Today’s quotable
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) spoke today at the Illinois Freedom Caucus’ press conference in response to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s legislative address…
In DuPage County, we’re seeing the crime levels go up because of our neighboring Cook County. Last Saturday, when the ruckus was going on, last Saturday night when the ruckus was going on in Chicago, on Roosevelt Road, in Lombard, mind you, which is real close to where I live, they had to shut the carnival down because of all the misbehavior.
In Villa Park, not long ago, there was a vape shop. The vape shop was being looted by two men. The owner called the Villa Park Police. The Villa Park Police show up. The looters run out of the vape shop with their guns shooting at the police officers. This is what is going on, and you can only go…
Talk to our our state’s attorney Bob Berlin. Talk to our sheriff, James Mendrick. We have a jail in DuPage County, and believe you me, we are having problems. And it’s because of this crime.
And I don’t see that Brandon Johnson, he was bragging about all the money that they’ve put into schools and crime, but if they’ve put all this money into schools and crime, why is there still a problem? So you wonder, in the future, throwing money at government agencies, does it, I don’t know, I wish I knew.
…Adding… Also, I can’t find a news story about the alleged vape shop shooting. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, of course. Just sayin.
…Adding… Thanks to a commenter for finding it. The shooting was in Lombard last December.
…Adding… Press release…
The IL Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the speech Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson gave during a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate.
“Much has been made about the great divide between Chicago and the rural parts of our state. Yes, there certainly is a deep ideological divide between the people of our districts and City of Chicago leaders on many issues but there is a recognition by everyone regardless of party affiliation that a strong and healthy Chicago is good for Illinois and the nation as a whole.
We all want Chicago to succeed. Unfortunately, what we heard today does not inspire confidence that Chicago is moving in the right direction. Brandon Johnson today decided to use his first interaction with the Legislature to launch one of the most partisan speeches we have heard in a long time on the House floor. It is hard to build a bridge with someone who comes to Springfield looking to pick a fight.
What we wanted to hear today was real ideas and real solutions – not more virtue signaling. What people want and what Chicago needs are good roads and sound infrastructure. Chicago families need good schools for their kids and above all they need and deserve safe neighborhoods. Instead of solutions, all we heard today was one woke cliché after another. There is no vision for building a better business climate in Chicago. Under the future Johnson Administration, businesses in Chicago will be taxed even more than they already are.
Brandon Johnson has proven again today the truth of the old adage that Chicago is a great city with terrible leaders. The problems in Chicago could be solved with better leaders and better policies. Unfortunately, under the Brandon Johnson administration, the City of Chicago will get neither. It is a sad day for Chicago and a sad day for Illinois.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Oakland), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Jed Davis (R-Newark) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.
“What Chicago needs are good roads and sound infrastructure,” say the same folks demanding that the motor fuel tax be cut in half.
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Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Tribune | Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson preaches unity, importance of Chicago to Illinois during Springfield visit: “They’ve told us that this is a zero-sum game. And if something is good for Chicago, well, that means we’re taking something away from Peoria,” Johnson said. “But I’m here to deliver an emphatic message today. It is a false choice. No one has to lose at the expense of someone else winning. There is more than enough for everybody in the state of Illinois.”
* Crain’s | Brandon Johnson goes to Springfield with a few big asks — and a big message: Johnson said his model for the city is what Democrats have achieved statewide with the party controlling both houses of the General Assembly and J.B. Pritzker occupying the governor’s mansion: improved funding for schools, strong labor and abortion-rights protections, and simultaneously an improvement in the state’s credit rating. “Our values have to be in line with our investments,” he said, and in Illinois that has meant achieving progressive policies that are a national example.
* Block Club | Why Did Chicago’s Latino Voters Split On Election Day? ‘The Biggest Lesson Is Outreach,’ Experts Say: Experts point to lack of voter outreach by campaigns and diverse ideologies as reasons why Chicago’s 14 Latino-majority wards split support for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson and challenger Paul Vallas.
* WTTW | From Leopold and Loeb to Gacy: Cicero Facility Houses Millions of Criminal Records: WTTW News got an exclusive look inside the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s massive records storage facility, located in Cicero. The warehouse just south of Roosevelt Road might not look like much at first glance. But take a peek inside and you’re transported to a world of criminals, court cases and the dark side of Cook County history.
* WTTW | End of the Burke Era: A 54-year Political Reign at City Hall Comes to a Close: Burke’s career will come to an end under the shadow of a 14-count indictment alleging the powerful politician repeatedly — and brazenly — used his elected office to force those doing business with the city to hire his private law firm. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and used millions of dollars of stockpiled campaign cash to fund his defense.
* NPR Illinois | Springfield inauguration set for May 5: Springfield’s newly elected mayor will officially take office early next month. Misty Buscher will be inaugurated on Friday May 5. […] Along with the new mayor, other city officials, including Clerk Frank Lesko and new City Treasurer Colleen Redpath Feger, will be sworn in.
* WSIL | Construction on Southern Illinois Multimodal Station to begin in June: A transportation hub that will serve Illlinois’ southernmost 30 counties is set to begin construction this summer in Jackson County. The city of Carbondale began demolishing the old Carbondale Cycle building on Illinois Avenue & Walnut Street over the weekend. On Tuesday, crews were still cleaning the debris at the site.
* Block Club | ChiFresh Kitchen, Co-Op That Hires Formerly Incarcerated People To Cook For Those In Need, Finds A New Home In Greater Grand Crossing: “Our team is committed to hiring formerly incarcerated folks” and locals, Kerr said. The company could grow to “between 30 and 40, even up to 50 people in that facility once we get to that 5,000-meal mark.” All employees are eligible for an ownership stake in ChiFresh Kitchen after 18 months on the job, after which they can start paying toward a $2,000 membership share. Members serve on the co-op’s board, have a vote in business decisions and can receive dividends if the company is profitable, Kerr said.
* Crain’s | Ad calls on Carl Icahn to join fight against McDonald’s ‘blatant racism’: Media entrepreneur Byron Allen took out an ad in the Chicago Tribune today soliciting support from activist investor Carl Icahn in his fight against “blatant racism” at McDonald’s. The Chicago-based hamburger chain has been under pressure from both men in recent years via lawsuits and shareholder meetings. Icahn pushed McDonald’s last year to wean off its dependence on meat products, and Allen has called for CEO Chris Kempczinski’s ousting and filed a discrimination lawsuit against the company.
* Block Club | Promontory Point Is Now A Chicago Landmark, A Major Victory For Activists Who Fought For Decades: Landmark status will ensure “an extra step of oversight” toward preserving the Point’s iconic limestone steps as city and federal agencies reinforce Chicago’s shoreline, supporters say. The beloved gathering space was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
* CNN | Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches 2024 presidential bid: His sister Kathleen served as the lieutenant governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. His brother Joseph was a congressman from Massachusetts from 1987 to 1999. And more recently, his brother Chris Kennedy was an unsuccessful candidate for governor of Illinois in 2018.
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* Click here for the House’s feed, or click here for the free BlueRoomStream.com feed. Let us know what you think in comments.
…Adding… Mayor-elect Johnson called for restoring the full Local Government Distributive Fund payment. The Illinois Municipal League’s members have descended on the Statehouse demanding the same thing. From the governor’s office…
Supporting the operation of local governments is a key part of the state’s financial infrastructure. Since Governor Pritzker took office, over $1.1 billion annually has been allocated to local governments to assist with costs over and above what they were previously receiving from the state. This is on top of the 49% increase in revenue sharing to local governments over Governor Pritzker’s first term. When possible, the State has provided additional funding mechanisms to help local governments, including one-time and permanent revenue supports to minimize the need for local property tax increases.
Over the last few years, local governments have also seen an increase in the percentage of income and sales taxes that state government shares with towns, counties, and transit districts. This is due to the removal of the distribution proration that was put into place during the budget impasse. In fiscal year 2018, these allocations totaled $1.7 billion, but are expected to total $2.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024 budget proposal.
Background
Support for local governments enacted since Governor Pritzker took office includes:
• An additional $200 million a year in sales taxes from the passage of internet sales tax language following the Wayfair decision, including the Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Act, to help ensure compliance with state tax laws on internet sales.
• Over $600 million annually in additional motor fuel taxes directed to local governments and transit districts to support needed transportation projects through the passage of Rebuild Illinois.
• Granting $1.5 billion in state transportation bond funds directly to local governments for road and highway project expenditures, saving local governments $110 million annually in debt service costs from not issuing local bonds.
• Authorization of adult-use cannabis, generating an estimated $100 million in additional revenues for local governments.
• Increased allocations through the Local Government Distributive Fund process totaling $46 million annually from business loophole closures included in PA 102-0016.
• Increased tax rates and positions for video gaming operations are expected to generate an additional $77 million a year for local governments.
• Anticipated additional local revenues from the opening of new casinos authorized under the Rebuild Illinois plan.
• Provided $400 million to support local governments during the 12-month suspension of the grocery tax authorized under the Illinois Family Relief Plan.
• Increased the percentage of individual income taxes that state government shares with municipalities and counties from 6.06 to 6.16 percent of total individual income tax collections. This 0.1 percent increase is worth $27 million annually.
OVERALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
• Income tax revenue sharing with locals increased 49% over the last 4 years. In FY19 LGDF was $1.342B. In FY22, LGDF was $2.00B – an increase of $658M or 49%.
…Adding… The IML’s fact sheet on the LGDF is here.
…Adding… If you’d like to compare with the last two first-time mayor speeches, click here for Rahm Emanuel and click here for Lori Lightfoot. [Hat tip: Amdor]
…Adding… Illinois Chamber…
The Illinois business community stands ready to work with Mayor-Elect Johnson to achieve our shared goals of a vibrant Chicago.
We look forward to working with Johnson on developing specific proposals for job growth and economic development within the state. This can be achieved through bipartisan cooperation that balances the needs of the citizens of Chicago with measures promoting a strong business climate, enhancing the city’s role as an economic engine that is so important to the prosperity of the state of Illinois.
…Adding… Press release…
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, welcomed Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson to the State Capitol Wednesday, beginning a conversation on economic development, public safety, and moving Illinois and the City of Chicago forward together.
“I sincerely thank Speaker Welch, President Harmon, and every legislator for their warm welcome today. Together, we have laid the foundation for a collaborative, productive, and energetic partnership to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago that benefits every community across Illinois,” said Mayor-Elect Johnson. “This legislative body has shown it’s possible to take bold action to lift-up people all across our state, and I stand ready to work together to strengthen our public schools, ensure safety in every community, and support Illinois businesses to drive widespread economic growth and prosperity.”
Before a joint session of the House and Senate, Johnson emphasized the need for collaboration and collective responsibility in creating a stronger Chicago and a stronger Illinois.
“In the days ahead, this Legislature will make significant decisions about how we continue to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house, expand opportunity across our state, and protect and strengthen Illinois communities. I’m pleased to welcome Mayor-Elect Johnson now, so that the priorities that will define the beginning of his term can inform our work,” said Speaker Welch. “Chicago is a critical component to Illinois’ success and it’s wonderful to hear the mayor-elect discuss priorities that mirror so closely what we’ve been fighting for in Springfield. I’m excited to work with Mayor-Elect Johnson as we continue to push for a smart approach to public safety, for fiscally and socially responsible budgets, and for the rights of women, of immigrants, and of working families.”
“I commend the mayor-elect for hitting the ground running, establishing his priorities and building relationships with the General Assembly before he even takes office,” said Senate President Harmon. “I found inspiration with his central message that progressive values and economic prosperity are one and the same, and that we are proving it here in the great state of Illinois. I look forward to finding ways to work together in the years ahead.”
Earlier Wednesday, Johnson met with Welch and Harmon, as well as the Black, Latinx, Progressive, and Moderate House sub-caucuses. Johnson emphasized that Chicago’s success is Illinois’ success, and called for leaders across the state to work together for a smart approach to safe communities, economic opportunity for all, and increased investment in local government.
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Good work if you can get it
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dan Proft’s People Who Play by the Rules PAC disclosed just one independent expenditure during all of the first quarter: $3,725.56 for mail on behalf of Lyons Township High School 204 School Board candidates Tim Vicek, Frank Evans and David Herndon. All three lost to the candidates supported by the Democratic Party of Illinois.
But Proft’s company, Starfish Consulting, was still paid $75,000 in three monthly installments.
* Another $26,500 in consulting fees was paid to Fahrenheit Consulting Group. Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is a founding partner of the firm.
The new Illinois Review has been hammering Pekau for months and I’ve kinda been wondering why. IR also seems to have had a beef with Proft since the new owners took over, so maybe that’s it.
And another $41K or so went to TMKS, LLC out of Rochelle, also for consulting work. I think that’s Michael Koolidge’s firm. Koolidge works for People Who Play By The Rules PAC and is a former congressional candidate.
So, if you add that up, you get $142,500 paid to consultants, which is 38 times the amount spent on actual (losing) campaigns.
* Proft’s IE committee reported no contributions during the quarter, but ended with $1.3 million in the bank.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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Passing SB 1763 would bring a much-needed 20% across-the-board increase to hospital Medicaid base rates—helping preserve and improve equity in funding for hospital care. Discover the facts to learn more.
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So much to unpack here
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The stories from last weekend’s downtown youth violence are completely disturbing, if not particularly new. Plenty of news media outlets are giving it extensive coverage (particularly Fox). But what’s being pushed down in many of these stories is that the taxpayer-funded adults who are supposedly in charge also have something to answer for. Here’s CBS 2…
A couple attacked by a group of teens during the unrest downtown over the weekend said Tuesday that they had to fight for their lives.
The video of the vicious attack near a T-Mobile store on Wabash Avenue has been shared millions of times online.
CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman spoke with the couple – and a woman who jumped in to save them. The couple remains noticeably shaken up – trying to find moments to smile after what they went through.
They were in town from South Carolina, walking in the Loop just trying to find a place to eat.
In seconds, they were cornered and attacked with no way out.
Video shows the group of teens assaulting 20-year-old Ashley Knutson in front of 129 N. Wabash Ave. – across from the Macy’s building – Saturday night. She screams as the group corners her against a set of doors.
Knutson falls to the ground.
“It just doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I can’t believe that happened to us.”
The disturbing video is all over social media.
* You have to wait until the last third of this NBC 5 story to get to the revelation from a very brave Chicagoan…
The video’s audio reveals Knutson yelling for help as the attack took place, and that’s when an unlikely hero emerged.
“I felt like at that moment I needed to take action,” Lenora Dennis said.
Dennis jumped in to help and was able to deescalate the attack. […]
Dennis says what frustrates her the most was that she didn’t receive any help from Chicago police.
“I literally went in front of a police car that I saw coming, like literally stood in front of their car, and I was like ‘stop! There’s people over here getting assaulted,’ and he looked, there were four police officers in the car. The driver looked, and he just cut a path and drove around me,” she said.
“They didn’t stop. Who knows what would have happened if it wasn’t for her,” Garrisson-Johnson added.
Those officers may have been on an important and urgent call and simply couldn’t stop. It happens. We just don’t know yet, but that probably ought to be at least looked into.
Also, this does show that deescalation and violence interruption can work. We need more of that from trained workers. Lots more. Where were all those groups over the weekend? …Adding… Question answered…
* WGN TV…
Dennis said she ushered the couple into the flagship Macy’s store where they hid until they could safely leave. Eventually, Dennis drove them to the 1st District police station where she said a desk sergeant told her words to the effect of: “This is happening because Brandon Johnson got elected.”
“I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life and would’ve never expected that,” Dennis said. “If that’s a precursor to what’s about to happen that’s a total and complete problem.”
It’s an allegation about a single curmudgeon sergeant. But I can see where people would find that very believable and also quite alarming. The FOP’s president did, after all, predict “blood in the streets” if Paul Vallas lost the election. And most of the outraged reaction to the violence appears to be coming from people who wanted to see Vallas elected mayor. It’s bad enough as it is, but it’s now being used as a political cudgel against a guy who hasn’t even been sworn in yet.
* Back to CBS 2…
Since the attack, Knutson said detectives have come to the Maywood Airbnb where they are staying – and have apologized and made sure they are okay.
The couple has filed a police report, but so far, no arrests have been made.
Nice to see an apology. It was certainly owed to them. And with all the video out there (public and private), there had better be some arrests.
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ComEd 4 trial coverage roundup
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* John Hooker’s testimony continues today…
* Tribune | Apparent slip-up during ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore cross-examination leads to revelation about interview with feds: The cross-examination of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore took a dramatic turn Tuesday when she inadvertently opened the door to questions about a 2019 interview with prosecutors where she denied knowing about the utility paying subcontractors connected to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. The apparent slip-up occurred while Pramaggiore was being asked about a recorded call with then-ComEd executive Fidel Marquez, who told her that the subcontractors, including former 13th Ward Ald. Frank Olivo, were being funneled through a contract with lobbyist Jay Doherty and that they didn’t do any work.
* Sun-Times | Former ComEd CEO testifies that secretly recorded call central to bribery case against her actually ‘proves my innocence’: Jurors also heard Tuesday that the September 2019 interview ended after the feds played the recorded phone call for Pramaggiore and her attorneys. Meanwhile, Pramaggiore insisted to Streicker that, if she had remembered the call, “I would have shared it with you because it proves my innocence.” At one point in the February 2019 call with Marquez, Pramaggiore can be heard saying “oh my God.” She testified this week that it was because she was “taken aback” by some of Marquez’s comment
* ABC Chicago | Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore defends actions in bribery case; Hooker testifies: One such conversation-which led to her ending her talks with the U.S. attorney’s office- included a phone call between herself and ComEd lobbyist-turned-government informant Fidel Marquez early that same year. During the call, they discussed how to go about explaining Doherty’s contract to the new CEO and maybe suggesting he put an end to it. “Let’s not do it until after the session’s over. Let’s look at this in terms of going forward to next year because we do not want to get caught up in a, you know, disruptive battle where, you know, somebody gets their nose out of joint and we’re trying to move somebody off and then we get forced to give ‘em a five-year contract because we’re in the middle of needing to get something done in Springfield,” Pramaggiore said in the call on February 18, 2019.
* Hannah Meisel | Former ComEd CEO testifies she was unaware of Madigan allies’ monthly checks for no work: “We didn’t view him as a friend or an ally,” Pramaggiore said of Madigan’s relationship to ComEd, outlining the speaker’s “classic Democrat, very pro-consumer” stance on utilities. She also said ComEd officials were never quite sure what to make of the influencing effect of Madigan’s daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who “was always in opposition to us.”
* CBS Chicago | Prosecutors question ex-ComEd CEO on her knowledge about do-nothing subcontractors: Prosecutors doubled down, asking Pramaggiore to confirm she was testifying that she forgot the entire recorded phone conversation before that interview. She replied simply: “I am.” Fellow defendant Hooker also took the stand on Tuesday afternoon to testify in his own defense, focusing on the ComEd legislation he was involved with.
* NBC Chicago | Second ComEd 4 Defendant Takes The Stand as Trial Continues: Hooker laid out how the office worked but denied any wrongdoing. He also denied being part of then-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s “inner circle.” When asked if he was an agent for Madigan, Hooker proudly said “no, he was ComEd all the way.”
* Crain’s | A key meeting with the feds takes center stage in Pramaggiore cross-examination: Hooker also spoke extensively about his role in helping pass the various bills on which the trial has focused. But he didn’t get to the key questions pertaining to him, which is a recording of him talking about his role in helping create the Doherty subcontracts. He will be on the stand beginning Wednesday morning, when no doubt that issue will come up.
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Another day, another DeVore loss
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I told you this was going to happen quite a while ago. Center Square…
The Illinois Supreme Court has granted a motion to pause proceedings in a challenge of Illinois’ gun and magazine ban pending the outcome of a separate challenge before the state’s high court.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted the state’s ban on certain semi-automatic weapons and magazines Jan. 10. The law has been challenged in both federal and state courts.
One of the first state-level lawsuits came from attorney Thomas DeVore. He secured temporary restraining orders for thousands of named plaintiffs and gun stores in two cases from Effingham County and one from White County. The first case, named Accuracy Firearms v. Pritzker, was appealed by the state to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court decided the case challenging the law on equal protections was likely to advance on its merits.
Separately, a Macon County judge issued a final judgment that the law was unconstitutional based on the appeals court decision. That case was brought by state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur. Because of the appeals court decision, the state appealed Caulkins’ case directly to the Illinois Supreme Court.
DeVore attempted to consolidate his cases with Caulkins’ case, a motion the Illinois Supreme Court denied. They are set to hear the Caulkins case in mid-May.
On March 31, the state filed an abeyance motion in the Accuracy Firearms case with the Illinois Supreme Court. The request was to hold the state’s appeal of a temporary restraining order in the DeVore case “pending the disposition” in the Caulkins case, “which is a direct appeal currently pending before this court.” […]
Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court granted the motion for abeyance, effectively holding off the appeal of the Effingham County TRO until the Caulkins case is resolved.
Meanwhile, DeVore is still trying to subpoena constitutionally protected legislative communications.
Either way, if Rep. Caulkins loses (and he probably will at the state level), then DeVore can ultimately claim victory by claiming he would’ve won if only Caulkins hadn’t interfered. Some folks believe that may actually be why DeVore is pulling his subpoena stunt.
Rep. Caulkins’ case has been scheduled for a May 16 Supreme Court hearing.
* The federal cases are more important, and here’s an update on one of those…
The federal appeals court in Chicago on Tuesday denied a request to block the Illinois assault weapons ban while it faces legal challenges.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an injunction by Robert Bevis, a firearms store owner in Naperville, while he appeals a ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall that found the ban “constitutionally sound.” […]
Bevis’ lawyers argued that his Law Weapons & Supply business suffered because of the ban and might end up closing if it can’t sell the popular guns.
In her ruling, Kendall wrote that, “because assault weapons are particularly dangerous weapons … their regulation accords with history and tradition.”
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Open thread
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Good morning! What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Sun-Times | Illinois assault weapons ban withstands appeal in federal court: The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an injunction by Robert Bevis, a firearms store owner in Naperville, while he appeals a ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall that found the ban “constitutionally sound.”
* Sun-Times | CPS looking to move away from student-based budgeting, CEO Martinez says: Martinez shared these plans during a virtual briefing Tuesday outlining CPS’ school budget for the 2023-24 school year. The school-level budgets represent the money the district gives principals to use for their schools. The budgets, which are set to be finalized and approved over the summer, represent around one-third of the district’s total $9.4 billion budget. They include an infusion of cash from federal COVID-19 relief funding.
* Tribune | Big spending didn’t always lead to wins in school and library board races fueled by partisan rancor: The Illinois Democratic Party spent nearly $260,000 on local school and library board races across the state leading up to the April 4 election, but in some high-profile contests was outspent by slates of conservative candidates pushing for a rightward turn that nonetheless failed to win seats, according to first quarter campaign disclosures.
* Sun-Times | Year of the Incumbent? Only one sitting City Council member unseated this year — first time in a century: The sole incumbent voted out, Southwest Side Ald. Anabel Abarca (12th), was only on the job about two months before she was beaten by Julia Ramirez in the first round of municipal voting Feb. 28. Abarca had been appointed by outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot last fall to replace former Ald. George Cardenas following Cardenas’ election to the Cook County Board of Review.
* SJ-R | ‘Every vote counts’: Two candidates eke out one-vote wins in county election finale: Gordon Gates called his 19-vote win over Melissa Hahn Moseley for a trustee’s seat on the Lincoln Land Community College board “an odd, but ultimately gratifying result.” Gates’ slim margin of victory wasn’t the only oddity that played out in the Sangamon County Election office where officials tabulated late arriving vote-by-mail and provisional ballots Tuesday.
* Patch | Racist Remarks Directed At DuPage Township Trustee During Meeting: Townsend, who is Muslim, was breaking her fast while observing Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, marked by a period of fasting, which is broken after sunset. This year, Ramadan runs from March 20 to April 20. Townsend said she began eating during the meeting, after the sun had set. She was speaking to a resident during the meeting when they mocked her and said, “go back to eating your lunch.”
* Capitol News Illinois | Governors State, Chicago State and EIU faculty have all ended their strikes: Bargaining is also ongoing between administrators and faculty at Northeastern Illinois University. The faculty union there voted to authorize a strike last week and has also requested mediation.
* Sun-Times | Lightfoot says she’s handing Johnson a city with rosy financial future: In a “midyear” budget forecast released Tuesday, the lame-duck mayor argues that she is handing off a budget shortfall to Johnson of just $85 million. That’s more than a historic low for Chicago mayoral transitions. It’s a $390 million improvement from the yawning $473.8 million gap Lightfoot had been expecting, according to her previous midyear budget forecast, released last August.
* Tribune | Teamsters plan to strike at three Rise cannabis stores on the eve of 4/20 pot festivities: The strike is to protest what union spokesman Matthew McQuaid said was an unfair labor practice, when management told workers to take off Teamsters buttons during bargaining.
* Kimberly Lightford and Carol Ammons | It’s time for Illinois to systematically support student well-being: Adverse childhood experiences — or ACEs — include traumas such as parental separation, domestic violence, mental illness, abuse and neglect, and substance abuse and incarceration. Exposure to traumatic experiences impacts a child’s social-emotional development, their mental and physical health, and their learning and academic outcomes.
* WAND | Pritzker, Stratton join advocates for early childhood lobby day: Pritzker hopes Democrats and Republicans will support his Smart Start Illinois plan with investments in preschool, child care, early intervention, and early childhood facilities. The governor is calling for $250 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to launch the program.
* Aurora Beacon-News | Assessed value of property in Aurora has increased $1.2 billion since 2011, officials say: That increase in assessed value has created a steady decline in the city’s property tax rate since 2014, from a high of more than $2 for each $100 in assessed value, to around $1.77 this year, the report said.
* Tribune | Rails to trails: How converted railroad paths became great escapes for cyclists, from the Great American to The 606: Chicago is also home to a stretch of the Great American Rail Trail, a 3,700-mile bike path from coast to coast that passes through northwest Indiana and the south suburbs. Though supported by the national Rails to Trails Conservancy, it is really a network of more than 125 locally backed trails that is still filling out some gaps in the run from Washington, D.C., to the Pacific Ocean west of Seattle. I did a relatively short stretch in Indiana, and it left me wanting to ride more.
* Daily Southtown | Viral video of Dolton soul food restaurant generates more business: Ladonna Jones posted the video on TikTok with the caption that stated, in part, “it breaks my heart everyday to see my daddy sit at this same window waiting on customers to come in.”
* Daily Herald | Bears to blame? Developer cites stadium proposal for delay in Arlington Heights project: Developer Bruce Adreani already was having difficulty obtaining financing for his mixed-use redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Block 425 in downtown Arlington Heights, but this week he added a new wrinkle: the Bears. Adreani cited the NFL franchise’s possible move to Arlington Park — and how that redevelopment could affect the village’s downtown — among reasons his Arlington 425 project has been slow to progress since it was first approved by the village board in May 2019.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Apr 19, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Afternoon roundup
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore’s testimony has concluded…
* Capitol News Illinois…
Faculty at Governors State University ended a strike on Monday after being on the picket line for five days. […]
Union members at Chicago State University ended their 10-day strike on Sunday and those at Eastern Illinois University ended their six-day strike last Thursday. […]
Bargaining is also ongoing between administrators and faculty at Northeastern Illinois University. The faculty union there voted to authorize a strike last week and has also requested mediation.
* Rep. Joe Sosnowski’s HR176…
Encourages the further development of Liberland and the efforts of its government and citizens to establish a new partner in guaranteeing the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Requests the President of the United States, the Secretary of the State, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider recognizing the Free Republic of Liberland.
Wikipedia…
Liberland, also known as the Free Republic of Liberland, is a micronation in Southeast Europe claiming an uninhabited parcel of disputed land on the western bank of the Danube, between Croatia and Serbia (locally known as Gornja Siga). It was proclaimed on 13 April 2015 by the Czech right-libertarian politician and activist Vít Jedlička. […]
Legal experts in both Serbia and Croatia have said that, under international law, Jedlička lacks the right to claim the area, which is currently the subject of a dispute between the two nations. Croatia and Serbia have dismissed Jedlička’s claims as frivolous, although the two countries have reacted in different ways.
* Press release…
Davis Family Asks for Privacy and Prayers After Medical Emergency and Car Accident
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Tuesday, April 11th, after experiencing a medical emergency, State Representative William “Will” Davis of the 30th District was involved in a minor car accident.
The Davis family wishes to thank the first responders for their expeditious response as well as the medical staff for the excellent care he is receiving.
He and his family are very appreciative of the prayers, thoughts, support and well-wishes. During this time, as he focuses on making a full recovery, the family respectfully asks for privacy.
Representative Davis’ office will continue to serve the constituents of the 30th District.
* Press release…
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced today she is forming a federal committee to explore a run for Congress in Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District.
“Today, I am taking steps to run for Congress to serve the people of Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District. I’ve lived in this district my entire life and I understand the bold leadership that is needed to breathe new life into our communities. We all deserve a quality education, economic opportunities, and a safe neighborhood — no matter where we are born. It’s been my mission to serve, and I am ready to put myself forward,” she said
Conyears-Ervin added:
“Unfortunately, congressional races are long, logistically complicated, and expensive. I am taking this step today in order to ensure that I have the proper infrastructure to hit the ground running when the right time comes. Congressman Danny Davis has ably served the people of the Seventh District for many years. Whenever he should choose to retire, I will be running to succeed him and continue his legacy of service.”
* Tribune…
New mayors have often entered office at a disadvantage when they discover a massive budget deficit their predecessor left behind.
When Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office in 2011, he pegged the city’s budget shortfall at $636 million, blaming predecessor Richard M. Daley for profligate spending. Mayor Lori Lightfoot faced similar circumstances in 2019, when she said Emanuel left her an $838 million gap.
But the outgoing mayor’s financial team said Tuesday the administration is leaving Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson with a projected budget gap of just $85 million for his first year.
That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the city’s overall $16.7 billion budget. That gap would remain “relatively low” in 2025 at $124 million and 2026 at $145 million if Johnson’s administration sticks to his predecessor’s recommended budget practices, city officials project.
Sponsored
* M3 Strategies released a number of polls during the mayoral campaign. Turns out, the Republican firm was also paid $363,731.74 by Paul Vallas during the first quarter for various services.
By the way, Paul Vallas made just one campaign contribution out of his political action committee during the entire first quarter: $65,000 to Ald. Roderick Sawyer’s 6th Ward. Brandon Johnson won that ward 82-18.
Also, the Vallas campaign paid Ikoro LLC $500,000 during the quarter. $20K of that was for consulting, and the other $480K has the notation “Disputed - not verified.” According to state records, Ikoro LLC is owned by Chima Enyia, the former executive director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
The rather odd Keith Thornton, last seen disrupting a Brandon Johnson event, got $20K. Tyrone Muhammad also got in on the Vallas action. The founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change is perhaps best known for disrupting a trans rights rally and for being paid $250,000 by Dan Proft’s People Who Play by the Rules PAC and for palling around with Tom DeVore. Muhammad received $12,000 for consulting.
* Press release…
Today, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office announced it has filed a lawsuit against the nation’s largest insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) demonstrating that the defendants had illegally conspired to artificially increase insulin prices in violation of the Illinois’s Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Over the past 25 years, the list price of certain insulins has greatly increased — in some cases by more than 1000%. This increase has vastly outpaced the consumer price index or the relevant rise in costs associated with manufacturing and research.
The lawsuit argues that manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, and PBMs CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, have leveraged their market power to increase profits at the expense of Lake County and the payors who need the lifesaving medication.
The filing is here.
* Isabel is on assignment, so you’re stuck with me…
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It’s just a bill
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chicago Tribune…
Shreya Nallamothu was scrolling through TikTok the summer before her freshman year of high school when she started to notice how much content featured children performing in professionally produced family videos, or “vlogs.”
The bill, which was passed unanimously by the Senate and is now before the House, would require that a minimum of half a video’s earnings, prorated based on the amount of time the person under 16 appears, be set aside in an account that is accessible only to the child when they turn 18. So, if a video made $100 and a minor was in half of the video, then that minor would be paid at least $25 for their work. If there are multiple children in the program, they would share the money evenly. […]
Jenny LeFlore, a full-time content creator in Chicago who provides online parenting recommendations, is supportive of the bill but sees flaws in some aspects of it.
She takes issue with the bill’s definition of “vlog” as “content shared on an online platform in exchange for compensation” and “vlogger” anyone who produces compensated video content, language she finds overly broad.
But LeFlore’s main problem is a requirement that channel owners closely document the time stamps for which their children are present on a vlog to ensure the children are allotted their proper payment.
* Brownfield Ag News…
Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly would allow students to participate in 4-H and FFA competitions and shows without being counted absent from school.
Pontiac FFA Advisor Jesse Faber chairs the Illinois Ag Education Legislative Committee. He tells Brownfield many schools start the academic year before the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair, which has caused conflict for 4-H and FFA members. […]
Faber says it is really no different than a student being excused to compete in a sporting event.
“That is exactly what we are asking for here, just the same recognition and treatment as if they were attending a music competition, a student council convention, or a track meet.” […]
Faber says the bill passed unanimously in the House and is expected to be picked up in the Senate once lawmakers return to session. He says the bill has strong bipartisan support and he is very optimistic that it will pass. Senator Doris Turner and Representative Sonya Harper are the lead sponsors.
* SB1896 is on First Reading in the House. Center Square…
A new Senate bill would allow Illinoisans to purchase a car without ever having to visit a dealership.
In a digital world, a person can buy just about anything from the comfort of home. In the Illinois Senate, state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, has Senate Bill 1896. If approved, car buyers in Illinois will be able to buy a car without ever having to visit a dealership.
SB1896 would change the Illinois Vehicle Code to clarify language pertaining to home delivery and electronic signatures. […]
Carvana, the national company that sells used cars online and delivers them directly to the customer’s driveway, is backing Joyce’s legislation because the company believes that it is not necessary to visit a dealer’s office in order to buy a car.
* Library Journal…
A bill that explicitly prohibits Illinois libraries from banning books is speeding its way toward passage by the General Assembly, and the Illinois Secretary of State said he wants “every librarian in the country to know we have their backs.” […]
HB 2789 passed the Illinois House 69–39 on March 22. Not a single Republican voted for the bill. “That’s insane, frankly,” said State Sen. Laura Murphy, a Democrat. In the past, she said, library-related bills in Illinois usually collected some GOP support. House Republicans who voted against the bill did not respond to LJ ’s request for comment.
The bill went to the Senate on March 23, had a first reading, and must now advance through committee before facing a full vote of the 59-member upper chamber. The spring legislative session ends on May 19. Democrats have a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly; they don’t require Republican votes to pass any legislation. In the state Senate, Dems hold a 40–19 advantage.
Murphy predicted HB 2789 would pass the Senate with at least a few GOP votes. She described herself as “pretty confident” Pritzker will sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. “He’s very supportive,” Giannoulis added of the governor.
* Illinois Health and Hospital Association…
Illinois hospital and health system leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass several bills that will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals, help deter violence against healthcare workers, and address staffing challenges to ensure hospitals can continue to provide access to quality healthcare for patients in all Illinois communities.
On Wednesday, April 19, nearly 100 leaders of hospital and health systems from across the state will meet with legislators from their respective districts during Hospital Advocacy Day organized by the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).
“We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Illinois General Assembly to outline the many challenges hospitals are still facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including growing cost pressures, physical and verbal assault against healthcare workers, and staffing shortages,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, IHA President and CEO. “We must work together to address these critical issues to advance health, ensure equity, keep our healthcare workforce strong and safe, and protect access to patient care in all Illinois communities.”
During Hospital Advocacy Day, hospital and health system leaders will urge members of the Illinois General Assembly to vote in support of the following healthcare bills:
-Senate Bill 1763, sponsored by Sen. Ann Gillespie (D – Arlington Heights) and Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), advances a 20% increase to hospital Medicaid reimbursement rates. Without additional state support, access to care will continue to suffer as hospitals are forced to close units, limit services or, in extreme cases, consider closure. The bipartisan legislation would provide the first General Revenue Fund (GRF) Medicaid base rate increase for hospitals in 28 years.
-To deter the increasingly vicious physical, emotional and verbal attacks, IHA introduced Senate Bill 1863 to make it clear that those who harm healthcare professionals will be held accountable under the law. The commonsense bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Sen. John F. Curran (R-Lemont) and Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), includes violence against a healthcare worker in a healthcare setting as an aggravating factor a judge can consider during sentencing.
-House Bill 559, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood), allows providers holding temporary out-of-state licenses the opportunity to apply for a permanent Illinois license and to continue to work for up to an additional 12 months until the Illinois Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues the permanent license or denies the application. The legislation extends similar flexibilities to providers seeking reinstatement of their Illinois license. In light of the state’s well-documented healthcare worker shortage, this legislation offers a commonsense winding down period for healthcare professionals currently working in the state’s hospitals on a temporary COVID-19 out-of-state license. House Bill 559 supports hospital and health systems’ efforts to sustain and grow the state’s healthcare workforce.
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Get it together, people
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s on the weekend violence…
But the alderman who represents much of downtown, Brendan Reilly, 42nd, blamed police for letting the situation get out of hand.
“This feels a bit like Groundhog Day — every year, on our first warm weather weekend, it seems that (Chicago Police Department) leadership is caught flat-footed and overwhelmed by these large groups of juveniles on our beaches and in our parks,” Reilly said. “My colleagues and I will be demanding a briefing to ensure that CPD has drafted a plan and that it will be implemented immediately to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.” […]
Police sources emphasize that, after earlier events, steps were taken to secure Millennium Park and that there was a considerable police presence available to deter looting. But sources also report that the department needs to improve internal communication between units that monitor social media and patrol officers. In addition, the department is planning steps to ensure more command personnel are on hand to make quick decisions during future such incidents.
This happens pretty much every year and they’re only now fixing to get ready to do these things?
* Sun-Times…
Downtown Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said the gatherings fueled by social media devolved into three nights of “mayhem” because of a “total breakdown in command and control” at the Chicago Police Department.
“We’ve had more than our share of downtown mass arrest incidents going back over a decade. This is not new,” Hopkins said. “What is new is to have it happen three days in a row.” […]
Hopkins said interim police Supt. Eric Carter and Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott got into a shouting match Saturday night, and there was a heated disagreement between “Chicago police leadership and CTA management about who was in charge” of determining whether to cut off mass transit service to downtown.
“There should be all sorts of contingency plans in place for when these incidents occur,” Hopkins said. “Instead, we had an absolute meltdown of command and control. Nobody knew who was in charge.”
Unreal.
* Tribune…
“I don’t feel safe in my city anymore,” said Raul Montes, a Little Village activist who held a news conference Monday afternoon to demand Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson reinforce the city’s 10 p.m. curfew for teens enacted in May last year by City Council following a teen’s fatal shooting at The Bean in Millennium Park.
That curfew was an abject failure. WTTW…
Chicago’s extended and expanded teen curfew — touted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the way to put an end to a spate of downtown violence among young Chicagoans — was enforced by police only four times between May 17 and Aug. 18, according to data obtained by WTTW News.
* Back to the Tribune…
On Monday night, Chicago police issued a statement that it would be “actively and continuously” reviewing “open source social media” and that “additional resources will be available to protect those who are visiting, living or working in the areas of large gatherings. Resources include an increased police and command staff presence at these gatherings citywide.”
It said that the “Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) will also be monitoring all activity and police cameras to assist in the proactive reallocation of resources when necessary.”
“Additional security measures such as bag checks at beach entry points and the curfew for minors at Millennium Park” will be in place,” the statement said. “CPD is also working closely with youth and outreach workers for when these gatherings occur.”
The CPD needs to coordinate much more closely with outreach groups. The cops are clearly overwhelmed and it’s time they admit that. And these outreach groups need to step the heck up.
* WBEZ…
Chicago in recent years has invested more resources in non-policing solutions to violence.
[Norman Kerr, a local public safety expert] said the city could employ a team of anti-violence workers to patrol downtown hot spots on the weekend and help turn down the temperature when situations get heated.
“There has to be some sort of investment in a cadre of individuals who can [stop] some of the conflicts that are brewing. They can help to mitigate it,” Kerr said. He said those teams must be property funded and put in place before kids get downtown.
* Thanks for the news flash, Chicago Tribune editorial board…
Part of the issue here is that teens now use social media to organize very quickly. Those of previous generations are familiar with how kids used to spend hours just trying to find the right time and place to meet up. As an episode of the public radio show “This American Life” once explored, teenagers used to spend all their energy figuring out a plan.
Now huge numbers of teens are interconnected. One posts where to go and when, and hundreds, if not thousands, heed the call. Demonstrably, they move far faster than police.
Gee, you think? C’mon. Social media has been around longer than some of these kids have been alive. And it’s helped generate organized downtown violence for nearly that long. Where is that editorial board even from? Did they just drop in from Mars?
* CBS 2…
Chicago Loop Alliance responded to the crowds by saying, “Our Chicago Loop Alliance ambassadors and unarmed security remained vigilant of the situation throughout the night. While this is not a frequent occurrence in the Loop, we are prepared to work with all relevant partners and parties in response to when these trends are detected.”
We’ve seen social media posts encouraging teens to come into the Loop and fight.
CBS 2 reached out to the CPD to ask if they know how this started, and they said they have no clue how this was organized.
“No clue.”
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* Senate President Don Harmon…
I want to compliment Leader Curran on the amicable nature of our ongoing discussions. We’ve had encouraging talks with our Republican colleagues on how to work together toward shared goals that further the state’s economic success and stability. I look forward to reviewing their proposals and seeing where we can find common ground.
* SJ-R…
Minority Senate Leader John Curran and fellow Senate Republicans argued the state’s fiscal standing should be used to help businesses through legislation being pushed by its caucus and lowering taxes.
The virtually-held press conference centered on a handful of bills Republicans believe will keep businesses from leaving Illinois. Most of them, however, have been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee which likely means voting action will not happen before the end of the spring session on May 19.
While Democrats have argued that its policies are helping business and labor interests, state Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, says departures of companies such as Caterpillar and Boeing show the state is not being a welcoming environment to employers.
“We don’t just want businesses to locate here in Illinois, we should be incentivizing the ones that are already here to grow and thrive,” he said.
* Crain’s…
Clearly the biggest ask is to kill the state’s estate tax, which through the three quarters of this fiscal year had pulled in more than $400 million. Getting that through a body in which Democrats have super-majorities in both chambers will be very difficult, legislative sources said.
Possibly with better chances are bills that would remove a $100,000-a-year deduction cap on business loss carryforwards on Dec. 31, a year earlier than now planned; extend and enhance R&D credits, repeal the franchise tax, and implement new credits for headquarters locations and employment. The headquarters credit would net any company that qualifies, including small businesses, $100 for each year it was based in the state. The employment credit would create a new credit of $100 per worker.
Curran said Democrats have been receptive in private talks, but only to a point.
“We have begun conversations,” Curran said. “Generally, there’s been some willingness to do things for business” but no specific commitments.
* Full SGOP press release…
As Illinois’ unfriendly business climate has pushed large companies to leave the state or significantly reduce their corporate presence, members of the Senate Republican Caucus shared a package of business advocacy initiatives to help Illinois better compete, create jobs, and boost its economy.
“Illinois is rich with potential, an educated workforce, and a long history of innovation,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grover). “Unfortunately, in 2021, in response to the defeat of the Progressive Income Tax Amendment, the Governor and the Democratic Majority passed a series of tax increases on Illinois businesses that continue to hold our job creators and job seekers back. Today we are here to advocate for policy solutions to help Illinois attract and retain businesses and investment in our communities.”
Leader Curran discussed Senate Bill 1810, which removes the $100,000 cap on the Net Operating Loss deductions on December 31, 2023, to help businesses invest and grow their organizations without revenue loss to the state.
Senator Win Stoller (R-Peoria), a business owner himself, introduced Senate Bill 1406 that makes good on the repeal of the franchise tax that the Governor and Democratic Majority stopped in 2021. The franchise tax includes three different taxes on money used to build a business as opposed to revenue or even net worth. Illinois is in the minority of states that impose such a tax.
“Our focus must be on enacting policies that attract and keep businesses in Illinois rather than discourage growth,” said Stoller. “Getting rid of the franchise tax removes a barrier that punishes employers for building their businesses in Illinois.”
Another measure that aims to attract and retain businesses in Illinois is Senate Bill 2140, proposed by Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), which would reduce the filing fee for limited liability corporations by 50 percent. Chesney also cosponsored Senate Bill 140 that eliminates the Estate Tax for persons dying on or after the effective date, or for transfers made on or after the effective date.
“Illinois can and must do more to let businesses know that we value them and appreciate their decisions to locate and operate in the State of Illinois. Unfortunately, the policies coming out of Springfield convey just the opposite. We make our business owners jump through an inordinate number of hoops and we wrap them up in red tape,” said Chesney. “Rather than stifling the state’s job creators, let’s help them grow.”
The goal of Senate Bill 2075, proposed by Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), is to support and retain the state’s legacy businesses. Lewis’ legislation would create a legacy tax credit for companies headquartered in Illinois, along with employee tax credits.
“We all live here because we either love Illinois, believe in its potential, or both. Our state has so much to offer. It is located in the heart of the nation, and it is a major transportation hub with state-of-the-art institutions and an educated citizenry that wants to work in a rewarding career. There is no reason why we cannot be a leader in the Midwest and nation for job creation and stability,” said Lewis. “This bill is one example of how we can make Illinois a place where people want to live, not leave.”
Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) has introduced several pieces of legislation poised to support job creators and spur innovation. His bills include Senate Bill 163, a tax credit to fund research and development, and Senate Bill 2084, which creates the Illinois Innovation Tax Credit.
“Rather than putting laws in place that push our job creators to take their business and jobs to other, more business-friendly states, we need to support them. We don’t just want businesses to locate in Illinois; we should incentivize them to grow and thrive here,” said DeWitte. “By unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit through R & D tax credits, we are encouraging individuals and corporations with great ideas to act, launch, and expand businesses right here in Illinois.”
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ComEd 4 trial coverage roundup
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Wrapping up this week?…
* Hannah Meisel | Former ComEd CEO testifies she was unaware of Madigan allies’ monthly checks for no work: Asked if Madigan had “taken good care of” her, Pramaggiore said “not in the legislative sense,” but did indicate that her teen son had gotten the opportunity to volunteer with the Democratic Party of Illinois during both the 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Conventions, which she’d suspected was because of Madigan. Pramaggiore faces cross-examination from prosecution on Tuesday, and the defense on Monday indicated it would wrap up its case by the end of the week.
* Amanda Vinicky | Former ComEd CEO Distances Herself From Michael Madigan During 2nd Day on the Stand: Pramaggiore told a federal jury that she was thankful to McClain, John Hooker — another co-defendant and ComEd executive — but, only added appreciation for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on that call because she was doing the CEO version of kissing up. “I always included the speaker when I’m talking to Mike McClain. He revered the speaker. The speaker loomed large in his life and I knew that,” she said. “It’s kind of like throwing in something about a family members, ‘I enjoyed meeting your spouse or your son or daughter.’”
* Tribune | ‘We weren’t bribing Speaker Madigan’: Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore back on witness stand in her own defense in ‘ComEd Four’ case: And the jobs given to 13th Ward acolytes? The summer internships doled out by ComEd to college kids recommended by the speaker? The utility’s hiring of a law firm headed by Democratic operative and longtime Madigan associated Vicor Reyes? None of it had anything to do with any illegal scheme, she said. “No, we weren’t bribing Speaker Madigan,” Pramaggiore said bluntly at one point Monday.
* Sun-Times | On witness stand, former ComEd CEO denies knowing contractors were tied to Madigan: Pramaggiore suggested in the call that Marquez tell Dominguez “it’s probably a good time to make a switch,” but she suggested he wait until after the end of the legislative session. She said they did not want someone to get “their nose out of joint,” forcing ComEd to give someone “a five-year contract because we’re in the middle of needing to get something done in Springfield.” She also mentioned turnover in the legislature. On Monday, Pramaggiore explained that she didn’t understand who the subcontractors would have been affiliated with in the legislature. She said she mentioned turnover because she was thinking “maybe those legislators are no longer in the legislature.”
* CBS Chicago | Former ComEd CEO denies she tried to bribe former Speaker Madigan: She went on to say ComEd didn’t view Madigan as a friend or ally, but a “classic Democrat” who was “very pro-consumer which made him not very supportive of businesses as a natural matter.” Prosecutors spent weeks detailing how they said ComEd got legislation passed by influencing and paying off Madigan’s people. That included payments ComEd made to allies of Madigan, brought on as subcontractors who prosecutors said were paid thousands of dollars a month, but never did any real work for the utility company.
* ABC Chicago | Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore returns to stand in bribery case: “Are you aware of anything that Speaker Madigan did to get these bills passed?” asked defense attorney Scott Lassar. “No,” replied Pramaggiore.
* Crain’s | Anne Pramaggiore explains what she meant when caught on those wiretaps: Another example was the May 2018 call in which Pramaggiore excitedly told McClain about her coming promotion to become CEO of all of Exelon’s utility subsidiaries, not just ComEd. Referring to McClain, Madigan and ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, she told McClain, “Never would have happened without you and John and the speaker. … ‘Cause the only reason I’m in this position is ‘cause ComEd has done so well, and you guys have been my spirit guides.” Asked to explain, she said she was referring to McClain and Hooker with the “spirit guides” comment. Not Madigan.
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* WBEZ…
Nearly half of all medical positions inside Illinois prisons are currently unfilled, according to a new report from a court-appointed monitor that found the staffing shortages are a “crisis” that “threatens the safety” of people locked up.
The monitor was assigned to evaluate prison conditions as part of a court settlement. Attorney Harold Hirshman who worked on the lawsuit over prison health care said the monitor’s report was “terrible, as usual” and undercuts the state’s positive rhetoric. […]
The damning monitor’s report comes more than a decade after a federal lawsuit alleged medical care in Illinois prisons was so poor it violated the constitution. The lawsuit settled in 2019, but the monitor says at least some aspects of the prison health care system are actually worse than they were then. Meanwhile, the private company in charge of providing medical care inside Illinois prisons recently saw its contract expire, and the state is now soliciting bids for a new health care contract.
The state generally declines to respond to questions related to litigation and neither the Illinois Department of Corrections nor Gov. JB Pritzker responded to requests for comment.
* From the report…
IDOC has made progress and improvements in several areas. But, IDOC is approaching the fourth year under the Consent Decree that is expected to last ten years. After nearly four years, few of the major deficiencies and fewer of the essential elements that resulted in the Consent Decree have been corrected and some have worsened. Though IDOC said it needs more than 300 additional staff, there are fewer health care staff working now than before the Consent Decree was signed. Fifty percent of physician positions are vacant. Forty six percent of total health care positions are currently vacant. There are significant vacancies of supervisory staff at all levels including facility Directors of Nursing, supervising registered nurses, Medical Directors, and Health Care Unit Administrators. The statewide Infection Control Coordinator and Quality Improvement Coordinator positions are both temporarily assigned and lack qualifications for the position. Neither of these programs are fully operational. This staffing shortage is critical and results in patients not receiving adequate care.
The electronic medical record is still not implemented, furthermore there is no contract for an electronic record vendor. If a contract were signed today, it will likely take an additional two or more years to effectively implement the electronic record. This would likely be in the seventh year of Consent Decree.
* WGLT…
Work on mandated policies and procedures is “sporadic and disorganized,” said the report. Among those reports is a required review of inmate deaths. The average number of inmate deaths for the past six years is about 90, the report noted, but has varied considerably due to the COVID pandemic.
All deaths should include an autopsy and be included in a comprehensive quarterly report, the monitor recommended, with an opportunity for staff to “provide anonymous information regarding events surrounding a death with an aim toward improving patient safety.”
Specific examples of alleged failures by IDOC to care for inmates who died in prison are cited in the report. A man identified as Mortality Patient 9 arrived at the state’s Northern Reception Center in Joliet on June 3, 2021 with three prescriptions for psychotropic medications. He refused to take the drugs on June 29 and 30 and accepted his final dose on July 2 before his transfer to Shawnee Correctional Center six days later.
The paperwork for the man’s transfer did not include the fact that his medication had expired six days earlier and that he had twice refused to see a psychiatrist the week before. A nurse noticed the lapsed prescription and another order was written but he did not receive the pills until July 15, a lapse of 13 days without the medications.
In December, Mortality Patient 9 was moved to Menard Correctional Center with paperwork that omitted major factors related to his medications and declining mental health, the report noted. Three months later, he committed suicide. A suicide review stated that the record sent to Menard “was missing documentation that would have indicated the need for crisis follow-up,” said the monitor’s summary.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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Open thread
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go!…
* Cardinal Cupich | Lawmakers have the opportunity to improve education for all Illinois children: While I am a strong advocate for Catholic education, I am also an advocate for families who choose public school education. Everybody wins when parents, who know their children best, have the opportunity to pick the schools that meet their children’s needs. Lawmakers have three specific actions they can take this spring to strengthen quality educational opportunities for all children.
* Capitol News Illinois | Democratic Justices, citing Republican predecessor, won’t step aside from assault weapons case: According to campaign finance records, both judicial candidates received $500,000 each from the JB for Governor campaign and another $500,000 each from the Jay Robert Pritzker Revocable Trust. Both also received contributions from Welch’s campaign committee, $350,000 for O’Brien and $150,000 for Rochford.
* Tribune | Bears stadium development could on hinge on TIF money — a financial tool that’s had varying success in Arlington Heights: The Bears’ say they will pay to build a new stadium, but would only proceed with their planned $5 billion mixed-use development if they get tax “certainty” and public funding for infrastructure such as roads, utilities and stormwater management. Apartments, condominiums and other development planned for the site would be built by private developers — and could mean the added expense of more students for local schools.
* Tribune | Illinois Senate committee hears array of ideas on implementing an elected school board in Chicago: “An elected school board will provide our communities with greater accountability, a way to hold CPS leaders responsible for the decisions that impact our children and our neighborhoods,” state Sen. Omar Aquino, a Chicago Democrat who was educated in CPS, said during Monday’s virtual hearing.
* Center Square | Pritzker pitches Illinois bonds to investors in New York: Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials were in New York previewing $2.45 billion in bonds the state is selling. Illinois Director of Capital Markets Paul Chatalas said they’re looking to go to market Wednesday.
* Politico | America’s Looming Conflict: Red Judges vs. Blue Governors: Pritzker, 58, made plain in our conversation that he is not looking for war with the federal judiciary. Yet in many respects war has come to him and other blue state governors, as a cohort of conservative legal activists on the federal bench flex their new power with rulings that strain constitutional credibility.
* BGA | How a FOIA Loophole in Illinois Puts Kids at Risk: A BGA Policy analysis of the 16 county detention centers across Illinois has found that only three successfully have completed audits mandated by federal law to enforce protections against sexual assault. Analysis of those audits, policy manuals and other data provided to BGA Policy shows that in the wake of blowback at the Cook County facility over use of room confinement, that disciplinary action is still commonly used in many facilities, with some confining youth for over 24 hours at a time.
* Sun-Times | Alderman blasts fractious CPD leadership for flat-footed response to violent weekend gatherings: Officials fought amongst themselves and street cops were overwhelmed, Ald Brian Hopkins said, as groups of teens jumped on cars and set fires in the Loop — and at least three teens were shot. ‘Nobody knew who was in charge,’ Hopkins said.
* WBEZ | Can CTA get back on track? New data show a workforce still in flux.: At the monthly meeting of the Chicago Transit Board on Wednesday, President Dorval Carter expressed optimism that the agency has stopped the “hemorrhaging” of employees it experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has started to fill the hundreds of vacancies on the bus and rail side.
* Sun-Times | Ed Burke Day proposed, then pulled — at Burke’s request: After a political uproar that dragged on for hours, 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez on Monday abandoned efforts to declare May 15 — inauguration day for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson — as “Ald. Edward M. Burke Day” in Chicago. Lopez said he pulled the plug at the request of Burke, the indicted and now retiring City Council member who apparently had no interest in ending his record 54-year tenure amid a political controversy to match the legal quagmire he is in.
* USA Today | Homeowner charged with shooting Missouri teen who went to the wrong house: An 85-year-old white man has been charged with armed assault after he shot and injured a Black teen who showed up at the wrong address. But charging documents neglect a “racial component” to the incident in which Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl at his front door in Kansas City, prosecutors said.
* AP | Oklahoma officials accused of talk of killing journalists: Oklahoma’s governor is seeking the resignation of four county officials after a newspaper’s audio recording apparently captured some of them complaining about two of the paper’s journalists and knowing hit men and where two holes are dug. A portion of the recording was released by the paper, and it also appears to capture one of the four making racist comments about Black people.
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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