* Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) and 13 co-sponsors have introduced HB4040. From an analysis…
HB 4040 maintains the foundation of the mega project/PILOT concept that was proposed in HB 3565. It adds additional layers of oversight for local stakeholders and the General Assembly to ensure that the Arlington Megaproject - and potential future megaprojects - proceed in a manner that is in the best interest of the local community and the state of Illinois. Additionally, HB 4040 ensures that the Bears will reimburse the City of Chicago over $150 million for the LGDF money that was reallocated from the city and used to pay down the Soldier Field renovation debt. The legislation also secures significant new funding for capital projects and infrastructure improvements in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities that will face additional infrastructure challenges as a result of the Arlington Megaproject
I. Arlington Megaproject Oversight Board
HB 4040 creates a Megaproject Oversight Board with the power to approve or den incentive agreements and zoning actions in the Arlington Megaproject. Voting members of the oversight board include representatives from Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Salt Creek Rural Park District, school districts 214, 211 and 15, and legislators from Senate District 27 and House Districts 54 and 53. Additional advisor members or the oversight board include representatives from other area municipalities, Cook County, state agencies, and legislators in the region.
II. Admissions Tax to reimburse the City of Chicago
A $3 admissions tax is imposed on all entertainment and sporting events within the Arlingtor Megaproject. This revenue will be used to reimburse the City of Chicago for the LGDF funding it lost because of the Soldier Field renovation debt. The City of Chicago’s LGDF share has been reduced by at least $5 million per ear since 2001. and those reductions are exoected to continue for a most ten more ears. The admissions tax will ensure the Bears repay the over $150 million that has been reallocated from the City of Chicago to service the Soldier Field debt. After the City of Chicago is fully reimbursed, subsequent admission tax revenue will be deposited into the Common School Fund to support education initiatives statwide.
III. Infrastructure Improvements in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities
State tax revenue originating within the Arlington Megaproject from sales tax, hotel tax, liquor tax and sports wagering tax will be deposited into a new Arlington Megaproject Infrastructure Fund. The balance of this fund will be distributed on a monthly basis to the local governments who will see additional infrastructure challenges as a result of the Arlington Megaproject: 35% to Arlington Heights, 10% to Cook County, 10% to Palatine, 10% to Rolling Meadows, 7% to Buffalo Grove, 7% to Elk Grove Village, 7% to Mount Prospect, 7% to Prospect Heights, and 7% to Wheeling. Revenue received from this fund must be used for capital projects and infrastructure improvements.
IV. General Assembly must expressly approve all megaprojects
Because of the unique nature and statewide impact of megaprojects, any future projects must receive express authorization from the General Assembly before proceeding. HB 4040 expressly authorizes the Arlington Megaproject and requires express authorization on megaprojects going forward.
This is not a Bears initiative, from what I’m told.
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* Background is here if you need it. Jake Sheridan at the Tribune…
The Chicago Police Department launched an investigation into how officers responded to violence that broke out late Saturday during a large gathering of young people in the city’s downtown tourism district.
The investigation comes after a viral video showed a mob attacking a couple as they exited a Loop store and it follows allegations of police inaction. […]
As the attack dragged on, police cars passed. Dennis and others called 911 to no avail. As the fifth police car passed, [Lenora Dennis] stopped in front of the cruiser and put her hands up, motioning that she needed the officers’ help, she said.
“And the police officer locked eyes with me, cut a pass right around me, and kept going,” Dennis said.
That’s when she decided to directly intervene. The Englewood resident walked over to the crowd, which she said consisted of around 80 teens, and yelled at them. After they exchanged words with her, they eventually ran off, she said. […]
Police sources told the Tribune that there were no officers downtown who held a rank above lieutenant for much of the night, which prohibited the officers who were present from requesting more officers to assist.
Emphasis added.
…Adding… Ms. Dennis also posted an account to Instagram…
In the 45 years, I’ve lived in this city and ALL of the things I’ve seen AND experienced living on every side of this city. Last night was one of the most DISGUSTING, DEPRESSING, RIDICULOUS displays I have ever witnessed. I watched a mob of hooligan’s attack and viciously BEAT an interracial couple on Wabash, I watched several, at least 5, police cars drive by while this attack was in progress. I watched teenage children jump on the hoods of people’s cars, smashing windshields and causing several thousands of dollars of property damage.
The desk sergeant at the 1st District told me to MY face that this is happening because @Brandon4Chicago was elected and he IS the wrong person to get a handle on this situation. I felt like I was watching the city devolve into complete and utter chaos like the Joker was finna pop on the scene.
PARENTS, UNCLES, AUNTS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, COUSINS…Is this 👆🏾your relative(s)? Is this your ward out here…randomly assailing people in the streets? Was your child downtown yesterday?
I’m all for getting to the ROOT cause of the problem but right now, we are going to have to do something swift and immediate…possibly civil right infringing to get this 👆🏾under control.
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Afternoon roundup
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 18 states, today called for a federal recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles following the companies’ continued failure to take adequate steps to address the alarming rate of vehicle thefts.
The letter, sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), encourages the NHTSA to recall unsafe Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 that have easily-bypassed ignition switches and lack engine immobilizers that make the vehicles vulnerable to theft.
In a letter issued in March 2023, Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general urged the companies to take stronger steps to address the safety concerns caused by vehicles’ vulnerability to theft. Because the companies have failed to address safety issues, Raoul and the coalition are now calling on the NHTSA to step in. The attorneys general argue that the vehicles’ systems remain out of compliance with federal standards and pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
“Kia and Hyundai have still not fully addressed vulnerabilities in certain models that have resulted in increased thefts in Illinois and around the nation,” Raoul said. “I am calling for a federal recall of unsafe Kia and Hyundai vehicles because I stand committed to protecting consumers and our communities from crime. Because these car companies have not done their part to prevent thefts, I am urging the federal government to help us protect our residents.”
From approximately 2010 to 2021, Hyundai and Kia failed to equip base vehicle models with engine 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.
* Sun-Times…
An Illinois appellate court has slammed Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s electronic monitoring program for its “ambiguity” on whether apartment-dwelling detainees are allowed in other parts of their building for daily tasks such as getting the mail and washing clothes.
The ruling, a unanimous three-judge decision, throws out the 2018 escape conviction of Demarko Williams, a Chicago man who was imprisoned nearly five years for the offense — a conviction that followed his acquittal on drug charges, the case that landed him on the electronic monitoring in the first place.
“The state failed to offer any evidence that [Williams] was not permitted to go to other places within his apartment building without the sheriff’s approval,” the court ruled April 7, finding that Dart’s electronic monitoring program did not define whether a “residence” in a multi-unit building consists solely of the detainee’s unit.
So, he got five years for going someplace else in his apartment building, but was acquitted on the original charge?
…Adding… Joe Ryan at the sheriff’s office…
Hello Rich
I saw you reposted the WBEZ piece and raised an understandable question. I want to make sure you know WBEZ didn’t report the whole story and we have been discussing that with them. They failed to report that the court opinion noted that during trial the other following facts came out: the defendant knew he needed to turn himself in and didn’t, he skipped his regular court date more than 20 days after that visit by Sheriff’s officers, and was found weeks after that initial visit by CPD about six miles from his house after having cut off his ankle monitor.
Oddly, WBEZ didn’t report that. We also included that information in our statement to them below. And it is in the court opinion: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/5a62e8c5-9af5-45c0-8363-0f24bc5e46d3/People%20v.%20Williams,%202023%20IL%20App%20(1st)%20181285.pdf
These are highly relevant facts because to leave them out leads to the questions that you raised.
Thank you
Joe
Here’s the statement we provided to Mitchell: The Sheriff’s Office strongly disagrees with the Court’s opinion. No reasonable interpretation of Electronic Monitoring rules would allow for individuals to have free reign to wander all over a multi-unit residential building. Further, this Court’s ruling ignores the facts outlined in its opinion that in early September 2017 the defendant knew he needed to turn himself in or a warrant would be issued for his arrest, cut off his ankle monitor after the Sheriff’s Office tried to locate him, failed to appear in court three weeks after investigators first visited his residence, and was subsequently arrested approximately six miles from his residence the following month still without his ankle monitor.
* Gary Rabine lives in exurban Bull Valley and his company is headquartered in Schaumburg. But here’s Fox “News”…
A Chicago business owner says he is fleeing the crime-infested city because leaders are “supporting anarchy” and he “can’t put up with it any longer.”
“Our employees are being held up for their wallets and their phones at gunpoint,” Rabine Group founder Gary Rabine told “America Reports” on Wednesday. “It’s just not worth it anymore, the danger. You know, we are very safety-oriented company, and we can’t put up with it any longer.”
Rabine got 6.55 percent of the vote in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary and took fewer votes than Beverly Miles. If you don’t know who she is, you’re not alone.
* Background is here if you need it. From comments earlier today…
Many have wondered why Scott Kaspar bought the Illinois Review and is using it to pummel Mayor Pekau almost daily. Well, it just became crystal clear. Kaspar recently changed his committee name to run for Orland Park Village President
Click here.
* Crain’s…
Chicago is home to 124,000 millionaires, making it the fourth-wealthiest city in the United States and the 11th-richest city globally, according to investment migration firm Henley & Partners. Its growth in that field is slowing considerably, though.
Chicago follows New York City, the Bay Area and Los Angeles in number of high-net-worth individuals in the U.S.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Sun-Times | Acting Chicago Police Supt. Eric Carter announces retirement amid nationwide search for next top cop: Carter plans to officially retire on May 15, just two months after he took over the Chicago Police Department from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s hand-picked Supt. David Brown, whose tenure was marked by a historic spike in violent crime, low officer morale and slow progress meeting sweeping court-ordered reforms.
* Block Club | DePaul Student Journalists Say Newspapers Vanished After Critical Story On University’s Budget Gap: The reporting quoted faculty members who said university leadership had “hastily” planned cuts to non-tenured teaching positions, other staff and department budgets. The teachers said they were left in the dark about changes. In the days after the article ran, several DePaulia editors noticed student workers tossing papers off newsstands into recycling bins at the school’s Lincoln Park library, student center and academic center, said Marla Krause, the paper’s adviser and a journalism professor at the university.
* Chalkbeat | Urban Prep Academies could be turned over to Chicago Public Schools after state denies appeal: But Urban Prep officials said late Wednesday that they filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County “asserting that the Chicago Public Schools has violated state law that there be a moratorium on school closings until 2025.” However, the district is not planning to close the schools. In October, when the Chicago Board of Education voted to revoke Urban Prep’s charter agreement to operate campuses in Englewood and Bronzeville, district officials – in a nod to the network’s unique mission and model – promised to continue operating the schools under district management.
* WICS | Illinois receives approval from Biden admin for school-based health services expansion: The expansion of the School-Based Health Services program will build on a foundation of currently-offered health care services available in Illinois schools to Medicaid-enrolled children, as well as training offered to staff, and reporting and claiming of federal matching funds that HFS does on behalf of schools.
* Illinois Times | City receives $500K state grant for the Y block: The empty lot just north of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion was once the site of the YWCA building, which was razed in 2017. Over the years, various ideas ranging from a law school campus to an apartment complex and private businesses have been proposed for the site.
* WICS | Officials say Legacy Pointe Sports Complex will increase sports tourism in Springfield: The project has been in the works for the last couple of years, and now, the city council gave the green light for funding. The hope is to be able to host tournaments and tourists all year long and it even comes with some economic benefits.
* News-Gazette | Owners of former Champaign County Nursing Home file plan with state to close: Rothner told the board last month that the nursing home has racked up millions of dollars in losses, and the mortgage on the facility had gone unpaid for eight months.
* Cannabis Business Times | Green Thumb Workers Strike at 3 Dispensaries in Illinois: Among the three Green Thumb Industries (GTI) retail locations in Illinois—two in Joliet and one in Niles—there are more than 100 unionized workers represented by Teamsters Local 777 who began engaging in the “open-ended unfair labor practice strike,” not an economic strike, according to union spokesman Matt McQuaid. Local 777 represents more than 500 cannabis workers throughout Illinois.
* Tribune | As cannabis customers celebrate 420, consumption becomes more common at sponsored events: In Chicago, the Sesh City bus will start early with a “wake and bake” session from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Kinzie and Wells streets. It’s a precursor to a daylong Cannabis Innovation Lab Summit at the nearby Merchandise Mart.
* American Inequality | Childcare costs skyrocket in the Northeast and West: New data highlights inequalities for communities struggling with affordable childcare
* Patch | How Illinois Facebook Users Can Claim Cash In $725M Settlement: A settlement comes after Facebook paid out $650 million last year for using photos of users without their permission as a violation of Illinois and federal privacy laws. Last year, Facebook users in Illinois received up to $400 as part of the settlement payout.
* News-Gazette | In founder’s honor, empathy takes center stage at Ebertfest: In a speech outside the Chicago Theatre in 2005, Ebert called movies “machines that generate empathy,” which allow viewers to gain a greater understanding of others that are different form them in some way. Ten years after her husband died after a long battle with cancer that left him unable to speak, Chaz and other Ebertfest organizers decided to honor Roger at this year’s festival with a theme of “Empathy at the Movies.”
* WaPo | Top GOP lawyer decries ease of campus voting in private pitch to RNC: A presentation by Cleta Mitchell at a donor retreat urged tougher rules that could make it harder for college students to cast ballots.
* The Atlantic | A History of Humanity in Which Humans Are Secondary: Most accounts of humanity’s origins, and our evolution since, have understandably put Homo sapiens center stage. It was our ingenuity, our tools, our cultural savvy that enabled our species to survive long past others—that allowed wars to be won, religions to blossom, and empires to rise and expand while others crumbled and fell. But despite what the schoolbooks tell us, humans might not be the main protagonists in our own history. As Jonathan Kennedy argues in his new book, Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues, the microscopic agents behind our deadliest infectious diseases should be taking center stage instead. Germs and pestilence—and not merely the people who bore them—have shaped inflection point after inflection point in our species’ timeline, from our first major successful foray out of Africa to the rise of Christianity, to even the United States’ bloody bid for independence.
* Daily Beast | Tech Bosses Are Letting Dictators Censor What Americans See: It sounds far-fetched, but recent moves from some leading names in tech and social media paint a worrying picture: Foreign censorship laws are increasingly determining what people in free countries, including the United States, can do online.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
The Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced a Civility Pledge at its Spring Board of Directors meeting. The pledge seeks to restore civility in local governments, encourage productive dialogue and build public trust in all of Illinois’ 1,295 cities, villages and towns.
A growing need for civility has become more relevant and significant at all levels of government, but especially at the local level. Residents and elected officials are often faced with challenging and complex issues that can spark strong emotions and create conflict. Adopting the pledge and putting civility at the forefront provides a foundation for effective community conversations.
The pledge reads, “In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are all striving to support and improve our community and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective.”
“Even in these times of political disagreement, we believe in finding common ground and engaging in civil discussions about community issues that are important to everyone,” said IML President, Village President Catherine M. Adduci, Village of River Forest. “The Civility Pledge is a reminder for all municipal officials and constituents to work together in the pursuit of understanding the points of view of others.”
This assumes, of course, that all the folks elected are actually interested in improving their communities.
* The Question: Worthwhile endeavor or not? Explain.
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* I told subscribers about this earlier in the week. Press release…
27,000 students in Illinois are set to lose access to afterschool programming in Illinois. Due to internal errors, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will not have enough money to adequately fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs past this fiscal year. 21st CCLC programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and then administered by ISBE. ISBE has overspent its 21st CCLC funds beyond the funding that the federal government provides. This means ISBE is not able to cover all of its current contracts.
80% of these students are people of color, including 30% being Black youth and 36% being Latinx youth. These students all attend high poverty, low-performing schools and 66% of participants overall are qualified for free and reduced lunch. Cutting funding to afterschool programs due to an administrative error is unacceptable. A large body of research shows that 21st CCLC programs can support students in the areas where they need it most post pandemic, including improving academics, keeping youth safe, and providing social and emotion supports. These programs are also crucial resources for working families.
Afterschool programs are now asking ISBE and the General Assembly to allocate state funds to cover this error. Programs also need ISBE to investigate how this error happened and how to prevent it from happening again.
* WBEZ…
A miscalculation by the state of Illinois is putting in jeopardy after-school programs that serve about 27,000 students across the state.
That’s according to ACT Now, a statewide advocacy organization for Illinois after-school programs.
Staff from many of these threatened programs, spanning from Chicago to East Moline to Vermillion County, will be in Springfield Wednesday to testify at the monthly Illinois State Board of Education meeting.
They plan to ask lawmakers and the state board to allocate state funds to cover the state’s error as it administered federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, which are provided to community organizations. They also want them to investigate how the error occurred to prevent it from happening again.
During the pandemic, the state awarded a new set of programs 21st Century grants and allowed organizations to keep unspent money, not realizing this would result in insufficient funding to continue funding longtime recipients. ISBE estimates this could result in a shortfall of up to $15 million.
* Part of ISBE’s response…
ISBE has reached out to the U.S. Department of Education about utilizing ARP ESSER state set aside funds to address the shortfall. This would allow ISBE to meet its obligations to grantees in FY 2024, but would still not make a renewal or new grant competition possible for FY 2024 for those grantees whose five-year grant cycle concludes in FY 2023. Renewals and new competitions are never guaranteed and are only offered in years when sufficient funds are available. (ISBE did not offer new 21st CCLC Grant competitions in about half of the last 10 years.)
* Sun-Times editorial…
Chicago Public Schools plans to use federal COVID-19 relief money to help out programs here that are in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, kids shouldn’t pay the price, and state lawmakers can fill the budget gap for programs elsewhere that need help. ISBE, for its part, has to make sure costly miscalculations don’t happen again.
Down the road, though, community-run after-school programs that operate on shoestring budgets need some assurance of long-term funding. That’s the problem these programs, as well as state government and private philanthropy, will need to answer. […]
The need is clearly there. Fewer than one in five Illinois teens — 18% — participate in an after-school program, yet 41% would do so if programs were available, according to the group ACT (After School for Children and Teens) Now Illinois.
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It’s just a bill
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Patrick Keck of the State Journal-Register takes a look into environmental lobby day and the bills environmental groups are behind…
A bill that did not pass in the Illinois House of Representatives last month still has the support of environmentalists. House Bill 2520 from state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has now been approved for consideration by the House Rules Committee and would have until May 19 to move out of the chamber.
The bill creates several new provisions to construction projects to ensure they are environmentally-friendly, including a supplemental fee of $100,000 for each construction permit application if the build takes place in an “environmental justice community.” […]
Senate Bill 2421, among several changes, would create the Carbon Transportation and Sequestration Readiness Fund and require any company or individual wishing to capture CO2 to receive a permit from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. EMS workers would also receive training in case of a carbon release. […]
A bill banning the use of polystyrene by retail establishments advanced out of the House and now awaits a vote in the Senate. […]
HB 2376 from state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, is now in the Senate Executive Committee and would make Illinois the first midwestern state to ban polystyrene.
* Throwback!…
* Moving through…
* Play USA…
A bill to lower exorbitant Illinois sports betting renewal fees for suppliers faced backlash Wednesday in the House Gaming Committee.
The Illinois sports betting legislation passed in 2019 set the initial supplier licensing fee at $150,000 for the first four years. But suppliers must continue paying $150,000 annually.
Chris Nybo, a lobbyist representing the gaming trade association iDEA Growth, presented the discrepancy as a drafting error. That argument worked in the Senate, where SB 323 passed 55-1 on March 29.
But with Illinois Gaming Control Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter expressing opposition, House committee members pushed back on lowering the fee.
* WCIA…
A new bill may make more community college students continue to universities in state.
Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) is pushing for a bill that would allow automatic admission to more of Illinois’ universities to community college students.
The current law allows any Illinois high school graduate to go to University of Illinois if they complete at least 36 graded transferable hours at an Illinois community college with a 3.0 GPA. The bill would expand the law to allow guaranteed admission into all state universities, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, both Southern Illinois Universities, and Western Illinois University as well. […]
The bill passed the Illinois House of Representatives, and the Senate Higher Education Committee unanimously. If signed into law, the proposal would go into effect during the 2024-2025 academic year.
* Sen. Fine’s HB1364 passed committee and now heads to the Senate Floor…
State Senator Laura Fine is launching an initiative to review data from the first year of operations and recommend updates for the future in order to make the 988 hotline as effective as possible for hotline operators and people experiencing a mental health crisis.
“The 988 hotline is the most accessible form of mental health care in Illinois and can be lifesaving in times of crisis,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is vital that we work to make the operation of care as effective as possible to best support Illinoisans struggling with their mental health.”
Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. The hotline has been beneficial to many Illinoisans, but currently there is no method of collecting data on the hotline that may be used to improve the 988 system.
House Bill 1364 would create a task force to review existing information about the first year of the 988 call center operations in Illinois and examine the recommendations and decisions of previous state-led workgroups on transforming the mental health crisis response system. The task force would develop a plan for establishing a network of 988 call centers in Illinois that will best promote connection to care and sustainably funding the 988 call centers in future fiscal years.
* Sen. Villanueva…
Senator Villanueva championed legislation to bring more qualified computer science and art teachers to Chicago Public Schools, creating better learning opportunities throughout the district. […]
House Bill 2442 would increase the amount of computer science and art teachers in CPS. CPS says there are not enough teachers endorsed to teach these classes to meet district needs. To tackle this issue, Villanueva’s measure would allow licensed employees to receive additional training – or endorsements – through a pilot program within the district, allowing them to teach other classes, such as computer science and art classes. […]
House Bill 2442 passed in the Senate Education Committee and is headed to the Senate for further consideration.
* WMBD…
State Senator Dave Koehler latest legislation is advocating for the hard of hearing.
According to a press release, Senator Koehler has introduced House Bill 2443, which would require insurance providers to cover hearing aids and related services. […]
Building upon a 2018 measure that requires insurance to cover hearing aids for children under 18, the new bill would expand upon anyone who is prescribed a hearing instrument by a doctor. […]
House Bill 2443 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
* Sen. Dave Koehler…
State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to remove vital records fees for survivors of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence survivors are already dealing with immense trauma,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Why are we taking money out of their pockets, adding more burdens to the reporting process?”
House Bill 2841 would remove the fees associated with services of vital records done by the State Registrar for survivors of domestic violence. The fee for a search of vital records is $10 per application currently and includes the files on birth, death, and fetal death. These records can be used to dissolve marriages and civil unions, receive information on the birth of a child and unexpected miscarriages and for genealogical purposes.
“A basic service to help a survivor in need shouldn’t have a cost,” said Koehler. “This initiative would prevent the possibility of survivors being turned away.”
House Bill 2841 passed the Senate Local Government Committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
* Press release…
To ensure that Illinois schools have a crisis response plan in case of an emergency, State Senator Julie Morrison is advancing a measure that would require rapid entry protocol for law enforcement and first responders, including the threat of firearms.
“It seems like every day there is a new violent threat made against schools – we just saw that at Highland Park High School,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “While we have taken strides to curb gun violence in Illinois, we must continue to develop new strategies in partnership with law enforcement and first responders so that our schools are as safe as possible.”
Morrison’s House Bill 3559 would require schools’ emergency and crisis response plans to include procedures for local law enforcement to rapidly enter the school building in the event of an emergency.
House Bill 3559 passed the Senate Education Committee just two weeks after five students at Highland Park High School were taken into custody following a report of a student with a handgun. The threat left the community shaken, as it came less than a year after the 4th of July mass shooting that took the lives of seven innocent community members.
“The threat at Highland Park High School could have become a tragedy,” said Morrison. “Law enforcement should be equipped to handle safety threats immediately and without hesitation.”
The measure now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
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Meanwhile, in Opposite Land…
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* New York Times…
(W)hen Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York needed to dream up something exceptionally grand this year for the annual State of the State address, the Manhattan ghostwriting firm was a good fit. For $25,000, it helped hire a writer to produce a 277-page book, “Achieving the New York Dream,” that outlined Ms. Hochul’s agenda and set the stage for budget fights over housing policy, tax rates and the state’s bail law that continue. […]
Although she has no shortage of in-house communicators, policy analysts and budget experts at her disposal, Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, has spent nearly $2 million on additional help, mostly on the giant consulting firms Deloitte Consulting and the Boston Consulting Group, in shaping her vision for the state delivered each January. […]
Representatives of three of Ms. Hochul’s predecessors — Andrew M. Cuomo, David A. Paterson and George E. Pataki — said they had never paid for outside help to prepare for the annual address. […]
Julie Wood, a spokeswoman for Ms. Hochul, said the outside firms had played supporting roles, helping Ms. Hochul’s policy team catalog proposals from across state agencies to present them to the governor and her senior advisers. Ms. Wood noted that Ms. Hochul had just a short time to hire her own staff and prepare for her 2022 speech, which took place less than five months after she was sworn into office.
Wait. She had five months? And that’s considered a short time in New York? Are you kidding me?
Just as an example, JB Pritzker was first sworn in on January 14, 2019. His budget/State of the State address was given one month later, on February 20th. And he was facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit plus a $15 billion backlog of unpaid bills.
Five months? Sheesh.
* Washington Post…
This week the Justice Department arrested two Americans for operating a secret Chinese police station in New York City and separately charged 44 Chinese officials with enforcing Chinese laws on U.S. soil. These actions spotlight a tiny piece of the network Beijing uses to exert influence inside the United States. Tackling this complex issue will require greater American awareness, sensitivity and action.
Until the FBI raided the facility in October, a Chinese government-controlled police outpost in Manhattan coordinated widespread harassment of U.S.-based critics of the Chinese Communist Party, according to the U.S. government. Although this seems to have been China’s first such operation inside the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has established more than 100 illegal police stations around the world. […]
What the criminal complaint doesn’t explain is how this police station fits into the larger picture of Chinese influence operations.
The station’s location offers one clue. The building was rented by the America Changle Association, a charity that claims to assist Chinese and Chinese Americans. The IRS revoked its tax-exempt status last May after it failed to file proper paperwork for three years. Nevertheless, just months later, the group was able to attract several prominent New York politicians to its gala, including Mayor Eric Adams.
Chicago’s current mayor has many faults, but cavorting at galas with secret Chinese agents likely isn’t one of them.
* On to Iowa…
The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday refused to dismiss a lawsuit against Gov. Kim Reynolds that seeks to require her office to respond to public record requests.
The court in a unanimous decision rejected Reynolds’ argument that her office wasn’t obligated to respond in a timely matter to record requests and that she could avoid the state’s open records law by simply ignoring the requests. The Supreme Court ordered that the case be returned to the district court where it would be decided on its merits.
“The governor’s office wanted a rule that it and its agencies can ignore public records requests without any consequences,” said Thomas Story, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, which represented three media organizations. “Instead, the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that nobody is above the law.”
Illinois’ FOIA laws may need to be tweaked, but that’s a bit much.
* So far, it’s just a bill. But it’s also Iowa…
Iowa children would be allowed to work longer hours, including in jobs that are currently prohibited such as serving alcohol, under a bill passed by the Iowa Senate early Tuesday morning after a marathon session.
The Senate voted 32-17 just before 5 a.m. Tuesday to pass Senate File 542. Two Republicans, Sens. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, and Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, broke with their colleagues to join every Democrat in opposition.
The House must still pass the bill before it could go to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature.
* North Dakota…
North Dakota’s Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed a bill into law that restricts transgender health care in the state, immediately making it a crime to give gender-affirming care to people younger than 18.
Gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations, but it has increasingly come under attack in many conservative legislatures, including North Dakota’s, where lawmakers have passed at least three anti-trans bills this year.
* And, of course, Florida…
The Florida Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that would prohibit investment strategies that Gov. Ron DeSantis has deemed “woke,” sending the issue to his desk.
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 28-12 along party lines to prohibit consideration of “environmental, social and governance” standards in investing government money. The bill (HB 3), a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, passed the House last month.
The bill also would prohibit financial institutions from engaging in any “unsafe and unsound practice” or applying a “social credit score” when offering services. They wouldn’t be able to deny or cancel services to people based on political opinions, affiliation or speech.
The measure would expand on a directive issued last year by DeSantis and state Cabinet members requiring investment decisions in the Florida Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan to prioritize the highest returns without consideration of the standards known as “ESG.”
Haven’t seen anything yet about if this would effect Florida’s anti-BDS law.
* Texas…
In July 2020, at the height of protests over the murder of George Floyd by a police officer, Daniel Perry considered killing someone.
“I might have to kill a few people on my way to work, they are rioting outside my apartment complex,” Perry, then a 35-year-old Army sergeant, wrote to a friend, the Austin Chronicle reported. It wasn’t the first time Perry had spoken about killing people on social media or in messages with friends. On another occasion, Perry mused, “I might go to Dallas to shoot looters.”
After all this talk, Perry did shoot a Black Lives Matter protester in downtown Austin, an Air Force veteran and libertarian activist named Garrett Foster, who had been legally carrying an AK-47 at the protest. Perry, who was working as a rideshare driver, sped his car into the crowd, witnesses said, then opened fire on Foster. Perry claimed that he had acted in self-defense and that Foster had been raising his rifle, but prosecutorial witnesses told the jury during his trial that Foster had done nothing of the sort. “I believe he was going to aim at me,” Perry told police in an initial interview, having called law enforcement and turned himself in after the shooting. “I didn’t want to give him a chance to aim at me.”
Thursday night, the judge in Perry’s case unsealed a filing that also contained messages the jury did not see before the verdict. The document shows Perry sharing racist memes, referring to Black protesters as “monkeys,” and musing about “hunting Muslims in Europe.” Perry’s attorneys are reportedly seeking a new trial. […]
Convicted of murder, Perry became a right-wing political martyr. Last weekend, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott announced that he would ask the Texas parole board to recommend a pardon for Perry, following coverage from the Fox News host Tucker Carlson portraying his conviction as unjust and criticizing Abbott. Carlson characterized Perry’s conviction by a jury of his peers in one of the most pro-gun states in the union, not as a result of the atypical volume of evidence, but as a conspiracy by the liberal billionaire George Soros, who paid “people to put his political opponents in jail.” Fox News has a disproportionate influence over the only constituency Abbott heeds, which is Republican primary voters.
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Bears bill is deader than a rock on a stump
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Perhaps only the revived graduated income tax idea has been deader than this turkey since its inception. But the Bears bill has received far more media coverage. Crain’s…
As the Illinois General Assembly enters the frenzied final weeks of its spring session, one subject has effectively disappeared from the conversation. That’s the proposal by the Chicago Bears to subsidize the cost of their proposed new stadium complex in Arlington Heights, which — for the moment, anyhow — seems stuck somewhere around the Bears’ 12-yard line. […]
“I don’t see it coming up in the Senate,” said state Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, who agreed to introduce the bill a couple of months ago to get the discussion going. “I just don’t see the votes here.”
Ditto for state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights. “I don’t see anything this session,” he says. “Maybe in the fall.”
Walker says the proposal faces two major obstacles. One: It would allow the village of Arlington Heights to control the negotiated-fee process, effectively cutting out school districts, much to their dismay. Two: It’s run into strong sentiment that, while subsidies to win a company here from Michigan or Indiana might make sense, throwing money at a company to move from one part of the state — in this case, Chicago’s Soldier Field — to another is silly.
* Meanwhile, there’s apparently been a ripple effect…
Developer Bruce Adreani already was having difficulty obtaining financing for his mixed-use redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Block 425 in downtown Arlington Heights, but this week he added a new wrinkle: the Bears.
Adreani cited the NFL franchise’s possible move to Arlington Park — and how that redevelopment could affect the village’s downtown — among reasons his Arlington 425 project has been slow to progress since it was first approved by the village board in May 2019.
And despite being grilled by trustees about why his proposed three-building residential and commercial campus doesn’t yet have a shovel in the ground, board members reluctantly agreed to his request for a 12-month extension to their zoning approvals.
Besides the Bears’ redevelopment of the sprawling 326-acre shuttered racetrack, Arlington 425 would be the largest development in the Northwest suburb in decades.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Throughout the pandemic, hospitals and frontline healthcare professionals dedicated countless hours and significant resources to save lives and provide needed care. Fast-forward a couple years into the public health crisis and headlines like these stretched across news websites:
• “‘It’s an Ugly Year in Health Care’: Hospitals Report Record Losses,” from The Boston Globe on Dec. 22, 2022
• “Hospital Finances Are Deteriorating, Fitch Says,” from The Wall Street Journal on Aug. 16, 2022
Facing dire financial distress—from increased labor, drug and supply costs—Illinois hospitals are asking state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1763, which provides the first General Revenue Fund (GRF) Medicaid rate increase for hospitals in 28 years. The bill would increase hospital Medicaid base rates by 20%, to release the pressure valve on hospitals’ deteriorating finances.
SB 1763 is especially needed as:
• The GRF hospital inpatient rate is less today than in 1995, while hospital costs are up 85%.
• Illinois ranks 48th in Medicaid spending per enrollee, with only Georgia, South Carolina and Nevada spending less.
Support and co-sponsor SB 1763 to preserve access to care for our most vulnerable urban and rural communities. SB 1763 will reduce the shortfall in Medicaid hospital rates, which now reimburse only about 80% of hospitals costs. Discover the facts to learn more.
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* These are good picks…
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson today named Rich Guidice as his incoming Chief of Staff and Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas as his incoming First Deputy Chief of Staff.
Guidice, who most recently served as Executive Director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and Pacione-Zayas, who currently serves as Illinois State Senator for the 20th District, both bring years of experience in delivering for the people of Chicago.
“It’s going to take all of us to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago, and I know the people of Chicago will be served well by Rich Guidice as my Chief of Staff and Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas as my Deputy Chief of Staff,” said Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. “Both Rich and Cristina have shown dedication to making Chicago work for all of Chicago, and I know they will lead these positions with a sense of collaboration, compassion, and competence.”
“It’s an honor to join the incoming Johnson administration and help deliver a stronger and safer Chicago for all,” said Rich Guidice, incoming Chief of Staff. “Together, we will build a government that addresses the challenges ahead, delivers on the promise of a better city, and unites all Chicagoans around our common goals.”
“I am excited to join Mayor-Elect Johnson’s City Hall and help lead a team dedicated to lifting-up working people, strengthening our public schools, and fostering safer communities,” said Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, incoming First Deputy Chief of Staff. “We are building a team that will deliver for the people of Chicago, and I look forward to our work together.”
Rich Guidice, Chief of Staff, is a seasoned public servant and emergency operations professional with decades of experience working on behalf of Chicagoans. Guidice most recently served as head of the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where since 2019 he oversaw the city’s emergency response, 911 call center, and traffic management system, playing a pivotal role in coordinating crisis response efforts and enhancing public safety infrastructure across city agencies. His tenure as head of the agency drew widespread praise for its innovative, technology-driven approach. Before that, he helped create the city’s Traffic Management Authority and oversaw planning and coordination for large-scale events like the 2008 inauguration of President Barack Obama. Born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, Guidice currently lives in the Schorsch Village neighborhood.
Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, First Deputy Chief of Staff, is a distinguished education and policy advocate widely recognized for her efforts to promote educational equity and advance social justice through her service in community-based and policy organizations, Chicago Public Schools, and as board secretary of the Illinois State Board of Education. Formerly as the Associate Vice President of Policy at the Erikson Institute, she played a crucial role in shaping early childhood policy and advocating for children, families, communities. Dr. Pacione-Zayas is credited with establishing Erikson’s Early Childhood Leadership Academy and Community Data Lab—two statewide initiatives that have helped Illinois leaders and lawmakers understand the importance of investing in children’s early years and their overall well-being and development. Since December 2020, Dr. Pacione-Zayas has served as a State Senator representing the 20th District leading education, housing and public safety policy initiatives. Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Pacione-Zayas earned her doctorate in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
* From a recent Sun-Times article when Guidice announced his retirement from OEMC…
The Humboldt Park native joined OEMC in 2005, overseeing championship parades for the White Sox, Blackhawks and Cubs, as well as security at the 2012 NATO Summit.
Tribune…
He is well-respected in government circles and has public safety experience, a plus for Johnson as his administration works to replace Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and demonstrate the they’ll be able to handle problems in the Loop like the chaos that unfolded last weekend.
Again, that’s a very strong hire.
And CP-Z is, IMHO, brilliant. She also has strong ties to the city’s progressives.
…Adding… Illinois Restaurant Association…
We commend Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson on his selection of Richard Guidice to serve as Chief of Staff. Rich is a distinguished public servant who has served the City of Chicago notably for over three decades.
With this appointment, the Mayor-Elect signals his strong commitment to prioritizing solutions to some of the most pressing concerns facing our city, including safety and security.
We applaud this pragmatic decision and look forward to working with the Mayor-Elect and Rich.
* Meanwhile, from ABC 7…
Afterwards, Johnson spoke publicly for the first time about weekend violence that caused chaos in downtown Chicago and along the lakefront.
“The violence that happened over the weekend - and the violence that happens too many weekends and too many days - of course we don’t condone that behavior,” Johnson said.
Johnson denied he was sending mixed messages over the weekend in a statement where said the violence can’t be condoned, but also said it was not constructive to “demonize youth.”
The exchange between Johnson and the station’s Craig Wall was quite something…
Wall: You said that it’s not constructive to demonize youth who’ve otherwise been starved with opportunities in our communities. There has been some criticism of that that suggested you are in some way passively condoning that behavior for kids.
Johnson: …What does the whole statement say?
Wall: I realize that, but…
Johnson: I get it, but, because there are two aspects. So let’s talk about both aspects. I do not, look, the violence that happened over the weekend and the violence that happens too many weekends and too many days. Of course we don’t condone that behavior. That’s the first thing that I said.
Look, you’ve been a part of my conversations about raising a family in Austin. Who has more incentive for a safe Chicago than someone who is raising a family in a neighborhood where there are more homicides in my neighborhood over the last four years combined than many of the neighborhoods that have been discussed.
[Cross talk.]
It’s not a mixed message. Slow down for a second, OK? It’s not a mixed message. These false choices that people continue to try to make, this body and the city of Chicago make, and it ends under my administration. That’s a false choice. You can make sure that we eradicate the root causes that lead to violence. And we also can make sure that there’s support on the frontline to make sure that we’re preventing violence. It’s a false choice. And no one takes it more seriously than a family that lives through it every single day.
Do you think I want my son on his bike, and he has to worry about getting shot? Do you really believe that?
Wall: No.
Johnson: Of course you don’t. Right? So don’t give people false choices. We get to do both, you all. It is well past due that we put an end to this dynamic that somehow not making, look demonizing children is wrong. We have to keep them safe as well. Have you ever taught middle school? I have. Have you ever raised young people? Do you understand the risk that young people take just because they’re young? Do you know that home plate is at the bottom of my stairs? I found that out when my son was sliding down those stairs trying to score. They’re young. Sometimes they make silly decisions. They do. So we have to make sure that we are investing to make sure that young people know that they are supported. But we also have to make sure that police officers who put their lives on the line have the resources that they need to keep us safe.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
* Springfield coverage roundup from Isabel…
* Tribune | Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson tells state lawmakers funding for schools, youth jobs tie into ‘mandate’ to tackle crime with investment: Johnson’s wide-ranging address to a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate served as an extension of his campaign themes of championing progressive values and a holistic approach to tackling crime, a front-of-mind concern after a weekend when three teens were shot amid hundreds of young people converging downtown and along the lakefront.
* Sun-Times | Mayor-elect Johnson pitches unity to state legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’: Johnson kept his Capitol visit to generalities and focused on unity, saying he has spoken to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democratic leaders about “making sure that we’re investing in the necessary programs that will allow for our neighborhoods to be a lot safer.” And even as the clock ticks for legislators to finalize a state budget, Johnson said he didn’t come to Springfield to “dictate” what Chicago needs when it comes to public safety dollars.
* Crain’s | Brandon Johnson goes to Springfield with a few big asks — and a big message: The city’s incoming mayor made it clear that he wants changes in the state’s school aid formula. It was heavily revamped a few years ago with an eye toward putting more money into lower-income school districts with higher needs, but Johnson said more changes are needed, changes sufficient to ensure that every school in the state has a nurse and a social worker. The latter has been a longtime goal of the Chicago Teachers Union, where until recently Johnson worked as an organizer. Only such spending will break “the cycle of violence” that afflicts many neighborhoods, Johnson said.
* AP | Chicago Mayor-elect Johnson pledges ‘smart’ fight on crime: Pounded later by reporters’ questions about reducing crime in Chicago, he promised to be “smart” as well as “tough,” putting resources into youth employment and other preventive measures as well as enforcement. But his primary message was one of collaboration. “They told us that if something is good for Chicago, that means we’re taking something away from Peoria,” Johnson told lawmakers. “They tell us that the challenges that we face in the city of Chicago … aren’t the same challenges shared by families from Rockford to Carbondale. … No one has to lose at the expense of someone else winning. There’s more than enough for everybody in the state of Illinois.”
* NBC Chicago | Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson Addresses Lawmakers in Springfield Wednesday: Johnson will also meet with the House Democratic Caucus, the release says, “to discuss how state lawmakers and his administration can best work together to deliver lasting results for Chicago residents and all of Illinois.” “I am excited to join our dedicated leaders in Springfield and discuss how we can invest in people to lift up all of our communities,” Johnson said in the release. “Building a better, stronger, safer Chicago will take all of us, and I look forward to establishing a strong foundation for collaboration.”
* ABC Chicago | Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Chicago weekend chaos: ‘We don’t condone that behavior’: Johnson told lawmakers that Chicago and Springfield can get along even though they may not always agree on things. On several occasions, he received a standing ovation from Democrats when talking about his progressive agenda, but some Republicans were not impressed. “Is there any accountability? Is there any consequences? There’s no consequences in the city of Chicago instead, Brandon Johnson makes excuses for them,” said Blaine Wilhour, R-107th District.
* WTTW | Brandon Johnson Claims Mandate to Reshape Public Safety, Pledges to Partner with General Assembly: Johnson also vowed to reopen six mental health clinics closed more than a decade ago as part of his effort to address the root causes of crime in Chicago. Johnson did not miss the opportunity to ask state lawmakers to help Chicago, urging them to “fully fund” the Chicago Public Schools. Under the state’s education funding formula, Chicago schools are due an additional $1.4 billion to serve the city’s students, according to CPS and state officials. In addition, if state funds paid for teachers’ pensions — as they do in every other school district — CPS would have an additional $552 million to fund schools.
* Bond Buyer | Chicago’s Lightfoot aims to cement pension policy legacy: This instead The forecast also depends on Chicago Public Schools covering $245 million of what amounts to a $291 million responsibility for its non-teaching employees that participate in the city’s municipal fund in the current budget. The city’s payment totals $976 million this year. The $250 million it asked CPS to pay this year is up from $175 million last year and the 2024, 2025, and 2026 projected gaps rely on CPS covering its full share which grows to between $304 million and $309 million annually. The Chicago Teachers’ Union has criticized the city for transferring the burden and Johnson, who is a former teacher and organizer for the CTU, has said that the city should continue to financially help CPS even as it moves to an elected board in the coming years.
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Open thread
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Howdy! What’s going on in your part of Illinois?
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go!
* Capitol News Illinois | Chicago mayor-elect hails Illinois as ‘vanguard for progressive policy’ in speech to lawmakers: Some of Johnson’s agenda for the city, such as increasing the city’s real estate transfer tax on properties exceeding $1 million, would require action from the General Assembly. In his speech to lawmakers, he also supported a “revised school funding formula,” with unspecified changes that would “help ensure there is a nurse and a social worker in every single school in Chicago.”
* Sun-Times | Mayor-elect Johnson pitches unity to state legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’: Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said he didn’t come to Springfield to “dictate” what Chicago needs when it comes to public safety dollars. “How do I call myself a collaborator and then I’m dictating?” Johnson asked reporters. “These are ongoing conversations.”
* Brenden Moore | Illinois recreational marijuana sales still growing, but at a slower pace: According to state data, monthly year-over-year dispensary sales growth dipped below 10% in June 2022. It hovered between 4% and 9% every month until this March, when it fell to just 2.9%. It’s a far cry from the exponential growth experienced in the first couple of years of the legal market.
* WAND | DoorDashers gather at capitol to make their voices heard: With fearing potential changes to come for the company, Dashers are hoping law makers understand the importance of flexible work opportunities. “The people that we’ve talked to have been very welcoming and wanting to hear our story. So, then this way they can think about it when some of those bills and stuff come up,” said Dean. “That they can actually fight for us.”
* Sun-Times | Legal assistance to expunge pot convictions goes unused across Illinois: Three years after pot was legalized, legal aid groups have been surprised by the small number of residents seeking out help clearing marijuana arrests from their records.
* WBEZ | Chicago Park District employees are accused of defrauding federal pandemic-aid programs: In a new report, the park district’s internal investigators say they dug into more than two dozen cases in an ongoing probe that’s prompted six employees to resign, with five other workers also facing discipline.
* Tribune | Paul Vallas outspent Brandon Johnson nearly 2-to-1 in losing mayoral bid: Vallas raised $18 million and spent nearly $17 million of it en route to a 52% to 48% loss to Johnson, according to recently filed state campaign finance records. Much of the money Vallas raised came from business leaders and private equity investors, many of whom have also contributed to Republican candidates across the country. Vallas ended the first quarter of 2023 with $1.7 million on hand, the campaign records show.
* WBEZ | Teary speeches, haikus and old war stories: Chicago City Council members bid farewell: Ald. Andre Vasquez said Lightfoot “had the hardest hand dealt to you of any mayor in the history of the city of Chicago,” and despite disagreements, “never did we have doubts that you didn’t fully believe and were committed to the decisions that you were making.”
* Sun-Times | City Council honors Mayor Lori Lightfoot, 13 departing members: Tears were shed, good-natured barbs traded, hatchets buried. One would never have known Ald. Edward Burke is leaving under the cloud of a federal indictment or that the mayor’s relationship with the Council was so contentious.
* WGN | About a dozen freight train cars derail in Blue Island: No injuries or leaks were reported and no hazardous materials were involved in the derailment around 9:30 p.m. in Blue Island, CSX said in a statement.
* Tribune | Jail beatings captured on film, 2 Cook County correctional officers accused, sheriff’s office says: Reginald Roberson, 52, was charged with battery and official misconduct following a sheriff’s office investigation of an incident in December 2021 at Cook County Jail, the sheriff’s office said in a statement Wednesday.
* Tribune | Van to deliver asthma and allergy treatment to Lake County children; ‘There are significant barriers to accessing health care … placed on some people’: The Reddings, who founded the Christopher D. Redding Youth Asthma Foundation in 2013 to honor their son, unveiled a specially designed van on last week that will take asthma and allergy care directly to kids who need it.
* USA Today | Supreme Court pauses for a second time action on mifepristone restrictions: Restrictions will continue to be on hold until 11:59 p.m. Friday. The latest order from Alito does not signal which way the court is leaning but does temporarily delay restrictions abortion rights advocates warned could limit availability of the drug.
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Live coverage
Thursday, Apr 20, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Today’s quotable
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) spoke today at the Illinois Freedom Caucus’ press conference in response to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s legislative address…
In DuPage County, we’re seeing the crime levels go up because of our neighboring Cook County. Last Saturday, when the ruckus was going on, last Saturday night when the ruckus was going on in Chicago, on Roosevelt Road, in Lombard, mind you, which is real close to where I live, they had to shut the carnival down because of all the misbehavior.
In Villa Park, not long ago, there was a vape shop. The vape shop was being looted by two men. The owner called the Villa Park Police. The Villa Park Police show up. The looters run out of the vape shop with their guns shooting at the police officers. This is what is going on, and you can only go…
Talk to our our state’s attorney Bob Berlin. Talk to our sheriff, James Mendrick. We have a jail in DuPage County, and believe you me, we are having problems. And it’s because of this crime.
And I don’t see that Brandon Johnson, he was bragging about all the money that they’ve put into schools and crime, but if they’ve put all this money into schools and crime, why is there still a problem? So you wonder, in the future, throwing money at government agencies, does it, I don’t know, I wish I knew.
…Adding… Also, I can’t find a news story about the alleged vape shop shooting. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, of course. Just sayin.
…Adding… Thanks to a commenter for finding it. The shooting was in Lombard last December.
…Adding… Press release…
The IL Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the speech Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson gave during a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate.
“Much has been made about the great divide between Chicago and the rural parts of our state. Yes, there certainly is a deep ideological divide between the people of our districts and City of Chicago leaders on many issues but there is a recognition by everyone regardless of party affiliation that a strong and healthy Chicago is good for Illinois and the nation as a whole.
We all want Chicago to succeed. Unfortunately, what we heard today does not inspire confidence that Chicago is moving in the right direction. Brandon Johnson today decided to use his first interaction with the Legislature to launch one of the most partisan speeches we have heard in a long time on the House floor. It is hard to build a bridge with someone who comes to Springfield looking to pick a fight.
What we wanted to hear today was real ideas and real solutions – not more virtue signaling. What people want and what Chicago needs are good roads and sound infrastructure. Chicago families need good schools for their kids and above all they need and deserve safe neighborhoods. Instead of solutions, all we heard today was one woke cliché after another. There is no vision for building a better business climate in Chicago. Under the future Johnson Administration, businesses in Chicago will be taxed even more than they already are.
Brandon Johnson has proven again today the truth of the old adage that Chicago is a great city with terrible leaders. The problems in Chicago could be solved with better leaders and better policies. Unfortunately, under the Brandon Johnson administration, the City of Chicago will get neither. It is a sad day for Chicago and a sad day for Illinois.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Oakland), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Jed Davis (R-Newark) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.
“What Chicago needs are good roads and sound infrastructure,” say the same folks demanding that the motor fuel tax be cut in half.
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Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Tribune | Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson preaches unity, importance of Chicago to Illinois during Springfield visit: “They’ve told us that this is a zero-sum game. And if something is good for Chicago, well, that means we’re taking something away from Peoria,” Johnson said. “But I’m here to deliver an emphatic message today. It is a false choice. No one has to lose at the expense of someone else winning. There is more than enough for everybody in the state of Illinois.”
* Crain’s | Brandon Johnson goes to Springfield with a few big asks — and a big message: Johnson said his model for the city is what Democrats have achieved statewide with the party controlling both houses of the General Assembly and J.B. Pritzker occupying the governor’s mansion: improved funding for schools, strong labor and abortion-rights protections, and simultaneously an improvement in the state’s credit rating. “Our values have to be in line with our investments,” he said, and in Illinois that has meant achieving progressive policies that are a national example.
* Block Club | Why Did Chicago’s Latino Voters Split On Election Day? ‘The Biggest Lesson Is Outreach,’ Experts Say: Experts point to lack of voter outreach by campaigns and diverse ideologies as reasons why Chicago’s 14 Latino-majority wards split support for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson and challenger Paul Vallas.
* WTTW | From Leopold and Loeb to Gacy: Cicero Facility Houses Millions of Criminal Records: WTTW News got an exclusive look inside the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s massive records storage facility, located in Cicero. The warehouse just south of Roosevelt Road might not look like much at first glance. But take a peek inside and you’re transported to a world of criminals, court cases and the dark side of Cook County history.
* WTTW | End of the Burke Era: A 54-year Political Reign at City Hall Comes to a Close: Burke’s career will come to an end under the shadow of a 14-count indictment alleging the powerful politician repeatedly — and brazenly — used his elected office to force those doing business with the city to hire his private law firm. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and used millions of dollars of stockpiled campaign cash to fund his defense.
* NPR Illinois | Springfield inauguration set for May 5: Springfield’s newly elected mayor will officially take office early next month. Misty Buscher will be inaugurated on Friday May 5. […] Along with the new mayor, other city officials, including Clerk Frank Lesko and new City Treasurer Colleen Redpath Feger, will be sworn in.
* WSIL | Construction on Southern Illinois Multimodal Station to begin in June: A transportation hub that will serve Illlinois’ southernmost 30 counties is set to begin construction this summer in Jackson County. The city of Carbondale began demolishing the old Carbondale Cycle building on Illinois Avenue & Walnut Street over the weekend. On Tuesday, crews were still cleaning the debris at the site.
* Block Club | ChiFresh Kitchen, Co-Op That Hires Formerly Incarcerated People To Cook For Those In Need, Finds A New Home In Greater Grand Crossing: “Our team is committed to hiring formerly incarcerated folks” and locals, Kerr said. The company could grow to “between 30 and 40, even up to 50 people in that facility once we get to that 5,000-meal mark.” All employees are eligible for an ownership stake in ChiFresh Kitchen after 18 months on the job, after which they can start paying toward a $2,000 membership share. Members serve on the co-op’s board, have a vote in business decisions and can receive dividends if the company is profitable, Kerr said.
* Crain’s | Ad calls on Carl Icahn to join fight against McDonald’s ‘blatant racism’: Media entrepreneur Byron Allen took out an ad in the Chicago Tribune today soliciting support from activist investor Carl Icahn in his fight against “blatant racism” at McDonald’s. The Chicago-based hamburger chain has been under pressure from both men in recent years via lawsuits and shareholder meetings. Icahn pushed McDonald’s last year to wean off its dependence on meat products, and Allen has called for CEO Chris Kempczinski’s ousting and filed a discrimination lawsuit against the company.
* Block Club | Promontory Point Is Now A Chicago Landmark, A Major Victory For Activists Who Fought For Decades: Landmark status will ensure “an extra step of oversight” toward preserving the Point’s iconic limestone steps as city and federal agencies reinforce Chicago’s shoreline, supporters say. The beloved gathering space was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
* CNN | Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches 2024 presidential bid: His sister Kathleen served as the lieutenant governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. His brother Joseph was a congressman from Massachusetts from 1987 to 1999. And more recently, his brother Chris Kennedy was an unsuccessful candidate for governor of Illinois in 2018.
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* Click here for the House’s feed, or click here for the free BlueRoomStream.com feed. Let us know what you think in comments.
…Adding… Mayor-elect Johnson called for restoring the full Local Government Distributive Fund payment. The Illinois Municipal League’s members have descended on the Statehouse demanding the same thing. From the governor’s office…
Supporting the operation of local governments is a key part of the state’s financial infrastructure. Since Governor Pritzker took office, over $1.1 billion annually has been allocated to local governments to assist with costs over and above what they were previously receiving from the state. This is on top of the 49% increase in revenue sharing to local governments over Governor Pritzker’s first term. When possible, the State has provided additional funding mechanisms to help local governments, including one-time and permanent revenue supports to minimize the need for local property tax increases.
Over the last few years, local governments have also seen an increase in the percentage of income and sales taxes that state government shares with towns, counties, and transit districts. This is due to the removal of the distribution proration that was put into place during the budget impasse. In fiscal year 2018, these allocations totaled $1.7 billion, but are expected to total $2.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024 budget proposal.
Background
Support for local governments enacted since Governor Pritzker took office includes:
• An additional $200 million a year in sales taxes from the passage of internet sales tax language following the Wayfair decision, including the Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Act, to help ensure compliance with state tax laws on internet sales.
• Over $600 million annually in additional motor fuel taxes directed to local governments and transit districts to support needed transportation projects through the passage of Rebuild Illinois.
• Granting $1.5 billion in state transportation bond funds directly to local governments for road and highway project expenditures, saving local governments $110 million annually in debt service costs from not issuing local bonds.
• Authorization of adult-use cannabis, generating an estimated $100 million in additional revenues for local governments.
• Increased allocations through the Local Government Distributive Fund process totaling $46 million annually from business loophole closures included in PA 102-0016.
• Increased tax rates and positions for video gaming operations are expected to generate an additional $77 million a year for local governments.
• Anticipated additional local revenues from the opening of new casinos authorized under the Rebuild Illinois plan.
• Provided $400 million to support local governments during the 12-month suspension of the grocery tax authorized under the Illinois Family Relief Plan.
• Increased the percentage of individual income taxes that state government shares with municipalities and counties from 6.06 to 6.16 percent of total individual income tax collections. This 0.1 percent increase is worth $27 million annually.
OVERALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
• Income tax revenue sharing with locals increased 49% over the last 4 years. In FY19 LGDF was $1.342B. In FY22, LGDF was $2.00B – an increase of $658M or 49%.
…Adding… The IML’s fact sheet on the LGDF is here.
…Adding… If you’d like to compare with the last two first-time mayor speeches, click here for Rahm Emanuel and click here for Lori Lightfoot. [Hat tip: Amdor]
…Adding… Illinois Chamber…
The Illinois business community stands ready to work with Mayor-Elect Johnson to achieve our shared goals of a vibrant Chicago.
We look forward to working with Johnson on developing specific proposals for job growth and economic development within the state. This can be achieved through bipartisan cooperation that balances the needs of the citizens of Chicago with measures promoting a strong business climate, enhancing the city’s role as an economic engine that is so important to the prosperity of the state of Illinois.
…Adding… Press release…
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, welcomed Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson to the State Capitol Wednesday, beginning a conversation on economic development, public safety, and moving Illinois and the City of Chicago forward together.
“I sincerely thank Speaker Welch, President Harmon, and every legislator for their warm welcome today. Together, we have laid the foundation for a collaborative, productive, and energetic partnership to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago that benefits every community across Illinois,” said Mayor-Elect Johnson. “This legislative body has shown it’s possible to take bold action to lift-up people all across our state, and I stand ready to work together to strengthen our public schools, ensure safety in every community, and support Illinois businesses to drive widespread economic growth and prosperity.”
Before a joint session of the House and Senate, Johnson emphasized the need for collaboration and collective responsibility in creating a stronger Chicago and a stronger Illinois.
“In the days ahead, this Legislature will make significant decisions about how we continue to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house, expand opportunity across our state, and protect and strengthen Illinois communities. I’m pleased to welcome Mayor-Elect Johnson now, so that the priorities that will define the beginning of his term can inform our work,” said Speaker Welch. “Chicago is a critical component to Illinois’ success and it’s wonderful to hear the mayor-elect discuss priorities that mirror so closely what we’ve been fighting for in Springfield. I’m excited to work with Mayor-Elect Johnson as we continue to push for a smart approach to public safety, for fiscally and socially responsible budgets, and for the rights of women, of immigrants, and of working families.”
“I commend the mayor-elect for hitting the ground running, establishing his priorities and building relationships with the General Assembly before he even takes office,” said Senate President Harmon. “I found inspiration with his central message that progressive values and economic prosperity are one and the same, and that we are proving it here in the great state of Illinois. I look forward to finding ways to work together in the years ahead.”
Earlier Wednesday, Johnson met with Welch and Harmon, as well as the Black, Latinx, Progressive, and Moderate House sub-caucuses. Johnson emphasized that Chicago’s success is Illinois’ success, and called for leaders across the state to work together for a smart approach to safe communities, economic opportunity for all, and increased investment in local government.
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Good work if you can get it
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dan Proft’s People Who Play by the Rules PAC disclosed just one independent expenditure during all of the first quarter: $3,725.56 for mail on behalf of Lyons Township High School 204 School Board candidates Tim Vicek, Frank Evans and David Herndon. All three lost to the candidates supported by the Democratic Party of Illinois.
But Proft’s company, Starfish Consulting, was still paid $75,000 in three monthly installments.
* Another $26,500 in consulting fees was paid to Fahrenheit Consulting Group. Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is a founding partner of the firm.
The new Illinois Review has been hammering Pekau for months and I’ve kinda been wondering why. IR also seems to have had a beef with Proft since the new owners took over, so maybe that’s it.
And another $41K or so went to TMKS, LLC out of Rochelle, also for consulting work. I think that’s Michael Koolidge’s firm. Koolidge works for People Who Play By The Rules PAC and is a former congressional candidate.
So, if you add that up, you get $142,500 paid to consultants, which is 38 times the amount spent on actual (losing) campaigns.
* Proft’s IE committee reported no contributions during the quarter, but ended with $1.3 million in the bank.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Illinois’ Medicaid program provides health coverage to nearly 30% of the state’s population—3.6 million children and adults. In 1995, only 10% of Illinoisans were covered by Medicaid. As the state’s largest health insurer, Medicaid has opened pathways to care for low-income residents, leading to better health outcomes.
But, Medicaid reimburses less than 80 cents for every $1 hospitals spend to provide Medicaid patients with high quality care. As hospitals face dire financial distress—from higher labor, drug and supply costs—this shortfall is exacerbating the challenges brought on by inflation and staffing shortages.
What can be done? Illinois hospitals are urging state lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1763 for the first General Revenue Fund (GRF) Medicaid hospital rate increase in 28 years. Consider the following:
• GRF funds less than 18% of hospital Medicaid spending, while hospitals fund over22% through the hospital assessment tax; and Federal matching dollars fund the remaining 60%.
• The GRF Medicaid hospital inpatient rate is less today than in 1995, while hospital costs are up 85%.
Passing SB 1763 would bring a much-needed 20% across-the-board increase to hospital Medicaid base rates—helping preserve and improve equity in funding for hospital care. Discover the facts to learn more.
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So much to unpack here
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The stories from last weekend’s downtown youth violence are completely disturbing, if not particularly new. Plenty of news media outlets are giving it extensive coverage (particularly Fox). But what’s being pushed down in many of these stories is that the taxpayer-funded adults who are supposedly in charge also have something to answer for. Here’s CBS 2…
A couple attacked by a group of teens during the unrest downtown over the weekend said Tuesday that they had to fight for their lives.
The video of the vicious attack near a T-Mobile store on Wabash Avenue has been shared millions of times online.
CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman spoke with the couple – and a woman who jumped in to save them. The couple remains noticeably shaken up – trying to find moments to smile after what they went through.
They were in town from South Carolina, walking in the Loop just trying to find a place to eat.
In seconds, they were cornered and attacked with no way out.
Video shows the group of teens assaulting 20-year-old Ashley Knutson in front of 129 N. Wabash Ave. – across from the Macy’s building – Saturday night. She screams as the group corners her against a set of doors.
Knutson falls to the ground.
“It just doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I can’t believe that happened to us.”
The disturbing video is all over social media.
* You have to wait until the last third of this NBC 5 story to get to the revelation from a very brave Chicagoan…
The video’s audio reveals Knutson yelling for help as the attack took place, and that’s when an unlikely hero emerged.
“I felt like at that moment I needed to take action,” Lenora Dennis said.
Dennis jumped in to help and was able to deescalate the attack. […]
Dennis says what frustrates her the most was that she didn’t receive any help from Chicago police.
“I literally went in front of a police car that I saw coming, like literally stood in front of their car, and I was like ‘stop! There’s people over here getting assaulted,’ and he looked, there were four police officers in the car. The driver looked, and he just cut a path and drove around me,” she said.
“They didn’t stop. Who knows what would have happened if it wasn’t for her,” Garrisson-Johnson added.
Those officers may have been on an important and urgent call and simply couldn’t stop. It happens. We just don’t know yet, but that probably ought to be at least looked into.
Also, this does show that deescalation and violence interruption can work. We need more of that from trained workers. Lots more. Where were all those groups over the weekend? …Adding… Question answered…
* WGN TV…
Dennis said she ushered the couple into the flagship Macy’s store where they hid until they could safely leave. Eventually, Dennis drove them to the 1st District police station where she said a desk sergeant told her words to the effect of: “This is happening because Brandon Johnson got elected.”
“I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life and would’ve never expected that,” Dennis said. “If that’s a precursor to what’s about to happen that’s a total and complete problem.”
It’s an allegation about a single curmudgeon sergeant. But I can see where people would find that very believable and also quite alarming. The FOP’s president did, after all, predict “blood in the streets” if Paul Vallas lost the election. And most of the outraged reaction to the violence appears to be coming from people who wanted to see Vallas elected mayor. It’s bad enough as it is, but it’s now being used as a political cudgel against a guy who hasn’t even been sworn in yet.
* Back to CBS 2…
Since the attack, Knutson said detectives have come to the Maywood Airbnb where they are staying – and have apologized and made sure they are okay.
The couple has filed a police report, but so far, no arrests have been made.
Nice to see an apology. It was certainly owed to them. And with all the video out there (public and private), there had better be some arrests.
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ComEd 4 trial coverage roundup
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* John Hooker’s testimony continues today…
* Tribune | Apparent slip-up during ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore cross-examination leads to revelation about interview with feds: The cross-examination of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore took a dramatic turn Tuesday when she inadvertently opened the door to questions about a 2019 interview with prosecutors where she denied knowing about the utility paying subcontractors connected to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. The apparent slip-up occurred while Pramaggiore was being asked about a recorded call with then-ComEd executive Fidel Marquez, who told her that the subcontractors, including former 13th Ward Ald. Frank Olivo, were being funneled through a contract with lobbyist Jay Doherty and that they didn’t do any work.
* Sun-Times | Former ComEd CEO testifies that secretly recorded call central to bribery case against her actually ‘proves my innocence’: Jurors also heard Tuesday that the September 2019 interview ended after the feds played the recorded phone call for Pramaggiore and her attorneys. Meanwhile, Pramaggiore insisted to Streicker that, if she had remembered the call, “I would have shared it with you because it proves my innocence.” At one point in the February 2019 call with Marquez, Pramaggiore can be heard saying “oh my God.” She testified this week that it was because she was “taken aback” by some of Marquez’s comment
* ABC Chicago | Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore defends actions in bribery case; Hooker testifies: One such conversation-which led to her ending her talks with the U.S. attorney’s office- included a phone call between herself and ComEd lobbyist-turned-government informant Fidel Marquez early that same year. During the call, they discussed how to go about explaining Doherty’s contract to the new CEO and maybe suggesting he put an end to it. “Let’s not do it until after the session’s over. Let’s look at this in terms of going forward to next year because we do not want to get caught up in a, you know, disruptive battle where, you know, somebody gets their nose out of joint and we’re trying to move somebody off and then we get forced to give ‘em a five-year contract because we’re in the middle of needing to get something done in Springfield,” Pramaggiore said in the call on February 18, 2019.
* Hannah Meisel | Former ComEd CEO testifies she was unaware of Madigan allies’ monthly checks for no work: “We didn’t view him as a friend or an ally,” Pramaggiore said of Madigan’s relationship to ComEd, outlining the speaker’s “classic Democrat, very pro-consumer” stance on utilities. She also said ComEd officials were never quite sure what to make of the influencing effect of Madigan’s daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who “was always in opposition to us.”
* CBS Chicago | Prosecutors question ex-ComEd CEO on her knowledge about do-nothing subcontractors: Prosecutors doubled down, asking Pramaggiore to confirm she was testifying that she forgot the entire recorded phone conversation before that interview. She replied simply: “I am.” Fellow defendant Hooker also took the stand on Tuesday afternoon to testify in his own defense, focusing on the ComEd legislation he was involved with.
* NBC Chicago | Second ComEd 4 Defendant Takes The Stand as Trial Continues: Hooker laid out how the office worked but denied any wrongdoing. He also denied being part of then-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s “inner circle.” When asked if he was an agent for Madigan, Hooker proudly said “no, he was ComEd all the way.”
* Crain’s | A key meeting with the feds takes center stage in Pramaggiore cross-examination: Hooker also spoke extensively about his role in helping pass the various bills on which the trial has focused. But he didn’t get to the key questions pertaining to him, which is a recording of him talking about his role in helping create the Doherty subcontracts. He will be on the stand beginning Wednesday morning, when no doubt that issue will come up.
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Another day, another DeVore loss
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I told you this was going to happen quite a while ago. Center Square…
The Illinois Supreme Court has granted a motion to pause proceedings in a challenge of Illinois’ gun and magazine ban pending the outcome of a separate challenge before the state’s high court.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted the state’s ban on certain semi-automatic weapons and magazines Jan. 10. The law has been challenged in both federal and state courts.
One of the first state-level lawsuits came from attorney Thomas DeVore. He secured temporary restraining orders for thousands of named plaintiffs and gun stores in two cases from Effingham County and one from White County. The first case, named Accuracy Firearms v. Pritzker, was appealed by the state to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court decided the case challenging the law on equal protections was likely to advance on its merits.
Separately, a Macon County judge issued a final judgment that the law was unconstitutional based on the appeals court decision. That case was brought by state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur. Because of the appeals court decision, the state appealed Caulkins’ case directly to the Illinois Supreme Court.
DeVore attempted to consolidate his cases with Caulkins’ case, a motion the Illinois Supreme Court denied. They are set to hear the Caulkins case in mid-May.
On March 31, the state filed an abeyance motion in the Accuracy Firearms case with the Illinois Supreme Court. The request was to hold the state’s appeal of a temporary restraining order in the DeVore case “pending the disposition” in the Caulkins case, “which is a direct appeal currently pending before this court.” […]
Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court granted the motion for abeyance, effectively holding off the appeal of the Effingham County TRO until the Caulkins case is resolved.
Meanwhile, DeVore is still trying to subpoena constitutionally protected legislative communications.
Either way, if Rep. Caulkins loses (and he probably will at the state level), then DeVore can ultimately claim victory by claiming he would’ve won if only Caulkins hadn’t interfered. Some folks believe that may actually be why DeVore is pulling his subpoena stunt.
Rep. Caulkins’ case has been scheduled for a May 16 Supreme Court hearing.
* The federal cases are more important, and here’s an update on one of those…
The federal appeals court in Chicago on Tuesday denied a request to block the Illinois assault weapons ban while it faces legal challenges.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an injunction by Robert Bevis, a firearms store owner in Naperville, while he appeals a ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall that found the ban “constitutionally sound.” […]
Bevis’ lawyers argued that his Law Weapons & Supply business suffered because of the ban and might end up closing if it can’t sell the popular guns.
In her ruling, Kendall wrote that, “because assault weapons are particularly dangerous weapons … their regulation accords with history and tradition.”
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Open thread
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Good morning! What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Sun-Times | Illinois assault weapons ban withstands appeal in federal court: The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an injunction by Robert Bevis, a firearms store owner in Naperville, while he appeals a ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall that found the ban “constitutionally sound.”
* Sun-Times | CPS looking to move away from student-based budgeting, CEO Martinez says: Martinez shared these plans during a virtual briefing Tuesday outlining CPS’ school budget for the 2023-24 school year. The school-level budgets represent the money the district gives principals to use for their schools. The budgets, which are set to be finalized and approved over the summer, represent around one-third of the district’s total $9.4 billion budget. They include an infusion of cash from federal COVID-19 relief funding.
* Tribune | Big spending didn’t always lead to wins in school and library board races fueled by partisan rancor: The Illinois Democratic Party spent nearly $260,000 on local school and library board races across the state leading up to the April 4 election, but in some high-profile contests was outspent by slates of conservative candidates pushing for a rightward turn that nonetheless failed to win seats, according to first quarter campaign disclosures.
* Sun-Times | Year of the Incumbent? Only one sitting City Council member unseated this year — first time in a century: The sole incumbent voted out, Southwest Side Ald. Anabel Abarca (12th), was only on the job about two months before she was beaten by Julia Ramirez in the first round of municipal voting Feb. 28. Abarca had been appointed by outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot last fall to replace former Ald. George Cardenas following Cardenas’ election to the Cook County Board of Review.
* SJ-R | ‘Every vote counts’: Two candidates eke out one-vote wins in county election finale: Gordon Gates called his 19-vote win over Melissa Hahn Moseley for a trustee’s seat on the Lincoln Land Community College board “an odd, but ultimately gratifying result.” Gates’ slim margin of victory wasn’t the only oddity that played out in the Sangamon County Election office where officials tabulated late arriving vote-by-mail and provisional ballots Tuesday.
* Patch | Racist Remarks Directed At DuPage Township Trustee During Meeting: Townsend, who is Muslim, was breaking her fast while observing Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, marked by a period of fasting, which is broken after sunset. This year, Ramadan runs from March 20 to April 20. Townsend said she began eating during the meeting, after the sun had set. She was speaking to a resident during the meeting when they mocked her and said, “go back to eating your lunch.”
* Capitol News Illinois | Governors State, Chicago State and EIU faculty have all ended their strikes: Bargaining is also ongoing between administrators and faculty at Northeastern Illinois University. The faculty union there voted to authorize a strike last week and has also requested mediation.
* Sun-Times | Lightfoot says she’s handing Johnson a city with rosy financial future: In a “midyear” budget forecast released Tuesday, the lame-duck mayor argues that she is handing off a budget shortfall to Johnson of just $85 million. That’s more than a historic low for Chicago mayoral transitions. It’s a $390 million improvement from the yawning $473.8 million gap Lightfoot had been expecting, according to her previous midyear budget forecast, released last August.
* Tribune | Teamsters plan to strike at three Rise cannabis stores on the eve of 4/20 pot festivities: The strike is to protest what union spokesman Matthew McQuaid said was an unfair labor practice, when management told workers to take off Teamsters buttons during bargaining.
* Kimberly Lightford and Carol Ammons | It’s time for Illinois to systematically support student well-being: Adverse childhood experiences — or ACEs — include traumas such as parental separation, domestic violence, mental illness, abuse and neglect, and substance abuse and incarceration. Exposure to traumatic experiences impacts a child’s social-emotional development, their mental and physical health, and their learning and academic outcomes.
* WAND | Pritzker, Stratton join advocates for early childhood lobby day: Pritzker hopes Democrats and Republicans will support his Smart Start Illinois plan with investments in preschool, child care, early intervention, and early childhood facilities. The governor is calling for $250 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to launch the program.
* Aurora Beacon-News | Assessed value of property in Aurora has increased $1.2 billion since 2011, officials say: That increase in assessed value has created a steady decline in the city’s property tax rate since 2014, from a high of more than $2 for each $100 in assessed value, to around $1.77 this year, the report said.
* Tribune | Rails to trails: How converted railroad paths became great escapes for cyclists, from the Great American to The 606: Chicago is also home to a stretch of the Great American Rail Trail, a 3,700-mile bike path from coast to coast that passes through northwest Indiana and the south suburbs. Though supported by the national Rails to Trails Conservancy, it is really a network of more than 125 locally backed trails that is still filling out some gaps in the run from Washington, D.C., to the Pacific Ocean west of Seattle. I did a relatively short stretch in Indiana, and it left me wanting to ride more.
* Daily Southtown | Viral video of Dolton soul food restaurant generates more business: Ladonna Jones posted the video on TikTok with the caption that stated, in part, “it breaks my heart everyday to see my daddy sit at this same window waiting on customers to come in.”
* Daily Herald | Bears to blame? Developer cites stadium proposal for delay in Arlington Heights project: Developer Bruce Adreani already was having difficulty obtaining financing for his mixed-use redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Block 425 in downtown Arlington Heights, but this week he added a new wrinkle: the Bears. Adreani cited the NFL franchise’s possible move to Arlington Park — and how that redevelopment could affect the village’s downtown — among reasons his Arlington 425 project has been slow to progress since it was first approved by the village board in May 2019.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Afternoon roundup
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore’s testimony has concluded…
* Capitol News Illinois…
Faculty at Governors State University ended a strike on Monday after being on the picket line for five days. […]
Union members at Chicago State University ended their 10-day strike on Sunday and those at Eastern Illinois University ended their six-day strike last Thursday. […]
Bargaining is also ongoing between administrators and faculty at Northeastern Illinois University. The faculty union there voted to authorize a strike last week and has also requested mediation.
* Rep. Joe Sosnowski’s HR176…
Encourages the further development of Liberland and the efforts of its government and citizens to establish a new partner in guaranteeing the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Requests the President of the United States, the Secretary of the State, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider recognizing the Free Republic of Liberland.
Wikipedia…
Liberland, also known as the Free Republic of Liberland, is a micronation in Southeast Europe claiming an uninhabited parcel of disputed land on the western bank of the Danube, between Croatia and Serbia (locally known as Gornja Siga). It was proclaimed on 13 April 2015 by the Czech right-libertarian politician and activist Vít Jedlička. […]
Legal experts in both Serbia and Croatia have said that, under international law, Jedlička lacks the right to claim the area, which is currently the subject of a dispute between the two nations. Croatia and Serbia have dismissed Jedlička’s claims as frivolous, although the two countries have reacted in different ways.
* Press release…
Davis Family Asks for Privacy and Prayers After Medical Emergency and Car Accident
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Tuesday, April 11th, after experiencing a medical emergency, State Representative William “Will” Davis of the 30th District was involved in a minor car accident.
The Davis family wishes to thank the first responders for their expeditious response as well as the medical staff for the excellent care he is receiving.
He and his family are very appreciative of the prayers, thoughts, support and well-wishes. During this time, as he focuses on making a full recovery, the family respectfully asks for privacy.
Representative Davis’ office will continue to serve the constituents of the 30th District.
* Press release…
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced today she is forming a federal committee to explore a run for Congress in Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District.
“Today, I am taking steps to run for Congress to serve the people of Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District. I’ve lived in this district my entire life and I understand the bold leadership that is needed to breathe new life into our communities. We all deserve a quality education, economic opportunities, and a safe neighborhood — no matter where we are born. It’s been my mission to serve, and I am ready to put myself forward,” she said
Conyears-Ervin added:
“Unfortunately, congressional races are long, logistically complicated, and expensive. I am taking this step today in order to ensure that I have the proper infrastructure to hit the ground running when the right time comes. Congressman Danny Davis has ably served the people of the Seventh District for many years. Whenever he should choose to retire, I will be running to succeed him and continue his legacy of service.”
* Tribune…
New mayors have often entered office at a disadvantage when they discover a massive budget deficit their predecessor left behind.
When Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office in 2011, he pegged the city’s budget shortfall at $636 million, blaming predecessor Richard M. Daley for profligate spending. Mayor Lori Lightfoot faced similar circumstances in 2019, when she said Emanuel left her an $838 million gap.
But the outgoing mayor’s financial team said Tuesday the administration is leaving Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson with a projected budget gap of just $85 million for his first year.
That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the city’s overall $16.7 billion budget. That gap would remain “relatively low” in 2025 at $124 million and 2026 at $145 million if Johnson’s administration sticks to his predecessor’s recommended budget practices, city officials project.
Sponsored
* M3 Strategies released a number of polls during the mayoral campaign. Turns out, the Republican firm was also paid $363,731.74 by Paul Vallas during the first quarter for various services.
By the way, Paul Vallas made just one campaign contribution out of his political action committee during the entire first quarter: $65,000 to Ald. Roderick Sawyer’s 6th Ward. Brandon Johnson won that ward 82-18.
Also, the Vallas campaign paid Ikoro LLC $500,000 during the quarter. $20K of that was for consulting, and the other $480K has the notation “Disputed - not verified.” According to state records, Ikoro LLC is owned by Chima Enyia, the former executive director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
The rather odd Keith Thornton, last seen disrupting a Brandon Johnson event, got $20K. Tyrone Muhammad also got in on the Vallas action. The founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change is perhaps best known for disrupting a trans rights rally and for being paid $250,000 by Dan Proft’s People Who Play by the Rules PAC and for palling around with Tom DeVore. Muhammad received $12,000 for consulting.
* Press release…
Today, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office announced it has filed a lawsuit against the nation’s largest insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) demonstrating that the defendants had illegally conspired to artificially increase insulin prices in violation of the Illinois’s Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Over the past 25 years, the list price of certain insulins has greatly increased — in some cases by more than 1000%. This increase has vastly outpaced the consumer price index or the relevant rise in costs associated with manufacturing and research.
The lawsuit argues that manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, and PBMs CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, have leveraged their market power to increase profits at the expense of Lake County and the payors who need the lifesaving medication.
The filing is here.
* Isabel is on assignment, so you’re stuck with me…
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It’s just a bill
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chicago Tribune…
Shreya Nallamothu was scrolling through TikTok the summer before her freshman year of high school when she started to notice how much content featured children performing in professionally produced family videos, or “vlogs.”
The bill, which was passed unanimously by the Senate and is now before the House, would require that a minimum of half a video’s earnings, prorated based on the amount of time the person under 16 appears, be set aside in an account that is accessible only to the child when they turn 18. So, if a video made $100 and a minor was in half of the video, then that minor would be paid at least $25 for their work. If there are multiple children in the program, they would share the money evenly. […]
Jenny LeFlore, a full-time content creator in Chicago who provides online parenting recommendations, is supportive of the bill but sees flaws in some aspects of it.
She takes issue with the bill’s definition of “vlog” as “content shared on an online platform in exchange for compensation” and “vlogger” anyone who produces compensated video content, language she finds overly broad.
But LeFlore’s main problem is a requirement that channel owners closely document the time stamps for which their children are present on a vlog to ensure the children are allotted their proper payment.
* Brownfield Ag News…
Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly would allow students to participate in 4-H and FFA competitions and shows without being counted absent from school.
Pontiac FFA Advisor Jesse Faber chairs the Illinois Ag Education Legislative Committee. He tells Brownfield many schools start the academic year before the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair, which has caused conflict for 4-H and FFA members. […]
Faber says it is really no different than a student being excused to compete in a sporting event.
“That is exactly what we are asking for here, just the same recognition and treatment as if they were attending a music competition, a student council convention, or a track meet.” […]
Faber says the bill passed unanimously in the House and is expected to be picked up in the Senate once lawmakers return to session. He says the bill has strong bipartisan support and he is very optimistic that it will pass. Senator Doris Turner and Representative Sonya Harper are the lead sponsors.
* SB1896 is on First Reading in the House. Center Square…
A new Senate bill would allow Illinoisans to purchase a car without ever having to visit a dealership.
In a digital world, a person can buy just about anything from the comfort of home. In the Illinois Senate, state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, has Senate Bill 1896. If approved, car buyers in Illinois will be able to buy a car without ever having to visit a dealership.
SB1896 would change the Illinois Vehicle Code to clarify language pertaining to home delivery and electronic signatures. […]
Carvana, the national company that sells used cars online and delivers them directly to the customer’s driveway, is backing Joyce’s legislation because the company believes that it is not necessary to visit a dealer’s office in order to buy a car.
* Library Journal…
A bill that explicitly prohibits Illinois libraries from banning books is speeding its way toward passage by the General Assembly, and the Illinois Secretary of State said he wants “every librarian in the country to know we have their backs.” […]
HB 2789 passed the Illinois House 69–39 on March 22. Not a single Republican voted for the bill. “That’s insane, frankly,” said State Sen. Laura Murphy, a Democrat. In the past, she said, library-related bills in Illinois usually collected some GOP support. House Republicans who voted against the bill did not respond to LJ ’s request for comment.
The bill went to the Senate on March 23, had a first reading, and must now advance through committee before facing a full vote of the 59-member upper chamber. The spring legislative session ends on May 19. Democrats have a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly; they don’t require Republican votes to pass any legislation. In the state Senate, Dems hold a 40–19 advantage.
Murphy predicted HB 2789 would pass the Senate with at least a few GOP votes. She described herself as “pretty confident” Pritzker will sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. “He’s very supportive,” Giannoulis added of the governor.
* Illinois Health and Hospital Association…
Illinois hospital and health system leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass several bills that will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals, help deter violence against healthcare workers, and address staffing challenges to ensure hospitals can continue to provide access to quality healthcare for patients in all Illinois communities.
On Wednesday, April 19, nearly 100 leaders of hospital and health systems from across the state will meet with legislators from their respective districts during Hospital Advocacy Day organized by the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).
“We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Illinois General Assembly to outline the many challenges hospitals are still facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including growing cost pressures, physical and verbal assault against healthcare workers, and staffing shortages,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, IHA President and CEO. “We must work together to address these critical issues to advance health, ensure equity, keep our healthcare workforce strong and safe, and protect access to patient care in all Illinois communities.”
During Hospital Advocacy Day, hospital and health system leaders will urge members of the Illinois General Assembly to vote in support of the following healthcare bills:
-Senate Bill 1763, sponsored by Sen. Ann Gillespie (D – Arlington Heights) and Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), advances a 20% increase to hospital Medicaid reimbursement rates. Without additional state support, access to care will continue to suffer as hospitals are forced to close units, limit services or, in extreme cases, consider closure. The bipartisan legislation would provide the first General Revenue Fund (GRF) Medicaid base rate increase for hospitals in 28 years.
-To deter the increasingly vicious physical, emotional and verbal attacks, IHA introduced Senate Bill 1863 to make it clear that those who harm healthcare professionals will be held accountable under the law. The commonsense bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Sen. John F. Curran (R-Lemont) and Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), includes violence against a healthcare worker in a healthcare setting as an aggravating factor a judge can consider during sentencing.
-House Bill 559, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood), allows providers holding temporary out-of-state licenses the opportunity to apply for a permanent Illinois license and to continue to work for up to an additional 12 months until the Illinois Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues the permanent license or denies the application. The legislation extends similar flexibilities to providers seeking reinstatement of their Illinois license. In light of the state’s well-documented healthcare worker shortage, this legislation offers a commonsense winding down period for healthcare professionals currently working in the state’s hospitals on a temporary COVID-19 out-of-state license. House Bill 559 supports hospital and health systems’ efforts to sustain and grow the state’s healthcare workforce.
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Get it together, people
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s on the weekend violence…
But the alderman who represents much of downtown, Brendan Reilly, 42nd, blamed police for letting the situation get out of hand.
“This feels a bit like Groundhog Day — every year, on our first warm weather weekend, it seems that (Chicago Police Department) leadership is caught flat-footed and overwhelmed by these large groups of juveniles on our beaches and in our parks,” Reilly said. “My colleagues and I will be demanding a briefing to ensure that CPD has drafted a plan and that it will be implemented immediately to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.” […]
Police sources emphasize that, after earlier events, steps were taken to secure Millennium Park and that there was a considerable police presence available to deter looting. But sources also report that the department needs to improve internal communication between units that monitor social media and patrol officers. In addition, the department is planning steps to ensure more command personnel are on hand to make quick decisions during future such incidents.
This happens pretty much every year and they’re only now fixing to get ready to do these things?
* Sun-Times…
Downtown Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said the gatherings fueled by social media devolved into three nights of “mayhem” because of a “total breakdown in command and control” at the Chicago Police Department.
“We’ve had more than our share of downtown mass arrest incidents going back over a decade. This is not new,” Hopkins said. “What is new is to have it happen three days in a row.” […]
Hopkins said interim police Supt. Eric Carter and Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott got into a shouting match Saturday night, and there was a heated disagreement between “Chicago police leadership and CTA management about who was in charge” of determining whether to cut off mass transit service to downtown.
“There should be all sorts of contingency plans in place for when these incidents occur,” Hopkins said. “Instead, we had an absolute meltdown of command and control. Nobody knew who was in charge.”
Unreal.
* Tribune…
“I don’t feel safe in my city anymore,” said Raul Montes, a Little Village activist who held a news conference Monday afternoon to demand Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson reinforce the city’s 10 p.m. curfew for teens enacted in May last year by City Council following a teen’s fatal shooting at The Bean in Millennium Park.
That curfew was an abject failure. WTTW…
Chicago’s extended and expanded teen curfew — touted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the way to put an end to a spate of downtown violence among young Chicagoans — was enforced by police only four times between May 17 and Aug. 18, according to data obtained by WTTW News.
* Back to the Tribune…
On Monday night, Chicago police issued a statement that it would be “actively and continuously” reviewing “open source social media” and that “additional resources will be available to protect those who are visiting, living or working in the areas of large gatherings. Resources include an increased police and command staff presence at these gatherings citywide.”
It said that the “Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) will also be monitoring all activity and police cameras to assist in the proactive reallocation of resources when necessary.”
“Additional security measures such as bag checks at beach entry points and the curfew for minors at Millennium Park” will be in place,” the statement said. “CPD is also working closely with youth and outreach workers for when these gatherings occur.”
The CPD needs to coordinate much more closely with outreach groups. The cops are clearly overwhelmed and it’s time they admit that. And these outreach groups need to step the heck up.
* WBEZ…
Chicago in recent years has invested more resources in non-policing solutions to violence.
[Norman Kerr, a local public safety expert] said the city could employ a team of anti-violence workers to patrol downtown hot spots on the weekend and help turn down the temperature when situations get heated.
“There has to be some sort of investment in a cadre of individuals who can [stop] some of the conflicts that are brewing. They can help to mitigate it,” Kerr said. He said those teams must be property funded and put in place before kids get downtown.
* Thanks for the news flash, Chicago Tribune editorial board…
Part of the issue here is that teens now use social media to organize very quickly. Those of previous generations are familiar with how kids used to spend hours just trying to find the right time and place to meet up. As an episode of the public radio show “This American Life” once explored, teenagers used to spend all their energy figuring out a plan.
Now huge numbers of teens are interconnected. One posts where to go and when, and hundreds, if not thousands, heed the call. Demonstrably, they move far faster than police.
Gee, you think? C’mon. Social media has been around longer than some of these kids have been alive. And it’s helped generate organized downtown violence for nearly that long. Where is that editorial board even from? Did they just drop in from Mars?
* CBS 2…
Chicago Loop Alliance responded to the crowds by saying, “Our Chicago Loop Alliance ambassadors and unarmed security remained vigilant of the situation throughout the night. While this is not a frequent occurrence in the Loop, we are prepared to work with all relevant partners and parties in response to when these trends are detected.”
We’ve seen social media posts encouraging teens to come into the Loop and fight.
CBS 2 reached out to the CPD to ask if they know how this started, and they said they have no clue how this was organized.
“No clue.”
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* Senate President Don Harmon…
I want to compliment Leader Curran on the amicable nature of our ongoing discussions. We’ve had encouraging talks with our Republican colleagues on how to work together toward shared goals that further the state’s economic success and stability. I look forward to reviewing their proposals and seeing where we can find common ground.
* SJ-R…
Minority Senate Leader John Curran and fellow Senate Republicans argued the state’s fiscal standing should be used to help businesses through legislation being pushed by its caucus and lowering taxes.
The virtually-held press conference centered on a handful of bills Republicans believe will keep businesses from leaving Illinois. Most of them, however, have been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee which likely means voting action will not happen before the end of the spring session on May 19.
While Democrats have argued that its policies are helping business and labor interests, state Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, says departures of companies such as Caterpillar and Boeing show the state is not being a welcoming environment to employers.
“We don’t just want businesses to locate here in Illinois, we should be incentivizing the ones that are already here to grow and thrive,” he said.
* Crain’s…
Clearly the biggest ask is to kill the state’s estate tax, which through the three quarters of this fiscal year had pulled in more than $400 million. Getting that through a body in which Democrats have super-majorities in both chambers will be very difficult, legislative sources said.
Possibly with better chances are bills that would remove a $100,000-a-year deduction cap on business loss carryforwards on Dec. 31, a year earlier than now planned; extend and enhance R&D credits, repeal the franchise tax, and implement new credits for headquarters locations and employment. The headquarters credit would net any company that qualifies, including small businesses, $100 for each year it was based in the state. The employment credit would create a new credit of $100 per worker.
Curran said Democrats have been receptive in private talks, but only to a point.
“We have begun conversations,” Curran said. “Generally, there’s been some willingness to do things for business” but no specific commitments.
* Full SGOP press release…
As Illinois’ unfriendly business climate has pushed large companies to leave the state or significantly reduce their corporate presence, members of the Senate Republican Caucus shared a package of business advocacy initiatives to help Illinois better compete, create jobs, and boost its economy.
“Illinois is rich with potential, an educated workforce, and a long history of innovation,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grover). “Unfortunately, in 2021, in response to the defeat of the Progressive Income Tax Amendment, the Governor and the Democratic Majority passed a series of tax increases on Illinois businesses that continue to hold our job creators and job seekers back. Today we are here to advocate for policy solutions to help Illinois attract and retain businesses and investment in our communities.”
Leader Curran discussed Senate Bill 1810, which removes the $100,000 cap on the Net Operating Loss deductions on December 31, 2023, to help businesses invest and grow their organizations without revenue loss to the state.
Senator Win Stoller (R-Peoria), a business owner himself, introduced Senate Bill 1406 that makes good on the repeal of the franchise tax that the Governor and Democratic Majority stopped in 2021. The franchise tax includes three different taxes on money used to build a business as opposed to revenue or even net worth. Illinois is in the minority of states that impose such a tax.
“Our focus must be on enacting policies that attract and keep businesses in Illinois rather than discourage growth,” said Stoller. “Getting rid of the franchise tax removes a barrier that punishes employers for building their businesses in Illinois.”
Another measure that aims to attract and retain businesses in Illinois is Senate Bill 2140, proposed by Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), which would reduce the filing fee for limited liability corporations by 50 percent. Chesney also cosponsored Senate Bill 140 that eliminates the Estate Tax for persons dying on or after the effective date, or for transfers made on or after the effective date.
“Illinois can and must do more to let businesses know that we value them and appreciate their decisions to locate and operate in the State of Illinois. Unfortunately, the policies coming out of Springfield convey just the opposite. We make our business owners jump through an inordinate number of hoops and we wrap them up in red tape,” said Chesney. “Rather than stifling the state’s job creators, let’s help them grow.”
The goal of Senate Bill 2075, proposed by Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), is to support and retain the state’s legacy businesses. Lewis’ legislation would create a legacy tax credit for companies headquartered in Illinois, along with employee tax credits.
“We all live here because we either love Illinois, believe in its potential, or both. Our state has so much to offer. It is located in the heart of the nation, and it is a major transportation hub with state-of-the-art institutions and an educated citizenry that wants to work in a rewarding career. There is no reason why we cannot be a leader in the Midwest and nation for job creation and stability,” said Lewis. “This bill is one example of how we can make Illinois a place where people want to live, not leave.”
Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) has introduced several pieces of legislation poised to support job creators and spur innovation. His bills include Senate Bill 163, a tax credit to fund research and development, and Senate Bill 2084, which creates the Illinois Innovation Tax Credit.
“Rather than putting laws in place that push our job creators to take their business and jobs to other, more business-friendly states, we need to support them. We don’t just want businesses to locate in Illinois; we should incentivize them to grow and thrive here,” said DeWitte. “By unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit through R & D tax credits, we are encouraging individuals and corporations with great ideas to act, launch, and expand businesses right here in Illinois.”
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ComEd 4 trial coverage roundup
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Wrapping up this week?…
* Hannah Meisel | Former ComEd CEO testifies she was unaware of Madigan allies’ monthly checks for no work: Asked if Madigan had “taken good care of” her, Pramaggiore said “not in the legislative sense,” but did indicate that her teen son had gotten the opportunity to volunteer with the Democratic Party of Illinois during both the 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Conventions, which she’d suspected was because of Madigan. Pramaggiore faces cross-examination from prosecution on Tuesday, and the defense on Monday indicated it would wrap up its case by the end of the week.
* Amanda Vinicky | Former ComEd CEO Distances Herself From Michael Madigan During 2nd Day on the Stand: Pramaggiore told a federal jury that she was thankful to McClain, John Hooker — another co-defendant and ComEd executive — but, only added appreciation for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on that call because she was doing the CEO version of kissing up. “I always included the speaker when I’m talking to Mike McClain. He revered the speaker. The speaker loomed large in his life and I knew that,” she said. “It’s kind of like throwing in something about a family members, ‘I enjoyed meeting your spouse or your son or daughter.’”
* Tribune | ‘We weren’t bribing Speaker Madigan’: Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore back on witness stand in her own defense in ‘ComEd Four’ case: And the jobs given to 13th Ward acolytes? The summer internships doled out by ComEd to college kids recommended by the speaker? The utility’s hiring of a law firm headed by Democratic operative and longtime Madigan associated Vicor Reyes? None of it had anything to do with any illegal scheme, she said. “No, we weren’t bribing Speaker Madigan,” Pramaggiore said bluntly at one point Monday.
* Sun-Times | On witness stand, former ComEd CEO denies knowing contractors were tied to Madigan: Pramaggiore suggested in the call that Marquez tell Dominguez “it’s probably a good time to make a switch,” but she suggested he wait until after the end of the legislative session. She said they did not want someone to get “their nose out of joint,” forcing ComEd to give someone “a five-year contract because we’re in the middle of needing to get something done in Springfield.” She also mentioned turnover in the legislature. On Monday, Pramaggiore explained that she didn’t understand who the subcontractors would have been affiliated with in the legislature. She said she mentioned turnover because she was thinking “maybe those legislators are no longer in the legislature.”
* CBS Chicago | Former ComEd CEO denies she tried to bribe former Speaker Madigan: She went on to say ComEd didn’t view Madigan as a friend or ally, but a “classic Democrat” who was “very pro-consumer which made him not very supportive of businesses as a natural matter.” Prosecutors spent weeks detailing how they said ComEd got legislation passed by influencing and paying off Madigan’s people. That included payments ComEd made to allies of Madigan, brought on as subcontractors who prosecutors said were paid thousands of dollars a month, but never did any real work for the utility company.
* ABC Chicago | Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore returns to stand in bribery case: “Are you aware of anything that Speaker Madigan did to get these bills passed?” asked defense attorney Scott Lassar. “No,” replied Pramaggiore.
* Crain’s | Anne Pramaggiore explains what she meant when caught on those wiretaps: Another example was the May 2018 call in which Pramaggiore excitedly told McClain about her coming promotion to become CEO of all of Exelon’s utility subsidiaries, not just ComEd. Referring to McClain, Madigan and ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, she told McClain, “Never would have happened without you and John and the speaker. … ‘Cause the only reason I’m in this position is ‘cause ComEd has done so well, and you guys have been my spirit guides.” Asked to explain, she said she was referring to McClain and Hooker with the “spirit guides” comment. Not Madigan.
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* WBEZ…
Nearly half of all medical positions inside Illinois prisons are currently unfilled, according to a new report from a court-appointed monitor that found the staffing shortages are a “crisis” that “threatens the safety” of people locked up.
The monitor was assigned to evaluate prison conditions as part of a court settlement. Attorney Harold Hirshman who worked on the lawsuit over prison health care said the monitor’s report was “terrible, as usual” and undercuts the state’s positive rhetoric. […]
The damning monitor’s report comes more than a decade after a federal lawsuit alleged medical care in Illinois prisons was so poor it violated the constitution. The lawsuit settled in 2019, but the monitor says at least some aspects of the prison health care system are actually worse than they were then. Meanwhile, the private company in charge of providing medical care inside Illinois prisons recently saw its contract expire, and the state is now soliciting bids for a new health care contract.
The state generally declines to respond to questions related to litigation and neither the Illinois Department of Corrections nor Gov. JB Pritzker responded to requests for comment.
* From the report…
IDOC has made progress and improvements in several areas. But, IDOC is approaching the fourth year under the Consent Decree that is expected to last ten years. After nearly four years, few of the major deficiencies and fewer of the essential elements that resulted in the Consent Decree have been corrected and some have worsened. Though IDOC said it needs more than 300 additional staff, there are fewer health care staff working now than before the Consent Decree was signed. Fifty percent of physician positions are vacant. Forty six percent of total health care positions are currently vacant. There are significant vacancies of supervisory staff at all levels including facility Directors of Nursing, supervising registered nurses, Medical Directors, and Health Care Unit Administrators. The statewide Infection Control Coordinator and Quality Improvement Coordinator positions are both temporarily assigned and lack qualifications for the position. Neither of these programs are fully operational. This staffing shortage is critical and results in patients not receiving adequate care.
The electronic medical record is still not implemented, furthermore there is no contract for an electronic record vendor. If a contract were signed today, it will likely take an additional two or more years to effectively implement the electronic record. This would likely be in the seventh year of Consent Decree.
* WGLT…
Work on mandated policies and procedures is “sporadic and disorganized,” said the report. Among those reports is a required review of inmate deaths. The average number of inmate deaths for the past six years is about 90, the report noted, but has varied considerably due to the COVID pandemic.
All deaths should include an autopsy and be included in a comprehensive quarterly report, the monitor recommended, with an opportunity for staff to “provide anonymous information regarding events surrounding a death with an aim toward improving patient safety.”
Specific examples of alleged failures by IDOC to care for inmates who died in prison are cited in the report. A man identified as Mortality Patient 9 arrived at the state’s Northern Reception Center in Joliet on June 3, 2021 with three prescriptions for psychotropic medications. He refused to take the drugs on June 29 and 30 and accepted his final dose on July 2 before his transfer to Shawnee Correctional Center six days later.
The paperwork for the man’s transfer did not include the fact that his medication had expired six days earlier and that he had twice refused to see a psychiatrist the week before. A nurse noticed the lapsed prescription and another order was written but he did not receive the pills until July 15, a lapse of 13 days without the medications.
In December, Mortality Patient 9 was moved to Menard Correctional Center with paperwork that omitted major factors related to his medications and declining mental health, the report noted. Three months later, he committed suicide. A suicide review stated that the record sent to Menard “was missing documentation that would have indicated the need for crisis follow-up,” said the monitor’s summary.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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Open thread
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go!…
* Cardinal Cupich | Lawmakers have the opportunity to improve education for all Illinois children: While I am a strong advocate for Catholic education, I am also an advocate for families who choose public school education. Everybody wins when parents, who know their children best, have the opportunity to pick the schools that meet their children’s needs. Lawmakers have three specific actions they can take this spring to strengthen quality educational opportunities for all children.
* Capitol News Illinois | Democratic Justices, citing Republican predecessor, won’t step aside from assault weapons case: According to campaign finance records, both judicial candidates received $500,000 each from the JB for Governor campaign and another $500,000 each from the Jay Robert Pritzker Revocable Trust. Both also received contributions from Welch’s campaign committee, $350,000 for O’Brien and $150,000 for Rochford.
* Tribune | Bears stadium development could on hinge on TIF money — a financial tool that’s had varying success in Arlington Heights: The Bears’ say they will pay to build a new stadium, but would only proceed with their planned $5 billion mixed-use development if they get tax “certainty” and public funding for infrastructure such as roads, utilities and stormwater management. Apartments, condominiums and other development planned for the site would be built by private developers — and could mean the added expense of more students for local schools.
* Tribune | Illinois Senate committee hears array of ideas on implementing an elected school board in Chicago: “An elected school board will provide our communities with greater accountability, a way to hold CPS leaders responsible for the decisions that impact our children and our neighborhoods,” state Sen. Omar Aquino, a Chicago Democrat who was educated in CPS, said during Monday’s virtual hearing.
* Center Square | Pritzker pitches Illinois bonds to investors in New York: Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials were in New York previewing $2.45 billion in bonds the state is selling. Illinois Director of Capital Markets Paul Chatalas said they’re looking to go to market Wednesday.
* Politico | America’s Looming Conflict: Red Judges vs. Blue Governors: Pritzker, 58, made plain in our conversation that he is not looking for war with the federal judiciary. Yet in many respects war has come to him and other blue state governors, as a cohort of conservative legal activists on the federal bench flex their new power with rulings that strain constitutional credibility.
* BGA | How a FOIA Loophole in Illinois Puts Kids at Risk: A BGA Policy analysis of the 16 county detention centers across Illinois has found that only three successfully have completed audits mandated by federal law to enforce protections against sexual assault. Analysis of those audits, policy manuals and other data provided to BGA Policy shows that in the wake of blowback at the Cook County facility over use of room confinement, that disciplinary action is still commonly used in many facilities, with some confining youth for over 24 hours at a time.
* Sun-Times | Alderman blasts fractious CPD leadership for flat-footed response to violent weekend gatherings: Officials fought amongst themselves and street cops were overwhelmed, Ald Brian Hopkins said, as groups of teens jumped on cars and set fires in the Loop — and at least three teens were shot. ‘Nobody knew who was in charge,’ Hopkins said.
* WBEZ | Can CTA get back on track? New data show a workforce still in flux.: At the monthly meeting of the Chicago Transit Board on Wednesday, President Dorval Carter expressed optimism that the agency has stopped the “hemorrhaging” of employees it experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has started to fill the hundreds of vacancies on the bus and rail side.
* Sun-Times | Ed Burke Day proposed, then pulled — at Burke’s request: After a political uproar that dragged on for hours, 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez on Monday abandoned efforts to declare May 15 — inauguration day for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson — as “Ald. Edward M. Burke Day” in Chicago. Lopez said he pulled the plug at the request of Burke, the indicted and now retiring City Council member who apparently had no interest in ending his record 54-year tenure amid a political controversy to match the legal quagmire he is in.
* USA Today | Homeowner charged with shooting Missouri teen who went to the wrong house: An 85-year-old white man has been charged with armed assault after he shot and injured a Black teen who showed up at the wrong address. But charging documents neglect a “racial component” to the incident in which Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl at his front door in Kansas City, prosecutors said.
* AP | Oklahoma officials accused of talk of killing journalists: Oklahoma’s governor is seeking the resignation of four county officials after a newspaper’s audio recording apparently captured some of them complaining about two of the paper’s journalists and knowing hit men and where two holes are dug. A portion of the recording was released by the paper, and it also appears to capture one of the four making racist comments about Black people.
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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