* Background is here if you need it. I’m told that Senate President Don Harmon “fully supports” the tax cut plan unveiled on Friday. Here’s Amber Wilson from Economic Security for Illinois on behalf of the Coalition to Make EIC Work…
“We were disappointed that Senate leaders offered a nearly $2 billion dollar tax relief proposal that leaves behind low-income families and immigrant workers. We are glad to see that a much-needed expansion to the Earned Income Credit is on the table in the budgeting process, however, we know what was offered does not meet the needs of our communities at this critical moment. The average low-income worker would see only a few dozen dollars back, whereas the proposal our coalition supports would have offered hundreds more in a refund check at tax time.
The Coalition finds it particularly troubling that the Senate did not expand the full credit to low-income workers who are currently ineligible for the EIC. While the proposal would include immigrants who file taxes with an ITIN in the Earned Income Credit, it would subjugate them to an entirely different tax scheme that prevents the opportunity of receiving a refund check. ITIN filers pay the same taxes as those who have earned full citizenship and they should be offered the same chance at relief. Childless adults who are ineligible for the credit because of their age are completely absent from the Senate proposal.
During their announcement, we were heartened to hear Senate leaders tout the Earned Income Credit as “critical” and the “most effective anti-poverty tool we have,” and we encourage them, and their colleagues in both legislative chambers and the Governor’s Office, to take advantage of the popular and effective Earned Income Credit by offering it to excluded workers and increasing the value for all who qualify.”
The coalition includes groups like AARP Illinois, Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Illinois Nurses Association, Illinois Public Interest Research Group, Latino Policy Forum, Metropolitan Planning Council, Service Employees International Union - Healthcare, SEIU locals 1, and 73, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, United Food & Commercial Workers - Local 881, United Way of Illinois, Voices for Illinois Children and Women Employed.
There is, however, one more fiscally responsible thing the state can do that will really help families across Illinois: enact the initiatives detailed in House Bill 4920 and Senate Bill 3774.
First, the legislation would enhance the state’s existing Earned Income Credit – by increasing its dollar value as well as expanding eligibility for claiming it. Illinois’ EIC, which is based on the EITC given at the federal level, is a “refundable” tax credit targeted to low-income workers. This effectively puts money in the pockets of folks who need it most. And we know it works. When benefits provided under the federal EITC were increased as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, almost 1.5 million Illinoisans benefited.
The proposed Illinois legislation would also create a new refundable Child Tax Credit to help low-to-no-income families with dependent children. Again, we know this will make a meaningful difference if it becomes law. When the federal Child Tax Credit was increased under ARPA, it benefited nearly 90 percent of Illinois children who are under age 17. […]
Expanding the state EIC and creating a new Child Tax Credit as legislators have proposed, would give up to 4.8 million Illinoisans – or about 40 percent of the state’s population – at least $600 back in tax refunds, make the state’s tax policy fairer, reduce child poverty, and support lower-wage workers. Better yet, those refunds will get pumped right back into local economies across Illinois. In fact, we estimate the state’s private sector economy will realize a stimulus that could top $1 billion if these credits are fully implemented as proposed – far more than the estimated upfront cost of about $415 million.
* More on the EIC component…
* Illinois Senate Democrats introduce $1.8 billion tax relief plan: The legislation also includes an expansion of the state’s earned income tax credit for young adults, anyone 65 and older, and undocumented immigrants or others with an individual taxpayer identification number. Sen. Omar Aquino also pushed to have the state’s EIC increase from 18% to 19% for taxable years after January 1, 2023. Aquino is one of several lawmakers fighting for more low-income Illinoisans to get access to the earned income tax credit. While that plan was included in this legislation, the creation of a child tax credit was left out, although Aquino explained that families could still have extra money coming in through the one-time refunds. “This is a proposal that we want to get out there so that we can get to the table and talk to the governor and his folks and also there’s another side of the building as well that has to be a part of this conversation,” Aquino said. “But the Senate Democrats are putting our proposal on the table and wanting to support families throughout the entire state.”
* Crime and budget are top of mind for Illinois lawmakers as session wraps up Friday: A part of the Senate proposal sponsored by Aquino includes a smaller increase in the credit but not the expansion of eligibility that advocates are seeking. The issue is still in play, according to sources familiar with negotiations, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss closed-door talks. But a final agreement hinges on finding a consensus that doesn’t create a budget hole in future years, sources said.
* Most of the newsy posts won’t be posted until tomorrow, and I’m doubting we’ll see more than a handful of comments today. But I promised y’all that I’d open up the blog, so here you go.
Woke up this morning with a wine glass in my hand
Whose wine? What wine?
Where the hell did I dine?
Must have been a dream
I don’t believe where I’ve been
Come on! Let’s do it again!
* The governor’s office is saying they weren’t briefed on today’s $1.8 billion Senate Democratic proposal to cut taxes. Here’s Jordan Abudayyeh from Pritzker’s office…
We look forward to reviewing this proposal. Our conversations with members of the General Assembly in both chambers have been productive, and we will continue to focus on delivering fiscally responsible relief for working families.
House Speaker Chris Welch received a brief phone call about half an hour before the press conference. From Welch’s spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll…
The Senate President did reach out to the Speaker shortly before the plan went public, but he still has not been thoroughly briefed on the details. He plans to review the proposal and discuss it in detail at the next caucus.
I’ve been hearing that Welch isn’t enamored at all with the idea of handing out tax breaks to upper-income earners. But he hasn’t had much time yet to digest this new proposal.
* The Senate Democratic plan would do things like pare back Pritzker’s one-year gas and grocery tax freeze/cut proposals to just six months in order to fund other items. But, at least it’s in there.
Look, the Senate’s gonna Senate, but let’s see how hard they decide to fight for all of these things. This looks like it could be, at least in part, member management. But, hey, at least they didn’t demand this stuff next Wednesday or Thursday. There’s still time to figure things out.
* By the way, these sorts of ideas have never really worked well in the past, politically speaking, including here in Illinois.
Senate GOP Leader Dan McConchie…
The Senate Democrats’ proposal appears to be just another election year stunt. Under their plan, checks and relief will arrive right before the election and then will expire right after the election. This is not the real reform the people of this state want and need, and Illinoisans will see right through this disingenuous gimmick.
* It is quite comprehensive, though. Here’s the press release…
Illinois Senate Democrats proposed Friday a more than $1.8 billion inflation-busting relief plan that would wipe out state taxes on back-to-school shopping and groceries, stop higher gas taxes and deliver income and property tax refund checks statewide.
“This plan gets money back in the hands of consumers. They’ve endured through this pandemic. It’s time for the state to pay it forward,” Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) said at a Capitol press conference.
Under their plan, the state would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making up to $250,000 individually or up to $500,000 jointly. A household of four could see a $300 check.
The relief checks would likely come in late summer or early fall. Lawmakers estimated more than 97 percent of state taxpayers would get a check of some amount.
The plan also wipes out for six months the state sales tax on groceries and stops a gasoline tax increase from happening. The proposal is modeled after one Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in his budget speech earlier this year.
“We’re going to drive down skyrocketing gas and grocery costs and give people some needed relief,” said Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago).
The plan also includes property tax relief checks of up to $300 that would be mailed to taxpayers. This idea is also one that originated with Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal.
“Homeowners need help and this plan delivers direct relief to them,” said Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).
The plan also wipes out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping. As proposed, the sales tax would be lifted from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.
“This recognizes the reality that families across the state face and should help lower the bill on their back-to-school shopping,” said Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
The comprehensive proposal also includes expanded economic aid for lower-income workers and increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders.
The plan, included in legislation filed Friday in the Senate, totals more than $1.8 billion in economic relief. It could be voted on in the coming days as the legislative session heads toward a planned adjournment on April 8.
“Through responsible budgeting the state has wiped out deficits and paid our bills. Now is the time to pay it forward and get money back to taxpayers,” said Senator Bennett.
* Dot points…
Putting money back in Illinoisans pockets
Senate Bill 1150
Paying it forward
Floor Amendment 1 (Bennett)
• The majority of Illinoisans – more than 97% of taxpayers – will receive a one-time tax refund by the fall of 2022. Individual filers will receive $100 and joint filers will receive $200, with an additional $50 for up to three dependents.
• Individuals making up to $250,000 and joint filers making up to $500,000 will receive checks in the mail.
How do people know how much they could receive from the refund?
o People should review their 2021 income tax return. If they made $250,000 or less individually, they will receive $100. If they made $500,000 or less jointly, they would receive $200.
o Individuals and households can add $50 per dependent, up to three dependents.
Who would be eligible for the refund?
o Any Illinois taxpayer who filed a 2021 tax return and makes $250,000 or less individually or $500,000 jointly. This includes taxpayers who utilized an ITIN number on their 2021 return.
What would people need to do to qualify?
o People would need to have filed their 2021 return by the filing deadline and make $250,000 or less individually or $500,000 or less jointly. Any person who fits this criteria would automatically be sent a check.
When would people receive this refund?
o The refund is expected to hit people’s mailboxes by September.
Many people have already filed their 2021 return and received their 2021 refund. What would they need to do to claim this particular refund?
o Nothing additional. Anyone who fits the income criteria and filed a 2021 return will automatically receive a check in the mail.
Suspending everyday taxes
Floor Amendment 2 (Sims)
• Addressing inflation by suspending the 1% state grocery tax for six months.
Floor Amendment 3 (Sims)
• Suspends the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months to help with rising prices at the pump.
Providing property tax relief
Floor Amendment 4 (Gillespie)
• Provides property tax relief for homeowners. Property owners making up to $250,000 individually and $500,000 jointly are eligible for the tax credit of 5% of property taxes paid, with a maximum check of $300.
Helping Illinois families
Floor Amendment 5 (Hastings)
• Helps families with back-to-school shopping by creating a state sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14 of 2022. Qualifying clothing and footwear with a retail price of $125 or less will have no sales tax during that time. School supplies are not subject to the $125 threshold.
Increasing the Earned Income Credit
Floor Amendment 6 (Aquino)
• Helping lower-income Illinoisans by increasing the Earned Income Credit to 19%. The current EIC in Illinois is at 18% of the federal EIC.
• Taxpayers 18-24 years of age, 65 and older, and taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number would be able to claim the EIC if they would otherwise qualify for the federal EIC, which excludes these groups.
Tax Breaks for Teachers
Floor Amendment 7 (Holmes)
• Gives teachers a tax credit of up to $250 for supplies bought for their classrooms.
Relief for Volunteer First Responders
Floor Amendment 8 (Belt)
• Shows appreciation for volunteer firefighters and EMS professionals by giving them a tax credit of up to $500 for a year in which they served at least 9 months in a volunteer capacity.
State legislators have given strong endorsement to State Rep. Anna Moeller’s proposal to expand bereavement leave in Illinois.
Rep. Moeller, D-Elgin, pushed Senate Bill 3120 through the Illinois House on March 30.
The proposed law expands current Illinois law, which allows parents to take up to 10 unpaid days of leave for bereavement of the death of a child. Moeller’s changes would allow those 10 unpaid days off work for bereavement of the death of other close family members, including parents, grandparents and in-laws, grandchildren, spouses or partners, and siblings.
The legislation also allows the same unpaid leave for families who go through loss related to stillbirth, miscarriage, failed adoptions or surrogacy, and failed IVF procedures.
“This expands the family members who would be covered in these other tragic situations that an employee might experience, and need time to grieve and make arrangements and heal from such an experience,” Moeller said in presenting the bill on the House floor.
The bill has the support of a number of organizations representing women and workers, including Illinois NOW, Women Employed and the Illinois AFL-CIO. It has already passed the Illinois Senate, so now it goes to the Governor to be signed into law.
The state Senate on Thursday advanced a measure to create a task force to study electric grid reliability in light of the 2021 passage of the energy regulatory overhaul bill known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
A House committee, meanwhile, began preliminary conversations about lifting the ban on new nuclear developments in Illinois.
The unpaid, 33-member task force outlined in Senate Bill 1104 would be known as the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force. It passed 32-15 in a bipartisan vote, although several Democrats voted against the measure. It still needs approval in the House.
The task force would study the effect of state laws, including CEJA, on energy prices as well as grid reliability. It would also study ways to deploy new technologies and ways to “improve” the power supply mix, among other tasks.
It wouldn’t have authority to create any new laws or regulations, but it would report to the General Assembly by Feb. 1, 2023, and each year thereafter.
Labor unions were among some of the prominent backers of the bill, according to witness slips filed on the General Assembly website, while the environmental group Illinois Sierra Club opposed the measure.
One enviro lobster I know described the legislation as a “gas/coal dominated task force designed to recommend changes that are good for fossil fuels.”
Illinois lawmakers passed legislation last October to address concerns with corruption and conflicts of interest. They intended to bring more light to government; instead, some argue the law has made things cloudier.
The House Ethics and Elections Committee heard complaints from various groups about the confusion caused by the reforms. Namely, the changes it made to the economic disclosure forms that all public officials have to fill out their economic interests and investments.
The language of the law lays out what should and shouldn’t be reported on the form. It reads that those filling it out should list out all single assets worth over $10,000. That includes items that are owned jointly with a spouse or child. the minimum amount increased on the reform from an asset worth $5,000 to double that. […]
“In many ways, this is perceived by a lot of people as swatting flies with a hammer,” [Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole] said. “It’s intended to solve problems that we see on the news of people that have been convicted or accused of wrongdoing, and the thousands if not tens of thousands of additional people that are now kind of the unintended consequences are having to comply with this.” […]
However, Ethics and Elections chair Rep. Kelly Burke (D - Evergreen Park) contended the reform did not change what needed to be reported or who needed to report. Any financial interests that weren’t disclosed on the old version of the form should have been.
“Much of this should have been being reported under the old form,” Burke said. “The fact that people didn’t understand that or weren’t doing it is troubling.”
Local governments could see an additional $500 million dollars for their share of state income taxes, something that could help fund local services and control local taxes.
The Local Government Distributive Fund, or LGDF, was instituted when the state implemented an income tax decades ago. The LGDF sends a percentage of state income taxes back to local governments as a way to keep local governments from implementing their own income taxes.
“If the state is experiencing the positive revenues that it says that it is and there are additional resources available, then the money that is rightfully due to local governments should be distributed back to them,” Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole told The Center Square.
* Press release…
Legislation sponsored by Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) would protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceptive delivery services advanced out of the Senate Friday.
House Bill 3205 would prohibit third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurant, bars and retail establishments.
“Restaurants, bars and retailers have a right to protect their brand,” Feigenholtz said. “Some establishments simply do not want to offer delivery because their food does not travel well or they are focused on the dine-in experience.”
The Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act would prohibit third-party delivery services from listing non-partnered restaurants or retailers on their platform. Several reports indicate that these delivery services have listed menus and items without the knowledge or consent of the restaurant or retailer. In addition, this law would prohibit a third-party delivery service from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property of a restaurant, bar or retail establishment without the express written consent of that business.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” Feigenholtz said. “We have to ensure that restaurants and retailers are in control of their brand and that outside delivery services can only do business with whom they have consent.”
House Bill 3205 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.
* Press release…
House Bill 4994 (HB 4994) passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and is now awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature. The legislation, initiated by the Illinois Education Association, would track which school districts are not in compliance with the Illinois’ School Threat Assessment Law. Rep. Fred Crespo (Hoffman Estates-D) and Rep. Tony McCombie (Savanna-R) worked with the IEA and are sponsoring the bill.
“Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the amount of violence in our schools,” said Griffin. “We need our school district administrators to be following the law and keeping our schools safe. Our teachers and school support staff should not have to worry about their own safety and the safety of their students. When this bill becomes law, it will hold our school districts accountable and make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep our schools and communities safe.”
In 2019, the Illinois Education Association initiated, and the state legislature passed what’s known as the School Threat Assessment Law.
The law does several things:
• Instructs schools to develop a threat assessment team and a threat assessment protocol.
• Expands the use of the 1-cent county sales tax to include school safety improvements, school resource officers or mental health professionals, or allow a district to issue bonds, borrow money or find other ways to pay for the similar needs.
• Requires school districts to implement a threat assessment procedure that may be part of a school board policy on targeted school violence and prevention, which must include the creation of a threat assessment team made up of specific people.
• Calls for each district to review each school building’s emergency and crisis response plans, protocols and procedures and the make-up of its team.
• Requires each district’s assessment team to include mental health professionals as well as representatives from state, county and local law enforcement agencies.
The IEA partnered with Crespo and McCombie to sponsor HB 4994 to ensure school districts are complying with the requirements in the School Threat Assessment law.
“I’m so glad to see this legislation on its way to becoming law. Strong schools mean we have strong communities. This legislation will protect our students and school employees across the state. This will lead to a better Illinois,” Crespo said.
“In a situation like what happened in Michigan, the threat assessment team would have been called upon and intervened to get the student the help they needed before tragedy occurs. That is the intent of this law,” McCombie said. “The children of our state are our most important asset. We must ensure threat assessment plans are not only created but reviewed and followed to keep our students safe.”
School districts can use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to hire more staff to address mental health issues students may be facing.
“Laws can certainly help keep us safe, but we need to make sure we are working with our children to get them the supports they need,” Griffin said. “The pandemic is causing additional trauma for so many Illinois families. We need to recognize that and do what we can to help.”
* Press release…
– On Thursday, State Representative Mark Batinick’s (R-Plainfield) last sponsored piece of legislation passed the House with unanimous support. Senate Bill 3785 will allow a pension transfer credit for county correctional officers.
“I was happy to see my last bill to pass through the House will help our local police officers,” said Rep. Batinick. “It has been an honor to see my legislation pass through these halls and head to the Governor’s desk for the past seven years. I’m grateful to my constituents and fortunate to have seen ideas turn into change in the Statehouse to make Illinois a better place to live.”
SB 3785 will allow members of pension funds established in Article 3 of the Illinois Pension Code to transfer accumulated creditable service from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for service as a county correctional officer or as a person employed by a participating municipality who performs law enforcement-related administrative duties.
Rep. Batinick spoke on his legislation on the floor of the House and his remarks ended with a standing ovation from the entire House chamber for his years of service to the state. Rep. Batinick’s first piece of legislation signed into law was Senate Bill 810 in the 99th General Assembly, which decreased the time between a first and second attempt at an examination to apply for a public adjuster license from 90 days to 7 days. It was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner in August 2015.
Rep. Batinick has served as House Republican Spokesperson for the Personnel & Pensions Committee since 2019. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since January 2015.
I’m gonna miss that guy. My only complaint is that he never should’ve retired his campaign logo…
To work to reduce crime in neighborhoods and invest in education opportunities, Democratic legislators unveiled a package of legislation to help better address the equity needs of local communities at a press conference Friday.
“Public Safety is an issue that has touched me and my neighbors directly and that is why I am in favor of greater community involvement,” said Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “We can achieve real public safety for all by listening to communities and expert input, not by continuing the misguided policies of the past.”
House Bill 4736, sponsored Peters, would create the Crime Reduction Task Force – made up of a bipartisan group including legislators, law enforcement and legal and criminal justice professionals, as well as crime victims and witnesses. The task force would develop a plan of action to reduce crime across the state and report its findings to the General Assembly and the governor.
Additionally, the measure would create a statewide anonymous tip hotline and a Violent Crime Witness Protection fund to encourage individuals who witness crimes to file reports without putting their safety in jeopardy. Peters’ Senate Bill 4203 would provide $20 million for the Witness Protection fund and $1 million for the anonymous tip program.
Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) is filing an amendment to House Bill 1360 to create the Co-Responder Unit Pilot Program at police departments in East St. Louis, Peoria, Springfield and Waukegan. These co-responder units would employ social workers and focus on serving communities by focusing on mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder services and homelessness issues. In particular, the proposed units would work to connect violence survivors with needed services, including trauma-informed crisis intervention and counseling.
“We need a comprehensive, well-funded plan that targets the root causes of violence and gives communities the tools they require to reach out and assist those impacted by crime,” Gordon-Booth said. “Communities should utilize trained behavioral health professionals in conjunction with law enforcement. While this is one part of a larger effort to combat violence, an increased focus on behavioral health can help reduce use of force, crime rates and recidivism. Combined with stronger anonymous reporting and witness protection programs, it will help to create trust in communities we need to help.”
Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) introduced Senate Bill 4202, which would invest in funding for various programs supporting Illinois children and families.
“It’s especially important to me that marginalized populations have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else,” Villanueva said. “I take great care to make sure our underserved communities have equitable access to the resources they so critically need to target disparity at its source.”
The pandemic has highlighted cracks in early childhood care systems across the country – making the nearly $600 million investment in early childhood education more critical than ever. Additionally, the package includes investments for the Parents Too Soon program, Healthy Families Illinois program, Teen REACH After-School Program and the Child Care Assistance Program.
Senate Bill 4202 also appropriates $529 million – an increase of $50 million – for need-based MAP grants to help students afford college.
“I’ve said it before, but our children and how they’re taken care of says so much about our society. Investing in our children means building a solid future for them as individuals in our communities,” said Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “The saying goes, ‘it takes a village,’ and making sure community programs can support our state’s youngest truly exemplifies that idea.”
As budget discussions continue in the last week of the spring legislative session, Democratic legislators continue to work to empower Illinois families.
* Dot points…
House Bill 4736 (Peters)
Crime Reduction Task Force
• House Bill 4736 would create a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state.
• The Crime Reduction Task Force would be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, legal and criminal justice professionals, crime victims and witnesses.
• The group would review research and best practices while taking expert and witness testimony. It would then submit a report detailing its findings, recommendations and needed resources to the General Assembly and governor by March 1, 2024.
Anonymous reporting hotline
• House Bill 4736 would work to set up statewide tip hotlines to allow people to anonymously report crime in their communities.
• Under the measure, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information authority would establish a grant program open to organizations and units of local government to assist in the creation of creating anonymous tip hotlines or other systems to crime victims and witnesses.
• The grant program would help provide cash rewards for tips which lead to arrest.
Violent Crime Witness Protection Program
• House Bill 4736 would reconstitute and fund the Gang Crime Witness Protection Act as the Violent Crime Witness Protection program.
• The program would provide funding assistance for emergency or temporary living costs, moving costs, security deposits, mental health treatment and lost wage assistance.
Senate Bill 4202 (Villanueva)
• Senate Bill 4202 would provide investments into a number of community-based programs. The programs include:
o Early Childhood Education: $598 million, an increase of $54.4 million
o Parents Too Soon program: $7.7 million, an increase of $850,000
o Healthy Families Illinois program: $10.8 million, an increase of $850,000
o Teen REACH After-School Program: $19.6 million, an increase of $5.1 million o Child Care Assistance Program: $3 billion, an increase of $41.1 million
o Redeploy Illinois Program: $14.3 million, an increase of $8 million
o Monetary Award Program: $529 million, an increase of $50 million
o After school programming: $45 million, an increase of $25 million
*increase compared to FY 22
Senate Bill 4203 (Peters)
• Senate Bill 4203 would allocate $20 million for the Witness Protection Program and $1 million for the anonymous tip program.
House Bill 1360 (Gordon-Booth)
• House Bill 1360 would create the Co-Responder Unit Pilot Program at police departments in East St. Louis, Peoria, Springfield and Waukegan.
• The co-responder units would employ social workers and focus on serving communities by focusing on mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder services and homelessness issues. In particular, the proposed units would work to connect violence survivors with needed services, including trauma-informed crisis intervention and counseling.
Despite his promises to “bring honest and good government back to Illinois,” Richard Irvin has been exposed as a hypocrite yet again by a new WTTW report that shows Irvin used his mayoral office to line his campaign coffers.
After reporting on Monday that an Aurora company that donated to Irvin’s mayoral campaign received millions in city contracts, a new follow-up story from WTTW shows developers that donated to Irvin’s campaign received tens of millions in city incentives.
“Aurora taxpayers are on the hook for tens of millions in tax incentives to two other development companies that have donated thousands to Irvin and political funds connected to him,” a WTTW News review of public records found.
As they have on almost every key issue throughout the race, Irvin’s team dodged questions about the projects and campaign donations. But his GOP opponents got some jabs in over the pay-to-play scandal.
“Career Democrat Richard Irvin’s pay to play approach as Mayor of Aurora is one of the many red flags surrounding his campaign,” said Darren Bailey.
Jesse Sullivan said Illinoisans are “sick and tired of career politicians on both sides of the aisle who use public office to benefit themselves and their friends.” And Gary Rabine said that Irvin “turns out to be more like Mike Madigan than the reformer this state badly needs.”
Aurora should add more than $350 million in assessed value from projects currently outstanding – more than 10 times what the city has spent in incentives for them.
That was the word from outgoing Finance Director Martin Lyons during the July 20 City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.
Lyons, who has retired but has been working part-time as the city’s chief management officer, said the city has spent about a total of $34 million in incentives for a number of development or redevelopment projects.
That’s a pretty darned good return on the city’s investment. Plus, these are all union projects.
Also, all of those incentives that “Aurora taxpayers are on the hook for” were approved by the city council. The Hobbs Building project mentioned in the story, for instance, passed the council on a unanimous vote as did the Windfall development.
This February, Aurora’s City Council struck an agreement with Windfall to redevelop a three-acre, city-owned parking lot into 160 apartment and townhouse units on the west bank of the Fox River just north of downtown. […]
“I think they’re doing the right thing,” [Naperville-based developer Eddie Ni] told WTTW News. “If you don’t have the right incentives, nobody would do business here.”
The Chicago Sun-Times previously reported Ni is the developer referenced in a sweeping indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Ni and Windfall reportedly agreed to hire Mike Madigan’s property tax law firm in exchange for Madigan pushing legislation to transfer a parcel of state-owned land in Chinatown that Ni wanted to develop. The Sun-Times reported that Irvin’s current running mate for lieutenant governor, state Rep. Avery Bourne, amended legislation to include the transfer of land, but the deal never happened.
Public campaign records show that since 2018, Irvin’s mayoral political fund has received $25,000 in donations connected to Windfall, $3,500 of which came from Pacifica Square, $12,000 from a company listed with the same owners and same address called Pacific Square (without the “a”), and $9,500 from company owner Eddie Ni and real estate director Judy Ni.
Eddie Ni said there was no connection between the donations and awarded incentives.
“We donated small amounts over many years,” Ni said. “Everybody does that, both in and outside of Aurora.”
Irvin is the handpicked gubernatorial candidate of the state’s wealthiest resident, Citadel founder Ken Griffin. Griffin has deposited $20 million in Irvin’s campaign and has vowed that Irvin would clean up the corruption pervasive in state government.
As we’ve discussed more than once, Bourne’s bill never went anywhere, but the Irvin campaign has made a big deal out of calling Pritzker corrupt, so whatever I suppose.
Public records reveal that Mary Miller’s business has received fines, liens, and revocation of her business license for failure to pay taxes and unemployment insurance. Miller has also been repeatedly fined for chronically late payment of property taxes on properties owned by her personally and by her business.
“First we learned Mary Miller’s business took over $1 million in government subsidies from Farm Bill programs even as she touts support from the biggest Farm Bill opponent. Then we find out Miller’s business is incorporated in Delaware, which helps her avoid Illinois taxes. Now, we learn that Miller has been repeatedly fined for failing to pay her own taxes. This is yet another example of Miller saying one thing and doing another. It’s clear that Mary Miller is a professional politician looking out for herself.” - Davis campaign spokesperson Aaron DeGroot
While both are politicians, Mary Miller and her husband Chris are also corporate officers and co-owners of Miller Bros Farms, which is incorporated in the state of Delaware, a domestic tax shelter. Both the State of Illinois and Coles County have levied fines, penalties, and liens against Mary Miller for failing to pay business taxes and property taxes and make unemployment insurance contributions. Miller even had her business license revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State for failure to pay taxes.
* I posted an excerpt from an article in the Athletic the other day and pointed to Ken Griffin’s investment in Chinese surveillance companies. Here’s Griffin’s response via Greg Hynes…
“I was proud to serve as a member of the Chicago organizing committee when the city bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. We all appreciated the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of athletes and visitors attending the Games.
“In 2006, China Security & Surveillance Technology—a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange—was raising further capital to pursue growth opportunities. CS&ST was hoping to be selected as a key partner in providing security capabilities for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2010 Shanghai World’s Fair to ensure those events would be safe for everyone.
“Rather than waste taxpayers time peddling fanciful stories about me, we would all be so much better off if the governor finally took action to address violent crime, improve the state’s finances, and fight corruption and waste. This is a new low, even for him.”
Dude loaned money to a company which used the cash to buy other companies that supply the Chinese Communist Party with intelligence on their own people, including dissidents. His answer ain’t gonna cut it.
Cheryl L. Johnson
Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
H-154 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Ms. Johnson:
Pursuant to House Resolution 8, I write to notify you of the designation of a proxy to cast my vote.
I am unable to physically attend proceedings in the House Chamber due to the ongoing public health emergency, and I hereby grant the authority to cast my vote by proxy to the Honorable Don Beyer (VA-08), who has agreed to serve as my proxy.
The House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve legislation that would limit cost-sharing for insulin under private health insurance and Medicare. The vote was 232-193, with 12 Republican members joining their Democratic colleagues to pass the measure.
Last night, every Illinois Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against a bill to cap the cost of insulin for many Americans at $35 per month. Nearly one million people in Illinois rely on insulin – but right now, many families can be forced to choose between paying their bills or being able to afford a drug they cannot live without. That’s why every Illinois House Democrat voted yesterday to drastically cut the monthly cost of insulin for many Illinoisans – and why President Biden has been pushing to lower drug prices for Americans, including insulin.
Last night’s vote builds on state legislation enacted by the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. JB Pritzker in 2019 to cap insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state-regulated insurance plan. That legislation passed on an overwhelming bipartisan vote, though current Republican statewide candidates Avery Bourne and Tom Demmer voted no to cutting health care costs.
“The vote by every Illinois Republican in Congress against capping insulin costs is a slap in the face to the many Illinoisans on private health insurance and Medicare who depend on this life saving drug,” said Abby Witt, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. “While Illinois Democrats at every level are focused on lowering the cost of insulin and other medications Americans depend on, Republicans are siding with big pharmaceutical companies over working families.”
— Rep. Sean Casten has been endorsed by the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois and the Chicago Fire Department Fire Fighters in the suburban 6th Congressional District primary.
— David Moore, a Democrat running for secretary of state, has been endorsed by the Collective PAC, a political action committee “dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power across all levels of government.”
Despite allegations of using dirty tricks, 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn beat the college kid again — this time in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger this week dismissed a lawsuit brought by David Krupa, who as a 19-year-old DePaul University student ran an upstart campaign for alderman in 2019 but lost. Krupa in the lawsuit accused Quinn and then-Speaker Michael Madigan of violating his civil rights following the alderman’s overly aggressive efforts to keep Krupa off the ballot and defeat him. […]
Krupa’s attorney, Tony Peraica, acknowledged in an interview that the lawsuit was an “uphill battle” and said he did not plan to appeal. A spokeswoman for Quinn declined to comment.
* Cases are up by 4.8 percent and hospitalizations are up 6 percent from last Friday. Everyone should probably stop partying like it’s 1999. Still, these are small base numbers, so there could be some statistical noise out there. ICU usage is up 14 percent, from 64 to 73. Ventilator usage, another lagging indicator, was down 21 percent. Deaths, the ultimate lagging indicator, were down 20 percent, from 109 to 87. Positivity rates are up slightly. Average daily vaccine doses are finally rising again (11.6 percent). From IDPH…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,426 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including an increase of 87 deaths since March 25, 2022.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,069,650 cases, including 33,394 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since March 25, 2022, laboratories have reported 501,236 specimens for a total of 57,392,864 since the start of the pandemic. As of last night, 500 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 73 patients were in the ICU and 26 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 65.3 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from March 25-31, 2022 is 1.7%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from March 25-31, 2022 is 1.7%.
This week, IDPH informed Illinois vaccine providers that it has adopted the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a second booster dose for certain individuals at least four months after the first booster dose. This applies to adults over 50 years of age, and to immunocompromised individuals over 12 years old. The CDC also recommended a second booster dose with an mRNA vaccine for all those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for both their primary dose and their first booster, four months after their first booster dose. Those who already received an mRNA booster dose after their initial Johnson and Johnson primary vaccine do not need an additional booster unless they are either over the age of 50 years or immunocompromised.
The state also announced that providers who administer COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured individuals can bill the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ (HFS) COVID-19 Uninsured Program for vaccine administration. More information on the HFS program, which also covers COVID-19 testing, is available here.
As of today, April 1, IDPH and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency are discontinuing their joint effort of the Statewide Community Partner Vaccination and Staffing Assistance Program. Vaccines will continue to be readily available at locations across the state, including pharmacies, local health departments, doctor’s offices, and other health centers.
Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available to the public, millions of eligible adults and children across the state of Illinois have received their COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose.
Illinois remains among the highest in the Midwest for its vaccination rates, with more than two thirds of the population fully vaccinated.
A total of 21,374,596 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 8,386 doses. Since March 25, 2022, 58,703 doses were reported administered in Illinois. Of Illinois’ total population, more than 76% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, more than 68% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated, and more than 50% are boosted according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All data are provisional and are subject to change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html.
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
This week, the federal government established a new website that provides an all-purpose toolkit that provides information on how to obtain masks, treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the country at: https://www.covid.gov/.
I am currently debating about whether to get my second booster shot today or wait until the end of session next week.
The Irvin for Illinois campaign is setting the record straight on Pritzker’s cowardice in having his Democratic allies launch illegitimate attack ads to hijack the Republican gubernatorial primary.
The new 30-second tv spot “Best Chance” clears the air that the Democratic Governors Association is doing Pritzker’s dirty work to smear Richard’s strong record as a decorated combat veteran, tough on crime prosecutor and successful mayor of Illinois’ second largest city.
“Instead of manning up, J.B. Pritzker is letting the Democratic Governors Association do his dirty work in maligning the strongest candidate to take him out this November,” Irvin for Illinois campaign spokesperson Eleni Demertzis said. “J.B. Pritzker needs to take the silver spoon out of his mouth and fight his own battles.”
“Instead of being a man and putting his name on these false attacks, Governor Pritzker chooses to hide behind political insider groups by forcing them to meddle into the GOP primary on his behalf,” Durkin said.
…Adding… Christina Amestoy at the DGA…
“Republicans can whine all they want but they can’t point to anything false in this ad. This ad reveals Richard Irvin’s real record on crime and even he knows it - that’s why he still won’t talk about the 15 years of his career profiting off of defending these types of criminals. Turns out the only thing Richard Irvin won’t defend is his own record.”
* Another Irvin press release from this morning…
Today the Irvin for Illinois campaign is announcing a new list of legislative co-chairs who support Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne to take back Illinois from skyrocketing crime, high taxes, and never-ending corruption.
Topping the list of endorsers is State Senator and Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris), who believes we need new leadership in Springfield for a better Illinois.
“Our state has been critically mismanaged under JB Pritzker’s leadership,” said Rezin. “Illinois faces out-of-control crime, ongoing corruption within the statehouse, and diminished care for veterans at state-run facilities without real solutions to address these challenges. We have an opportunity for real leadership in Illinois with Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne, and I’m proud to support them.”
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) has worked alongside Avery Bourne in the statehouse, and has seen her success in the General Assembly firsthand.
“Illinois under JB Pritzker has been one disaster after another—from his failure to take accountability for the state’s significant challenges or his inability to manage problems at state agencies,” said Spain. “Now we have an opportunity to elect proven leaders who have prioritized Illinois families and have pledged to root out crime and corruption, and provide the relief residents so badly need, which is why I am putting my full support behind Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne.”
Aurora Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin and his running mate, State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonvile) released the following statement regarding the endorsements:
“We are pleased to have this resounding support from legislative leaders who understand that JB Pritzker has not met the needs of families and businesses across Illinois. There are countless challenges our state faces–from crime and corruption to our state’s fiscal stability. Together, we are committed to taking our state back and working to reduce crime, cut taxes, and fight corruption.”
The legislative endorsements include the following lawmakers:
Tim Ozinga, Illinois State Representative (HD 37)
Seth Lewis, Illinois State Representative (HD 45)
Dan Ugaste, Illinois State Representative (HD 65)
Jeff Keicher, Illinois State Representative (HD 70)
Ryan Spain, Illinois State Representative (HD 73)
David Welter, Illinois State Representative (HD 75)
Jackie Haas, Illinois State Representative (HD 79)
Jim Durkin, Illinois State Representative (HD 82)
Tim Butler, Illinois State Representative (HD 87)
Mark Batinick, Illinois State Representative (HD 97)
Amy Elik, Illinois State Representative (HD 111)
Donald DeWitte, Illinois State Senator (SD 33)
Sue Rezin, Illinois State Senator (SD 38)
John Curran, Illinois State Senator (SD 41)
Jesse Sullivan tried hard to convince Sen. Rezin to be his running mate. Didn’t work. Rep. Spain is one of the most likeable members of the HGOP caucus.
Announcing: The Bitcoin & Freedom panel at #TGFB2022:@jimmysong will be joined by AZ Senate candidate @bgmasters, IL governor candidate @JesseSullivanIL, & former NFL player/philanthropist @TimTebow to talk about Bitcoin as a tool for freedom.
Sullivan said “hand on the Bible” he will not do the bidding of his big crypto currency donors or any others.
“I want to go to Heaven more than being Governor,” said Sullivan. “I owe no man anything when I step into office. So all my top donors, that I have gotten to know, have done this work with me around the world…trying to back companies and create jobs…didn’t even really know my politics. For me, the one area that I believe in that they also believe in is in the future of the internet.”
As governor, Jesse Sullivan will transform Chicago into a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies.
Sullivan’s top campaign contributor said the candidate will “put Chicago in the rightful position as a top-five global financial center by embracing fintech and crypto. He’s a bridgebuilder to a more unified future.”
*** UPDATE *** Also from the Thank God for Bitcoin conference organizer J.M. Bush’s Twitter feed…
The March University of Illinois Flash Index moved ahead strongly in March, rising to 106.1 compared to 105.7 in February.
“This is a post-crisis high,” said University of Illinois economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the monthly index for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs. “The Illinois economy gained strength as measured by state tax receipts for the month, overcoming the economic headwinds of the invasion of Ukraine and the most recent variant of the COVID-19 virus.”
As noted in recent reports, state tax revenues have been extremely strong as has been the case for other states and the federal government. “This raises concerns about the stability of the ratio of tax receipts and economic activity that is the fundamental building block of the index,” said Giertz. “These issues should be resolved once the disruptions of the COVID-19 crisis recede.”
Illinois unemployment data provide support for the strength of the index. The unemployment rate in Illinois fell to 4.8%, which is also a post-recession low, from 5.0% the previous month and 6.9% a year ago.
Many observers have expected the economy to slow somewhat in 2022, but this has yet to materialize. Even after adjusting for the recent high rate of inflation, all three components of the index were up from the same month last year, with corporate and individual tax receipts especially strong. See The Full Flash Index Archive. The recently released national GDP growth rate for the last quarter of 2021 was also strong at an inflation-adjusted 7.0%.
The Flash Index is the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, and retail sales taxes. These are adjusted for inflation before growth rates are calculated. The growth rate for each component is then calculated for the 12-month period using data through March 31, 2022. After two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, ad hoc adjustments are still needed because of the timing of the tax receipts resulting from state and Federal changes in payment dates.
A bill that allows teachers and other school and university employees or contractors who are fully vaccinated to take paid administrative leave if they have to miss work due to coronavirus-related issues cleared the Illinois Senate Thursday and will soon be sent to Gov. JB Pritzker.
House Bill 1167, by Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, would guarantee full pay for any day that a fully-vaccinated school employee misses if they are required to stay home because they have a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. […]
Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, pointed to a hypothetical example of two teachers, one vaccinated and one not, who have to stay home to take care of a sick child. He said one of those would receive paid leave to do so but the other would not. […]
Harmon, however, said the bill does not mandate that any school employee be vaccinated, and he compared the extra benefit vaccinated employees would receive to the extra pay some teachers receive if they pursue an advanced degree.
“This is not a vaccine mandate,” Harmon said. “There is no requirement that one needs to be vaccinated to work in public schools. It is, however, an incentive.”
There are also provisions in the measure giving retroactive time to vaccinated staff who previously took time off because of COVID-19 issues and guarantees pay for workers like bus drivers if schools have to shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
The measure found bipartisan opposition, but secured enough votes to pass both chambers and could now be sent to the governor.
Senate Democrats not voting were Belt, Collins, Crowe, Loughran Cappel, Muñoz and D. Turner.
No Republicans voted for the bill.
…Adding… IEA President Kathi Griffin…
“Our state is in the middle of a growing teacher and education employee shortage. We have thousands of open public education positions right now. We need to be doing everything we can to attract young people to the profession and to also show those who’ve chosen education as their life’s work that they are respected. Providing COVID administrative days and paycheck protection for hourly employees is one way we can do that. We know some of our support staff and teachers have exhausted their sick and personal time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have educators who saved their sick time to take after the birth of a child, who have since run out of days and are now forced with a very difficult decision - to take unpaid time off or to cut precious bonding time with their newborn short and return to work early. We have support staff who’ve used all their sick and personal days, and are being forced to take unpaid time off to quarantine or for another COVID related reason. House Bill 1167 would provide much needed relief to our teachers and support staff who’ve worked diligently to not only provide a quality education for students but also work to keep their students, schools and their communities safe over the past two years.”
With states across the country passing draconian bans on reproductive health care, House Democrats made it clear on Thursday that Illinois will always protect a person’s right to choose.
“Reproductive health care is under assault throughout this country,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Today, House Democrats sent a clear message that people seeking health care won’t be criminalized, providers won’t be forced to abandon patients, and Illinois will remain a safe haven for anyone who needs reproductive health care.”
House Democrats passed House Bill 1464 which will ensure Illinois health care providers are not punished by other states’ cruel and oppressive laws because performing an abortion in Illinois is not a crime. The measure clarifies that a licensed doctor in Illinois cannot be disciplined in Illinois if another state suspends or revokes their license for participating in or performing an abortion. This bill protects doctors from these restrictive and unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide the vital health care Illinoisans need.
“Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is tremendously grateful for the leadership being shown today by Speaker Welch and other pro-choice leaders who are working to ensure that all Illinois residents have equitable access to the high-quality health care that Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides,” said Brigid Leahy, Vice President of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “It is crucial that Illinois remain a haven state in the Midwest because if Roe falls, every state that borders Illinois would quickly move to either ban or severely restrict abortion, forcing people to travel to a state like Illinois for the health care they need and deserve.”
“As abortion rights are attacked each week across the country, Illinois worked diligently to establish a fundamental right for all people to make every decision regarding their reproductive health care without government interference,” said Colleen Connell, Executive Director, ACLU. “The Illinois House of Representatives today reaffirmed that our state will not let others undermine this commitment. That message is welcome – for people in Illinois and those in other states who need to access health care, including abortion care.”
The House of Representatives also voted for a variety of resolutions that will reaffirm Illinois’ commitment to protecting reproductive health care for all. House Resolution 789 will bring further awareness to the importance of reproductive rights and promotes Illinois as a role model for other states as they strive toward full reproductive justice. House Resolution 790 is a strong reminder of Illinois’ support for the landmark legislation Roe v. Wade and House Resolution 94 urges the state to fully fund Planned Parenthood so that they can continue to perform essential reproductive and general health care services.
One woman was particularly notable among those voting against all four bills: Republican Rep. Avery Bourne, the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin, who associates say in the past has expressed support for abortion rights — and has stumbled more recently in explaining his views.
Not voting at all: Republican Rep. Tom Demmer, who’s running for state treasurer on the Irvin-Bourne slate backed by billionaire Ken Griffin; and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, an outspoken supporter of Griffin’s slate.
Rep. Dan Brady, who’s running for secretary of state in the Republican primary — without any help from Griffin — was a no on all four bills.
The most substantive bill was House Bill 1464, which says physicians and nurses who find their licenses challenged in other states because they performed or assisted in an abortion can’t be punished in Illinois for doing so if they’re otherwise qualified to practice here. Three resolutions called for expressing “unwavering support” and commitment for abortion rights, and support for the work of Planned Parenthood.
The bills prompted impassioned speeches from Democratic lawmakers, including Camille Lilly, who heads the Democrats’ women’s caucus, Margaret Croke, Dagmara Avelar, and Maura Hirschauer.
Republicans lost the battles on all four bills but they didn’t go down without a fight. Rep. Jackie Haas from Kankakee called one of the bills “out of touch.” And Rep. Tony McCombie from Sterling said another of the abortion rights-supporting measures does nothing to help communities “feel safer.”
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” said State Rep. Randy Frese (R-Paloma), “that instead of working on a plan that could provide relief, we waste our time debating resolutions such as this.”
“I don’t want to negate anything in regards to inflation,” said State Rep. Margaret Croke (pictured) (D-Chicago), 21 weeks pregnant. “But I don’t want to have to worry about dying in a back alley trying to get an abortion, and I think that’s pretty frickin’ important, and we need to make sure that we are funding places like Planned Parenthood, where women in this state can get those services.” Applause rose as she spoke.
Several Democrats spoke to propel resolutions in favor of preserving abortion rights. House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) bragged that the Democrats are the ones putting Illinois on the right track, as opposed to former Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, who, Welch said, “was destroyin’ this state.”
Ironically, it was Rauner who signed into law the Reproductive Health Act after telling supporters, including Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, that he wouldn’t.
A bill that would make it a felony to donate fetal tissue from abortions for research or therapies won first-round approval in the Missouri House Tuesday, but lawmakers blocked an effort to make it illegal to help a women obtain an abortion outside the state. […]
The only anti-abortion provision offered Tuesday that didn’t make it onto the final bill was a much-discussed proposal that aimed to limit women from seeking abortions outside Missouri. It would have made it illegal to perform or “aid or abet” an abortion for a Missouri resident — regardless of where the procedure occurs. It would provide exceptions in instances where the abortion is needed due to a life-threatening condition.
The Tazewell County Republican Party in cooperation with the Peoria County Republican Party and the Woodford County Republican Party will host the Central Illinois Republican Governor Candidate Forum at Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington, IL from 7pm – 9pm, Monday, April 25th, 2022.
The candidates who will be attending this forum are Senator Darren Bailey, Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, Jesse Sullivan, and Max Solomon.
Seems like a certain Aurora somebody is missing. Hmm.
* Speaking of the governor’s race…
…Adding… Eliza Glezer at JB for Governor…
Any reasonable person, but especially a candidate for the highest office in the state, should not be raffling off guns while voting against common-sense gun legislation like background checks to protect Illinois families from senseless gun violence. This is just another example of how out of touch and extreme Darren Bailey’s conservative views are, which will not bode well for his chances at winning this election.
* Dan Brady campaign…
Illinois Secretary of State candidate Dan Brady, a Bloomington Republican, has pledged to take specific actions as Secretary of State to stop the rash of gasoline thefts that are currently plaguing Illinois car dealerships.
“With gasoline at $4.50 a gallon and unattended cars sitting in dealership lots, the temptation to make a quick, illegal profit has proven to be too hard to resist for many criminals,” Brady said. “I plan to use the resources of the Secretary of State’s office to help keep fuel in the cars and put thieves behind bars.”
Once elected, Brady will convene a special task force consisting of Secretary of State Police, local law enforcement officials and car dealer trade association representatives to come up with ways to help prevent these brazen parking lot thefts, which often result in expensive damage to the targeted vehicles. Since Secretary of State Police officers are frequently at car dealerships as part of their routine duties, Brady will also direct those officers to work with individual dealers to heighten security and to recommend additional anti-theft measures they may take.
“I realize this problem is occurring now and can’t wait until after the election for a solution,” Brady said. “So I encourage current Secretary of State Jesse White to take these ideas and run with them. Gasoline thieves don’t care about your political party affiliation.”
The Illinois Secretary of State Police Division helps to regulate the automotive industry in Illinois by tracking auto thieves, conducting surveillance on suspected “chop shops,” infiltrating auto theft rings, investigating fraudulent state identification documents and conducting “sting” operations.
The objection adjudication process began Tuesday, bringing forth multiple challenges against Central Illinois political candidates’ petitions. […]
Political newcomer Travis Weaver is also being challenged. Weaver tells WMBD it’s a “tactic being used by his opponent.”
“I’ve had multiple legal professionals tell me this is one of the most frivolous challenges they’ve ever seen. It’s a clear tactic by my opponent to distract from the fact that he has an anti-business, anti-farmer voting record and is incredibly conflicted as he is a State Rep while also being mayor.”
“The challenge alleges that I don’t live at the address I claim because it is listed as a wedding venue. There is a barn on the property that is becoming a wedding venue, but anybody can drive down War Memorial towards Kickapoo and see there is clearly a home. And if they drive by late at night or early in the morning they’ll see my car parked in the driveway.”
“The challenge also alleges I lived in Chicago until recently because that is where Caterpillar listed my office address. This is a shot in the dark. Everybody in Peoria knows that Cat was fully remote during the pandemic. I did hold a temporary residence there at one time, but my priories were always in Central Illinois and I fully transitioned home once remote work began over two years ago.”
It’s official. I’m headed west. My last day at @WCIA3 will be Sunday, April 24th. I’m excited to cover Illinois and Missouri politics for @KSDKnews from the other side of the Mississippi River. https://t.co/T1XUFIGk5q
WCIA-TV reporter and anchor Mark Maxwell, who won a regional Emmy for his investigative piece on a methane leak in Livingston and LaSalle counties, is going to a St. Louis TV station as a political reporter.
Maxwell has been the Illinois Capitol bureau chief in Springfield since 2017. He hosts and moderates a statewide political talk show, Capitol Connection. […]
Former State Journal-Register political affairs reporter and columnist Bernie Schoenburg said he counted himself as a fan of Maxwell’s work.
“Mark has done an amazing job in his time in Springfield,” said Schoenburg, who retired from the SJ-R in 2020. “He has a great eye for stories that matter, and he gets deep into the details. He’s also a very good interviewer and has used his weekend show to help let viewers know what people of various political stripes are thinking and doing.
* High praise from Hannah…
Springfield is losing one of the best damn reporters it’s ever seen, certainly in the modern era. Best of luck and many 🥃🥃🥃 to Mark. https://t.co/l3AGdDJzee
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) President Steve Hamman is out, according to an internal memo Target 3 investigators obtained Thursday. Sources told reporters he was fired following our reporting that exposed the company is overcharging consumers while cutting down — sometimes cutting out — their provider options.
The screenshot of an email to Blue Cross staff says Hamman “left HCSC to pursue new endeavors.” […]
Hamman was directly involved in negotiations with Springfield Clinic. When Blue Cross dropped all 650 of the clinic’s providers out of its network in November, customers were left with a dead-end directory of providers, several of whom did not exist. Hamman drove to Springfield from his office in Chicago within the last month following our first report.
Hamman was named president in 2019. He joined Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) — BCBSIL’s parent company in 1991, according to the company’s website.
* The Question: Any message for Mark as he prepares to move on?
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced today that the sale of the James R. Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph Street has reached another major milestone by executing the Purchase and Sale Agreement with JRTC Holdings, LLC.
“I’m pleased to announce that we have finalized a purchase sales agreement for the James R. Thompson Center, not only saving taxpayers $800 million but also adding vitality to Chicago’s LaSalle Street corridor by honoring the original design through a modern lens,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
In December 2021, the State announced the selection of JRTC Holdings, LLC as purchaser of the building, following the competitive Request for Proposal process. As part of this public-private partnership structure, the State will receive a $70 million up-front payment for the purchase of the property while retaining approximately 425,000 sq ft of newly renovated, Class-A office space. The Purchase and Sale Agreement, executed in advance of the legislative deadline outlined in SB 886 (Public Act 100-1184), establishes the terms and conditions for the transfer of the property. The financial closing and transfer of title on the property is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2022. The State and the purchaser are working together to finalize the floor plans and interior design to be occupied by the State.
The execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement is a significant milestone and represents our commitment to renovate and reposition this iconic building into one of the premier Class A office buildings in the city with the latest building systems and technologies to promote the health, wellness, and comfort of its occupants,” said Michael W. Reschke, owner of JRTC Holdings LLC, the buyer, and Chairman & CEO of the Prime Group, Inc. “Our investment will anchor and support the Loop’s continued economic revitalization and will boost the much-anticipated renaissance of the LaSalle Street corridor.”
CMS continues to realign the State’s real estate portfolio to maximize space utilization in state-owned and leased properties. The effort to identify efficiency improvements, space consolidation and the cost avoidance, including avoiding the backlog of required JRTC capital improvements, will result in over $800 million in taxpayer savings.
“The sale of the operationally and financially inefficient JRTC has been talked about for nearly two decades,” said Director of CMS Janel L. Forde. “This project demonstrates how innovative approaches can attract private investment and result in partnerships that provide substantial financial benefit to the State and its taxpayers.”
Two determining factors in the State’s decision to sell the JRTC were the prolonged deferred maintenance backlog as well as high operating expenses. The estimated cost to bring the JRTC into a state of good repair currently exceeds $325 million, and is projected to increase to over $525 million, if not addressed by 2026. Additionally, the State is paying more than $17 million annually due to the building’s operational inefficiencies. Under the Purchase and Sale Agreement, JRTC Holdings, LLC will replace the building envelope and mechanical systems and make the necessary interior repairs to transform the building to a multi-tenant, mixed-use Class A office building.
“The State of Illinois secured attractive office space while reducing its footprint by nearly 650,000 square feet and annual operating expenses by over $10 million through creative procurement strategies and negotiation,” said Chief Operating Officer of CMS and JRTC Project Executive Ayse Kalaycioglu. “The State’s effort to optimize its portfolio will result in more than $800 million savings as well as office space better suited for modern government.”
According to JRTC Holdings, LLC, the JRTC renovation is expected to begin later this year following the financial closing and take approximately two years to complete. The scope of work will include replacement of the exterior curtain wall with new, energy-efficient glass, enclosure of the office floors from the atrium with a new glass partition, private lobby and a dedicated secure entrance for the State offices, replacement or upgrades to the building systems including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and full renovation of the State’s offices on floors 4 through 9.
A portion of the State workforce will remain in the JRTC and the State will also relocate operations there from the terminated Loop leases into temporary occupancy floors. JRTC Holdings, LLC and the State are developing plans to ensure continuity of State and retail operations during construction. The proposed renovations will not require any shutdown to Chicago Transit Authority operations. The developer has also committed to a minimum of 26% Minority and 6% Women Business Enterprise contract participation and developing an internship program with the general contractor.
About JRTC Holdings, LLC:
JRTC Holdings, LLC is owned and controlled by Michael W. Reschke. Since 1982, Mr. Reschke has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Managing Partner of various affiliated entities that developed over $12 billion of real estate projects across the United States. Under the leadership of Mr. Reschke, The Prime Group, Inc. became one of the pre-eminent real estate development companies in the country achieving repeated recognition for its dedication to world-class architecture, innovation, and state-of-the-art technology in its developments. Past projects including 77 W. Wacker, 180 N. LaSalle, Citadel Center, IBM Plaza, and 33 W. Monroe demonstrates their commitment to, and knowledge of, the Chicago real estate market including the Central Business District (CBD). The proposed team includes Jahn Architecture and Clark Construction to modernize and renovate the existing structure into a high-quality office building that places a premium on the JRTC’s location and access to public transportation.
* Legislation is moving through the General Assembly called the Too Young to Test Act. The Tribune has a good story outlining the issues involved. It’s pretty long and involved, and that makes it difficult to excerpt, but it’s definitely worth your time. Click here.
* Press release…
To protect communities across Illinois from the deadly impact of lead, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to strengthen lead mitigation procedures.
“Virtually every community across the state is affected by lead in our water supply,” said Simmons. “This bill provides a systemic response to a problem that is systemic in nature, is decades in the making, and often does the most injury to Black and Brown communities.”
House Bill 4369 would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to follow up on lead mitigation notices by carrying out inspections to ensure the work has been completed. The current law merely permits an inspection, while this legislation will require and enforce lead mitigation efforts.
Lead is a heavy metal and suspected carcinogen that was frequently used in paint, plumbing materials, and many other items before the 1980s. Today, it is mostly found in aging water pipes, contaminated soil, and peeling paint found on windows, baseboards, trim, and doors. No amount of lead exposure is considered safe for children or adults.
“Removing lead from all housing and facilities is long overdue and is critical towards overall health equity and racial equity across Illinois,” Simmons said. “I am hopeful we can continue to work together on this systemic solution that ensures the people of Illinois can have access to clean drinking water.”
House Bill 4369 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration.
A proposed state law to strengthen environmental protections for low-income communities appears to be dead for a second-straight legislative session as lawmakers fear the wrath of business groups in an election year.
Environmental groups say a law is needed to slow the addition of pollution sources in communities already overwhelmed with bad air and other hazards. The businesses say the proposal adds red tape and fees that will kill jobs.
The idea of an “environmental justice” law was supported by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year but a bill was never debated in 2021. The same bill now lacks enough votes in the waning days of lawmakers’ current session in Springfield, advocates say. […]
Part of the proposal would add a $200,000 state construction permit fee — a recommendation from Pritzker’s administration — and additional government scrutiny to businesses defined as “major” pollution sources that want to operate in communities deemed already overburdened by environmental stresses. The industry groups believe the bill would dramatically expand the number of areas considered to be already overburdened. […]
The business groups say supporters of the proposal won’t negotiate but community activists dispute that, saying it’s the industry organizations — from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to the Illinois Farm Bureau — who are not budging.
A new measure aims to streamline Illinois Department of Transportation projects.
The Illinois House has approved the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, which authorizes IDOT to use the design-build method to allow for a single entity to both design and start construction on a project.
Currently, IDOT uses the design-bid-build project delivery method where the department designs a plan in-house, then reviews bids from contractors. Sponsors said design-build would expedite the process by allowing a single entity to both design and start construction on the project. […]
The Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act also authorizes IDOT and the Illinois Tollway Authority to use the construction manager-general contractor delivery method on up to two projects per year. Using the method, the department would contract with a single entity to serve as the construction manager for the design phase, then agree on a price to serve as general contractor for construction.
Graduates from Illinois colleges and universities may soon be able to access their transcripts even if they still owe money to the school they attended.
The Illinois House on Tuesday gave its approval to a bill that had already cleared the Senate prohibiting higher education institutions from refusing to provide copies of student transcripts either to the current or former student or that student’s current or prospective employer.
The proposed change in Illinois comes as the Biden administration is considering limited changes to federal guidelines that have long encouraged colleges and universities to withhold transcripts from anyone who is delinquent on repaying certain student loans.
Senate Bill 3032, dubbed the Student Debt Assistance Act, would go further than the Biden administration’s proposal by prohibiting the withholding of transcripts, or charging a higher fee for accessing those transcripts, on the grounds that the student owes the school any debt.
Consider the quote from state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, who spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times after opposing the appointment of Eleanor Kaye Wilson [to the Prisoner Review Board] due to her votes, as an acting board member awaiting full confirmation, to approve parole for Joseph Hurst and Johnny Veal, accused of killing Chicago police officers more than 50 years ago.
“No individual who commits such a heinous crime should be eligible for parole,” Wilson said. “The Prisoner Review Board should ensure that the most severe crimes are met with the most severe sanction under the law.”
If Cunningham sincerely believes his first sentence, his solution isn’t in the second, it’s in legislation to make a conviction for killing a law enforcement officer punishable by mandatory life in prison without possibility of parole under any circumstances.
On Jan. 21, state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, filed Senate Bill 3899, which would reinstate the death penalty in Illinois as a possible punishment for killing a police officer. It has two GOP cosponsors and sits in the Assignments Committee.
Employers may be required to provide more breaks for employees after a bill expanding workers rights passed both Houses.
The proposal sponsored by Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), would require employers to provide a day of rest in seven days of consecutive work, as opposed to previous law that would only require a day of rest once a calendar week.
Additionally, employers must now provide an extra 20 minute break for every four and a half hours worked beyond an eight hour work day.
Collins said it updates outdated requirements for workers. However, the bill passed along partisan lines. Republicans expressed opposition due to an outstanding complaint from the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association that employers wouldn’t have enough time to accommodate the changes.
* Press release…
–State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) championed a measure that passed the Senate Wednesday that would further increase student safety by ensuring their local school board’s threat assessment procedures are filed with the local law enforcement agencies.
“We have seen school shootings on the rise across the country,” Belt said. “Ensuring our school’s threat assessment procedures are up to date is essential to protecting our students in an emergency situation.”
Currently, each public school district is required to implement a threat assessment procedure that includes the creation of a threat assessment team. The team must consist of an administrator, teacher, school counselor, psychologist, school social worker and at least one law enforcement official.
House Bill 4994 would require each local school board to file the threat assessment procedure and a list of the members on the school district’s threat assessment team or regional behavior threat assessment and intervention team with a local law enforcement agency and the regional office of education at the start of each school year. Chicago Public Schools would file the threat assessment procedure and list of members with the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Each school district has their own procedure in place,” Belt said. “We want to make sure all local school boards are on the same page so parents know that the school is prepared and has the resources to protect their children.”
House Bill 4994 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.
* Press release…
When Bloomington resident Curt Richardson got his DNA test results back from Ancestry.com, his life – and those of his parents – changed forever when they learned they had been victims of fertility fraud.
Richardson’s story is similar to hundreds of others across the state and nation who have lived most of their lives thinking the very people who raised them were their biological parents. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is working to bring awareness to fertility fraud and provide justice to the families who fall victim to the heinous act.
“Fertility fraud is an issue that we have been silent on for far too long,” Koehler said. “It is my goal to end the silence surrounding the issue and outlaw the practice once and for all.”
Fertility fraud occurs when a health care provider knowingly or intentionally uses their own human reproductive cells during an assisted reproductive treatment without the patient’s informed written consent.
When Richardson received his at-home DNA test results in June of 2021, he knew he couldn’t be silent. A former Peoria resident, he reached out to Koehler for help to ensure that if any other Illinoisans becomes victim of fertility fraud, they would be able to take legal action.
Senate Bill 4199 would create the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act, which would allow people to bring action against health care providers, embryologist or any other person who knowingly or intentionally use their own reproductive cells without the patient’s informed written consent.
Under the measure, if a person knowingly or intentionally provides assisted reproductive treatment to a patient by using their own reproductive cells without written consent, that person would be considered to have committed criminal sexual assault.
Illinois would join states like Texas, California and Indiana in outlining penalties for fertility fraud. The Illinois Fertility Fraud Act, the staunchest legislation of its kind currently being considered, is most similar to the legislation passed in Indiana, brought about in 2019 after a woman’s Ancestry.com DNA test revealed she had at least 50 biological half siblings due to a fertility doctor using his own sperm to impregnate his patients throughout the 70s and 80s.
“Today Illinois has taken an important step to become the ninth state to prohibit the deplorable act of fertility fraud,” Richardson said. “This legislation will hold those accountable who have sexually assaulted their patients, violated the medical standard of care and sacred doctor-patient trust, and upended the lives of their patients, their spouses and children.”
Richardson joined Senator Koehler at a press conference Wednesday morning to discuss fertility fraud and how it will be brought to an end in Illinois through the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act. The legislation awaits further deliberation.
* Press release…
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure through the Senate Wednesday that would add MRSA to the list of qualifying diseases that Chicago firefighters can receive a disability benefit for if they were to get the infection on duty.
“Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances on a daily basis when responding to emergencies,” Feigenholtz said. “This measure aligns Chicago firefighters with the rest of the state’s firefighters.”
House Bill 4435 would align Chicago firefighters with downstate firefighters by extending an occupational disease disability benefit to any active Chicago firefighter who has completed seven or more years of service and can’t perform their duties because of a contagious staph infection, including MRSA.
“If staph infections are not properly treated, the infection can spread throughout the body,” Feigenholtz said. “This measure would ensure all our first responders are protected when injured on the job.”
House Bill 4435 passed the Senate and heads to the governor’s desk.
* From developmental disability consultant Ed McManus…
ABUSE SCANDAL AT CHOATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
Criminal charges have been filed against the following employees:
1–Mark Allen, indicted March 2016 for 3 counts of aggravated battery of a resident (struck him on face and head with fists, pushed him to ground, kicked him in head) and 1 count of felony intimidation. Multiple failures to appear at hearings, arrest warrants issued. Charged Dec. 2021 with obstructing justice, pleaded guilty, sentenced to probation, other charges dismissed.
2–Cody Barger, indicted Jan. 2020 for 2 counts of official misconduct–failure to report that he witnessed another worker causing a resident to drink an entire cup of hot sauce, and failure to report an incident in which he and Jonathan Lingle grabbed a resident and the resident’s arm was broken. Also indicted for 2 counts of obstructing justice–lying to police. Pleaded guilty March 2021 to obstructing justice, sentenced to probation, other charges dismissed.
3—Jonathan Lingle, indicted Jan. 2020 for official misconduct, failure to report an incident in which he and Cody Barger grabbed a resident and the resident’s arm was broken, and for obstructing justice, lying to police. Failed to appear for court hearing April 2021, arrest warrant issued. Re-appeared Nov. 2021. Pleaded guilty to obstructing justice March 2022, sentenced to probation, misconduct charge dismissed.
4—Sheri Fish, security officer, indicted Jan. 2020 for official misconduct, illegally disclosing identity of a person who complained of acts against other employees. Charge dismissed.
5—Johnny Brimm, charged Oct. 2020 with aggravated battery, for striking a resident in the face, and obstructing justice, for lying to police. Trial scheduled for May 10.
6—Matthew Wiseman, charged Oct. 2020 with aggravated battery, for choking a resident, and obstructing justice, for lying to police. Trial scheduled for July 12.
7—Bobby Lee, charged Oct. 2020 with aggravated battery, for striking a resident in the face multiple times. Waived right to jury trial. Bench trial scheduled for June 2.
8—Dalton Anderson, charged Oct. 2020 with aggravated battery, for choking a resident with a shirt. Trial scheduled for July 12.
(Brimm, Wiseman, Lee and Anderson are accused of ganging up on one resident.)
9—Kevin Jackson, charged Oct. 2020 with aggravated battery, for striking a female resident multiple times with a belt. Trial scheduled for May 10.
10—Teresa Smith, assistant director of Choate, charged Oct. 2020 with official misconduct, for illegally reviewing the Inspector General investigative file on Kevin Jackson, and obstructing justice, for lying to police. Judge Tyler Edmonds on April 5, 2021, found probable cause and scheduled her for trial, but later that day he changed his finding to “no probable cause.”
She was indicted in June 2021 on the same charges, but the state’s attorney dropped the charges in September after it was discovered that the grand jury was not informed of what happened in court in April.
11—Bryant Davis, Choate facility director, indicted June 2021 for official misconduct, for illegally reviewing the Inspector General file on Kevin Jackson. No trial date yet.
12—Gary Goins, quality assurance administrator, indicted June 2021 for official misconduct for reviewing Jackson file and directing staff to contact Jackson’s alleged victim. Goins’ attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss.
(State’s Atty. Tyler Tripp stated: “It is alleged that these violations started a chain of events that impeded an active investigation (of Jackson) by State Police.”)
13—Charles Mills, charged on March 10, 2022 with aggravated criminal sexual assault, for “committing an act of (oral) sexual penetration with a female resident unable to give knowing consent.” Preliminary hearing scheduled for April 4.
(Mills was also indicted Feb. 16, 2022 for 2 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child. Arraignment scheduled for April 4.)
Effective April 1, 2022, tours, rallies and events will be permitted inside the Capitol Building. Masks are recommended, but not required to be worn by the public.
* So, now groups like this won’t have to go across the street like they had to yesterday…
Rep. Camille Lilly and other IL State Legislators will join restaurant owner and worker advocates gathering for a press conference at the Lincoln Steps to rally support for the One Fair Wage Act (HB 5139), which would end the subminimum wage in Illinois.
The legislation was introduced in response to a wage shortage crisis across Illinois. One Fair Wage has issued multiple reports demonstrating that raising wages for restaurant workers who work for subminimum wages is critical to helping the industry recover. One Fair Wage has also tracked over 200 restaurant owners in Illinois who have voluntarily raised wages for tipped workers in order to recruit staff during the state’s worst-ever staffing crisis; this bill would create a level playing field for these responsible restaurant owners and help them fully reopen by sending a signal to millions of workers that wage increases will be permanent.
WHERE: Across the street from the IL State Capitol Building at the Illinois State Library in the Atrium
WHEN: Wednesday, March 30, 3:00pm CT
WHO: Restaurant Owners, Restaurant Workers, Representatives from the Illinois Full and Fair Wage Coalition Including Speakers from One Fair Wage, Women Employed & Shriver Center on Poverty Law
* Meanwhile, some members of this group, which tried to hijack a recent Chicago event, gathered on the 3rd floor of the Statehouse yesterday. It didn’t appear to be an organized rally, however…
A rally to draw attention to the deaths of two Black transgender Chicago women turned into a chaotic shouting match when another small group of anti-violence advocates crashed the event at Federal Plaza on Monday evening.
As transgender activist Zahara Bassett was pleading for justice for the two women, several members of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, including founder Tyrone Muhammad, interrupted the event with bullhorns.
“Our community is dying every day in these streets,” Muhammad said into the bullhorn.
After a scuffle between members of the two sides, the transgender advocates said they’d reschedule their action.
Sheesh.
* ECCSC has some very sharp-looking automobiles with the group’s logo and its activists have been down here this session looking for more state funding…
Maria Pike found her calling after her son Ricky was shot and killed in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood in August 2012.
She became an advocate for a better support system for grieving families, which is why she and hundreds of other relatives of victims of violence came to the Illinois capital on Wednesday to push legislators to invest in community-based efforts to combat street violence that would serve as alternatives to traditional law-and-order methods.
“I want them to see us,” said Maria Pike in a ballroom at a downtown Springfield hotel, where activists were joined by several state legislators. “Those survivors are in pain. They want answers and solved cases, right? But they also have other needs.”
Those needs include better housing and employment options, as well as mental health support for families coping with the loss of loved ones.
Tuesday’s event was hosted by the group Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. Family members held up photos of relatives lost to violence and signs that included one saying, “Freedom from violence is a human right.”
Democrats are eyeing Chicago as a city of interest to host the party’s 2024 convention and the mayor, the governor and a key U.S. senator are coordinating on a plan to make it happen, the firm helping with a potential bid confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday.
While the discussions are early and informal, some national Democrats already see the Midwestern city as an appealing contender, in part for its heartland geography — touching key swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan — but also because of the comfort that would come with holding a marquee political event in a tried-and-true blue state, a source who has taken part in early discussions with national Democrats said.
“As the DNC begins planning for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Chicago is considering a bid to be host city,” Tarrah Cooper Wright, CEO of Rise Strategy Group, who is helping assist with a potential Chicago bid, said in a statement to NBC News. The firm was hired by a nascent committee supporting a Chicago convention bid made up of elected officials, businesses, civic and labor leaders, she said.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Sen. Tammy Duckworth — who is also a DNC vice chair — have been coordinating on the possible bid along with the state’s Democratic Party Chair, Rep. Robin Kelly, and Sen. Dick Durbin, Cooper Wright said.
“As the DNC begins planning for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Chicago is considering a bid to be host city, said Tarrah Cooper Wright, communications strategist and CEO of Rise Strategy Group, issuing a statement on behalf of a group whose members were not named but are trying to get the ball rolling on a bid.
“From previous Democratic Conventions to the NATO Summit and annual large-scale events like the Air & Water Show, Chicago has a track record of successfully hosting large-scale events, and has the leadership required to make a convention a success,” Cooper Wright said.
“Our city and state — a vibrant and diverse metropolis, thriving suburbs and strong rural communities — offer proof that our party’s policies deliver for American families, and a convention would provide a boost to the local economy. Given the potential for Chicago to be an ideal host, we have agreed to explore this possibility and will make a decision in the near future.”
Cooper Wright, a former press secretary for ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel,was confirmed by the Illinois Senate as a member of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority on Wednesday. She was nominated by Pritzker for that post.
Under Emanuel, Cooper Wright helped to oversee messaging on large scale Chicago events, including the 2012 NATO Summit and the 2015 National Football League Draft.
Democrats have given cities until October to express whether they will submit a bid to host their convention, with Las Vegas and Nashville also under consideration. Republicans, who have moved more quickly on the selection process, have reportedly settled on Milwaukee and Nashville as convention finalists.
Milwaukee was the host of the 2020 Democratic convention that was drastically scaled back due to the pandemic. Party officials are looking at the chance to return to a more traditional convention in 2024, though they may borrow elements from two years ago, such as satellite convention events in other cities, DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison has said.
Pritzker touted Chicago’s potential as a host city to Harrison during a visit last fall. And a convention could provide major economic benefits to a host city, with Harrison noting in the past that economic activity of between $150 million and $200 million during non-pandemic times.
But as much as Democrats in Illinois want to showcase Chicago as an example of Democratic leadership, the city also will have to overcome national perceptions of crime and violence. Republicans locally and nationally have used the issue of outbreaks of violent crime to accuse Democrats of adopting a soft-on-crime posture.
…Adding… This Richard Irvin press release was sent out before the new TV ad was available, but the Irvin campaign did appear to know last night the general topic of the new spot…
JB Pritzker is running scared.
After releasing child killers from prison and signing the worst crime bill in America that puts criminals into our communities, he’s now hiding behind the Democratic Governors Association to meddle in the Illinois Republican Party Primary for Governor — airing a smear campaign against Richard Irvin and his strong record as a combat veteran, former prosecutor, and successful crime-fighting mayor of Illinois’ second largest city.
“For months, I’ve told voters that Pritzker was desperate and would do anything to win,” Irvin said. “Now, Pritzker is trying to hijack the Republican primary because he can’t run from the facts: crime is out of control, tax hikes continue, and corruption lives on in state government under Pritzker’s reign.”
Pritzker and his allies know he’s weak after he proudly and publicly turned his back on law enforcement and crime victims during his tenure as governor. He signed one of the most dangerous anti-police laws in our state’s history - a law that prioritizes criminals over communities throughout Illinois. His own Prisoner Review Board allowed the early release of cop killers, child murderers, and other dangerous criminals.
Richard Irvin’s record as a decorated combat veteran, a tough on crime prosecutor and a proven mayor has forced Democrats to intervene in the primary because Irvin is their worst nightmare.
* Politico has Irvin’s career timeline mixed up (he became a defense attorney in private practice after, not before, he was a prosecutor), but here’s some of the piece…
The goal is to rev up Republicans to vote for Darren Bailey, or maybe any of the other GOP candidates, over Irvin.
There’s nothing Republicans hate more than a candidate who’s not tough enough on crime, or conservative enough on social issues — at least that’s what the DGA and Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign are hoping. […]
In the meantime, isn’t it interesting that Pritzker donated $250,000 to the DGA in December? His campaign told Playbook not to read too much into that. The governor donates to Democratic caucus and candidates regularly, after all. “How the DGA uses their money is up to them,” said a spokesperson.
This isn’t the first time the DGA has meddled in an Illinois Republican primary. Four years ago, it launched ads calling former state Rep. Jeanne Ives “too conservative” for the state, which was a boost to her campaign during the primary contest against Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The tactic didn’t work. Rauner edged out Ives in the primary.
Richard Irvin’s real record on crime? For 15 years, Irvin has been a defense lawyer, profiting by defending some of the most violent and heinous criminals. Domestic abusers and sexual assaults. Kidnapper who molested a child. Reckless homicide. Even accused child pornographers. Irvin has been getting rich by putting violent criminals back on our streets. Tell Richard Irvin to stop pretending to be tough on crime and start supporting policies to keep people safe.
* It’s more than this, I think, but here you go…
Democratic Governors Association (DGA) just placed their first broadcast buy for 2022. So far we've seen $360k placed for #ILGov. Ads are set to begin airing tomorrow.
Richard Irvin’s real record shows he is anything but ‘tough on crime’. For 15 years, Irvin made money by getting violent criminals off the hook and back on the street. Illinoisans deserve to know who the real Richard Irvin is. Irvin needs to stop pretending to be tough on crime and actually support the policies that will keep people safe.
A day after losing his battle to keep two of his appointees on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday delivered an impassioned defense of the “incredibly thankless job” they do and a blistering attack on their Republican critics — comparing them to QAnon conspiracy theorists.
Just as local Republicans are following the soft-on-crime strategy being used against Democrats nationally, Pritzker is taking a page from the Democratic playbook, dismissing dissenting Republicans as a bunch of wild-eyed disciples of former President Donald Trump. […]
“Now, to have Republicans attack them and their character and their biographies, to have Republicans essentially trying to tear apart this agency of government — I mean this is what the GQP has been all about, tearing government apart,” Pritzker said at a Springfield news conference where he commemorated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Illinois State Police.
The Democratic governor pronounced the GQP acronym slowly and carefully in response to a reporter’s question about the Senate vote the day before. His staff said they haven’t heard him utter the acronym before. But it’s been used by some Democrats nationally to label Republicans as the “Grand QAnon Party,” more interested in dismantling government and chasing dark conspiracy theories than governing.
Full disclosure: “GQP” is on my list of banned commenting words. QAnon doesn’t appear to be a big problem in the General Assembly, aside from the occasional kook, yet it was being used all too regularly by a few folks and I eventually decided to stop it. I’ll take it off the banned list just for today to facilitate discussion.
* The Question: Was Gov. Pritzker’s use of “GQP” appropriate for this topic or not? Please explain your answer. Thanks.
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is pushing for additional funding to help struggling bars, breweries, restaurants, food trucks, venues and others.
“Local business owners continue to reach out to their legislators from around the state for help,” Feigenholtz said. “Their PPP has been spent. Many were not eligible for state grants or did not receive SBA funding. In order to save our small businesses, we must do more.”
The Build Back Better plan that stalled in Congress would have provided an additional $5 billion in relief for small businesses. In light of the federal program, Feigenholtz filed Senate Bill 4178, which would appropriate $125 million from federal funds to provide a lifeline to keep our small companies afloat.
The hospitality industry is the largest employment sector in the state and was the hardest hit sector due to closures during the pandemic. 11,000 Illinois restaurants shuttered along with bars and other venues. Along with those closures, 20% of hospitality workforce employees lost their jobs permanently.
“Our industry has only started on the road to recovery,” said Tim Tuten, co-owner of the Hideout in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood and co-founder of Chicago Independent Venue League. “We are all still fighting to keep our doors open. This relief means we can survive.”
* Press release…
The burdensome costs of textbooks and course materials for college students often deters them from making the purchase, which in turn can cause a learning barrier and hinder a student’s grades. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined a plan during a press conference Wednesday to break down those barriers.
Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure – Senate Bill 819 – to allow students who receive MAP Grants to use the funds for room and board, as well as coursework materials including books, software and website access. Currently, MAP Grants can only be used for tuition and necessary fee costs.
“While there are initiatives that ease the financial burden of higher education, there are many essentials to university success, such as textbooks, electronics, and nearby housing, that are often overlooked,” Senator Fine said. “We need to make these resources more accessible to students from all economic backgrounds so that they can be successful as they pursue their education.”
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that even as tuition has risen, no cost of college life has increased faster than textbooks. The bureau found that book prices rose 88% between 2006 and 2016, and the College Board — which administers the SAT exam — reported that students budget more than $1,200 each year for textbooks and other class supplies, including technology.
Under Senator Scott Bennett’s (D-Champaign) Senate Bill 3856, public universities and community colleges would be required to provide all necessary coursework materials for rental free of charge for Illinois students.
Many public universities and community colleges, such as Southern Illinois University, already include free textbook rentals in their tuition and fee costs for all students. Recent studies have found that these more affordable course materials can deliver student cost savings of 29% to 35% annually.
“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I know students face additional costs that can put financial strain on their families making it difficult for them to finish college,” Bennett said. “This textbook incentive will not only reduce that financial burden, but will ensure students are set up for success by having access to all of their course materials.”
While there are currently many initiatives to make higher education more affordable for children from low-income families, few provide relief for middle-class families who also come under large financial strain when sending their children to college.
To address this issue, Senator Laura Murphy’s measure – Senate Bill 1145 – would allow a taxpayer who either is a student or claims one or more students as dependents to earn a tax credit of up to $1,000 toward tuition and fees for Illinois public institutions of higher education.
“Paying for higher education can be a massive financial undertaking for working families,” Murphy said. “It is important that we provide relief to middle-class families working hard to send their children to Illinois schools.”
Mardell Davis, a Springfield High School senior, is in the process of deciding which college to commit to. The costs associated with each school could be a deciding factor for him.
“As a future college student, I am aware of the sometimes high costs attributed to earning a degree,” Mardell said. “I appreciate that the Senate is working on a bill that will make sure all necessary class materials are more affordable.”
For more information on the bills outlined at the press conference, people can visit https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/HigherEd.
* Press release…
A measure initiated by local students to establish Dolostone as the official rock of the State of Illinois was advanced out of the Senate by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).
“Exceptional young people from across the state came together to bring forth this legislation,” Ellman said. “They saw a fantastic learning opportunity in front of them and took full advantage—and they deserve to have their voices heard.”
House Bill 4261 was brought to the General Assembly by students from Pleasant Dale School in Burr Ridge and Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville who discovered Illinois did not have a state rock. The students took it upon themselves to interview regional geology scholars, visit museums and do their own research. They then developed a ballot with three choices and asked schools across Illinois to vote on a state rock. Dolostone was the winner.
Dolostone is a sedimentary rock that underlies nearly all of Illinois, with the exception of the northernmost part of the state. It helps enrich soil across the state by providing valuable nutrients for plant growth, and caused a major mineral rush in Galena, Ill. in the early 1800s.
In addition to its natural abundance throughout the state, Dolostone plays a significant role in Illinois through its utilization in many important structures. Most notably, 3,300 exterior dolomite stones were used in the construction of the Old Illinois State Capitol. The quarry the stones were sourced from is now under Lake Springfield.
“Anyone is capable of creating change, and the engaged and curious students who crafted this legislation have proven just that,” Ellman said. “Since they helped us designate our state tree and flower over 100 years ago, our students have been a cornerstone in our state’s history and heritage.”
The legislation, having passed out of both chambers, now awaits further action.
* Press release…
State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, in coordination with the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council, are passing a measure to rename the entirety of U.S. Highway 20 running through Illinois the “Illinois Medal of Honor Highway”.
“The brave men and women in our armed forces make huge sacrifices to keep us safe, and they deserve recognition for their service,” Moeller said. “I hope that lasting public declarations of our appreciation for this service, such as the Illinois Medal of Honor Highway, sends the message to Illinois’ veterans that we support them. While I am pleased and proud to pass this measure, I am further committed to passing policy solutions to aid our armed services members. These can include expanding their health care coverage, increasing funding for VA programs and much more.”
Senate Joint Resolution 28 official renames all of U.S. Highway 20 from the Illinois-Iowa border to the Illinois-Indiana border the “Illinois Medal of Honor Highway”. Moeller and Kifowit worked with the Veterans Advisory Council and other members of the General Assembly to develop this resolution. It passed the Senate and House unanimously.
“The Illinois Medal of Honor Memorial Highway is a permanent addition to the coast-to-coast initiative to show our appreciation for our Medal of Honor recipients, and all our Veterans. Illinois is a proud home to two Medal of Honor recipients,” said Kifowit, a USMC Veteran and Chair of the IL House Veterans Affairs committee. “This honors our heroes, the men and women of our armed services, who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, or have risked their lives in harm’s way for our Freedoms. I am extremely proud that Illinois joins our surrounding states to give this highest Honor the respect and recognition it deserves. As a Veteran, I will continue to devote my time to ensuring our Veterans are always honored and receive the services they need. We owe it to them from a grateful State.”
Colonel Michael Peck, chairman of the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council said regarding the measure, “Every medal of honor recipient will tell you that the medal is not just for him but for the soldiers with whom he served. The highway will serve as a reminder to all that freedom isn’t free.”
…Adding… Press release…
After the Illinois State Board of Education reported an increase in cases of college students substitute teaching on a temporary license, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced a plan through the Senate that would expand the pool of substitute teachers.
“Substitute teachers are in high demand and short supply, and that has left school districts scrambling to find different ways to ensure students are being educated and supervised throughout the day,” Loughran Cappel said.
Under Loughran Cappel’s measure, currently-enrolled Illinois students in the field of education who have at least90 credit hours would be able to obtain a substitute teaching license. By giving them creditable hours for this on-the-job training, more students will be able to substitute teach, and schools will have additional resources for finding temporary, short-term teachers.
“Real work experience can help transition student teachers into professionals,” Loughran Cappel said. “This legislation will ensure that student teachers are given every opportunity to succeed.”
House Bill 4798 now goes to the governor for his approval.
* The Athletic has published a profile of the Ricketts family and Ken Griffin, who have placed a joint bid to take over the Chelsea Football Club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich after Abramovich was disqualified as a director…
Underpinning the rise of Citadel has been Griffin’s burning desire to win, his intolerance of failure and, above all, his ruthless pursuit of profit that has taken the company down some unsavoury paths. […]
[In 2007], Citadel provided $110 million (£84 million) in convertible loans to China Security and Surveillance Technology. The company, which used the money to acquire 10 of the 50 biggest surveillance companies in China, has been accused of providing much of the surveillance infrastructure for the ruling Chinese Communist Party, including technology used to alert police of possible unsanctioned protests and monitoring of internet cafes to track down democracy advocates and dissidents. Citadel declined to comment when the New York Times reported the loans. […]
Others have been less generous in their assessment. In an email sent to Griffin in 2005, rival hedge fund manager Dan Loeb likened Citadel to a “gulag” (a system of forced labour camps in the Soviet Union) and added: “You are surrounded by sycophants, but even you must know that the people who work for you despise and resent you. I assume you know this because I have read the employment agreements that you make people sign.” […]
Griffin’s public criticism of the wave of gun crime in Chicago in recent years jars with the fact that Citadel has invested millions in Storm Ruger & Co and Smith & Wesson Brands Inc, two of the leading manufacturers of guns seized by Chicago Police, as well as every major manufacturer of ammunition in the US. Citadel also invests in GEO Group and CoreCivic, private prison operators that run immigration detention centres, despite other US financial institutions cutting ties with both.
When questioned about these investments by WBEZ last month, a Citadel spokesperson said Griffin doesn’t have a role in the company’s stock choices, adding that the investments make up less than 0.01 per cent of the company’s portfolio and therefore that linking them with violent crime in Chicago is “quite a stretch”. […]
Citadel also significantly increased its investment in pharmaceutical companies Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and NovaVax in the weeks before then-president Donald Trump announced Operation Warp Speed, pledging $10 billion (£7.6 billion) of government funds to COVID-19 vaccine development. […]
Despite his staggering wealth, everything in his professional history indicates Griffin will only spend on Chelsea what he believes he will get back in the long run.
Lots more in there about Griffin and the Ricketts family, including exculpatory stuff, so go read it all. But that Chinese Communist Party surveillance thing really sticks out for me.
* I’ve reached out to the Democratic Governors Association to see if I can get the spot or at least to find out if it’s pro-Pritzker or yet another meddle in the GOP primary like it did in 2018 for Jeanne Ives…
#ILGov: DGA is placing their first TV ad spending. Start date is tomorrow, 3/31
*** UPDATE 2 *** Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy…
“The DGA and the Pritzker campaign, like everyone else that does polling, is watching in real time as Governor JB Pritzker’s re-election chances plummet under the considerable weight of his own failures and extreme agenda. The Pritzker campaign is desperate and has hatched a plan to launder Pritzker’s inherited wealth through the DGA to begin running ads to interfere in the nomination of our Republican nominee.
It’s up to every person in Illinois, including the media, to call out this charade for what it is - a desperate plan from a desperate man with a lot of money.
DGA, let Republicans pick our own nominee. Too scared to play fair?”
Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza has paid back the final $297 million in short-term borrowing from 15 state funds needed to recover from the 2015-2017 budget impasse.
In August 2017, when the Illinois Office of Comptroller first used the interfund borrowing tool authorized by the General Assembly, Illinois’ bill backlog was more than $14 billion. Between then and January 2020, $2.3 billion was borrowed from various state funds and through the State Treasurer’s Office so that essential payments could be made for medical bills and social and human services.
With stronger-than-anticipated Fiscal Year 2022 revenues through March, this final payment is months earlier than the plan enacted by the legislature and Governor to repay the funds in full by June 30.
“Not only did we pay off our short-term debts, but we paid them off early,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “This highlights the progress Illinois is making in achieving fiscal responsibility. This week, I will inform the credit rating agencies of the good news of this final repayment of state borrowing.”
The payoff is in addition to the $3.9 billion borrowed from the federal government, and already repaid, for state obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $2 billion paid in full in January to the Federal Reserve’s Municipal Liquidity Facility was repaid nearly two years early, which is expected to save taxpayers $82 million.
The bill backlog is now “accounts payable”
Now that Illinois has been paying its bills in about 15 business days since July 1, 2021, a more accurate description of the State’s pending liabilities should be used.
“With the state’s excellent progress in paying down our bills from the record $16.7 billion backlog caused by a reckless and irresponsible budget impasse, the Illinois Office of Comptroller is retiring the ‘backlog’ term and instituting ‘accounts payable,’ since we are well within 30 days of paying our state vendors and providers,” said Comptroller Mendoza.
The snapshot of pending bills as of Tuesday morning represents liabilities that are not “backlogged,” but rather reflects the ongoing processing of bills which averages around $2.5 billion each month. This is especially true of statutory fund deposits, known as transfers, that make up $2 billion of the State’s current $3 billion of pending liabilities. Those transfers will be made by the IOC as the need arises for each respective state fund. Thus, it is more accurate to refer to these standing transfers as “accounts payable.”
Also, keep in mind that ARPA funds were not deposited by Illinois until July 22 of last year, which was weeks after the bill payment cycle was reduced to 15 days and months after it was brought below 30 days.
State Sen. Darren Bailey has launched his first TV commercial of the primary campaign, joining two rivals for the Republican nomination for governor who have been airing ads for weeks.
But Chicago-area residents may not see much of the conservative from downstate Xenia on their TVs. Television station logs and cable ad buys show Bailey is focused on markets in areas where rural Republicans predominate.
In the expensive Chicago market, none of the city’s broadcast stations have reported a Bailey ad buy. But his campaign did purchase ad time on broadcast stations in St. Louis, Champaign, Peoria, Rockford, the Quad Cities and in the southern Illinois market that includes Carbondale, according to government and industry reports.
Bailey’s campaign also purchased 80 half-minute spots on the Fox News Channel in Chicago, part of a $63,762 statewide buy on the conservative cable news channel running through Monday.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider improperly received homeowner exemptions on two properties at the same time for one year, but he recently paid the balance of what he should have been billed, Lake County officials said Monday.
Schneider, a Democrat serving the 10th District, visited the Lake County treasurer’s office Friday and settled a $510.25 debt that resulted from the recalculation of the 2021 tax bill for property he owns in Highland Park, Treasurer Holly Kim said Monday. County records acquired by the Daily Herald confirmed the payment.
Schneider, who is running for reelection this year, has said he’s in the process of moving to that Highland Park property from Deerfield. A statement issued by his campaign called the situation “an inadvertent error.”
Schneider immediately took action to correct the mistake after learning of it, the campaign said, “including paying the full amount of any mistaken benefit, interest, and penalties.”
Jones, despite the backing of the FOP, may be knocked off the ballot for allegedly engaging in a “pattern of fraud” in her collection of petition signatures, based on a challenge to her nominating petitions.
Martwick supporter and former Alderman John Arena aide, Ed Bannon, has filed an objection petition alleging that Jones signed petitions as a circulator that she in fact did not circulate. […]
But on several sheets, said Martwick, the signers were sequential, meaning on the same street and meaning door-to-door solicitation.
Martwick sent workers with Jones’ picture to investigate, and many signers attested that it was an older White man, not Jones, who appeared at their door. They supposedly got affidavits. […]
Martwick intends to bring as many as possible of those 9-sheeter signers, as well as the purported circulator (which he has identified and is not a registered voter) to testify. A circulator need not be a registered voter, only a U.S. citizen. So if the petition challenge is upheld, why didn’t he, not Jones, sign his own sheets?
Under established case law, dating back to the 1988 Canter case, if a circulator can be proven to make a false attestation on a number of sheets, then that “pattern of fraud” invalidates all the circulator’s sheets. Jones is up by 100 as of now. If all of her 55 sheets, which contain at least 300 valid signatures, are stricken, she’s off the ballot.
Jones told Nadig Newspapers that she spent about 40 hours a week collecting signatures and that in some instances she was part of a team that went out gathering signatures.
She said that the claims in the challenge are not only false but show that Martwick is scared, given that he is using a team of “Madigan” attorneys to try to kick her off the ballot.
Jones adds that she received numerous messages from residents who say that Martwick’s campaign workers tried to bully them into signing affidavits that she wasn’t the petition circulator. And she said she now hears reports Martwick will go after her Chicago detective job if the challenge is upheld, with a complaint being filed with the police oversight agency - similar to what Arena did to numerous police and firefighters over the “5150″ housing controversy in Jefferson Park.
All this will unfold, or perhaps unravel, at the election board hearings throughout April. She will be subpoenaed to testify under oath, as will Martwick, an attorney, who scoffs at a possible Jones’ defense that she was within an “eyeball” of another team member while getting a signature. He noted the 2014 case of retired cop Joe Bembynista who filed petitions to oppose Martwick, then a state representative. Martwick filed a similar “pattern of fraud” objection to his petitions, most of which had him as circulator. He employed the classic I-was-sitting-in-my-car-and-watching defense. He got knocked off the ballot.
If Detective Jones did indeed pass those sheets, then she should fight back with everything she’s got. Otherwise, Jones would be wise to do some serious thinking right now. If Martwick can prove he’s right about a pattern of fraud (and he’s done it before), the consequences for her career could be calamitous.
Candidates file nominating petitions to get on the ballot, then their political rivals scrutinize those documents to find a way to kick them off.
Last week, objections were filed in several congressional races in suburban districts. For example, five of the seven candidates running for the 14th Congressional District seat have been challenged.
But in DuPage County, there have been no objections against candidates in countywide, county board and forest preserve races. Even precinct committeeman hopefuls face no petition challenges.
Representatives for the county clerk’s office said this is unprecedented.
“We attribute this progress to simplifying and clarifying the candidate forms and instructions, along with providing workshops to educate candidates on how to avoid petition objections,” DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said in a statement. “These changes have paid off.”
* Press release…
Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), endorsed conservative outsider Jesse Sullivan for governor Tuesday.
“There is a crowded field of people running to carry the torch for our party and save Illinois for our families. Frankly, I wasn’t going to get involved in the primary because I thought any one of the candidates would be better than J.B. Pritzker. As we get closer to the election, I believe there is only one Republican candidate who can win our primary, unite our party, and defeat J.B. Pritzker in November,” Anderson said.
“That leader is Jesse Sullivan and I am wholeheartedly endorsing him for Governor.”
“Illinois needs more next generation leaders, with a vision for the future, the courage to fight honorably for it, and the integrity and conviction to see it through. Jesse will always stand with our police and first responders. He has concrete plans to restore safety to our streets and ethical leadership to our government. He shares the values of my district – faith, family, and service– and I trust he will be there to work with the General Assembly to lead us out of this mess.”
“At their core, Jesse Sullivan and Kathleen Murphy are two leaders who love Illinois and who value deeds more than words. Jesse has a proven record of delivering success, creating jobs, and growing companies in the kinds of corrupt war zones that make Chicago look tame. Kathleen is fighting for parents every day to make sure our children get a first class education no matter where they live, how much money their parents have, or what they look like. They are trustworthy and qualified and beholden to no man. That’s what we need, more land of Lincoln, less corruption of Capone.”
“Neil Anderson is one of the most genuine public servants I have met in Illinois politics,” Sullivan said. “From early on, it’s been clear that Neil and I share our commitment to faith, family, and service. He is a devoted husband, a great father, and a committed first responder. As a paramedic and firefighter, he runs to danger to protect others who are running from it. There couldn’t be a more apt description of what public service is at its best, and that’s why Kathleen and I are honored to have Neil’s support in this fight to Save Illinois.”
Sen. Anderson is unopposed in his primary and his new district is solidly Republican.
* Press release…
Today, the Illinois Pipe Trades Association (IPTA) announced its endorsement of Judge Elizabeth Rochford in her campaign for the Illinois Supreme Court’s new Second District. IPTA represents 19 United Association Local Unions, 1500 Union contractors and over 30,000 plumbers, pipe fitters, sprinkler fitters, welders and HVAC service technicians.
“Receiving the endorsement of the hardworking men and women of the Illinois Pipe Trades Association is extraordinarily humbling,” said Judge Elizabeth Rochford. “Throughout my decades in the judicial and legal systems, including the last nine years as a judge on the circuit court, I’ve always worked to ensure our courts operate with fairness and equality, and I’ll bring that same commitment to the Illinois Supreme Court. I am grateful for the IPTA’s belief in me as the right candidate for this seat and I will make them proud in this campaign and as a Supreme Court Justice.”
IPTA’s endorsement adds to Judge Rochford’s growing coalition of support from organized labor. She has previously been endorsed by the Illinois State AFL-CIO, IUOE Local 399, UFCW Local 881, Plumbers Local Union 130 UA, the Lake County Building & Construction Trades Council and its 18 local affiliate trade unions, and the McHenry County Building & Construction Trades Councils and its 26 local affiliate trade unions. Judge Rochford has also been endorsed by Secretary of State Jesse White, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Iris Martinez, and a group of current and former state legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz, Senator Melinda Bush, Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Senator Elgie Sims, Assistant House Majority Leader Marcus Evans, former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, former State Senator and State Representative Susan Garrett, and former State Senator Heather Steans.
“The Illinois Pipe Trades Association is proud to put the support of our dedicated members behind Judge Elizabeth Rochford for the Illinois Supreme Court’s Second District,” said IPTA Legislative and Political Director Rick Terven, Jr. “We believe Judge Rochford is not only the most qualified candidate for this seat, she is also the strongest candidate to win in November. We are pleased to join the growing coalition supporting Judge Rochford’s candidacy in this race.”
Rep. Brad Schneider has endorsed Alexi Giannoulias, who’s running for secretary of state. In a statement, Schneider said he likes Giannoulias’ plan to “strengthen ethics laws and place new restrictions on politicians and lobbyists by curbing corrupt activity and requiring more disclosure and transparency.” […]
— Rep. Rodney Davis sent out a statement saying he’s now visited all 35 counties that are part of the new 15th Congressional District.
— Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi has been endorsed for reelection by Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya and state Reps. Robyn Gabel, Will Guzzardi, Camille Lilly and Delia Ramirez. He is also endorsed by Network 49, an independent political organization in the 49th Ward.
— Jonathan Logemann, Democratic candidate for the 17th Congressional District, has been endorsed by the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
* DPI…
In a new 44-page ruling, a federal judge found it was “more likely than not” that former President Donald Trump broke the law and “corruptly attempted to obstruct” Congress in his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite these shocking revelations, the Illinois Republican Party and the GOP candidates for federal and statewide office have repeatedly dodged questions about the Big Lie and Donald Trump.
Every Republican running in 2022, especially those running for federal or statewide office, must be asked: Do you believe that former President Trump committed a crime in attempting to overthrow the election?
“If Dr. Eastman and President Trump’s plan had worked, it would have permanently ended the peaceful transition of power, undermining American democracy and the Constitution,” U.S. District Court Judge David Carter wrote in his ruling. “If the country does not commit to investigating and pursuing accountability for those responsible, the Court fears January 6 will repeat itself.”
Any politician who ignores this ruling is turning a blind eye to the ongoing effor to undermine our democratic institutions. Since the GOP gubernatorial candidates are staying silent, we’ve made it easy for them to let us know where they stand:
• Does Darren Bailey still believe Trump is a “a leader who understands what it’s like to take on the corrupt establishment and put the people first”?
• If “we’re looking for Donald Trump policies in the state of Illinois,” is Jesse Sullivan still our guy?
• Does Gary Rabine stand by his ranking as one of Illinois’ largest donors to Trump?
• And will Richard Irvin ever look the people in the eye and answer the simple question about whether he voted for Trump?
In the midst of rampant attacks on democratic elections, the silence of these candidates, along with the Illinois Republican Party, is deafening. There is no place for placating conspiracy theorists and election deniers in Illinois and anyone who propagates the “Big Lie” is unfit to serve in the state’s highest office.
DEAR ABBY: A close friend has just announced — out of the blue — that she’s running for a prominent public office. It’s going to be a contentious race, and it’s likely to get ugly for whomever runs. She sent out messages this week assuming her friends will be supporting her through our social networks, door knocking, hosting fundraising events and whatever else she needs. She said she’s looking forward to working with us.
Abby, the way her announcements are worded, I can tell she’s going to be blindsided when I decline her “request.” She assumes that because we are friends, I would want her in office. However, in my opinion, she’s not the best person for the job, and I have other civic engagements I’m already committed to this year. I also feel that maybe she should have actually asked.
Is there any way I can maintain the friendship without supporting the candidate? I don’t see what the graceful way out is, and her conversation is already oriented toward “us” vs. “them.” — HIDING UNTIL THE PRIMARIES
DEAR HIDING: Explain to your friend that you are already committed to other “civic engagements” this year and, because of time constraints, you can’t back out of them. Then wish her luck and send her a small financial contribution for her campaign “in the name of friendship.”
Your own thoughts?
* And now for the music, from the late, great Illinoisan John Prine…
