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Afternoon roundup

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Good news…

The Illinois Community College System has recorded its largest year-over-year enrollment growth in nearly 15 years. Opening Spring 2023 enrollment increased by 7.2 percent from the previous spring according to the Illinois Community College Board’s (ICCB) Spring 2023 Enrollment Report.

“This upward enrollment trend is encouraging and continues to signal a shift towards pre-pandemic levels. This data furthers our confidence that efforts to expand learning opportunities and increase access to a community college education are working,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.

The 2023 Spring Enrollment Report shows the first Spring-to-Spring semester increase in the last five years. It’s also the second largest enrollment increase in nearly 15 years (7.8 percent increase between Spring 2009-2010), and the second consecutive semester of growth for the nation’s third-largest community college system.

Significant findings from the Spring 2023 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report include:

    • Thirty-nine community colleges experienced an enrollment increase from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023.

    • Instructional areas primarily dependent on in-person instruction had two of the largest enrollment increases: Career and Technical Education (+9.6 percent) and Vocational Skill Training (+10.1 percent).

    • Enrollment for transfer programs, which is the largest instructional area in the Illinois Community College System, increased 6.4 percent from the previous year, while General Studies Certificate programs increased by 9.1 percent during the same timeframe.

    • Adult Education, which encompasses a substantial at-risk population, increased enrollment by 29.0 percent from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023.

    • Enrollment for Dual Credit courses, which allows academically prepared high school students to simultaneously earn credits that count toward a high school diploma and a college degree, increased 10.4 percent in Spring 2023 compared to Spring 2022 and increased 23.9 percent from 2021.

The full report is accessible online at http://www2.iccb.org/data/studies-reports/student-reports.

* Big crowd today. A friend was near the Statehouse and said the marchers walked by for eight minutes…


* Press release…

Today Governor JB Pritzker announced that Bria Scudder will serve as Deputy Governor for Public Safety, Infrastructure, Environment, and Energy. Scudder previously worked in the Governor’s Office as First Assistant to Christian Mitchell, the former Deputy Governor who stepped down from his role earlier this month. She will begin her role on April 10.

“Bria Scudder has already shown her dedication to public service and the people of Illinois through her hard work earlier in my administration, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to continue that work as Deputy Governor,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Her portfolio includes some of the most important issues currently facing our state, and I’m looking forward to working with her to continue making Illinois stronger.”

Currently, Scudder serves as Director of State Government Affairs for the Midwest region at AbbVie, where she manages state and local related issues in twelve states. She previously served as First Assistant Deputy Governor in Governor JB Pritzker’s administration. In her role in the governor’s office, she helped manage more than ten state agencies, and implemented the administration’s top policy initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scudder spearheaded response efforts, including securing medical supplies for front-line workers, and planning the transition to work from home for over 50 state agencies and boards.

“I’d like to thank Gov. Pritzker for his leadership and trusting me with such an important role.” Scudder said. “I’m looking forward to serving the people of Illinois and making strides towards safer communities, maintaining a world-class transportation system, and meeting our clean energy goals.”

Prior to serving in the governor’s office, Scudder was the Senior Government and Community Liaison at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. There, she developed strategies to advance the office’s legislative agenda and worked with communities on critical issues. She has also worked as a staff member for the Illinois House of Representatives and managed several state Statehouse campaigns. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri- Columbia.

* A case of mistaken identity as the Jacksonville Journal-Courier reprints a Tribune story…

Right headline. Initially identifies the correct former Senator in the cutline, but fails to realize that a different Cullerton was the subject of testimony, as the story plainly shows.

Stuff happens.

* Press release…

Senate Republican members of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee, State Senators Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) and Steve McClure (R-Springfield), issued the following statement regarding the recent appointment of Donald Shelton as the Chair of the Prisoner Review Board, replacing Edith Crigler:

“We are optimistic about the recent change in Chairmanship of the Prisoner Review Board and hope this is one of many positive changes to come to this controversial body. We are hopeful this new appointment signals a new day for the PRB, where transparency, victim notification and input, and community safety are once again made top priorities.

“Over the last several years, Governor Pritzker has transformed the Prisoner Review Board to fit his weak-on-crime agenda and has allowed several of his appointees to go unvetted and unconfirmed for multiple years. Fortunately, through persistent pressure by Senate Republicans, changes have started to take place following the bipartisan movement in the Senate to deny several controversial Pritzker appointees.

“While there is still a long way to go to reform this vital agency, we are encouraged by the recent change and will continue to advocate for a Prisoner Review Board that is just, transparent, puts the victims and their families first, and above all, protects Illinois families and communities.”

* Isabel’s roundup…

  10 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** Vallas said that Pritzker’s executive orders allowed governor to act like a “dictator”

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* On December 21, 2021, when Paul Vallas was substitute hosting for Dan Proft on WIND, 4,178 people were hospitalized with COVID-19. More than 300 people died from the virus that week, bringing the total number up to more than 27,000. Hospitalizations surged to 7,380 just a few weeks later, on January 12th. Hospitalizations didn’t fall back to the December 21st level for a month, and didn’t fall below a thousand until late February…

Amy Jacobson: It’s a two-week peak. So, we’re going to have a two-week peak here. So as soon as the cases rise, that’s quickly as they are going to fall. And they are going to say it worked because of the vaccine mandates. You know that. Because two weeks from now on January 10th, this is going to be a nothing-burger.

Paul Vallas: We’ll be having strains every year and this is going to be the new normal.

OK, let’s stop right there. We’ve never again had a peak like the horrific winter of 21/22. The mini hospitalization spike we had this past December was around 1,800. That earlier winter’s spiral hasn’t become the “new normal,” as Vallas predicted, because vaccines work.

* And, as you’ll see, they mocked leaders for trying to keep even more people from dying…

Paul Vallas: But I think for people like Lightfoot and others this is an opportunity. Well first of all, this gives them the ability to make decisions unilaterally with no input. How many executive orders has Pritzker [issued]?

Amy Jacobson: 24.

Paul Vallas: 24. Illinois Policy does great work, great work in terms of reporting on these things. I mean, really them and CWB, and of course, Wire Points and I mean, they just do great work on providing really independent research and reporting. On these executive mandates, no legislative input whatsoever. So it gives them the ability to act like dictators. The second thing it does is it creates the perception that somehow they’re being decisive leaders.

That “dictator” stuff is the exact same rhetoric used by Darren Bailey and his ilk. The courts ruled again and again that the executive powers already existed in state law.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I do not envy Chicago voters.

…Adding… Speaking of Darren Bailey, this was posted by Bailey in May of 2022, during the Republican primary…

Caption?

Also…


“Shameless!”

*** UPDATE *** From Natalie Edelstein at the Pritzker campaign…

Throughout the pandemic Governor Pritzker spent every day fighting to save people’s lives and livelihoods. He did it by following the advice of the nation’s best virologists and epidemiologists, many of whom are at Illinois’ world class research institutions and hospitals. Leadership requires making tough choices and not pandering to the loudest voices driven by politics. The next mayor of Chicago may be called upon to lead in a similar type of emergency and residents deserve to know if their next Mayor will listen to experts or instead to right wing talk show hosts when making decisions about people’s lives.

Vallas campaign…

“Paul Vallas looks forward to working with state leaders in tackling all the issues facing Chicago, from making the city safer to improving education to confronting crisis situations whenever they emerge. As a lifelong Democrat, Paul respects Gov. Pritzker’s leadership and voted for him in the past election.”

  55 Comments      


It’s just a bill

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…

WHO:
Sarah Hartwick, Executive Director, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Education Foundation
Rev. Courtney Carson, Assistant Vice President of External Affairs, Richland Community College
Sen. Don DeWitte
Rep. Amy Elik
Rep. Suzanne Ness
Rep. Katie Stuart
Rep. Travis Weaver

WHAT:
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) Education Foundation will call for passage of several bills designed to build a workforce of the future by increasing education opportunities and removing barriers that prevent students from exploring jobs in the manufacturing industry.

Nationally, there are nearly 800,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry, including tens of thousands of available jobs in Illinois. The IMA Education Foundation is dedicated to working with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce. These efforts are vital to ensuring Illinois can continue to experience strong economic growth in the coming decade as more and more baby boomers are expected to exit the job market and companies will seek to fill the resulting knowledge and experience gaps.

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 22
10:30 a.m.

* HB361 is currently on Second Reading. Block Club Chicago…

The Illinois Work Without Fear Act — House Bill 361 — would fill gaps in Illinois employment law to ensure companies can be punished if they retaliate against workers by calling immigration officials or making other immigration-related threats when the workers report violations, state leaders and policy experts said.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and state Rep. Lilian Jiménez were joined by members of workers rights’ groups Arise Chicago, Raise the Floor Alliance and United Workers Center to announce the bill Monday morning. […]

Raoul’s office has investigated unsafe working conditions during the pandemic, but many employees were fearful of speaking to authorities due to potential retaliation, he said.

“To encourage people to stand up, we need to ensure they will not be punished for doing so,” Raoul said.

* Capitol News Illinois…

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would treat ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft as “common carriers,” opening them up to the same level of liability as other forms of public
transportation.

House Bill 2231 passed on the House floor this week with a 73-36 vote. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.

The common carrier status is defined as a “standard of care” under which passengers surrender their safety to certain modes of transportation. Currently in Illinois, this includes taxicabs, railways and elevators, among others. […]

“One of the reasons these entities have been so successful has been costs aren’t as great as they are with other entities,” Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, said during the House debate. “So by increasing regulations or burdens on business then we may drive them out or make them less successful.”

* Pastor Walter P. Turner, III of New Spiritual Light MB Church…

Dear Illinois General Assembly Member:
RE: House Bill 2231

As leaders representing communities throughout Illinois, we are writing to express our concerns about the impact House Bill 2231 could have on our neighborhoods. As written, the current bill will hurt Black & Hispanic residents who rely on Uber and Lyft for both income and reliable transportation.

By making Illinois the only State in the nation to treat Transportation Network Companies / Transportation Network Providers (“TNCs”) as common carriers, the legislature would drastically increase insurance costs, likely making it difficult for many in our communities to afford rides. Worse yet - the increased costs wouldn’t go to drivers, who would see decreased demand, forcing many of the tens and thousands of residents who use these platforms to earn money to find other work. With far fewer drivers, and unaffordable rides, TNC’s will end up serving only areas of our state that can regularly afford rides.

Importantly, if passed, the bill would likely require rideshare drivers to get fingerprinted in order to work with Uber or Lyft - the only state in the country that would have such a requirement. Unfortunately, the FBI’s national fingerprint database lacks complete information, and is biased against Black & Hispanic Americans. When someone is arrested police take their fingerprints and submit them to the FBI. However, more than half of the submitted records do not reflect whether someone was even charged much less convicted for the alleged offense. Since Black & Hispanic Americans are wrongly arrested at disproportionate levels they’re overly represented in the database, and hence are unfairly impacted.

A report from the National Employment Law Project found that, “[N]early half of FBI background checks fail to include information on the outcome of a case after an arrest— fundamental information such as whether a charge was dismissed. These inaccurate and incomplete records seriously prejudice the employment prospects of an estimated 600,000 workers every year.”1 Thousands of residents could lose access to work overnight for crimes they didn’t commit. It’s why civil rights and law enforcement experts alike agree that fingerprint background checks should not be used for employment.

The proposed law aims to make Uber and Lyft more like taxis. Unfortunately, taxis have a long history of ignoring our communities and discriminating against people of color and any move to recreate the taxi system is likely to recreate the same issues. Uber and Lyft are not perfect, but they’ve provided safe reliable transportation to communities left behind by taxis and mass transit. HB2231 looks to turn back the clock and leave our communities behind. I’d urge you to vote no.

* Illinois Freedom Caucus…

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the proposals to bring Rank Choice voting to Illinois.

“One of the major issues facing our state is rank choice voting, which is a system of voting allowing voters to rank their list of candidates.

It is an expensive and impractical form of voting especially for a state the size of Illinois. Voting has always been based on the premise of ‘One Person – One Vote.’ We already have frequent voting irregularities undermining voter confidence in the safety and security of our elections. Turning our electoral process into something akin to the convoluted Hall of Fame balloting process is not the way to restore confidence in our elections.

Instead of focusing on rank choice voting, we need to prioritize restoring integrity to our elections. Elections should be free and fair. We support reforms such as measures to require the State Board of Elections to set up and maintain a system to track all mail in ballots (HB 1139), to ensure deceased individuals are removed from voter rolls (HB 1140) or to require photo IDs for voting (HB 1141). We need to be debating these reforms instead of completely upending our electoral process with rank choice voting.”

* SB1444 has been re-referred to Assignments. Press release…

To promote child care access and affordability, State Senator Mike Simmons took part in the White House State Legislative Convening on Tuesday, speaking on Illinois’ paid leave legislation and his proposed child tax credit.
 
“It was an honor to meet with White House officials and fellow Federal and State legislators today,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Working parents are struggling more than ever before, and it is time we find solutions at State and Federal levels to help provide families with affordable and accessible child care and services. I want the next generation of moms, dads, caretakers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children to live dignified and abundant lives where they are not always struggling to meet the most basic expenses.”
 
During the meeting, Simmons highlighted Senate Bill 1444, which would create an Illinois Child Tax Credit for eligible low- and middle-income Illinois families. Families would receive a $700 tax credit for each child under the age of 17, benefitting joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. 
 
“Children need to feel secure that their needs are being met,” said Simmons. “And every parent deserves to raise their children without chronic economic stress. I am proud of the recent steps forward Illinois has taken to support childcare access, and the proposals that are being considered this session, such as the state-level child tax credit I’ve introduced. The Biden Administration has made many important strides in passing policy that has provided families with relief, and I am honored to join the White House today for this timely discussion.” 
 
Simmons also spoke about the recent signing of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, chief-sponsored by Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). The Act made Illinois the third state in the U.S. to guarantee paid leave. Under the new law, employees in Illinois will be provided a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave per year that can be used for any reason. Starting on March 31, 2024, or 90 days following commencement of employment, workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer.
 

* HB1374 was re-referred to Rules Committee on the 10th. Center Square…

Police and firefighter shortages are an issue for many communities across Illinois. State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, told The Center Square that the workforce is aging and vacancies need to be filled.

Vella introduced House Bill 1374 to give local high school students a community college track that will lead directly to law enforcement and firefighting careers. […]

Vella’s vision is to develop a two-year community college degree that includes an internship in police work or firefighting. When the students complete the two-year associate degree, they will be prepared to take the police or the firefighter academy tests. […]

Offering a community college associate degree along with internships designed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the pipeline that Vella envisions.

 

…Adding… Press release…

Leaders from the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) will testify before the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 3 PM in room 212 of the State Capitol. The subject of the Committee will be SB1732 and a portion of the law that gives Hawthorne Racetrack veto power over any entity that seeks to build a racetrack within 35 miles of the Hawthorne Racetrack in Stickney. The IHHA will testify in favor of sunsetting the 35-mile rule.

While IHHA members would be happy to race at any track owned by Hawthorne, the organization must act in the best interests of its members. Hawthorne has been slow to secure financing to develop a racino at their current racetrack during the last two years. Therefore, there is considerable concern that Hawthorne will be able to secure funding for a second racetrack and casino at the same time that they work to finance the build-out of what they call a shovel ready racino.

Horse racing is an agricultural and economic engine in Illinois that has ramifications well outside of Chicago. With the closure of Arlington Racetrack, Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses must share a racing calendar at Hawthorne Racecourse, the only track left in the Chicago region. The horse racing industry in Illinois desperately needs a second racetrack so that each breed can race in a dedicated space.

Because the second racetrack must be located in southern Cook County, and Hawthorne Racecourse has voiced their intention to build that racecourse, no other entity is even able to float a plan for construction without at the very least, bringing Hawthorne in as a partner. Unless a change is made, more breeding farms, training centers and jobs will be lost to other states.

  11 Comments      


That toddlin’ town roundup

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the Vallas campaign…

Former Congressman Bobby Rush, who represented the people of Chicago in Washington for 20 years until his recent retirement in January, is endorsing Paul Vallas for Mayor. Rep. Rush is the latest highly respected Black political leader to back Vallas, and in making his endorsement Rush highlighted Vallas’ plans to invest in historically underserved communities and increase public safety. Vallas and Rush appeared together at an anti-violence march on Chicago’s South Side today followed by a press conference.

“I’m supporting Paul Vallas because he’s a lifelong Democrat and he has a real plan to invest in our community and address the root causes of poverty and hopelessness that lead to crime,” said Congressman Rush. “Throughout Paul’s history as a public servant he has always prioritized collaboration, transparency and accountability. As Mayor, I’m certain that Paul Vallas will move our city forward and I’m proud to endorse him today.”

From the event…


Context…


* Splits are developing all over the city, including in the churches. From the Triibe…

One prominent Wilson supporter who wasn’t in attendance [at Willie Wilson’s event with Black clergy endorsing Paul Vallas] was Bishop Larry Trotter of Sweet Holy Spirit Church on the South Side. Although Trotter endorsed Wilson in the Feb. 28 election, he split with him for the runoff, endorsing Johnson over Vallas. […]

Trotter also expressed dissatisfaction with Wilson’s hasty decision to endorse Vallas. According to the Chicago Crusader, Wilson had a meeting with dozens of pastors on March 4 at Trotter’s church. The majority of the room raised their hands in support of endorsing Johnson over Vallas. Trotter, who called Wilson his friend, said Wilson told people he would make his endorsement decision by March 15. Wilson also told them that he was going to bring in Vallas and Johnson so they could meet them, and that he’d have several town halls to discuss the matter.

Wilson instead announced his endorsement of Vallas on March 8. Trotter found out about the endorsement from the media.

“I wanted Dr. Wilson to know when he decided to go with Paul Vallas that we still had the right to do what we wanted to do; that he couldn’t just carry the pastors over with him,” Trotter said. “Some of the pastors felt a sense of betrayal, because the news media pushed [the endorsement] as if Dr. Wilson could influence the whole group and that’s not so.”

* Johnson campaign press release…

Today, as a grand jury is likely to indict former president and current Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, records revealed Paul Vallas has received more than a million dollars in big money checks from Trump donors.

“It’s no surprise that Donald Trump’s big money donors are backing Republican Paul Vallas,” said campaign senior advisor Jason Lee. “Vallas’ campaign is powered by Donald Trump’s wealthy corporate donors, which explains Vallas’ platform of increasing taxes on working-class Chicago families while cutting taxes for billionaires, large businesses and corporations. Republican Paul Vallas represents billionaires, CEOs, and Trump megadonors – not us.” […]

Donors who have given to Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., Trump Victory, or Trump Make America Great Again Committee and have given at least $10,000 to Paul Vallas include:

    • Michael and Rosalind Keiser: $900,000 to Paul Vallas, $11,200 to Trump
    • John Koudounis: $100,000 to Paul Vallas, $630 to Trump
    • Noel Moore: $50,000 to Paul Vallas, $5,000 to Trump
    • Scott Gidwitz: $10,200 to Paul Vallas, $5,400 to Trump
    • Ron Gidwitz: $25,000 to Paul Vallas, $30,400 to Trump
    • James Gidwitz: $10,000 to Paul Vallas, $40,280 to Trump
    • Greg Kay: $30,000 to Paul Vallas, $3,800 to Trump
    • Patrick Heneghan: $12,500 to Paul Vallas, $1,950 to Trump
    • Mike Romano: $10,000 to Paul Vallas, $5,500 Trump
    • Peter Huizenga: $10,000 to Paul Vallas, $16,600 to Trump

* Notice this is not on TV and it has some really shoddy production values…

In a new digital ad released today, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania’s 2nd District and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana’s 2nd District expose Paul Vallas’ record of failure in Philadelphia and New Orleans, and endorse Brandan Johnson for mayor of Chicago.

Watch: Trail of Destruction

“On April 4, Chicagoans have an opportunity to elect a strong, principled leader in Brandon Johnson, or a political opportunist who has left a trail of destruction behind him throughout his career,” said Congressman Boyle. “Chicago deserves better than Paul Vallas. I urge voters to not make this mistake again and elect a mayor who they can trust to deliver for their communities and schools.”

“Chicago deserves a mayor who will unite the city, not one who exacerbates existing inequities in the system. I know that mayor is not Paul Vallas because New Orleans still grapples with the destruction he imposed after closing more than a third of public schools and laying off hundreds of teachers,” said Congressman Carter. “Chicago has a clear choice to elect a leader who has the passion for people and the vision to invest in people and schools. That leader is Brandon Johnson and I’m proud to endorse him.”

Paul Vallas has left a trail of destruction behind him in cities across the country. In New Orleans, Vallas closed over one-third of public schools and laid off hundreds of teachers—schools there now rank among America’s most inequitable. In Philadelphia, Vallas suspended 33 kindergartners and created an $80 million deficit. Then after admitting he didn’t know how to fix the deficit, he gave himself hundreds of thousands in bonuses and went on vacations paid for by no-bid contractors.

* In two stories now, the Sun-Times has yet to disclose that James Franczek, the founding partner of Franczek P.C. which represents the city and the Chicago Public Schools in labor relations, contributed $1K to Paul Vallas’s mayoral bid in 2019 and another $2500 during Vallas’ gubernatorial bid, and his spouse contributed $5,000 to Vallas just last week. Beyond the contributions, he’s likely no fan of the CTU’s candidate because he’s had to bargain with that union during some very contentious times…

As the city’s longtime chief labor negotiator, attorney Jim Franczek worked for and survived four Chicago mayors: Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel. He couldn’t survive the fifth mayor: Lori Lightfoot.

Sources said a vacationing Lightfoot called Franczek on Monday and summarily fired him for doing a lengthy interview on a Chicago Sun-Times podcast where he essentially endorsed Paul Vallas over Brandon Johnson in the April 4 mayoral runoff.

* Umm…


* Isabel’s roundup…

  15 Comments      


Illinois Credit Unions Oppose Regulatory Fee Increase

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

  Comments Off      


ComEd 4 trial highlights

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Crain’s on some overlooked testimony yesterday by ComEd exec Scott Vogt…

The 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act is best remembered for the bailout of two nuclear power plants, which funneled more than $230 million of revenue annually to Exelon thanks to surcharges on monthly electric bills statewide.

That was just one portion of a heaping plate of revenue. While most of the focus — and controversy at the time — was on the nuke subsidies, the value of that law to Exelon’s utility subsidiary, Commonwealth Edison, was an estimated $1.8 billion. […]

But what likely accounts for the surprisingly lucrative aspect of FEJA for ComEd is that it was allowed for the first time to profit on its investments in energy efficiency — programs designed to help households and businesses use less power. Those programs existed before FEJA, but the charges to ratepayers were mere pass-throughs and included no profit kickers. […]

Asked to react, ComEd spokesman Paul Elsberg declined to discuss the $1.8 billion estimate. But, he said, “Without commenting on specific witness testimony, the bottom line is that FEJA provided substantial benefits to customers served by all electric utilities across Illinois, including by significantly expanding energy efficiency programs that have saved ComEd customers more than $7 billion on their electric bills, preserving nuclear plants that provide 24/7 carbon-free energy and the thousands of jobs associated with them, spurring new investment in renewable energy projects, and funding programs that train workers for clean energy jobs.”

* Hannah Meisel on the 2011 Smart Grid law…

But the utility’s fortunes really turned with the passage of the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act in 2011 – another of the laws central to the government’s theory of ComEd’s alleged bribery scheme. Included in that law, also known as “Smart Grid” legislation, was an overhaul of the way consumer electric rates were calculated. The new process, known as formula ratemaking, created a new tool for ComEd to recoup what it said was the true cost of running and improving electric service for its customers in northern Illinois. […]

However, the 2011 law included a provision that automatically “sunset” the formula rates a few years after they first took effect, necessitating ComEd to go back to the General Assembly to ask for the renewal of formula rates.

Toward the end of Vogt’s lengthy testimony on Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Schwartz asked Vogt “what control” the sunset provision gave Madigan “over ComEd’s financial future.”

“A fair amount,” Vogt said.

He loved sunsets more than any southwest Florida resident.

* We talked yesterday about the Senate Democrats’ 2018 TV ads that pushed legislative leader term limits and mentioned Madigan by name. The Sun-Times has the full exchange, but here’s a telling excerpt where Madigan is mulling what he’s going to say to then Senate President John Cullerton…

MADIGAN: And number three, John, do you understand the position you’ve put me in? In terms of do I do something or do I do nothing. So, do I just do nothing about this or do I do something about it?

You did not want to be on the receiving end of that sort of message. Whew.

* Speaking of which, here’s the Tribune…

Illinois state Rep. Bob Rita told jurors in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial Monday that former House Speaker Michael Madigan for years had “total control” of the state General Assembly and ruled his fellow Democrats “through fear and intimidation.” […]

Rita also said Madigan was “very good at raising money,” and that his control of the purse strings come election time made members dependent upon his support for their political survival.

Rita said Madigan valued “loyalty to himself, to the caucus, to the party” above all else. He said he counted himself as among Madigan’s loyal supporters in the 18 years they served in the House together.

Asked how Madigan typically exercised his power, Rita paused for a second before saying flatly, “Through fear and intimidation.”

* Hannah Meisel…

And when asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker if he’d personally experienced that aggressive tactic, Rita responded, “yes.”

If anyone gets angry at Rep. Rita for saying what he said, they must’ve either forgotten that Madigan wanted people to fear him, or they were part of his mechanism. It’s just how things were done. Nobody ever denied it. He deliberately cultivated the image.

* Jon Seidel…

Federal prosecutors planned to have Rita testify about McClain’s role in the gaming legislation. They alleged in a court filing that Rita met with the speaker in his office in 2013, where Madigan told Rita that Rita would sponsor a major gaming bill. When the meeting ended, Madigan walked Rita out of his office and McClain was standing near the doorway.

Madigan pointed to McClain and said “he will guide you,” according to the feds.

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber barred prosecutors Monday from getting into the topic of gaming at the request of defense attorneys, though. Rita is also likely to testify about the influence that McClain — a ComEd lobbyist —Â had on the passage of another bill Rita sponsored: the Future Energy Jobs Act, or FEJA.

FEJA is one of the key pieces of legislation at issue in the trial.

Rita did testify about the “he will guide you” quote today, without mentioning the gaming connection.

* Today on FEJA…


* Speaking of “our friend,” this is from a federal transcript introduced yesterday where McClain is explaining why he refers to Madigan that way…

I generally never refer to the speaker. I just say our friend. […]

—its uh, it’s just more, it’s easier because um, um I’ll never forget there’s one time one of the ComEd people were at a coffee shop, and it was the Speaker this, and the Speaker that, and the Speaker this, the Speaker that and the, right next to her at the table was Tiffany Madigan. […]

And so suffice it to say, about two weeks later she was no longer working for ComEd. […]

(Laughs.) And so um, the um, so if you just say our friend, no one really knows what we’re talking about so. So, uh that’s the way I’m gonna talk, if that’s okay?

…Adding… Ken Dunkin was mentioned in the trial yesterday as an example of Madigan’s power. Dunkin was again a topic today during cross-examination…


  24 Comments      


Kia and Hyundai really need to fix this problem now

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* So, according to this, the equivalent of 10 percent of all registered Kias and 7 percent of all registered Hyundais in Chicago were stolen last year? I knew the problem was bad, but whoa…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, today called on Kia America (Kia) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) to take swift and comprehensive action to help remedy the crisis of car thefts that has occurred as a result of the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers.

From approximately 2010 to 2021, Hyundai and Kia failed to equip base vehicle models with anti-theft immobilizers, which prevent the vehicle from operating without a key or key fob. In 2022 alone, there were over 7,000 Hyundai and Kia thefts in Chicago, which account for 10% of all registered Kia vehicles and 7% of all registered Hyundai vehicles in the city.

Kia and Hyundai recently announced a customer service campaign to upgrade the software of affected vehicles; however, Raoul and the coalition said in a letter that the plan is insufficient, incomplete and long overdue.

“I urge Kia and Hyundai to accelerate a software upgrade to ensure consumers’ vehicles are properly equipped to guard against theft. Additionally, these companies need to provide free alternate protective measures to owners with vehicles that cannot support the software upgrade,” Raoul said. “I stand committed to protecting consumers and our communities, and I urge these car companies to do their part to prevent these thefts.”

Raoul and the attorneys general explain that Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the United States, despite including the immobilizers on the same affected models sold in other countries. As a result, the number of thefts and the use of stolen vehicles to commit other thefts in the U.S. significantly increased.

Raoul and the attorneys general are urging the companies to accelerate the planned software upgrade because in addition to dealing with the risk of their vehicle being stolen, Hyundai and Kia owners now face the threat of being unable to insure their vehicles. According to the coalition, several major insurance companies are now refusing to insure the Hyundai and Kia models most susceptible to theft.

Joining Attorney General Raoul in submitting the letter were the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, along with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

* From the letter…

In 2020 there were 895 thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Milwaukee. In 2021, there were 6,970

Holy moly.

  42 Comments      


Building Trades Council rebukes CTU leader in mayoral split

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Organized labor has been divided on Chicago’s mayoral race for months, but the split has been mostly amicable and professional until this week.

During the first round, the unions were scattered around, with progressive labor organizations like the Chicago Teachers Union backing Brandon Johnson, numerous trade unions staying with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Local 150 of the Operating Engineers and various Teamsters locals endorsing Chuy Garcia, and the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police going with their former labor negotiator Paul Vallas.

Since the runoff began, however, the unions quickly polarized, with trade unions lining up behind Vallas (Local 150 quickly switched gears, for instance, and pledged $1 million for Vallas) and more progressive public employee unions uniting with Johnson (including SEIU Local 1 and AFSCME, which sat out the first round).

* Tensions have been building in the runoff, including over race, and they escalated quickly yesterday when CTU President Stacy Davis Gates spoke to a national publication about the contest…

Organizers in Johnson’s camp say the CTU is the glue holding together a coalition, not the sole force of his campaign. Davis Gates noted that she and the heads of the local SEIU and SEIU Healthcare, also behind Johnson, are all Black, and her members are mostly women.

That shows union membership isn’t just “white guys in hard hats,” she said.

“The organized labor that’s behind Brandon are unions that have routinely fought for issues that lift up working people,” said Bill Neidhardt, a campaign adviser for Johnson.

“White guys in hard hats.” OK.

…Adding… The CTU membership is not exactly representative of the city nor the public school student population. From the Tribune in 2021…

Of the 22,000 CPS teachers, 48.8% are white; 22.3% are Hispanic; 20.7% are Black; and 4.2% are Asian.

About 330,000 students are enrolled in CPS, with 46.6% Hispanic; 36% Black; 10.8% white and 4.4% Asian.

* Trade unions have been criticized for a lack of diversity, mainly by Black and Brown politicians, but rarely has that criticism come from within labor itself. And the CTU president’s comments badly stung some trade union leaders yesterday. From the Building Trades Council…

“There is no room in the labor movement or politics for divisive statements like Stacy’s,” said Mike Macellaio, President of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council, which represents 15 unions and more than 80,000 members. “The building trades are a diverse group of highly skilled men and women of every race, color and creed; and we committed to protecting the rights of every worker and opening doors for the next generation. Building trades unions funded the vast majority of the Workers’ Rights Amendment campaign, which protects every worker in Illinois, and we have invested millions in programs to increase access to apprenticeship programs and provide skill training to a diverse new generation of workers. We call on Brandon Johnson to make clear where he stands on Stacy’s comments as well.”

Tensions between the two union sides have existed for years, even before the issue of pension reform bitterly divided the house of labor in the past decade. Teachers unions and AFSCME refused to contribute to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan’s personal campaign fund after he pushed through a pension reform package. Some of the trades, which backed Madigan, then began publicly calling for pension reform to free up state money for things like infrastructure.

But then Bruce Rauner came along and his strident anti-union rhetoric and his publicly admitted decision to hold the state budget hostage until Democrats went along with his “right to work” agenda fused organized labor together like it had never been before.

The bond has mostly held since then because both sides have done pretty darned well under the current governor and there’s no reason to fight over crumbs, but the split has been particularly obvious in the mayoral runoff as the trades congregate behind the conservative White guy and the public employee unions align with the lefty Black man.

* So where do they go from here? Politico…

Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor is also concerned. “The labor movement fights every day to provide pay and opportunity to members. But we have to make sure that we can disagree with each other without getting to a point where it divides us — because the labor movement has to endure.”

Staying neutral: Neither the CFL nor the trades council have endorsed anyone in the mayor’s race.

Gates responds: “I truly don’t understand the response to my comment. And, I think we are saying the same thing: Labor is diverse, and its leadership is diverse, too. It is important especially for women during Women’s History Month to know they are represented at the highest levels of union leadership,” Gates said in a statement.

But it’s obviously more than just her comments about women which have sparked the ire of the trades.

* In response to the Johnson campaign’s statement that “supporters of Brandon tend to be the people who lift workers up,” a high-level member of the building trades pointed out that their unions - the so-called “white guys in hard hats” - put their money where their mouths were last year to back the Workers Rights Amendment…

The official noted that the money spent by teachers’ unions on the amendment ($162K) pales in comparison to the seven-figure sums those unions are now putting behind Johnson. That difference, the official said, “tells the story about lifting up workers vs. getting a contract this summer.”

Ouch.

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

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Open thread

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Good morning! We’re back in Springfield for another week of session. How are y’all doing today?

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go…

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*** ComEd 4 trial live coverage ***

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go…

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Live coverage

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…


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Illinois Credit Unions: Consumer Owned Financial Cooperatives

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Fundraiser list

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Question of the day

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I may have missed it, but I don’t think I’ve yet seen a thing from the usual good government groups about this remap process…

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus today launched an online map making portal to encourage public participation in the creation of new Chicago elected school board districts. The portal will allow the public to draw and submit proposed district boundaries as legislators seek to gather input on mapmaking from across the city’s diverse communities.

The portal can be accessed at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. All maps submitted through the portal will be reviewed as part of the public record. In addition, a newly-convened Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board will conduct citywide hearings to gather information and ideas from a wide variety of stakeholders including parents, education advocates and community groups.

“Transitioning the Chicago Board of Education from an appointed to an elected body is about empowering families with the ability to decide what is best for their children, especially Black, Latinx and minority students who are too often left behind,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, who is serving as Chair of the committee. “It’s vital that the leadership of our state’s largest school district reflect the diversity of our neighborhoods, and it’s important residents know they can have a say in this process right now.”

The General Assembly faces a July 1 deadline to draw Chicago school board districts, which must be consistent with the Illinois Voting Rights Act. That law ensures districts are crafted in a way that preserves clusters of minority voters if they are of size or cohesion to exert collective electoral power.

Currently appointed by the mayor, the Chicago Board of Education will transition to become fully-elected over the course of a two-year hybrid period.

During the November 2024 election, ten members of the Chicago Board of Education will be elected by voters, and ten members and the board president will be appointed by the mayor. Elected members will serve four-year terms, while appointed members, including the appointed board president, will serve two-year terms. The board will become fully-elected after the November 2026 general election, when the number of electoral districts will expand from 10 districts to 20 districts.

* The Question: Should the district maps for the new elected Chicago school board be drawn independently, without regard to politics? Explain.

  24 Comments      


Afternoon roundup

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* CBS 2…

The Illinois Department of Transportation said the Kennedy will be under construction for three years. […]

Lane closures begin at 10 p.m. Monday. From the Edens junction to Ohio Street, the two left local inbound lanes will be closed until mid-July. Then, from July through December, the remaining right local inbound lanes will be closed, with a rolling closure of the on and off ramps on the inbound Kennedy. During the entire first phase of the project, the reversible express lanes will be locked inbound to alleviate excess traffic buildup during construction. Crews also will be installing new signs and LED lighting.

The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Next, workers will close the reversible express lanes for repaving next year, while also rehabbing 36 bridges along the Kennedy. Some local inbound and outbound lanes will be closed during this phase to allow crews to install new LED lighting in both directions.

Then, in the final phase of the project, IDOT will resurface the outbound lanes of the Kennedy in the same process as the inbound side, starting with the two left local outbound lanes, before repaving the remaining local outbound lanes, while the reversible express lanes will be locked in outbound during work on the local outbound lanes in 2025.

I’d expect to see more working from home by people who don’t want to sit in traffic all day. And that’s just gonna exacerbate the Loop’s financial troubles…

While the Illinois Department of Transportation has been telling drivers to seek alternate routes, there may not be many options for drivers.

“Look for alternate routes, take Metra, take CTA,” IDOT’s Bureau Chief of Construction Jon Schumacher told NBC 5. “We’ve also recommended that people look into maybe staggering their work times. So if they could start … a couple hours earlier, they might be able to avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic. And then similarly, with coming off the pandemic, a lot of people were able to work remotely. So if some people that are able to work remotely, if that’s something that they’re able to do, that’s also going to help us minimize some of the traffic impacts that we’re gonna see.”

Metra announced this week that it was revising its schedule on the UP Northwest Line beginning April 3 to add 12 trains to its weekday service lineup.

* AG Raoul…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined Illinois workers and members of Raise the Floor Alliance this morning at a press conference to unveil legislation that would protect workers from retaliatory conduct by employers, which includes protections for workers who inform governmental authorities about unlawful behavior by their employers.

“Workers who want to assert their basic workplace rights risk losing their income, livelihood, liberty, and – for some immigrant workers – their ability to remain in the United States with their families,” Raoul said. “To encourage people to stand up, we need to ensure that they will not be punished for doing so. I look forward to working with Raise the Floor Alliance and members of the General Assembly to pass these critical worker protections.”

Raoul’s office is collaborating with Raise the Floor Alliance on the Work Without Fear Act – contained in House Bill 361 – that would fill existing voids in labor enforcement that leave workers unprotected from often-devastating employer retaliation when they seek to enforce their rights or blow the whistle on unlawful employer practices.

Specifically, the legislation would:

    • Prohibit employers from engaging in retaliatory conduct, including unfair immigration-related practices, against workers who exercise their rights.
    • Amend the Whistleblower Protection Act to increase protections against retaliation for all workers, particularly low-wage and immigrant workers, who inform government authorities about employers’ unlawful practices that harm Illinois workers and their communities.
    • Prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights by using E-Verify in ways not authorized by federal law, filing or threatening to file a false police report, or contacting or threatening to contact immigration authorities.
    • Protect the ability of workers to report issues of discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, without fear of immigration consequences or any other adverse employment actions.
    • Grant the Attorney General effective tools to protect witnesses from retaliation.

* Even the Republican floor leader mocked Scott Drury back in the day…


* Not messing around…


* Press release…

Last night Krissie Harris, candidate for Evanston’s 2nd ward council seat, issued a statement explaining that she was returning two $6000 donations she had received from a relative and an employee of Pat Ryan. The Ryans are behind the proposed $1 billion Ryan stadium expansion project at Northwestern University, for which the school is requesting rezoning to a commercial district, while insisting that it need not pay commercial property taxes. Ms Harris’ opponent, Darlene Cannon has spoken out strongly about her concerns over this project.

Lesley Williams, President of the Community Alliance for Better Government responded that “We are pleased that Ms Harris has done the right thing by returning the $12,000 in donations she received from the Ryan family and staff. However the question remains: why would two Ryan affiliates feel so strongly about her candidacy that they would make such a large contribution to sway the election results? Why are they so desperate to keep Harris in and keep Darlene Cannon out?

* Happy spring!…


* Isabel’s roundup…

    * News-Gazette | Behind-the-scenes state office helps judges decide bond amounts: “There’s been a law on the books that required pretrial services since the ’80s, but nothing was done with it because the Legislature never funded it,” said Champaign County Judge Brett Olmstead, whose primary assignment is to set bonds five days a week for people accused of crimes. […] The state Supreme Court realized that judges would need information quickly about defendants — as much and as accurate as possible — to make those decisions. Enter Cara LeFevour Smith, hired in fall 2021 to start the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services from scratch.

    * Herald & Review | Comprehensive Illinois gun violence data ‘unattainable,’ state police say: But in the four years since the law was signed, the state’s top law enforcement agency is still in the dark, telling lawmakers in the February report that the “lack of a centralized and uniform data collection tool for use by all Illinois law enforcement agencies has made the collection and reporting of all mandated information unattainable.”

    * Tribune | Political rift between Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton gets public airing at ‘ComEd Four’ trial: Madigan complained about a political ad critical of him and tied to Senate Democrats that Cullerton led in 2018, saying that the attacks should be aimed at President Donald Trump and other Republicans rather than the speaker, who doubled as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

    * Crain’s | Nursing home workers ask for stricter staffing rules amid industrywide worker shortage: SEIU is advocating for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to enforce a stricter staffing rule recommended in its own research, which found that a minimum of 4.1 nursing hours per resident a day are needed to prevent harm to residents. But in some Illinois facilities, nursing homes report as low as 2.16 required hours of care per day, SEIU officials say. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation in January requiring minimum staffing levels of 3.8 hours per resident per day, and 2.5 hours per day for residents who need intermediate care, but the rules won’t go into effect until 2025.

    * Tribune | Lake in the Hills bakery ‘likely forced to close’ due to financial struggles after threats, vandalism last summer over planned drag event: Lake in the Hills-based UpRising Bakery and Cafe announced “horrific attacks” on the establishment dating back to last summer, including threats and vandalism that led up to a planned drag show in July, have forced the bakery to close its doors as soon as the end of March.

    * Daily Herald | Election workers wanted in Cook, DuPage, McHenry counties: “Our election (workers) are a precious resource and they deserve this pay raise,” County Clerk Karen Yarbrough said in a news release. “They are the lifeblood of our election operations and we could not get the job done without their service.”

    * JG-TC | More female firefighter recruitment encouraged in Illinois: “It seems like we wait until we get into a war before we start recognizing the women on the other side that can very much contribute to the success of the fire service,” Swan said. “Without (women), we would be really struggling, and that’s happening all around Illinois and this country. Realizing that we need both sexes to be able to do our jobs out there, to protect lives and property.”

    * ABC 20 | GOP, Dems draw battle lines over few swing districts: Battle lines are being drawn for the 2024 election, with congressional Republicans going on offense and releasing a list of targeted Democrats in competitive districts. The NRCC listed 37 seats, two of which will be open, that it’s eyeing as “prime pick-up opportunities for Republicans.”

    * Crain’s | California firm buys Mag Mile retail property: A venture of Los Angeles-based Blatteis & Schnur last week bought the fully leased, 5,860-square-foot block of retail space at 909 N. Michigan Ave. on the ground floor of the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, according to a source familiar with the deal. Bethesda, Md.-based Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns the hotel and sold the retail portion, announced today that it sold the retail property for $27.3 million but did not disclose the name of the buyer.

    * AP | World on ‘thin ice’ as UN climate report gives stark warning: Stepping up his pleas for action on fossil fuels, Guterres called for rich countries to accelerate their target for achieving net zero emissions to as early as 2040, and developing nations to aim for 2050 — about a decade earlier than most current targets. He also called for them to stop using coal by 2030 and 2040, respectively, and ensure carbon-free electricity generation in the developed world by 2035, meaning no gas-fired power plants either.

    * WCIA | Gov. Oglesby Mansion hosting its first open house of the year next weekend: The house, located on W. William Street, was built in 1876 in the Italianate style with a low-pitched roof and a widow’s walk. Officials said notable skyscraper architect William Jenney was commissioned by Oglesby to design the home in Decatur. The Macon County Conservation District purchased the home in 1972 and began restoration in 1976.

  14 Comments      


It’s just a bill

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* CBS Chicago…

The Electric Vehicle Charging Act is meant to provide relief and calls for various mandates in Illinois as more and more EVs hit the roads.

“My experience hearing from constituents about this is what’s encouraging me,” said State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, who is sponsoring the bill. […]

Tenants would have the right to ask for an EV plug, then landlords have the right to make the requesting renter pay for installation.

Another requirement would apply to developers of new residential buildings or single-family homes, who would need to provide conduit, tubing that protects and routes wires, to establish framework for possible future EV parking spots. […]

The Illinois Senate could vote on the Electric Vehicle Charging Act as soon as this week.

* Press release…

State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, is continuing to advocate for both companion and livestock animals statewide after advancing a bill aimed at ensuring consumers know, based on product labeling, whether pet food and commercial feed contain major food allergens.

“Farmers, ranchers and pet owners need and deserve to know what is in their animals’ food, especially when it comes to common food allergens,” Carroll said. “That’s why it’s important to have clear definitions of what counts as a food allergen, as well as unambiguous standards as to how allergen-containing food and feed are labeled.”

Carroll’s House Bill 1290 would provide that commercial feed or pet food is mislabeled when its label fails to disclose that it contains a “food allergen”. Milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, sesame, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans—as well as any food ingredient containing proteins derived from any of those—are currently defined as food allergens. The bill was recently approved for consideration by the full House of Representatives by the House Consumer Protection Committee.

* HB3950 is on First Reading…

* The Edwardsville Intelligencer…

Introduced by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, House Bill 3203 would allow pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. County health departments could also distribute the test strips for free.

McCombie said the bill, which has Democrats and Republicans signed on as co-sponsors, is a necessary first step to address the fentanyl epidemic.

“It also amends the word for test strips to be removed from statute,” McCombie said. “Currently, it’s considered drug paraphernalia, so it takes that definition out of there.” […]

McCombie’s bill Thursday was placed on the calendar for a third reading. March 24 is the deadline to advance bills in the House out of third reading. […]

Davidsmeyer said House Bill 1121, sponsored by state Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, unanimously passed on third reading this week and would allow any trained overdose responder to use a testing device. Davidsmeyer he favors McCombie’s bill because it is stronger, but he hopes the provisions of both will be enacted into law.

* WGN…

House Bill 1110, introduced by Illinois Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) on Jan. 12, would give Illinois residents the option to carry a digital driver’s license.

“Pull up their phone and have all their information right there,” Rep. Buckner said. “(I) embraced this idea that Illinois can come once again to the 21st century and our ability to use technological tools at our disposable to make things easier.” […]

Recently elected Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias also has expressed support for the idea of a mobile driver’s license and having it act as a companion to the physical one.

From the synopsis…

Provides that the display of a digitized driver’s license shall not serve as consent or authorization for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to search, view, or access any other data or application on the mobile device

* Fox Chicago…

On Friday, healthcare professionals and state officials launched the “Healthy Illinois For All” bill. The expansion would include long-term services and support immigrant health benefits.

“Without the ability to stay healthy and seek regular preventive care, our community members cannot maintain stable jobs, cannot get their education in schools, cannot care for their families at home. That’s why this legislation is so critical,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, President and CEO of Sinai Chicago.

The bill would make Illinois the first state to pay for health care coverage to uninsured, low-income immigrant adults under the age of 55.

* Play Illinois…

Folks are waiting to find out if Illinois online casinos will become a reality in The Prairie State. Unfortunately, the bills that could make that happen have run into some roadblocks on their way to becoming law.

Illinois online casino bills HB2239 and SB1656 both hit snags on March 10 when they entered committees where they could die due to inaction. However, there is still hope for the Internet Gaming Act before the Illinois General Assembly adjourns on May 19.

HB2239 was re-routed from the House Gaming Committee to the House Rules Committee. That same day, SB1656 moved from the Senate Executive Committee to the Senate Assignments Committee.

Lawmakers appear to be treating the bills the same way right now. State Senator Cristina Castro introduced SB1655. She is also the chair of the Senate Executive Committee.

Meanwhile, The House Gaming Committee canceled its March 1 and 8 hearings on the measure before re-referring it to Rules Committee.

* Patrick Keck…

At a House Ethics and Elections Committee hearing this week, two bills were discussed that would bring ranked choice voting to the state. The format, where voters select a first, second, third, and so forth candidate, has gained traction recently in states such as Alaska. […]

The bills - House Bill 2807 from state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, and House Bill 3749 from state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago - focus on presidential primaries, and municipal and township office races respectively. […]

Amber McReynolds, a senior political strategist with Issue One, said that based on RCV data from states such as Alaska, New York, and California that already use RCV, voter turnout has improved while helping to manage a large field of candidates.

Neither HB 2807 nor HB 3749 have effective dates nor have been moved out of committee, but McReynolds thinks if passed, the legislation could be quickly implemented.

  2 Comments      


Meanwhile, in Opposite Land…

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Idaho…

Bonner General Health, the only hospital in Sandpoint, announced Friday that it will no longer provide obstetrical services to the city of more than 9,000 people, meaning patients will have to drive 46 miles for labor and delivery care. […]

The release also said highly respected, talented physicians are leaving the state, and recruiting replacements will be “extraordinarily difficult.” Idaho has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, with affirmative defenses in court only for documented instances of rape, incest or to save the pregnant person’s life. Physicians are subject to felony charges and the revocation of their medical licenses for violating the statute, which the Idaho Supreme Court in January determined is constitutional. […]

Dr. Amelia Huntsberger, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Bonner General Health, said in an email to States Newsroom, a national nonprofit whose newsrooms include the Idaho Capital Sun in Boise, that she will soon leave the hospital and the state because of the abortion laws and the Legislature’s decision not to continue the state’s maternal mortality review committee.

* Bonner General Health press release…

Bonner General Health’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership team has made the emotional and difficult decision to discontinue providing Obstetrical services at Bonner General Health for the following reasons:

    * Loss of Pediatrician coverage - Without pediatrician coverage to manage neonatal resuscitations and perinatal care, it is unsafe and unethical to offer routine Labor and Delivery services; despite our best efforts over months of negotiations. Our inpatient pediatric services will no longer be consistent and reliable in May. BGH has reached out to other active and retired providers in the community requesting assistance with pediatric call coverage with no long-term sustainable solutions. Our low patient volume is insufficient to attract candidates for pediatric hospitalists, and we cannot afford to continue having locum tenens physicians.

    * Volumes and changing demographics – The number of deliveries at BGH has continued to decrease yearly. We delivered 265 babies in 2022 and admitted less than ten pediatric patients for other reasons. There are many reasons, including a nationwide decrease in births, an older population moving to Bonner County, and Kootenai Health having a new, updated unit with Neonatologists and OBs in-house 24/7.

    * Idaho’s legal and political climate - Highly respected, talented physicians are leaving. Recruiting replacements will be extraordinarily difficult. In addition, the Idaho Legislature continues to introduce and pass bills that criminalize physicians for medical care nationally recognized as the standard of care.

* Ohio…

A coalition of groups that oppose abortion have launched a $5 million dollar television and digital ad campaign to try to convince Ohioans that it is a bad idea. Backers of the amendment are getting ready to circulate petitions to put abortion rights on the ballot and if passed, in the state’s constitution. Ohio Right to Life, Citizens for Christian Virtue and other groups that oppose abortion rights have formed a group called Protect Women Ohio (PWO). That entity that will be airing ads over the next four weeks while a coalition of abortion rights groups will be circulating petitions, trying to get the more than 413,388 valid signatures needed by July 5 to put the issue on the Ohio ballot in November. […]

Molly Smith, board member for Protect Women Ohio, said the ads will focus on parents rights when it comes to the ballot measure. […]

Smith said the amendment would take away a parent’s right to have a say in whether their child can “change her sex” and eliminate any current or future protections for minors to get parent consent before getting an abortion.

The amendment does not mention gender affirming surgery at all, and doesn’t have any impact on Ohio’s existing abortion laws pertaining to minors.

* What it looks like to carry a life-threatening pregnancy in an abortion ban state. Tennessee…

The post-Dobbs antiabortion laws have reached far beyond mothers trying to end their pregnancies voluntarily. They are also inhibiting access to healthcare for women like me who want to have a viable pregnancy. The political advocates responsible for the new laws proclaim themselves to be protecting human life, yet their laws can have the opposite effect.

These bans were passed in a hurry, and the end result is poorly drafted laws that are difficult for lawyers and courts to interpret. Because the consequences of violating them are so draconian, many healthcare systems and physicians are understandably avoiding all procedures and medicines associated with voluntary termination of pregnancy, even if they are being used for another purpose. […]

The D&C procedure, which can be used to terminate a pregnancy voluntarily, can also be used to help women like me — women who want to have a viable pregnancy but cannot carry to term. D&Cs can help women who have an incomplete miscarriage or unexplained pregnancy loss. A delay in expelling pregnancy tissue can cause health complications such as infections, and some women cannot have a successful future pregnancy without first having a D&C.

I was never able to get a D&C. On the morning of my final ultrasound — following nearly two weeks of waiting — I started to miscarry on my own. My doctor immediately prescribed hormones in an attempt to slow the progression of the miscarriage, but it was not enough. When I went for the procedure the following day, I had insufficient pregnancy tissue remaining to collect. After a painful waiting period, my husband and I were left without answers regarding what went wrong in this pregnancy.

* Texas…

On a sunny August day, after I had just finished the invite list for the baby shower my sister was planning for me, everything changed. Some unexpected and curious symptoms arrived. I contacted my obstetrician to be safe, and was surprised when I was told to come in as soon as possible. After a brief examination, my husband and I received the harrowing news that I had dilated prematurely due to a condition known as cervical insufficiency. Soon after, my membranes ruptured prematurely, and we were told by multiple doctors that, because of the seriousness of this condition, called PPROM, the loss of our daughter was inevitable. […]

My health care team was anguished as they explained there was nothing they could do because of Texas’s anti-abortion laws, the latest of which had taken effect two days after my water broke. It meant that even though we would, with complete certainty, lose Willow, my doctor could not intervene as long as her heart was beating or until I was sick enough for the ethics board at the hospital to consider my life at risk and permit the standard health care I needed at that point — an abortion.

So even though I had lost all of my amniotic fluid — something an unborn child simply cannot survive without — we had to wait. I cannot adequately put into words the trauma and despair that comes with waiting to either lose your own life, your child’s, or both. For days, I was locked in this bizarre and avoidable hell. Would Willow’s heart stop, or would I deteriorate to the brink of death?

The answer arrived three long days later. In a matter of minutes, I went from being physically healthy to developing sepsis — a condition in which bacteria in the blood develops into infection, with the ability to kill in under an hour. I spent the next three days in the intensive care unit, surrounded by family who booked last-minute flights because they feared for my life. I spent another three days in a less critical unit of the hospital — all because I was denied access to reasonable health care due to Texas’s new abortion bans.

* Nebraska…

Nebraska’s state legislature has been unable to pass a single bill this year. One senator’s distaste with the advancement of a bill seeking to ban gender-affirming care for Nebraskans under 19, coupled with the state’s unique filibustering rules, has brought the session to a standstill.

While filibustering is not rare for Nebraska’s unicameral legislature, Democratic state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh is the first lawmaker to filibuster every bill introduced to the floor, said lawmakers and political scientists. Traditionally, senators have only stalled debate around the bills they oppose.

If the filibuster does not end, the clerk of the legislature predicted, as few as 30 bills out of the roughly 820 that were introduced would be debated this session. Senators opposing the bill seeking to restrict gender-affirming care say this is the first time their legislature has become a part of the national culture war around transgender rights. Lawmakers also say the bill and the filibuster are a sign that one of the least-polarized legislatures in the country is becoming partisan

She has defined her own priorities clearly. “I will burn this session to the ground over this bill,” she told the body last month. “I have nothing but time, and I am going to use all of it.”

Sen. Cavanaugh is related to Statehouse lobbyist John Amdor.

* Wyoming…

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) late Friday signed into law a ban on abortion pills, as the state adopted what appears to be the nation’s first such state law.

The new law says that it will be “unlawful to prescribe, dispense, distribute, sell or use any drug for the purpose of procuring or performing an abortion.”

The law includes penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $9,000. But it exempts people who take abortion pills from criminal liability. It also allows drugs to be used in case they are needed to treat “natural miscarriages.”

Abortion rights advocates expressed dismay. “A person’s health, not politics, should guide important medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion,” said Antonio Serrano, an advocacy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming.

* Georgia…

Local Georgia officials refused to change a department’s health insurance plan to cover the gender-affirming surgery of a trans employee, citing cost as a reason.

But Georgia’s Houston County ended up paying a private law firm nearly $1.2 million to fight the employee in federal court, far more than the estimated $10,000 a year it would have cost to add transition-related care to the health plan, ProPublica reported.

And this month a federal judge ordered it to cover transition care for its employees.

“It was a slap in the face, really, to find out how much they had spent,” Anna Lange, the sheriff’s deputy who filed a federal discrimination lawsuit, said.

* Back to Idaho…

A bill that would allow Idaho to execute condemned inmates by firing squad is headed to the governor’s desk after passing the Legislature on Monday with a veto-proof majority.

Firing squads will be used only if the state cannot obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections — but one death row inmate has already had his scheduled execution postponed multiple times because of drug scarcity.

  20 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** FBI agent confirms that feds have been probing Madigan since at least 2014

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* They never give up….


* Meanwhile, this exchange is about TV ads that three of Cullerton’s candidates were running which touted their support for leadership term limits and specifically mentioned Madigan’s name. Madigan was furious…


From one of my reports to subscribers at the time…

At least three SDem candidates are explicitly touting “term limits for leaders like Mike Madigan” in their pitches to voters. Ann Gillespie reported a $211,900 contribution from the Senate Democratic Victory Fund last week and has apparently put that cash behind her new ad where she mentions “term limits for leaders like Mike Madigan” as she talks to the camera. Gillespie is running against Sen. Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) in a race the Democrats believe they can win.

Laura Ellman reported a $282,880 contribution from the SDVF last week and her own TV ad, which, like the others, position her as a problem solver. “I just can’t ignore something that’s broken,” she says in the ad while carrying a toolbox around her house. “So, when I look at Springfield, I have to try to fix it,” she says. She says she opposes pay raises for legislators and touts the “no budget, no pay” line that has suddenly become very popular among Democratic candidates and then uses the exact same “term limits for leaders like Mike Madigan” language as Gillespie. Ellman is running against Sen. Mike Connelly (R-Lisle), another Tier One target.

Bridget Fitzgerald hasn’t yet reported a large contribution from SDVF, but she’s also up with a new cable ad that says her Democratic mother and Republican father taught their five children to “compromise and work together.” Fitzgerald, who is running against Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove), talks about no pay raises, “no budget, no pay” and a property tax freeze, then says she supporters “term limits for leaders like Mike Madigan.” Times have certainly changed.

In the end, organized labor put the arm on Cullerton. No more Madigan ads were produced.

* And…


Prosecutors had earlier presented evidence showing Madigan used other peoples’ mobile phones to make calls.

*** UPDATE *** Durbin and Duckworth forward Sergio Acosta and April Perry’s names to Biden for US Attorney…

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today recommended two individuals for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois to President Joe Biden for consideration. The two finalists are, in alphabetical order: Sergio Acosta and April Perry. […]

On January 19, the Senators announced that they would begin accepting applications from those interested in serving as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The Senators were assisted by a screening committee whose task was to review and vet candidates and advise the Senators regarding the candidates’ qualifications and fitness for the position. The panel was chaired by the Honorable David H. Coar (Ret.), and included Alejandro Caffarelli, Michael Chu, Kevin Conway, Herschella Conyers, Edward Feldman, Betty Y. Jang, Monica L. Llorente, Laurie Mikva, Carlina Tapia-Ruano, Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, and Diana White.

In sending two candidates to the White House for consideration, the next phase of the process will begin. The White House will now review the Senators’ recommendations. Until a nominee is confirmed by the Senate, Morris Pasqual will continue to serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. […]

The individuals’ biographies are below:

Sergio Acosta is currently a partner at Akerman, LLP in Chicago, where he has practiced since 2018. Acosta previously served for a total of 18 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, including serving as Chief of the General Crimes Section and as the Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator from 2003-2010. He has also served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, as the Administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board, and as a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP in Chicago. He received his B.A. from DePaul University and his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

April Perry is currently Senior Counsel for Global Investigations and Fraud and Abuse Prevention at GE Healthcare, based in Chicago. She previously served for 12 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, including serving as the Project Safe Childhood and Violence Against Women Act Coordinator from 2010-2016 and as the Civil Rights and Hate Crimes Coordinator from 2014-2016. She also currently serves as a Hearing Officer for the Chicago Police Board, and she has previously served as the Chief Deputy State’s Attorney and Chief Ethics Officer for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and as the General Counsel for Ubiety Technologies Inc. She received her B.S. and her J.D. from Northwestern University, and she clerked for Judge Joel Flaum on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

  25 Comments      


That toddlin’ town roundup

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Chalkbeat…

Chicago’s two mayoral candidates have starkly different visions for reckoning with the city’s steep enrollment losses and under-enrolled schools.

Paul Vallas has said these shrinking campuses could become or share space with specialized magnets, charter schools, or alternative high schools — the kinds of overhauls he oversaw during his tenure as Chicago Public Schools CEO from 1995 to 2001. The city should continue to give families more quality choices, he argues.

Brandon Johnson, on the other hand, says Chicago’s system of choice — in which families can pick from a myriad of district-run, charter, and private programs anywhere in the city — has created a “Hunger Games scenario” in which neighborhood schools lose out to better-funded competitors. The solution, the Chicago Teachers Union organizer says, is a major influx of resources for schools that already exist.

That’s just a taste. Click here for more.

* Wall Street Journal editorial board…

In two recent polls by IZQ Strategies, respondents were asked their view of the CTU, the longtime power in city politics. In January 57% of likely voters said they had a favorable view of the union. By February that number had sunk to less than half, while unfavorables rose.

That is true. The fave/unfave split in January was 57-40. The most recent poll had it at 48-46.

But Paul Vallas’ fave/unfave rating also took a hit with that same pollster. Vallas’ rating went from 46-31 in January to 47-47 in March. Brandon Johnson’s was 35-20 in January and 51-40 in March. Both saw increases in their unfavorable rating, but Johnson also saw a big spike in his favorability as more people came to know him.

But we can expect lots more intense hits on Johnson in the coming weeks.

* Here’s Greg Hinz…

Mayoral hopeful Paul Vallas on Saturday pulled in his biggest cash haul yet, reporting just over $1 million in contributions in one day, many from big hitters in the real estate, trading and other industries. […]

Vallas appears to have pulled ahead of rival Brandon Johnson in the fundraising derby, despite major contributions to Johnson from teachers unions and units of SEIU.

Not mentioned in the piece is that, on Friday, INCS Action Independent Committee (charter schools) reported spending $258,000 on cable TV ads against Brandon Johnson. Two days earlier, INCS Action spent $359,000 on digital media against Johnson. More to come, I’m told. The group reported an $800,000 contribution from Wheels, Inc. executive chairman James Frank last week.

Johnson has reported $723,879.56 in contributions since a week ago Sunday. Vallas has reported $1,668,050 in the same time period.

…Adding… Greg Goldner’s Priorities Chicago PAC just reported spending $320,000 on TV ads against Johnson.

* Meanwhile, here’s a press release…

Chicago business leaders are endorsing Paul Vallas for Mayor and sounding the alarm on his opponent Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise taxes by $800 million, with much of it hitting the middle class and small businesses. The Chicago Tribune has called Johnson’s tax increase plan “radical,” and now leaders from the Chicagoland Apartment Association, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association are endorsing Vallas and speaking out about the disastrous impact Johnson’s plans would have on the city’s economy.

The organizations are releasing the following joint statement:

“It is imperative that business and government leaders work in tandem with a balanced approach to solving complex issues related to our city’s economy, and Brandon Johnson’s extreme tax increase plan would devastate Chicago and cost countless jobs. Johnson’s plan, which the Chicago Tribune called “radical,” would increase taxes by $800 Million and hit the middle class and small businesses. He would increase taxes on hotels and motels that are still struggling to get through the pandemic, reinstate the employee head tax which charges businesses for each job they create within the city, increase taxes on real estate transactions which would stifle affordable housing development and much more. Meanwhile, Johnson’s plan to defund the police would make the city less safe and further damage our economy. Paul Vallas is the only candidate in this race with a real plan for economic development that will uplift communities throughout the city, and that is why we are proud to endorse him today.”

* Two more alds for Johnson…


* Crain’s…

And both candidates made appearances Sunday afternoon at a meeting of United Power, a church-based nonprofit, at the Harmony Community Church in Lawndale.

Unsurprisingly, at least five of Sunday’s stops were in Black majority wards Mayor Lori Lightfoot won in the first round of voting — Vallas in the 18th, Johnson in the 3rd, 28th and 37th and both at the United Power event in the 24th ward. This fight to win over Black voters will remain one of the key battlegrounds through April 4 — and whoever gets Lightfoot’s backing would almost certainly get an edge.

If, that is, she endorses at all.

Lightfoot remains an endorsement holdout and it’s getting late in the campaign. But you can bet either Vallas or Johnson would be thrilled to receive the outgoing mayor’s support and efforts even if campaigning for her replacement is a little awkward.

Your thoughts on that?

* Isabel’s roundup…

  38 Comments      


Let’s see if we can get this cemetery cleaned up

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* We’ve talked about this before. From Capitol News Illinois…

Religious and environmental ideals are at odds for some in the ongoing debate around what to do with human remains.

A proposal at the Illinois Statehouse would legalize and regulate “natural organic reduction,” a process in which human remains are rapidly decomposed into compost. The process is also known as human composting or terramation. […]

Notable among the bill’s opponents is the Catholic Church. Daniel Welter, the recently retired chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, spoke to lawmakers at the request of the Catholic Conference of Illinois on Tuesday.

“Turning the mortal remains of a human person into compost for the purpose of fertilization, as one would with vegetable trimmings or eggshells, degrades the human person and dishonors the life that was lived by that person,” he said during the committee hearing.

Welter added that he and the church “oppose any tendency to minimize the dignity of a human being, even after death.”

“Even after death.”

* There’s a man trying to get Decatur’s Calvary Catholic Cemetery cleaned up. He and one other person took these pics within the past few days. Maybe this post will help the cause, considering the current debate…


Not great.

  44 Comments      


A look ahead

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* There’s a lot more to this story, but here are a few highlights of Marni Pyke’s piece on what happens when the public health emergency declaration ends in May…

But pulling the plug on federal and state public health emergencies, which enabled actions such as setting up mass vaccination sites, is not without repercussions. They include thousands losing Medicaid, no more at-home COVID-19 test reimbursements for many, and general confusion. […]

Federal data indicates up to 700,000 statewide could fall off Medicaid, but the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services estimates it’s closer to 384,000.

“The truth is, nobody knows for sure,” department spokeswoman Jamie Munks said. “What we do know is that we are committed to ensuring everyone who is eligible maintains their coverage, and that those who are deemed ineligible are given information about finding alternative coverage.” […]

But one major shift with over-the-counter tests is that private insurance companies will no longer have to offer reimbursements, although some may opt to continue. […]

The public health emergencies broadened the use of virtual doctor visits during the pandemic, and experts said telehealth won’t go away when they end.

The Medicaid issue is probably the most dramatic.

* From the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans…

Beginning at the end of April, Medicaid enrollees in Illinois will start to receive information to renew their healthcare benefits as part of the nationwide redetermination process. However, a new study shows that there is significant opportunity for Medicaid enrollee education on the redetermination process.

This is in part due to the fact that Medicaid enrollees have not been asked to update their information, or renew their coverage, for three years. The process, that would usually occur at least once a year for Medicaid enrollees, was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that Congress has set an end to the public health emergency, that renewal process, or redeterminations, is resuming.

Although nationwide, Congress has declared that April 1st will mark the start of redeterminations, state officials in Illinois will begin sending correspondence out to Medicaid members at the end of April. This entire process will take twelve months to complete, with enrollees being redetermined iteratively - not everyone will be renewing their benefits at the same time.

“This is really important to note as there are so many misconceptions and misinformation circulating about the redeterminations process here in Illinois,” said Samantha Olds Frey, CEO of the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans, a trade association that represents the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations that provide Medicaid coverage in Illinois. […]

What Illinois Medicaid enrollees should know is that beginning at the end of April, they could expect to receive correspondence from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) regarding submitting information to determine their eligibility. They must submit the requested information by the given due date they are provided with. If they miss the deadline, they risk losing their health coverage.

If they are no longer eligible for coverage, they have options to sign up for a marketplace plan. Their current Medicaid Managed Care Health Plan can assist them with this process. […]

The likelihood of losing healthcare coverage is even higher with those who have chronic health conditions or who have an increased risk related to social influencers of health because they are more focused on health issues than returning redetermination paperwork. Considering the disproportionate impact of chronic health conditions on Black and Brown communities, there is a huge concern about loss of coverage for those who are still eligible for Medicaid within those communities.

…Adding… Rep. Bob Morgan says he’s been working to broker a deal on temporary healthcare workers losing their licenses. He’ll be moving this bill this week, he said.

  6 Comments      


Today’s quotable

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the must-read Tribune story on how county sheriffs here have dramatically shifted positions on constitutional matters over the past ten years…

Among those who issued the letter stating the Illinois law violated the Second Amendment was DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, who faced intense criticism from county Democrats, including County Board Chair Deb Conroy, over the refusal to enforce the law. […]

Mendrick in late January issued a joint statement with [DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy] and State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, a Republican, that acknowledged door-to-door checks were not part of the law and that the sheriff “was committed to enforcing all state and local laws.”

But Mendrick later denied backing down. Speaking at a Wayne Township Republican Organization meeting at a Carol Stream restaurant on Feb. 9, he said language specifically dealing with his enforcement of the law was removed from the statement at his insistence before he agreed to sign it.

“The gun law verbiage was taken out to satisfy me that I wasn’t going to pledge to this gun law,” he said, later lashing out at the law as “garbage” and an example of Democratic ideology and “a furtherance of their socialist agenda.”

“This is a pattern, people. This is a pattern of taking away your freedom. It’s a pattern toward socialism. It’s a pattern of taking away everything that you know. Look at the economy. Look at what’s going on in your schools. Look what’s going on in law enforcement. I mean, is there a realm I am missing that they didn’t touch? Your entire way of life is changing,” Mendrick said to an audience of about 35 people.

“I don’t care if the Democrats hate me and the media hates me. Do you really think I’m gonna get their votes anyway? I mean, really. And this is the Republican problem. A lot will be, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. Let me join with …’” he told the GOP group. “No. Absolutely not. Hold firm. Do your job. Be a Republican. And don’t waver to these people just because they’re crying and screaming at you.”

Go read the whole thing.

* From DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy…

It is very sad that some of those we elect to protect us have chosen inflationary political rhetoric over the safety of our communities. The Supreme Court will decide on the constitutionality of the law, not far right Sheriffs.

We agreed to say nothing more in the press about this issue and focus on the work of the county. It appears the Sheriff is more interested in politics and being on Fox News than doing his job.

  40 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Some possible holes in the defense

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…

ComEd has long been a source of political patronage. The company’s deferred prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors even references how former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s “old-fashioned patronage system” obtained ComEd meter reader jobs for its precinct workers.

Madigan’s wasn’t the only patronage network to do this. It was a widespread practice and, as old-timers tell it, became even more important when Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor, cut some prominent white politicians out of the city’s patronage spoils.

Madigan came up through a city ward system that was fed by patronage. But his people would always say that because he started his career as an employee of the Illinois Commerce Commission, he didn’t much care for utility companies. So, when ComEd did things like fire a bunch of his Statehouse lobbyist allies during a 2007 battle with Senate President Emil Jones and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, he liked them even less.

After Blagojevich and Jones departed the scene, Madigan was left as the unrivaled Statehouse king. ComEd bent over backward to get into his good graces, and Madigan seemed, at least from a distance, to enjoy the groveling. It helped that Madigan’s own members complained at the time that the company’s services had deteriorated and that ComEd wasn’t respecting them when they complained. Madigan couldn’t have squeezed the company if his members loved ComEd.

The company eventually got much of what it wanted, but it always had to jump through Madigan’s many hoops, even more so than other interests did. Eventually, those hoops included things like funding no-show contracts for Madigan cronies through various folks in Madigan’s circle.

ComEd wasn’t alone, of course. Madigan’s crew put the arm on plenty of special interests. He would often bring hand-written lists of people he wanted taken care of to his meetings with governors. He was running a small army, and his soldiers required sustenance.

ComEd stood out partly because it often needed things, and because of its patronage history and because it had so many jobs and so much money for contracts. It was the old Willie Sutton story. When the notorious criminal was asked why he robbed banks, he reportedly said, “Because that’s where the money is.”

And Madigan’s top lieutenant Mike McClain made sure ComEd’s key executives never forgot that Madigan could turn on them at any moment and the company would go right back into the penalty box. They complied mainly because they didn’t want any trouble, and when that compliance led to legislative successes, that, in turn, helped their own careers.

It was likely no accident that, after working closely with Madigan and McClain, ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore was being paid $2.7 million a year, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Pramaggiore is now on trial in the “ComEd 4” bribery case, along with McClain and lobbyists Jay Doherty and John Hooker, a former ComEd official.

The federal government claims that their behavior crossed numerous legal boundaries. The defendants claim, in part, that this was simply the way things were always done.

But times changed, and Madigan’s demands became ever-more voracious while the feds were listening in. It was almost like making a U-turn in front of a police squad car. They’re gonna get you for that.

If McClain had any doubt that the feds were looking at both him and Madigan, it should’ve been confirmed when he decided to cooperate with their investigation into a fraudulent scheme involving a federal immigration program that granted visas to millionaire foreign investors. The feds asked him at the time, for instance, why he used code words when speaking or writing emails about Madigan.

“McClain admitted that he ‘referred to Madigan as our friend in e-mails and in public conversations because people might be listening to or reading McClain’s conversations,’” the government claimed in a court filing last month.

The defendants also claim that the federal government essentially shoe-horned whatever they found into a vast criminal conspiracy case. They saw what they wanted to see, McClain’s defense attorney Patrick Cotter told jurors.

But the prosecution claims that Madigan could kill any bill he wanted to kill. So, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told jurors last week, according to the Chicago Tribune, “The defendants bribed him, and they did so by paying Madigan’s associates through jobs and contracts at ComEd.”

And he did indeed get a whole lot of those.

* Keep in mind that Anne Pramaggiore’s defense attorney used the same approach with his opening remarks…

Scott Lassar, Pramaggiore’s defense attorney, told the jury that his client was well aware that Madigan was only concerned with his political well-being.

“Anne knew, and others knew at ComEd, that Mike Madigan was only concerned with one thing, and that was staying in power, staying the Speaker of the House, staying has head of the Democratic Party,” Lassar said. “Anne knew that Mike Madigan was not a friend of ComEd, never was and never would be. And she was right.”

But that may have played right into the hands of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker, who essentially said that Madigan’s reluctance to help ComEd was the reason for the alleged bribery.

* Meanwhile, this is from the Tribune’s weekend story…

At that meeting, which was video recorded, Marquez tells McClain he’s worried that new ComEd CEO Joseph Dominguez, a former federal prosecutor, might raise alarms when he sees how much money is being paid on a monthly basis.

“I forget the amount, Mike, but it’s a monthly amount,” Marquez said, according to a transcript in court records. “Equal to a yearly amount, and it’s a pretty hefty amount.”

McClain responded it was “168 grand” just for Madigan’s associates, plus “probably 10 grand a month at least” for Doherty himself.

Later in the conversation, McClain said, “If that hour (Dominguez) got his ex-prosecutor hat on, he’s gonna say we can’t do this,” according to the transcript. “It’s very possible that that’s what his reaction is going to be, and then I think you have to have, at least I’d ask you to recommend that, ‘Before you do anything, can McClain and you have a sit-down?’”

Does that look to you like McClain knew or at least suspected that what they were doing was or could be construed as being illegal?

  20 Comments      


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

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Open thread

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* I hope you all had a relaxing weekend! What’s going on in your part of Illinois?

  9 Comments      


Isabel’s morning briefing

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go!

  10 Comments      


*** ComEd 4 trial live coverage ***

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Here you go…

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Live coverage

Monday, Mar 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…


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* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
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