* Adam Kinzinger was asked during A.D. Quig’s podcast for Crain’s Chicago Business what he thought of the Republican gubernatorial candidate field at the moment…
It’s honestly… less than stellar. I like Jesse Sullivan a lot. I think he’s dynamic. Darren Bailey is trying to exist on masks, you know, that’s great, whatever. That will get you a win downstate. You’re not going to win the state of Illinois. It’s a little disappointing when you just look at the fact that in Illinois, you have this race to the far right. And it’s not a far right state. I don’t know how many times I hear people tell me, ‘if you just activate the base, we can win Illinois.’ Well, listen, the base is very activated, and we can’t win Illinois unless we win back the suburbs, right, the suburbs that Republicans used to win all the time.
I think if I ran for governor, I think I’m the only candidate that can win, at least that’s out there now. Maybe Jesse Sulllivan. Again, I like him. But I do recognize the difficulty of a primary in this environment. And I recognize that we’re in a moment where I think there’s some people that would rather torch their chances at winning the Illinois governor’s race than dare vote for somebody that’s a conservative, but doesn’t like Donald Trump. So, you know, it’s a unique moment.
He was asked about Ken Griffin’s money and he said he was uncomfortable with it, but since Gov. Pritzker will spend whatever it takes, then OK. But he didn’t know who Griffin would endorse.
* Kinzinger repeated his mantra about the suburbs, then added…
And I think most importantly recognize that we’re not going to win the state House or the state Senate. So you’re gonna have to compromise. And I think looking at a Larry Hogan model or a Charlie Baker model in Vermont, or the governor of New Hampshire, Sununu, and say, ‘Look, some of these guys, for instance, are pro life like I am, but I’m also not going to go out and make my governorship about pro life issues because it’s not a pro life state. So let’s focus on what we can fix on the budget, on poverty and things like that.’ But I’m afraid, again, that they party focus is all going to be on purity. And in that case is going to be a tough win for anybody.
Go check it out.
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Pritzker signs congressional remap bill
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
After reviewing the General Assembly’s congressional maps drawn with 2020 U.S. Census data, Governor JB Pritzker signed the new U.S. House district map that reflects Illinois’ diversity and preserves minority representation in Illinois’ delegation in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act.
“These maps align with the landmark Voting Rights Act and will ensure all communities are equitably represented in our congressional delegation,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
A landmark achievement of the civil rights movement, the Voting Rights Act prohibits practices and procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a protected language minority group. Building on and strengthening that consequential law, the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 ensures redistricting plans are crafted in a way that preserves clusters of minority voters if they are of size or cohesion to exert collective electoral power. The maps signed into law today meet those requirements by creating a second district of significant Latinx representation that reflects the community’s rapid growth on the west side of Chicago.
The district boundaries also account for population changes in the state, particularly in the regions that saw the most population loss as recorded by 2020 U.S. Census.
The Illinois Congressional Redistricting Act of 2021 (HB 1291) takes effect immediately.
There’d been some weird grumbling about him not signing it right away, but I just kept telling people to be patient.
…Adding… Change Illinois…
Never before have Illinoisans seen such a brazen show of how corrosive politician-led redistricting can be for voters and communities across the state. For the third time, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a map, mired in a process lacking transparency, putting partisan self-interests above the needs of people in communities across the state.
The result is a congressional map of predetermined winners and losers in nearly all seventeen districts. The map is undemocratic and leaves all voters without choices, undermining the very elections that are supposed to allow voters to hold officials accountable.
The culmination of the legislative and congressional remapping further exemplifies the need for redistricting to be placed in the hands of independent commissioners who have no political or personal incentives to pervert redistricting as a tool to silence people and secure power for the few. We must forge a better path forward that empowers people in communities with fair elections so they can define their futures.
Current and future generations of Illinoisans deserve fair maps.
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* I’m thinking if they were truly serious about inflation, they wouldn’t be injecting even more money into the economy, but whatever. [That was mostly snark, by the way.] Here’s Center Square…
“We may not be able to address at the state level the root causes of inflation, we can and we think it is our responsibility to provide relief,” Bourne said. “And that’s why today we’re proposing inflation tax relief for Illinois families.”
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, wants to give up to $400 of tax credits to taxpayers under certain income thresholds.
Single tax filers up to $75,000 would get $200 back, joint filers up to $150,000 would get $400 and head of household filers up to $112,500 in income to get $200.
“Four hundred dollars won’t make all the problems go away, but it could have a positive impact,” Demmer said. “It could be an extra week or two of groceries, it could be an extra few utility bills, it could be the difference between being able to buy new shoes or winter coats for your kids.”
To pay for the $1.4 billion plan, Demmer suggested reprioritizing state spending to be offset by some of the $8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
“We can dedicate funds to pay down our unemployment insurance trust fund debt and deliver relief to taxpayers,” Demmer said.
* Federal law banned using ARPA money for tax reduction, but then last week happened…
A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Treasury from enforcing a provision of the American Rescue Plan Act that prohibited states from using the pandemic relief funds to offset new tax cuts. […]
The judge described the tax-cut restrictions as “a federal invasion of State sovereignty” that was “unconstitutionally ambiguous” — leaving states guessing as to whether their tax cuts would trigger a repayment of federal funds.
“The Tax Mandate’s restriction on direct or indirect state tax cuts pressures States into adopting a particular — and federally preferred — tax policy,” Coogler wrote. That “may disincentive” states “from considering any tax reductions for fear of forfeiting ARPA funds,”
This plan wouldn’t be ambiguous in the least. But, we’ll see how that all works itself out. The plan probably isn’t going anywhere, obviously, but the media is all abuzz about inflation these days, so I’m sure this will get a lot of coverage.
Ironically, one tool to beat back inflation is raising some taxes. But that should be a national strategy. And since the supply chain bottlenecks are showing signs of easing, there’s probably little harm in some one-time temporary relief.
* From the governor’s office…
For the entirety of the pandemic Republicans have refused to engage on meaningful solutions aimed at helping working families deal with the resulting economic challenges. While Republicans now try and weigh in 18 months too late, this administration is hard at work putting billions of dollars of rental and mortgage assistance, small business grants, and utility assistance into the hands of working families, all of which passed without help from the GOP caucuses.
Adding to the irony is the fact that Republicans staunchly opposed the fair tax which would have provided tax relief to 97 percent of Illinoisans. Since Republicans in Illinois now support providing direct relief for the costs that are weighing on working families, we look forward to their support of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and would urge them to share their views on this with their counterparts in Washington.
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* This morning…
Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced endorsements from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 701 and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 30.
“Congressman Sean Casten has been a longtime friend and advocate for working families and IBEW,” said Frank Furco, IBEW Local 701’s Business Manager. “Sean never hesitates to stand up for union members and is in lockstep with the IBEW on workers’ rights. As our community continues on the path to economic recovery, Sean has been fighting in Congress to ensure good-paying union jobs are brought to the 6th District. We’re proud to endorse him as the best candidate to fight for workers in the 6th District.”
“Congressman Sean Casten has dedicated his career to creating quality, good-paying jobs, both as an entrepreneur and a Member of Congress,” said Ryan Anderson, IUPAT Local 30’s Business Manager. “Sean has fought tirelessly to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe and fair workplaces, and bring real careers with real benefits to the 6th District. We believe he is the best candidate for workers in the 6th District.”
“Having good-paying union jobs is absolutely essential to a strong and equitable economy,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m thrilled to have the endorsement of two organizations who are composed of so many 6th Districts union workers specializing in telecommunications, utilities, construction, manufacturing, painting, drywall finishing, and so much more. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, we know that more union jobs are coming to Illinois. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for working families in the 6th District.”
Both Furco and Anderson said they will work hard to make sure their union and family members in the Sixth District learn of their endorsement of Rep. Casten and turn out to vote in next June’s primary.
* This afternoon…
Today, Congresswoman Marie Newman announced that she had received the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Illinois State Council in her bid for re-election in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
The SEIU Illinois State Council, comprised of SEIU Healthcare, Local 1, and Local 73, represents thousands of home care and child care providers, security officers, janitors, public employees, medical professionals, first responders and social service workers living and working in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
“Congresswoman Marie Newman is a proven advocate for working men and women in Illinois,” said SEIU State Council President Tom Balanoff. “I know that our members can always count on Congresswoman Newman to stand up for workers rights and fair wages. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Newman for reelection in Illinois 6th Congressional District.”
“Bold policies aimed at expanding access to child care, home care, and long term care are investments in good union jobs. Congresswoman Newman understands that. She has been an unwavering champion for investments in our caregiving workforce, a workforce much like our membership that is majority women,” said SEIU HCII President Greg Kelley. “Congresswoman Newman is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and has been an active partner in building a workforce that centers racial and gender equity.”
“Congresswoman Newman has stood in solidarity with our members on numerous occasions,” said SEIU Local 73 President Diane Palmer. “Her support for working men and women is resolute and we know that she will never back down on the issues that matter to our membership. Congresswoman Newman stands for working families and is the best choice for labor in this race. We are proud to stand with her.”
“SEIU members have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in our hospitals, schools, and office buildings to keep this city and state functioning. These men and women have sacrificed greatly and they deserve tireless support in Washington as we continue the fight for safe and fair working conditions, better wages, and the right to organize. To receive their endorsement is a true honor and I hope to have the opportunity to continue fighting for my SEIU brothers and sisters in Congress,” said Congresswoman Marie Newman.
This really will be an interesting primary.
* Related…
* EMILY’s List Endorses Nikki Budzinski for Congress
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COVID-19 roundup
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Freedom Fighters of Adams County Facebook page…
The cases have been reassigned. Click here. But Sangamon County is no slam dunk by any means for the plaintiffs…
* Nov. 2020: Sangamon County judge dismisses lawsuits challenging Pritzker’s coronavirus orders
* Nov. 2020: 4 central Illinois restaurants ordered to close temporarily for violating COVID-19 mitigations
* Dec. 2020: Sangamon County judge tosses decision voiding Pritzker’s executive orders
* August 2021: Judge sides with Springfield hospital refusing ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patient
* Sept. 2021: Illinois judge to rule on Pritzker’s latest motion to dismiss dining prohibition lawsuit
I assume that the governor’s and attorney general’s offices are fairly pleased. Cook would’ve been better, but Sangamon has been dealing with these cases because the Supreme Court has transferred so many of them to the county. It’s almost become a specialized rocket docket.
* Considering what we already knew, this is predictable…
* This Tribune story mainly focuses on a tiny handful of refuseniks, but check out the actual stats…
Under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s directive, all city employees had until Oct. 15 to report their vaccination status but could choose to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, rather than get shots, through the end of the year. After police unions challenged the vaccine mandate in court, though, a judge suspended the Dec. 31 date for members to be fully inoculated, saying that needed to go through arbitration. Other unions representing city workers are also now seeking the same. […]
(A)s of Friday, 35 police and 26 Fire Department workers were on no-pay status. […]
As of Monday, 84% of Chicago police had reported their vaccination status on the city portal, including the lieutenant. But he is also among the 23% of respondents who indicated they are not fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the Fire Department was at a 97% response rate and, like police, about 23% of them said they aren’t completely inoculated
The vast majority of Chicago cops and firefighters are fully vaccinated and we don’t know how many more are waiting on their second shot. There’s more ground to cover (and will be once the arbitrator rules), but that’s still good news. The paranoid whiners are outliers.
* The big problem here is that infected kids can infect people like their grandparents, who are most susceptible to breakthrough cases. And if the oldsters aren’t vaxed, well, it can be really bad…
Coronavirus cases in children in the United States have risen 32% from about two weeks ago, a spike that comes as the country rushes to inoculate children before the winter holiday season, pediatricians said.
More than 140,000 children tested positive for the coronavirus from Nov. 11-18, up from 107,000 in the week ending Nov. 4, according to a statement Monday from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.
* It’s getting out of control in Michigan…
Over the previous seven days including Friday, Michigan reported 53,575 new COVID-19 cases, the highest weekly caseload since the pandemic began in March 2020.
As of Sunday, 3,785 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized across the state, including 784 in intensive care units. The vast majority of patients in the ICU and on ventilators, the MHA noted, are unvaccinated.
The state’s record for most adult hospitalizations with confirmed cases of the virus occurred on April 19 with 4,158 inpatients.
* And it’s worse in Minnesota…
Federal emergency relief teams from the U.S. Department of Defense are on their way to Minnesota to help doctors and nurses at two Minnesota hospitals. When the rest of the state is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, they’ll be fighting the state’s COVID-19 surge.
The shortage of ICU beds is so severe, doctors warn emergency care across the state is being compromised. Hennepin Healthcare says they are turning down up to 50 transfer requests a day for their advanced trauma facilities, as Minnesota grapples with one of the worst infection rates in the country.
“If you get into a car accident in rural Minnesota and are in need of complex trauma care, the additional 12 to 24 hours you have to wait for a bed to open up might mean the difference in long-term functional outcomes,” Dr. Daniel Hoody said. “If you are critically ill with non-COVID illness or COVID illness in a rural hospital not equipped to care for you, the additional wait times might be the difference between life and death.”
Hennepin Healthcare is the state’s largest Level 1 trauma center, and it’s so backed up it had five patients on ventilators in the emergency room Monday. HCMC says it has cancelled or postponed most non-emergency surgeries and procedures.
The National Guard has also been activated.
* On a lighter note, I’m pretty sure my friends and I would’ve done this to get out of going to school back in the day. So I have to admire the effort…
A school in the U.K. has warned parents to monitor their children while taking lateral flow COVID tests, after word spread that fruit juice can cause false positive results.
Gateacre School, in the English city of Liverpool, emailed parents on Wednesday to alert them that it had emerged children had become aware that orange juice and other similar drinks can trigger a false positive result on a lateral flow test.
* Related…
* America isn’t headed toward lockdowns, say White House officials
* Treatments will change the pandemic, but they can’t end it alone: Antiviral pills will be a key part of a large toolkit needed to manage the coronavirus, not a silver bullet
* COVID-19 average infections grow by 27% in a week, including 47-student outbreak in Villa Park
* City officials say Chicago will reach 77% vaccination rate by the week’s end
* Despite labor shortages, suburban retailers say they’re ready for Black Friday
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No Statehouse holiday lights again this year
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dave Dahl…
It’s safety – not money or the pandemic – keeping the holiday lights off the Capitol dome in Springfield this season.
Worker safety is paramount, but Henry Haupt, a spokesman for the Illinois secretary of state’s office, says there’s more: an engineering study determined the observation deck – atop the dome and at the base of the flagpole – can no longer support the light strings, which become heavy with ice and are typically up for a couple of months on either side of the holiday season.
This has been an ongoing problem. From last year…
Lights on the Capitol dome won’t be used for the second consecutive year. Engineers have recommended that an observation deck, which is typically used to anchor the lights, should be fortified.
“We are working with the Capital Development Board to procure funding for this project,” said Henry Haupt, spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White.
This is the third holiday season in a row that we’ve been waiting on CDB to do something. There’s construction around the Statehouse because of the 2019 capital bill, but this little problem can’t be fixed?
* Related…
* Illinois is getting $18 billion from the feds for infrastructure. Plans for spending it are trickling out.
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Today’s moment of Zen
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A pal says this adorable video is an accurate visualization of the legislative process and I have to concur…
Heh.
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* Kiplinger…
When creating our State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Middle-Class Families, we estimated the overall income, sales, and property tax burden in each state and the District of Columbia for a hypothetical married couple with two children, combined wages of $77,000, $3,000 of other income, and a $300,000 home. That information also allowed us to cobble together the following list of the 10 least tax-friendly states for middle-class families (the least-friendly state is listed last).
* Illinois came in dead last…
• State Income Tax Range: 4.95% (flat rate)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.83%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $2,165 per $100,000 of assessed home value
Sorry, Illinois, but you’re the least tax-friendly state in the country for middle-class families. For all three taxes we’re tracking – income, sales, and property taxes – you tax middle-income residents at an above average rate (at least). And for one of those taxes, the rates are extremely high. That’s enough to put the Land of Lincoln in the most undesirable spot on our list.
At first blush, the state’s 4.95% flat income tax rate doesn’t seem that steep when compared to other states’ top tax rates. And that’s true if you’re talking about wealthy residents. But for middle-class taxpayers, the income tax rate is on the high end. When we ran tax returns for all 50 states and the District of Columbia for our hypothetical middle-class family, the Illinois income tax bill was tied for the ninth-highest in the country.
Sales taxes in Illinois are high, too. There’s a 6.25% state tax on purchases in Illinois (1% on groceries and prescription drugs). Plus, up to 4.75% in local taxes are tacked on in certain places within the state. All told, the average combined state and local sales tax in Illinois is 8.83%, which is the seventh-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S.
The tax situation really goes downhill fast for Illinois residents when you look at the property taxes they have to pay. Property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation. If our hypothetical family purchased a $300,000 home in the state, their average annual property tax bill would be an eye-popping $6,495.
A graduated income tax could’ve eventually eased all those issues, but whatevs. Five of the “most-friendly” states all had graduated income tax rates. The other five had no income tax.
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Winnebago County seeing big spike
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Jim Hagerty for the Rockford Register Star…
The pandemic is far from over in Winnebago County.
That was the message local officials sent to the public Monday as they announced that Winnebago County is now seeing 502 cases of the virus per 100,000 people and a test-positivity rate of 10.1%, indication of another winter surge.
There have been 539 cases reported countywide in the last three days, and a total of 126 people, including two infants, are currently hospitalized.
And with Thanksgiving just days away, Sandra Martell, Winnebago County public health administrator, said she expects the situation to get worse as unvaccinated people from different households gather to celebrate. […]
Dr. Stephen Bartlett, OSF HealthCare’s chief medical officer, said Rockford medical centers are handling the situation well at the moment, but they could be forced to curtail elective surgery and other services if the COVID situation doesn’t improve.
The county’s vax rate is 61.4 percent, among the lowest in the region.
Get your shots, people.
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* Center Square…
The Illinois State Board of Education could put more school districts across the state on probation just as the agency has put eight schools on notice for failure to comply with the state’s COVID-19 policies. […]
On Friday, ISBE listed eight schools on probation.
Seven were private schools: St. Johns Lutheran Parochial School in Coles County, St. James Lutheran schools in Adams County, Vandalia Christian Academy in Fayette County, Christian Liberty Academy and Valeo Academy in Cook County, Kankakee Trinity Academy in Kankakee County, and Visionway Christian School in Christian County.
Hutsonville Community Unit School District 1 in Crawford County is the only public school on probation.
“Due to the district’s continued failure to demonstrate compliance with the universal indoor masking requirements, the State Superintendent has determined that the recognition status of your district is hereby changed to On Probation, effective immediately,” said a letter ISBE sent to Hutsonville on Friday.
Hutsonville School Board President Chad Weaver told Illinois Radio Network they’ve had their mask-recommended policy in place all school year with few students wearing masks. He said COVID-19 cases have been on par with other districts. […]
In their letter to Hutsonville, ISBE said they can either appeal or submit a plan for corrective action by Nov. 30.
Weaver said the district requires masks on school buses, capturing federal dollars tied to such policies. And, they’re ready to make masks mandated if local conditions call for it. But, state dollars could be at stake for not complying with ISBE’s mandate.
“Basically the new set of rules that ISBE put out is at least a kangaroo court version of due process,” Weaver said.
Legal bills have been minimal, Weaver said, but some in the public have offered to cover the costs to keep masks optional.
Weaver said the quiet part out loud when he mentioned the school bus mask mandate connected to federal dollars. The district will only comply if it hits their budget. So be it.
Also, Hutsonville has been in court and in hot water almost constantly since the pandemic began.
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Some campaign stuff
Monday, Nov 22, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WGLT…
A Bloomington state senator is pushing back against former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s view that Illinois will not be a top-tier state next year for funding in Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate.
Christie made the remark in Chicago, during a speech at the Chicago Union Club. Christie was promoting his new book about how to get the Republican Party past former President Donald Trump.
State Sen. Barickman, R-Bloomington, said Christie should wait a bit on his conclusion that Illinois is not competitive in those statewide races.
“I don’t think the answer on that issue is fully yet known. Whether we are a top-tier state for funding largely depends on who the candidates are,” said Barickman. […]
“Suburban voters I think are not going to be overly motivated by social issues per se. I think they’re going to be driven by property taxes, crime, high quality schools. We can’t do it if our candidate is a non-starter with the suburban households where there are so many votes,” said Barickman.
* What Christie said…
As for Republican chances in Illinois in next year’s midterms, when Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth are seeking reelection, Christie likened the situation to a famed “Peanuts” cartoon.
“Sometimes Illinois is a little bit like Charlie Brown and the football and Lucy, and how you think you’re gonna get it and then you wind up on your back,” said Christie, who as head of the Republican Governors Association was actively involved in the election of one-term GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2014.
“I think there could be Republican gains here but it’s not a top-tier state in terms of where Republicans are targeting money,” he said, referring to lower-ballot races such as those for Congress. “If we’re spending money in Illinois in October of next year, we won the House and Senate already. That’s called piling on once you do that.”
Thoughts?
* Zero surprise here…
Democrat Nikki Budzinski of Springfield, a labor activist who worked in President Joe Biden’s administration until earlier this summer, has secured an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Springfield in her run for U.S. Congress in the 13th District.
The announcement came Sunday at Durbin’s Springfield home. […]
Democrat David Palmer, 35, a Champaign resident who is a Country Financial Insurance broker and financial planner, lives in the 13th District.
Palmer, who is Black, said the new 13th District would include majority Black East St. Louis which would be a boost to his election chances.
Still waiting to see what Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) plans to do.
…Adding… A commenter claims Rep. Ammons announced her re-election campaign today. Checking.
…Adding More… Rep. Ammons got back to me just now to confirm that she’s running for reelection.
* Meanwhile, on to a press release…
Michael Rabbitt, business transformation leader at Argonne National Laboratory, and a community activist, who is seeking the appointment to replace retiring State Representative of the 15th House district in Illinois, John D’Amico, has received the endorsement of 39th Ward Neighbors United, an independent political organization that fights for racial, social, and economic justice in Chicago’s 39th ward. Rabbitt’s strong performance yesterday’s People’s Candidate Forum, coupled with this key endorsement, gives him momentum heading into Tuesday’s appointment meeting.
The ward with the most weighted vote is the 39th and Sen. Ram Villivalam is the committeeperson. Contrary to what you might have read elsewhere, Villivalam had nothing to do with the Neighbors United endorsement.
* Russ Stewart…
State law mandates the area committeepersons of the party of the resigned incumbent meet within 30 days to pick the replacement, which means in D’Amico’s case by Dec. 8. The selection is by weighted-vote, based on the turnout in the 2020 Democratic primary, which was 35,637. The apportionment is as follows 38.2 percent in the 39th Ward, 32.6 in Maine Township, 17.7 in Niles Township, 9 in the 41st Ward, and the rest scattered. Joe Cook, the 41st Ward committeeperson, has said he won’t seek the job. The choice will serve through the end of 2022 and have an edge in the June 28 primary.
Michael Rabbitt of Wildwood was in the race before D’Amico quit. He works for Argonne Laboratories as a manager. He is an advocate of police reform and affordable housing. He models himself after Will Guzzardi, Lindsay LaPointe and John Arena, and is waging a door-to-door campaign. He will be the leftmost candidate.
Others in the contest, who will likely seek selection, are Dan Cotter, an attorney from Edgebrook and former LSC president and CBA past president, Casey Smagala of Albany Park, a 2019 39th Ward aldermanic candidate who is close to Villivalam, Mike Kelly of Mayfair, a firefighter who is the football coach at St. Edward’s parish school, Liam Kelly, who ran for subcircuit judge in the 2020 primary, and whose brother Eamon is Evanston Township committeeperson, and Dean Alonistiotis, who works for MWRD commissioner Kim Du Buclet.
Mike Kelly is close to former Rep. D’Amico.
…Adding… Candidate list courtesy of the 39th Ward…
-Dr. Christina Brophy (Triton College; Professor of History & Humanities)
-Daniel Cotter (Howard & Howard PLLC; Attorney)
-Vince Fattore (Lexington Group; Chief Information Officer)
-Judy Kehoe (AAIA/A.C.E.S., Inc.; Contracting Specialist)
-Michael J. Kelly (Chicago Fire Department; Firefighter/EMT)
-John Melaniphy III (Village of Niles; Director of Economic Development)
-Michael Rabbitt (Argonne National Laboratory; Business Leader)
* Related…
* Illinois Comptroller visits Arcola mayor
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Question of the day
Monday, Nov 22, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
An Illinois youth gambling prevention program is rolling out a holiday campaign to prevent the gifting of Illinois lottery tickets to children.
Focus Youth Gambling Prevention, a program of the Springfield-based Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, has allied with community organizations from across Illinois to raise awareness about the risks associated with giving lottery products as gifts to minors, especially during the holiday season.
The Illinois group’s initiative, organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling, the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems, and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University under the “Gift Responsibly Campaign” banner, is being funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates Focus Youth Gambling Prevention’s commitment to corporate social responsibility through the Gift Responsibly Campaign, which raises awareness about the risks associated with giving lottery products as gifts to minors during the holiday season — or any time of the year,“ said Sarah Martin, Focus Youth Gambling Prevention’s Prevention Program Coordinator. “Research linking early exposure to gambling to future problem gambling and other risky behaviors is why ‘Focus’ is involved in the campaign.”
Lotteries are a ticket to later-in-life gambling problems, expert says.
“We are very appreciative of the efforts of ‘Focus’ to educate adults and youth about the potential consequences associated with underage lottery play,” said National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Keith Whyte. “The evidence clearly shows that exposure to gambling as a youth increases the probability of gambling problems later in life. Regardless of what time of year it is, adults should find gift options for children other than lottery tickets.”
Starting on December 1, Focus will launch its campaign that offers guidance and alternative ways to gift to children this holiday season without the need to give Illinois lottery tickets. This will include providing information on the gift responsibly campaign, discouraging adults from gifting lottery tickets to kids, and offering suggestions for other gifts.
“Our message is a simple one: lottery tickets are appropriate gifts only for adults,” said Martin.
* The Question: Have you ever given a lottery ticket to a kid? Or, did you ever receive a lottery ticket as a present when you were a kid?
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* From Illinois’ Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law…
It is a violation of this Act for any person to sell or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, any of the following: […]
4) any catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle at the time of the transaction unless the seller is licensed as an automotive parts recycler or scrap processor.
(b) This Section shall not apply when the seller produces written documentation reasonably demonstrating that the seller is the owner of the recyclable metal material or is authorized to sell the material on behalf of the owner. The recyclable metal dealer shall copy any such documentation and maintain it along with the purchase record required by Section 3 of this Act.
* Check out the required documentation…
1. The name and address of the recyclable metal dealer;
2. The date and place of each purchase;
3. The name and address of the person or persons from whom the recyclable metal was purchased, which shall be verified from a valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification. The recyclable metal dealer shall make and record a photocopy or electronic scan of the driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification. If the person delivering the recyclable metal does not have a valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification, the recyclable metal dealer shall not complete the transaction;
4. The motor vehicle license number and state of issuance of the motor vehicle license number of the vehicle or conveyance on which the recyclable metal was delivered to the recyclable metal dealer;
5. A description of the recyclable metal purchased, including the weight and whether it consists of bars, cable, ingots, rods, tubing, wire, wire scraps, clamps, connectors, other appurtenances, or some combination thereof;
6. Photographs or video, or both, of the seller and of the materials as presented on the scale; and
7. A declaration signed and dated by the person or persons from whom the recyclable metal was purchased which states the following:
“I, the undersigned, affirm under penalty of law that the property that is subject to this transaction is not to the best of my knowledge stolen property.”.
A copy of the recorded information shall be kept in an electronic record-keeping system by the recyclable metal dealer. Purchase records shall be retained for a period of 3 years. Photographs shall be retained for a period of 3 months and video recordings shall be retained for a period of one month. The electronic record-keeping system shall be made available for inspection by any law enforcement official or the representatives of common carriers and persons, firms, corporations or municipal corporations engaged in either the generation, transmission or distribution of electric energy or engaged in telephone, telegraph or other communications, at any time.
Whew, that’s a lot.
* Penalties…
Sec. 8. Penalty. Any recyclable metal dealer or other person who knowingly fails to comply with this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class 4 felony for the second or subsequent offense. Each day that any recyclable metal dealer so fails to comply shall constitute a separate offense.
Sec. 9. Injunctions. The Illinois Attorney General or the State’s Attorney for the county in which the recyclable metal dealer is located may initiate an appropriate action in the circuit court of the county in which a recyclable metal dealer is located to prevent the unlawful operation of a recyclable metal dealer, or to restrain, correct, or abate a violation of this Act, or to prevent any illegal act or conduct by the recyclable metal dealer.
* So, keep all that in mind when reading this Kankakee Daily Journal editorial…
A catalytic converter is a device that looks like a small muffler within the exhaust system. It’s designed to convert the engine’s hazardous exhaust into less harmful gases.
To accomplish this, manufacturers use platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of these precious metals has skyrocketed in recent years. On Nov. 18, the prices for these metals were listed as $1,049, $2,080 and $13,300, respectively. That’s per troy ounce. (It takes 1.09 regular ounces to make a troy ounce, which is the measurement standard for many precious metals.)
In 2017, the value of rhodium was $779.23 per troy ounce.
With gold in their eyes and power tools in their hands, thieves make quick work of removing catalytic converters from the underbelly of gas-powered vehicles. That’s Part 1 of the problem. Part 2 is how easily they can turn these car parts into cold, hard cash with no questions asked.
The converters are very easy to steal and the task can take less than two minutes. Selling them isn’t as easy, because no matter what the Daily Journal claims, you can’t take them to just any metal recycling center. You have to know somebody, or know somebody who does.
The illicit buyers are either transporting the stolen goods out of state or are processing the valuable materials themselves or in a regional location and then reselling those materials on the legit market. And if that’s the case, permanently marking your catalytic converter likely won’t deter theft.
* A small sampling of recent headlines from a quick Google News search…
* Police: Multiple catalytic converter thefts reported in Near North Side
* Car Burglaries, Catalytic Converter Thefts Surge In Wheaton
* Peoria auto shop sees uptick in catalytic converter theft
* 8 Catalytic Converters Stolen In 1 Night in Oak Lawn
* Catalytic Converter Crooks Hit Mount Greenwood
* Lakeview shooting: Licensed carrier kills would-be catalytic converter thief in shootout, CPD says
* It’s also a national issue…
(F)or example, in California. As CBS 2’s Jim Williams reported, State Farm Insurance said its customers’ claims for catalytic converter thefts jumped 175% between June of 2020 and June of 2021. Cities like Miami, Phildelphia, Denver and Pittsburgh report seeing the same trend.
The state could try regulating the sale of rhodium, but I doubt that’ll work, either.
The feds need to jump in here now, but so do the automakers. This is beyond ridiculous.
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* The DuPage County Democratic Central Committee has been paying this person $500 a month for the past three years. It was definitely not money well spent…
After Sunday’s Christmas parade horror in Waukesha, Wisconsin, an Illinois Democrat appeared to portray the tragedy as a form of payback for Friday’s acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha.
“It was probably just self-defense,” read one of a series of mocking social media posts from Mary Lemanski, who is listed as the social media director for the Democratic Party in DuPage County, Illinois.
Lemanski also describes herself as an acting student with the famed Second City comedy group.
“Living in Wisconsin, he probably felt threatened,” read another post attributed to Lemanski, referring to the SUV driver in the Waukesha case.
* After the pushback began…
The DuPage Democrat then offered onlookers her own perspective on the Sunday attack.
‘I’m sad,’ Lemanski shared later that night. ‘I’m sad anytime anyone dies.’
‘I just believe in Karma and this came around quick on the citizens of Wisconsin.’
Then, in another, more judgmental, message directed to the citizens of the state that saw both of the contentious attacks, the staffer proclaimed, ‘You reap what you sow, Wisconsin.’
Her tweets are now deleted, but you can see them all at the links above.
* Facebook…
The DuPage Democrats deleted that post, and rightly so. She shouldn’t have been using the official site to announce her resignation.
* Twitter…
* So much has been written about the Rittenhouse case nationally and in Illinois, but I’ve avoided it because it was a Wisconsin court case. Various Illinois pols reacted after the verdict, but I’m ignoring them, too. Do yourself a favor and read Mark Brown…
Many people are going to have trouble accepting the Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty verdict, but I think there would be fewer of them if they’d watched the trial, beginning to end, as a jury does.
It bothers me deeply that Rittenhouse killed two people with a gun a 17-year-old shouldn’t have had in a fight he shouldn’t have been anywhere near.
But, as I wrote before the jury began its 26-plus hours of deliberations, it’s the correct verdict based on all of the evidence and the law.
It really was self-defense. Rittenhouse wasn’t the aggressor in the chain of events that led to the shootings. […]
I certainly pray people won’t be emboldened by this verdict to show up with their guns every time there is a protest over a matter of public dispute. But I fear some will.
Despite what people are saying, Rittenhouse’s acquittal should not be seen a victory for white supremacists (though I’m sure that crowd is celebrating) any more than a guilty verdict would have been a victory for antifa.
On the other hand, if those redneck clowns in Georgia get away with the shotgun lynching of Ahmaud Arbery, now, that would be a victory for white supremacists.
Take a very deep breath or three before commenting, please. There are plenty of other websites that encourage you to spew anything that comes to mind. This ain’t one of them. Also, remember that you’re often being manipulated…
…Adding… Press release…
“The Democratic Party of DuPage County immediately severed all ties with Mary Lemanski once became aware of her callous and reprehensible posts. She does not speak for us and we unequivocally reject her statements about the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Waukesha. We as a party denounce violence of any kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted by this heinous act, which shocked and saddened us all.”
- Democratic Party of DuPage County Chair Ken Mejia-Beal
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* Ted Slowik…
South suburban economic development boosters met Thursday with state officials for the first time in three years to discuss the proposed South Suburban Airport near Peotone, an official said Friday.
State lawmakers who represent the region likely prompted the meeting by sending a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, said Rick Bryant, an aide to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson. […]
The congressional aide said he informed state officials that Amazon and others are using the Rockford airport as a cargo hub but eyeing an airport in Gary, Indiana, because it is closer to Chicago-area distribution centers, Bryant said. […]
Gary’s airport is landlocked and cannot expand beyond a single runway, Bryant said. Amazon and others would prefer a site with multiple runways that is not already congested with commercial air traffic, he said.
“In the long term we have a better site,” Bryant said. “In the short term Gary has the upper hand.”
* That letter was quite something…
As representatives of the Chicago Southland, we are disappointed by your Administration’s steadfast opposition to a proposed South Suburban Airport, which is potentially one of the largest commercial developments to locate in Illinois in decades.
We know this because your Administration:
1) Hired consultants to find alternative uses for the selected airport site;
2) Eliminated Phase I Engineering for a proposed airport interchange from IDOT’s five-year plan (rendering a budgeted $162 million line-item for constructing that interchange essentially meaningless);
3) Refused meeting with private developers interested in financing the project;
4) Refused meeting with regional leadership to discuss next steps;
5) Sat idly as UPS expanded its Rockford air cargo hub across the state line to Gary Airport; and
6) Sat idly as Amazon built new air cargo hubs in many Midwestern states - but not Illinois.
For thirty-five years, Illinois governor after Illinois governor, FAA administrator after FAA administrator, aviation/economic impact study after aviation/economic impact study have concluded that Metro Chicago needs a third major airport to handle future capacity demands. Studies also conclude the ideal location for that airport is the FAA-approved site near Monee.
The Southland is blessed with the nation’s busiest network of road and rail infrastructure. A new airport would be essential to an innovative, world-class, multi-modal, mega e-commerce cluster. As longtime Southland residents, we’ve witnessed our region overlooked. We will no longer stand idly by for any Governor who does not make improving the economic quality of life in our region a top priority.
Thus, we write to respectfully ask your Administration to immediately:
1) Begin Phase I Engineering on the proposed airport interchange on I-57 at mile marker 332;
2) Complete land acquisition with funds already appropriated by the General Assembly;
3) Refresh the Environment Impact Study;
4) Complete the final airport “master plan” and seek a Record of Decision from the FAA.
Finally, there is great private-sector interest in the airport, thus, we urge the State to draft a master development agreement and solicit bids from private companies willing to finance, construct, maintain and operate the airport on State-owned land.
The Southland, with our extraordinary transportation assets, has the potential to be a model 21st Century e-commerce hub that could be the envy of the nation. But that will only happen if the State defines its role and demonstrates its commitment to lead a public-private partnership.
We thank you for your time and remain eager to work with your Administration on this ambitious, overdue, innovative investment in Illinois’ near- and long-term future.
The letter was signed by Sen. Michael Hastings and Reps. Will Davis and Kelly Burke.
Gov. Pritzker has focused quite a lot of attention on the Rockford airport. And south suburban types are upset at his lack of focus on their region on numerous other issues as well, including things like the Illiana Expressway and water issues within the inner ring suburbs like Dixmoor.
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Today’s must-read
Monday, Nov 22, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Will Lee has perhaps the best out-migration story I’ve ever read in today’s Tribune. The anecdotes are interesting and relevant and so is the data…
Illinois in general saw some of the largest losses of Black residents during the last decade of any state except New York. As Chicago’s Hispanic and white populations have increased in the last decade, the city’s Black population dropped by 84,738 since 2010, the second highest decline after Detroit. […]
The outward trend is hardly a single phenomenon as the Midwest’s Black population has fallen by more than 130,000 people in the last 10 years, according to the Brookings Institution’s analysis.
The Atlanta, Dallas and Houston metro areas have gained the most Black residents between 2010 and 2020. […]
“We’ve never recovered from losing manufacturing jobs from the ‘70s on and … the manufacturing jobs disappearing was replaced by the era of mass incarceration where we sent people to prison for many offenses … many of them drug,” said Daniel Cooper, the planning council’s director of research. […]
The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area had the eighth highest gain of Black residents during the past 10 years, with more than 72,000 new arrivals. In addition to Chicago, Phoenix has gained a number of people from Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Many believe the new arrivals from blue states helped tip the 2020 presidential election for President Joe Biden.
If nothing else, Illinois Democrats need to look at this very real issue as a significant threat to their political dominance. In 2010, Gov. Pat Quinn defeated Republican Bill Brady by 31,834 votes. Would that have happened today?
Go read the whole thing.
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Dems forge ahead on remap case
Monday, Nov 22, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
Some Illinois House Democrats got a bit of a shock during a private caucus meeting held not long after the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund filed its proposed redistricting plan with a federal three-judge panel the other day.
MALDEF is claiming the legislature’s district remap plan unconstitutionally discriminates against Latinos and has filed suit. The group distributed a copy of its counter-proposal, and there was all sorts of bad news for incumbent Democrats.
The MALDEF proposal doesn’t take into account where members live, where their kids go to school, where their parents go to church. Its sole purpose is to maximize Latino representation in the two legislative chambers.
So, you wind up with a situation where Chicago Democratic Reps. Theresa Mah and Edgar Gonzales are drawn by MALDEF into the same district. Mah, an Asian-American, currently represents a Latino district with strong influence from Asian-American precincts. And that pairing is just one example.
The Republicans’ proposed remap is even worse for Democrats. The Republican proposal uses the redrawing of Latino districts to create ripple effects on more than a couple of dozen other districts, which allows them to make room for new Republican districts.
That’s basically the whole point of this exercise for the GOP: Use alleged Voting Rights Act violations as an opportunity to find ways to create new winnable districts for Republican candidates.
The Republican remap plan submitted to the federal panel also reportedly pairs Assistant House Majority Leader Jay Hoffman with fellow Democratic Rep. LaToya Greenwood in the Metro East. Democrats had dispersed Black voters among three different districts to make them all winnable by Democrats. That would make the non-East St. Louis district more winnable for the GOP.
The East St. Louis NAACP has also filed suit, and its map proposal takes Black residents away from Rep. Hoffman and Rep. Katie Stuart and creates a majority-Black district centered in East St. Louis. That would also mean bad electoral news for Hoffman and Stuart.
House Democrats were reminded during a private caucus meeting last week that MALDEF and the other plaintiffs still have to prove the new redistricting law the Democrats passed is unconstitutional before the plaintiffs can even claim that their proposals would remedy the situation.
There was no talk of Democratic leaders trying to negotiate a compromise. Instead, they’re confident their proposal will withstand judicial scrutiny. In the meantime, calm was urged.
“If that’s their position, they’re going to lose,” predicted one longtime Democratic participant in remap efforts. “What they ought to do is somewhat modify the MALDEF and Republican maps to do some damage control overall for themselves.”
MALDEF won a landmark remap case in Illinois that ended up creating two Latino Senate districts in 1981. Then-House Speaker Michael Madigan learned his lesson from that loss during his first-ever remap attempt and never poked the MALDEF bear again.
Fast forward 40 years. We have new legislative leaders, and MALDEF is making the same sorts of legal arguments it made in 1981, which is why some argue the Democrats need to work out a compromise that could save some districts here and there.
But why was there no legislative compromise when the maps were being drawn with groups like the Latino Policy Forum, which has been arguing forcefully for months that the remap plan is unconstitutional?
The simple answer is the Democrats firmly believe they have a winning legal strategy, and their prime objective was to help Democrats and attract Democratic votes to the remap bill, which meant catering to the remap demands and desires of individual Democratic members - making sure, for example, that their kids’ schools and their parents’ churches are in their new districts.
One way the leaders in both chambers were able to prevent outside influence was to warn their members that if they talked to an outsider about the remap process, they’d get hit with a subpoena.
From my own experience trying to pry loose information on the remap, I can tell you the warnings worked amazingly well. I and others I know all heard back the same basic thing: “I can’t talk to you, or I’ll get subpoenaed. And I don’t want to be dragged into this lawsuit.” The Latino groups simply didn’t know what was going down.
Members were also informed that, while many of the newly created Latino-“influenced” districts did not have adequate population to elect a Latino candidate, ongoing population shifts and the aging of people who are now too young to vote would combine to create majority Latino districts in the next three to five years or so.
That argument, I’m told, will be vigorously contested by MALDEF and others in court.
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