan said. “Simply put, this legislation will make sure the state keeps working if negotiations fail.”

“State employees keep us safe, protect kids, care for veterans and provide countless other important services,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said. “Public service workers want to be treated fairly, they don’t want to be forced out on strike, and today’s vote is a strong step in the right direction.”

“On behalf of the thousands of state employees represented by the IFT, I want to thank State Senators for standing up to protect the vital public services we all rely on,” said IFT President Dan Montgomery. “While it doesn’t provide the Governor with the political showdown he so obsessively desires, this legislation does help ensure state services will continue without interruption—a real priority to Illinois taxpayers.”

“After this resounding defeat, it is time for Bruce Rauner to follow the advice of Gov. Jim Edgar and shelve his anti-worker obsession so that a budget is passed and vulnerable Illinoisans are protected,” SEIU Healthcare Illinois president Keith Kelleher said. “We applaud the senators who stood up to his bully tactics and join the growing chorus who see the Rauner agenda for what it is—protection for billionaire interests and pain for everyone else.”

“Registered Nurses and the patients they care for deserve the fair and reasonable process provided by SB 1229,” INA executive director Alice Johnson said. “We thank the senators who, in voting for SB 1229, stood up for nurses and patients, and against an extremist agenda that seeks to force nurses to work while exhausted, putting lives at risk.

“Today’s vote shows again how far out of step Governor Rauner is with Illinois’ middle class,” said Sean Stott, Director of Governmental Affairs of the Laborers’ Midwest Region. “Rauner claims to want good-paying jobs in this state but is moving heaven and earth to cut workers’ pay and benefits. We thank the supermajority of senators who stood up to him today.”

“The governor’s statements contradict the facts. He has had months to negotiate but has failed to make any meaningful progress,” PB&PA Illinois director Sean Smoot said. “He says he will not lock workers out, but he has already sent layoff notices to employees. A layoff is quite simply a targeted lockout.”

“We believe it’s important that state services continue to be delivered to the people of Illinois by hardworking state employees,” IEA president Cinda Klickna said. “By voting to override the veto, the House will send the message that it’s time for the governor to stop pushing a personal agenda against unions and, instead, focus on solving Illinois’ real problems, starting with the state budget.”

One Republican, Sen. Sam McCann, voted to override.

  143 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 - Cullerton response *** Today’s hyperbole

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Governor’s Day

The rally wasn’t without its foibles. Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, combating attacks by Democrats that the GOP has a “war on women,” twice hailed the late Judy Baar Topinka, a Republican, as the state’s first female comptroller. It actually was Democrat Dawn Clark Netsch, who 20 years earlier became the first woman elected to a statewide constitutional office in Illinois.

Leslie Munger, who Rauner appointed to the comptroller job following Topinka’s death late last year, said she was “proud to be here as the governor’s wingman, so to speak, on the budget issues.” Munger is seeking to retain the post in a special statewide election next year.

* As for Gov. Rauner

He compared one-party rule, as the Democrats have enjoyed for the past 12 years, to political systems in the Soviet Union and China.

He also complained that the Democratic legislative leaders and last two Democratic governors all come from Chicago.

“Illinois has become a dictatorship from Chicago for the entire state,” Rauner said.

* More Rauner

With a backdrop of supporters holding up letters reading “Our Home,” Rauner said, “You mess with my home Speaker Madigan, you picked the wrong guy.”

“Speaker Madigan, you know what, he’s got ice water in his veins. He’s standing his ground,” Rauner told reporters before taking the stage at the Director’s Lawn.

Rauner said Madigan “doesn’t care about central Illinois. He doesn’t care about agriculture. He’s about the Chicago machine. That just shows the kind of political manipulation that’s going on here.”

* More

A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan says Gov. Bruce Rauner, not the Chicago Democrat, is “Mr. Cut” and responsible for slashing social services because there’s no agreement on a yearlong state spending plan.

Rauner told reporters at the state fair that Madigan “has ice water in his veins,” inured to reductions in programs such as subsidized day care for working parents. Hundreds of protesters opposing the changes attempted to shout down GOP speakers.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the reduced spending is Rauner’s doing.

Brown says, “The only cuts that were done were by the governor, so if the guy wants to look about for who’s responsible for cuts, he should just stare right in the mirror, and that mug he sees coming back at him is ‘Mr. Cut.’”

The governor also said that if Senate President Cullerton overrides his veto of the AFSCME no strike bill, then that proves he is essentially Madigan’s puppet (paraphrasing).

*** UPDATE *** Cullerton’s spokesperson responds to the governor saying the Senate President will show he’s under Madigan’s thumb if he overrides the AFSCME bill veto today…

The Governor is attempting to reduce the Senate President’s leadership to fit into today’s political talking points. He is undermining the “willing to compromise” image that he has tried to project regarding his relationship with the Senate President. Cullerton and his caucus will make a decision about the no strike and no lockout bill later today.

  84 Comments      


Ever Feel Like We’re Being Set Up By Exelon?

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Exelon has been dropping not so subtle hints lately that it’s about to close its Quad Cities plant unless it gets a bailout. They’re complaining the plant is losing money. They’re complaining the energy market is getting worse.

But here’s what they’re not telling you:

Exelon Profitability Grows: In the last six months alone, Exelon, the company that claims it needs a bailout has reported more than $1.3 BILLION in PROFITS.

PJM Capacity Auction Revenues Substantial: The PJM grid operator that includes the ComEd service territory is conducting three auctions for “capacity”. These auctions will pay winning power companies hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue starting in June 2016.

Carbon Regulations Likely To Boost Revenues: The US EPA finalized its rule restricting carbon emissions which will likely close some Illinois coal plants, resulting in higher prices for electricity and more revenue for Exelon.

EVEN IF EXELON ANNOUNCES IT’S CLOSING QUAD CITIES, IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE

No Closure Possible Before June 2017: because Exelon has already sold its Quad Cities power through that period.

PJM Reliability Study Before Closure: If Exelon notifies PJM it is planning to close a plant, PJM will launch a study to determine if that plant is needed for grid reliability.

 Must-run Contract to Ensure Reliability: If PJM determines Quad Cities is needed for reliability, Exelon will receive a “must-run” contract which will keep the plant open and pay Exelon its costs plus a guaranteed profit for a number of years.

Just Say “NO” to the Exelon Bailout

BEST Coalition is a 501C4 nonprofit group of dozens of business, consumer and government groups, as well as large and small businesses. Visit www.noexelonbailout.com.

  Comments Off      


Blagojevich motion denied

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* No surprise

A full appellate court in Chicago will not rehear the appeal of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption convictions.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals posted a notice Wednesday indicating there would be no rehearing for the imprisoned Democrat.

Blagojevich had hoped the full court might overturn more of his 18 convictions than the five counts a three-judge panel tossed in July.

Blagojevich’s only remaining option for more counts to be overturned is an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oh, I’m sure he’ll attempt to appeal it all the way to the top. He’s innocent, you know.

Sheesh.

  21 Comments      


Question of the day

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* As we discussed earlier, the governor set a record yesterday with his purchase of a grand champion steer…


* The Question: Caption?

  69 Comments      


Is EIU going down the tubes?

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* AP

Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman says the school is laying off 67 employees and says more people will lose jobs as the school wrestles with declining enrollment and financial uncertainties.

Glassman said in a news release Tuesday that another 51 open positions will not be filled.

Glassman said unspecified additional cuts will happen “very shortly.”

The jobs are civil service or administrative and professional positions rather than faculty.

* The lack of a state budget is playing a role in this, but EIU has also been losing a lot of students lately

And this may not be the end to job cuts at EIU, where enrollment has dropped from 11,630 students in 2010 to 8,913 in 2014. Glassman said more employees with administrative and professional or academic support positions will be notified “very shortly” of job eliminations or reductions.

Oof.

On the bright side, since no faculty members are being laid off, the student/teacher ratio will improve.

Not much of a bright side, though.

  95 Comments      


Cook Dems refuse to slate US Senate candidate

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the twitters…



At the risk of being quoted in an ILGOP press release, that’s not great news for Duckworth. At all.

However…


If he stays in, he could be competitive. The guy is personally wealthy and has lots of rich friends from his NFL days. But he’s not the greatest organizer. He was lucky not to get kicked off the ballot last time around, so we’ll see what sort of staff he hires.

* Biss never did have a shot at the nod, and he knew it…


* Heh…


Um, OK.

Considering this state’s horrific national reputation, I’m kinda doubting that phrase will find its way to a campaign bumper sticker.

  19 Comments      


Remembering JBT

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* An Illinois State Fairgrounds street was named after the late Judy Baar Topinka yesterday…


* More

The late Judy Baar Topinka always said she was a big fan of the state fair and now, her name is part of the fairgrounds. Governor Rauner, dedicated the sign that marks Judy Baar Topinka Lane that replaces Corn Dog Lane.

Springfield alderman Cory Jobe, who worked for the late comptroller, says Topinka would have loved the sign.

“She’d be pretty humble about it. You know, Judy was just an everyday, real Illinoisan. I think that’s what made her unique. Her straight-talk approach to issues made her stand out. Everybody thought she was just one of us,” said Jobe.

* She was a huge state fair fan. And I think she would’ve gotten a chuckle knowing that “Corn Dog Lane” is now named after her. One reason is the street is lined with porta-potties

Wherever Judy is, she has to be laughing.

The blue curtain separating the ceremonies from the rest of “Judy Baar Topinka Lane” kept onlookers from seeing a line of porta-potties along what used to be “Corn Dog Lane.”

Topinka, a former state lawmaker, three-term treasurer, and Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2006, had just been elected to a second term as comptroller when she passed away in December.

“The fair was Judy’s Las Vegas,” said the master of ceremonies.

* The street sign…


* But it wasn’t all about a street name

In addition to that, Sen. Karen McConnaughay sponsored legislation aimed at improving the state’s computer system and government websites, increasing transparency for people wanting to better understand the government, making it easier to see its inner-workings. It’s a staple of leading that was important to the late Judy Baar Topinka.

“What I believe to be a very important piece of legislation. Yes, it honors Judy, but it also represents what she thought was the most important part of being a public servant - that we work for the people,” said Sen. McConnaughay.

Before showing off the legislation, Gov. Rauner said that Judy Baar Topinka was, “A champion of this legislation and Karen McConnaughay carried it.”

I miss that woman every single day.

  13 Comments      


Today’s number: $61,000

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Monique

Standing behind the auction pen as championship rabbits, chickens and goats came and went, Rauner made his move when Scotty, a Land of Lincoln grand champion steer, went up on the block. The governor, however, had a celebrity proxy do his bidding — Scotty McCreery, the Season 10 winner of “American Idol” and the steer’s namesake. The country singer was opening for Rascal Flatts, the evening’s grandstand concert headliner.

As the rapid-fire bidding slowed down, the auctioneer turned to Taylor Donelson, a McLean County girl who raised Scotty, and suggested she should ask the deep-pocketed governor if he could please bid $61,000. The teen turned to Rauner and made the request. The crowd roared, and Rauner threw up his arms in mock protest before giving a thumbs up. The bid set a new record.

The steer will be slaughtered, as is state fair custom, and the governor plans to give the meat to the University of Illinois. Auction proceeds are split among the young exhibitors and the Future Farmers of America and the 4-H youth organization.

  32 Comments      


The Credit Union Difference

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The followihg is a paid advertisement.]

  Comments Off      


Alvarez fighting to obtain party nod

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* This officeholder really needs a primary so she can be held accountable

Cook County Democratic leaders are leaning against backing State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez as she seeks a third term against three potential challengers next March.

During Tuesday’s endorsement session, a panel recommended an “open primary.” A final decision will come Wednesday, but it’s rare for the party to reject a committee recommendation.

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is backing her onetime chief of staff, Kim Foxx, a former assistant state’s attorney who helped Preckwinkle lead an effort to lower the jail population and reform the juvenile justice system.

Other committeemen backed Donna More, a lawyer who was a county and federal prosecutor and Illinois Gaming Board attorney. Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey, a former assistant attorney general and state representative, said he’s running but did not ask for an endorsement.

With the loyalties of ward and township committeemen divided, Preckwinkle suggested the open-primary recommendation.

* Looks like she almost broke her arm while patting herself on the back

Alvarez acknowledged “there might be criticism from some members” of the committee, but she said, “I have been the most innovative state’s attorney in the history of the state’s attorney’s office.”

* And you just knew this would happen…


* Meanwhile

The surprise of the day was an unexpected push to slate [Todd] Stroger to fill the remaining two years on the term of Patrick Daley Thompson, who left his seat on the Water Reclamation District board to become 11th Ward alderman.

“Most of you knew my father, and I’d like to follow in his footsteps,” Stroger told committeemen, invoking his late father, John, his predecessor as county board president.

Influential Thornton Township Committeeman Frank Zuccarelli and Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) voiced support for Stroger.

“I think he got a bum rap,” Burnett said.

Later, behind closed doors, Zuccarelli told committeemen: “He needs the job.”

Sheesh. Could that county party get more arrogant?

  31 Comments      


Kirk to be a State Fair no-show

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Erickson

On Wednesday, a group of Republican office holders had scheduled a “Day at the Races” as part of Governor’s Day activities at the fair.

The event, hosted by Comptroller Leslie Munger, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and several other Republicans, is set for the grandstand where harness horse racing takes place.

But there’s a problem. Due to budget constraints, there is no horse racing on Wednesday.

State Rep. Tim Butler, a Springfield Republican who is co-hosting the event, said the plan was to carry on a tradition launched by the late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

When this year’s gala was put together, organizers were unaware racing would be canceled because of the stalemate that has left Illinois without a budget for nearly eight weeks.

“We’re calling it, “A Day at the Races Without the Races,’” Butler said.

* Maybe that’s why Sen. Kirk will be a no-show today

One prominent Republican who’s skipping the fair festivities is first-term U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, who is viewed as one of the top targets for Democrats nationally next year as the party looks to win back President Barack Obama’s former seat. A campaign spokesman said late Tuesday that Kirk has Iran briefings in Chicago on Wednesday.

Or not. All of the state’s political reporters attend the State Fair and Kirk surely knows that. Maybe he’s avoiding us.

* Speaking of Kirk, this is from the National Journal’s Hotline

(H)ere’s our look at the 2016 Senate landscape, ranked in terms of which seats look most likely to change hands next year:

1. Illinois (Sen. Mark Kirk (R) running for reelection) (Previous rank: 2)

Kirk needs to run close to a perfect race to win reelection in deep-blue Illinois. So far, he’s doing anything but. The first-term Republican has suffered a seemingly uninterrupted series of gaffes this year, causing even close allies to (temporarily) wonder if he should abandon his campaign. His likely opponent, Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth, has her own issues to worry about, including a potentially damaging civil lawsuit and a primary opponent. But for now, she looks like a clear-cut general-election favorite.

* And speaking of the fair

On Governor’s Day three years ago, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn was booed off the stage at the fair director’s lawn and chased around the fairgrounds by public union members angry over his push to cut their pension benefits. The rancor prompted Democrats to avoid the fairgrounds the last two years.

It’s unclear what public employee unions may have planned Wednesday for Rauner’s day. But the Republican governor’s push to weaken collective bargaining rights for teachers and other government workers has become the most significant political issue in Illinois, with legislative candidate signature gathering for the 2016 elections set to begin next month.

The Dems didn’t really “avoid the fairgrounds,” but they did start requiring free tickets for entry, which kept out the boo birds.

Rauner has taken a page out of that Democratic playbook. No ticket, no entry today.

  15 Comments      


Official who criticized cuts moved out of job

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Flannery

The woman, who for several decades oversaw Illinois day care, was asked by legislators last week to assess the impact [of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new rules on child care program cuts].

“Devastating!” said Linda Saterfield.

“Will some of the people rejected for day care have to quit their jobs to take care of their own children?” asked State Rep. Lou Lang.

“That’s a possibility,” she responded.

On Tuesday, it was made known that Saterfield was ousted from her job after delivering that testimony.

When FOX 32 tried to contact Saterfield, a spokeswoman for the Rauner Administration called. She said Saterfield was reassigned to another post in the Department of Human Services “for internal personnel reasons.”

* I obtained a memo that she sent out to colleagues yesterday…

Dear Child Care Advisory Council Members-

Today I have been notified that effective immediately the Department is taking a new direction with leadership for Child Care and I am being replaced as the Associate Director of the Office of Early Childhood. I have been offered the position of Associate Director of Adult Supports and Basic Services. I will be relocating my office to 823 E. Monroe by next week but as of today I will no longer represent Child Care.

It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the State Child Care Administrator since 1998 and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. We have enjoyed a wonderfully successful partnership and through our work have been recognized as a national leader in child care. We truly have much to be proud of in Illinois.

I will miss working with all of you. You have been wonderful volunteers and advocates for child care program over the years. With reauthorization underway it seems to be an appropriate time to bring in new leadership to take this program to the next level. I know you will provide the new Associate Director your commitment and I am certain you will continue to advocate on behalf of the families and children of this state. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Linda Saterfield

* And then this went out…

Yesterday we, as an Early Childhood Community, received the worst possible news, IDHS irrationally transferred Linda Saterfield out of child care after over 35 years of service. The viability of the entire child care system is now in question. In these incredibly difficult and tumultuous times we need Linda’s leadership and knowledge more than ever.

Within the next 2-3 hours please email the Governor’s Secretary of Education Beth.Purvis@illinois.gov urging her to take whatever action is necessary to walk back this terrible decision. Please feel free to share this email as quickly as possible with as many stakeholders as possible.

* Related…

* Mounting childcare crisis topic at O’Fallon City Council meeting

  96 Comments      


Emphasis added

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From an Illinois Republican Party press release…

Governor’s Day Event on the Director’s Lawn

When: Wednesday, August 19th at 12:00PM CT (Press Set-up at 11:45AM CT)

Where: Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fair

Who: Republicans from all over Illinois will be in attendance to celebrate Governor Bruce Rauner. In addition to Governor Rauner, other Illinois Republican leaders will give remarks, including Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Comptroller Leslie Munger, Congressman John Shimkus, Congressman Randy Hultgren, Congressman Rodney Davis, State Senator Darin LaHood, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.

Well, it is Governor’s Day. But that’s an odd choice of words.

  27 Comments      


Because… Madigan

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the twitters…


  39 Comments      


Good morning!

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* You see us together

Chasing the moonlight

  5 Comments      


*** LIVE *** Governor’s Day and overtime session coverage

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Illinois Republican State Central Committee and County Chairmen’s Association meeting starts at 9 this morning. Click here for live BlueRoomStream video. The Illinois State Fair’s Governor’s Day festivities kick off at at noon. Click here for live BlueRoomStream video. The Senate Executive Committee meets at 3 o’clock to discuss the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights Act. Hmm. The Senate convenes at 4. Click here for live Senate video.

And watch it all via ScribbleLive

  29 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Revised Illinois State Fair schedule and a supplement to today’s edition

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

  Comments Off      


« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Selected react to budget reconciliation bill passage (Updated x2)
* Reader comments closed for Independence Day
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Some fiscal news
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup (Updated)
* RETAIL: Strengthening Communities Across Illinois
* Groups warn about plan that doesn't appear to be in the works
* SB 328: Separating Lies From Truth
* Campaign news: Big Raja money; Benton over-shares; Rashid's large cash pile; Jeffries to speak at IDCCA brunch
* Rep. Hoan Huynh jumps into packed race for Schakowsky’s seat (Updated)
* Roundup: Pritzker taps Christian Mitchell for LG
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition (Updated)
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Selected press releases (Live updates)
* Live coverage
* Trump admin freezes $240 million in grants for Illinois K-12 schools
* Yesterday's stories

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Loading


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

Archives
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0




Hosted by MCS SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax Advertise Here Mobile Version Contact Rich Miller