|
Comments Off  
|
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
A growing chorus of labor unions, government officials, business and industry voices, and the academic community are speaking up about the critical role that carbon capture and storage (CCS) can play in helping Illinois reach its clean energy goals. The Capture Jobs Now Coalition is supporting legislation (SB3311/HB569) to advance CCS projects in our state while prioritizing jobs and economic development in local communities.
Pat Devaney, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, and Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association:
“CCS also presents an incredible opportunity for Illinois’ economy and its highly skilled work force. A recent state-commissioned report by the University of Illinois estimates CCS development has a potential statewide demand of 14,440 jobs. And that’s on top of the thousands more jobs CCS can protect by helping decarbonize important Illinois industries as our state, country and world increasingly embrace a net zero carbon future.” (April 2023)
For more information on Capture Jobs Now, please click here
Comments Off
|
Afternoon roundup
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Coming a bit late to this, but it’s a fascinating story…
After rejecting a plan to turn the shuttered Green Acres Country Club into a residential subdivision and watching a senior living development proposal fall apart last year, the village of Northbrook is now facing the prospect of a massive water treatment facility being built on what its leaders have dubbed the “emerald” of the north suburban community.
The DuPage Water Commission this week paid $80 million for the 127-acre former country club and golf course between Dundee Road and the Interstate 94 Edens Spur, according to people familiar with the deal. The sale netted a massive profit for the seller, a venture led by former Colliers Chicago chief executive David Kahnweiler, which bought the property in 2018 for nearly $9.8 million, according to Cook County property records.
DuPage is trying to go around Chicago for its water, which it’ll pay $122 million this year alone.
* DPI…
[Yesterday], the Democratic Party of Illinois held an election of Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) members for membership to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for the 2024-2028 term. Membership had long been decided behind closed doors, but today’s election marks the first open contest for deciding Illinois’ membership to the DNC. Chair Lisa Hernandez, who spearheaded this new structure to promote decision-making power within the DSCC and encourage committee members to run for spots on the DNC for the next term, released the following statement:
“Today, we achieved exactly what we had envisioned–a fair and open process to ensure Illinois is represented well on the Democratic National Committee for the next four years. Not only did we accomplish this and empower our Democratic State Central Committee, we set a precedent for transparency in our Party,” said Chair Hernandez.
During this evening’s meeting, the DSCC appointed Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon as base members of the Democratic National Committee for the 2024-2028 term, as well as selected the following five base members to represent Illinois on the Democratic National Committee for the 2024-2028 term:
1. Committeewoman Robin Kelly
2. Committeewoman Delia Ramirez
3. Committeeman John Cullerton
4. Committeewoman Kristina Zahorik
5. Committeeman Dan Hynes
DPI was deliberate in ensuring newly-selected DNC members also represented gender diversity. After Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon were selected, the two women with the highest number of votes were selected. The remaining three seats were filled by the two men and one woman who received the highest number of votes, underscoring our commitment to gender parity and inclusivity.
* Woodford County is east of Peoria…
Woodford County’s Public Safety Committee unanimously passed a resolution that would declare the county a non-sanctuary county, which now requires final approval from the County Board.
Non-sanctuary status means a county will not provide taxpayer funded services for migrants if they were to enter the county. About 12 counties across Illinois have declared that status.
The main point of emphasis of the meeting was the emergency action plan, a proactive plan of action if an influx of migrants were to come to Woodford County. Potential options such as using a Peoria Charter bus and driving the migrants to Chicago were discussed.
Yes, I’m sure that’ll happen. Right after the BLM protesters arrive to create havoc.
* Press release…
The Du Quoin State Fair is pleased to announce four Grandstand acts in addition to harness racing and ARCA and USAC auto races. Tickets go on sale at a 100 Days Out celebration on Saturday, May 18, and you’re invited to join us!
Tickets to all announced Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand shows can be purchased starting Saturday, May 18 at the Du Quoin Grandstand box office for in-person sales only from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Ticketmaster sales open at 12 p.m.
In addition to box office ticket sales, the 100 Days Out celebration will include concessions, a plant sale and a book sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event.
Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand Lineup:
Saturday, August 24 features #1 hitmaker Mitchell Tenpenny is a multi-faceted entertainer: singer, songwriter, producer and performer. Since the release of his debut 3X platinum-certified #1 hit single, “Drunk Me,” Mitchell made recent chart history with the shortest span between #1 songs at three weeks apart with “Truth About You” and “At The End Of A Bar.” Catch him on tour this year with Jordan Davis and Luke Combs.
The Marshall Tucker Band headlines the Grandstand Sunday, August 25 with no shortage of southern rock songs from 20 studio albums. “Can’t You See” is perhaps their most iconic and immediately recognizable hit, but this six-man band has influenced countless artists throughout their legendary journey that began in 1972.
On Thursday, August 29, the Du Quoin State Fair welcomes KANSAS. With a career spanning five decades, sixteen studio albums and five live albums, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. “Carry On Wayward Son” continues to be one of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and ‘Dust In the Wind’ has been played on the radio more than three million times.
Ashley McBryde takes the stage on Friday, August 30. Ashley McBryde takes the stage on Friday, August 30. McBryde has earned some of the industry’s biggest accolades, including a Grammy and CMA and ACM awards in addition to being a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Arkansas native’s latest critically acclaimed album The Devil I Know is available now.
The Du Quoin State Fair has two headline acts yet to be announced for the 2024 Grandstand. Watch for those announcements in the coming weeks. The Du Quoin State Fair runs from August 23 - September 2. Admission to the fair is free. Parking is free on Friday, August 23 only. Parking is $15 for Gate 1, and $10 for all other gates. Seasonal parking passes are available for $30, good for duration of the fair. To learn more, visit https://dsf.illinois.gov/
* Rockford Files…
* What is Monarch Energy and how does it plan to invest $1B in Rockford?: Monarch’s Rockford facility would use emissions from nearby landfills and convert them into American-made sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that could be used at Rockford International Airport and beyond.
* Rockford graduates are getting major help paying for college: The group of 182 graduates will receive full-tuition scholarships to either Rockford University, Rock Valley College, or Northern Illinois University. Awards and special recognition will also be given to individuals, partners, and community sponsors who have impacted the organization.
* Rockford Unveils $25,000 Forgivable Loan Program to Boost Business Growth: To qualify for the program, applicants must be for-profit businesses established on or before May 1, 2024, and situated within Commercial or Industrial zoned areas within the City of Rockford municipal boundaries, specifically in eligible census tracts. Eligible projects encompass enhancements to business operations, such as the acquisition of new equipment.
* 27 Future Teachers Graduate Debt-Free in Rockford’s Innovative Program: In a groundbreaking initiative, 27 individuals are embarking on their journey to becoming full-time teachers, with a unique twist—they’re doing it tuition-free. Spearheaded by Rockford Public Schools (RPS), Northern Illinois University (NIU), and Grow Your Own, this program aims to cultivate exceptional educators for the Rockford community.
* More…
* Civic Federation: State of Illinois FY2025 Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets: Analysis and Recommendations: The Civic Federation today released its analysis of the State of Illinois FY2025 proposed budget, finding the State remains in an improved financial shape due to strong revenue performance and effective management. However, the Federation recommends the State exercise caution in spending in FY2025 as its revenue growth is slowing and advises the State to look toward developing a plan for a modernized, sustainable tax structure to meet its long-term needs.
* Gov. Pritzker, Fire Marshal Rivera remember fallen Illinois firefighters and honor firefighters for heroism: Fallen Chicago Fire Department Firefighter/EMT Jermaine Pelt, Chicago Fire Department Firefighter/EMT Andrew “Drew” Price, Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Jan Tchoryk, Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Kevin Ward, and Maroa Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Larry Peasley were honored during the fallen firefighter memorial.
* Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $10K for Firing Whistleblowers: In all, the Board of Ethics has fined Conyears-Ervin a total of $70,000 in the past month. In April, the board found Conyears-Ervin committed 12 total violations of Chicago’s Governmental Ethics Ordinance for violating her fiduciary duty to the city, for the unauthorized use of city property and prohibited political activity by using city resources to host a prayer service.
* Civil rights group says Chicago mayor, top cop should take tougher action against officers linked to extremist Oath Keepers: The letter notes that many of the cops admitted joining between 2009 and 2013 “when the Oath Keepers were one of the most active and combative antigovernment extremist groups operating in the U.S.” At the time, the Oath Keepers feared the U.S. government “was moving the world toward a one-world government,” or new world order, an extremist conspiracy theory with “antisemitic overtones,” the letter states. “In response to this fear, the Oath Keepers encouraged their members to disobey laws that do not adhere to their false interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and Second Amendment,” according to the letter.
* Metra piling more trains on UP and Milwaukee lines; Edgewater stop to debut: Following calls from riders for more rush-hour service and less crowding, the commuter railroad will increase UP North trains by four beginning Monday, May 20.
* Unlikely allies? Suburban mayor, GOP legislator backs Bears’ lakefront plan: The Rosemont mayor, who doubles as assistant House minority leader, publicly endorsed the plan Monday. Stephens — the sole Republican legislator whose district includes Chicago — also spoke of forging a relationship with an unlikely ally: Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m bullish on the Sox and Bears. I believe in investing in those types of deals,” Stephens said after the monthly Rosemont village board meeting Monday morning. “They’re good for Chicago and Illinois.”
* With name change, it’s the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Get ready to visit “the Griffin.” The Museum of Science and Industry on Sunday is officially becoming the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, a name change in recognition of a $125 million donation in 2019 from the founder and CEO of the Citadel hedge fund.
* New Rules to Overhaul Electric Grids Could Boost Wind and Solar Power: Federal regulators on Monday approved sweeping changes to how America’s electric grids are planned and funded, in a move that supporters hope could spur thousands of miles of new high-voltage power lines and make it easier to add more wind and solar energy. The new rule by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate electricity transmission, is the most significant attempt in years to upgrade and expand the country’s creaking electricity network. Experts have warned that there aren’t nearly enough high-voltage power lines being built today, putting the country at greater risk of blackouts from extreme weather while making it harder to shift to renewable sources of energy and cope with rising electricity demand. …. The commission approved the rule by a 2-1 vote, with the two Democratic commissioners in favor and the lone Republican, Mark Christie, opposed. Mr. Christie said the rule would allow states that want more renewable energy to unfairly pass on the costs of the necessary grid upgrades to their neighbors.
* Medical residents are starting to avoid states with abortion bans, data shows: The AAMC analysis found that the number of applicants to OB-GYN residency programs in abortion-ban states dropped by 6.7%, compared with a 0.4% increase in states where abortion remains legal. For internal medicine, the drop observed in abortion-ban states was over five times as much as in states where abortion is legal.
I’m definitely missing Isabel.
12 Comments
|
Please, move over and slow down
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* ISP…
On May 13, 2024, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash in Will County involving an ISP trooper’s squad car hit by a motorist who failed to move over.
On the above date and time, an ISP squad car was parked on the right shoulder on Interstate 55 northbound near milepost 252, north of IL59, with emergency lights activated, handling a traffic crash. The trooper was sitting inside of the squad car with his seatbelt fastened when his squad car was struck by a gray Toyota Corolla. The trooper was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Corolla, 31-year-old Asante Williams of Bolingbrook, IL., reported no injuries on scene. Williams was cited for the Move Over Law – Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and Improper Lane Usage.
Already in 2024, ISP has suffered 15 Move Over Law-related crashes with seven troopers injured. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes with seven troopers injured and suffered 25 crashes in 2022, leaving 13 troopers injured. ISP reminds the public that the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law,” requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated.
A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years. Additional information can be found at the following link: https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/340d57cd956c453da2de25af804c268d.
The car…
10 Comments
|
It’s just a bill
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Summary of Amendment 2 to HB798, which has been sent to the House Executive Committee…
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the William P. “Bill” Wozniak Memorial Act. Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, shall install and maintain: (1) automated license plate readers in positions around the State Capitol Complex that offer the most strategic advantage for security monitoring and incident response; and (2) hardened security posts in the State Capitol Complex where law enforcement personnel of the Secretary of State Police Department and other security personnel are stationed while on duty. Provides that the Secretary of State shall replace, install, and maintain: (1) enhanced security screening devices at entrances of secured areas in the State Capitol Complex; and (2) identification card verification checkpoints at entrances of secured areas in the State Capitol Complex. Provides that the Secretary of State shall identify acceptable forms of identification that may be used to gain access to secured areas in the State Capitol Complex. Provides that the Secretary of State shall adopt rules to: (1) establish a chain of command based in Springfield for police and other security personnel responding to an incident at the State Capitol Complex; (2) authorize administrative personnel based in Springfield to issue emergency orders in response to an incident at the State Capitol Complex; (3) provide mitigation and response training to law enforcement personnel of the Secretary of State Police Department and other security personnel who are stationed at the State Capitol Complex; (4) create a volunteer training program to allow security personnel employed by the Secretary of State to successfully complete firearm training and qualify to carry firearms only while on duty at the State Capitol Complex and provide incentive compensation to all trained and qualified individuals; and (5) adopt and enforce security procedures for legislators, staff, lobbyists, and visitors entering the State Capitol Complex, including procedures to allow law enforcement personnel of the Secretary of State Police Department and other security personnel to perform additional screening on any individual seeking to enter a secured area at the discretion of the law enforcement personnel or security personnel.
Your thoughts on this?
* Daily Herald…
In his more than two decades as a law enforcement officer, Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres has witnessed plenty of reckless behavior and dangerous driving on suburban roads.
But nothing compares to what he’s seen over the past few years of what officials are calling an “epidemic” of drivers fleeing from police, often at high speeds that put everyone on the roads in peril.
“The drastic increase in fleeings we’ve seen in recent years is a level of lawlessness I haven’t seen in my 23 years in this profession,” Arres said at a press conference last week promoting legislation aimed at deterring such behavior and punishing those who commit it.
Senate Bill 1807, introduced by Senate Minority Leader John Curran of Downers Grove and co-sponsored by several fellow suburban lawmakers, would make fleeing by car from the police a Class 4 felony, instead of the misdemeanor it is today.
The bill is stuck in Senate Assignments, so it’s probably not going anywhere.
From a Daily Herald editorial about the bill…
Without question, there is some point of judgment for police between simply allowing criminal suspects to speed away with no fear of a chase and pursuing them at high speeds through busy suburban roadways, with circumstances varying from the traffic and road conditions to the level of crime under suspicion. But the judgment of the offenders also needs some influences of its own, and the potential of adding another felony and more prison time to whatever penalties drivers already face surely can give them cause to consider restraint.
From Benjamin Ruddell at the ACLU of Illinois…
The linked article cites data showing an increase in reported fleeing incidents in Naperville/DuPage County—not statewide. But even if there was evidence of a statewide trend, what is lacking here is any evidence whatsoever that the proposed solution—a penalty enhancement—would provide any “greater deterrence” as suggested by the quoted police chief. In general, research shows that increasing penalties does little to nothing to deter crime. Why would we think this is any different?
There is no data cited about how many of the individuals in these reported Naperville/DuPage incidents were charged with fleeing and eluding, or the disposition of those charges. That would be important information in evaluating the claim that the upward trend in incidents has anything at all to do with the criminal penalties. There is also no data cited about the frequency of fleeing incidents in jurisdictions that classify this offense as a felony, as compared to Illinois.
As in other contexts, identifying something as a problem doesn’t mean that enacting harsher penalties would be any kind of solution to that problem. At this point, the burden of proof should fall squarely on the proponents of these measures to demonstrate that their proposed solutions can actually be expected to work. They haven’t done that here.
Discuss.
* Leader McCombie…
During a subject matter hearing held at the Capitol last week to address ongoing delays within the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the agency announced a revised deadline for implementing necessary updates.
Persistent delays, breakdowns in communication, lost applications, and general dysfunction have sparked bipartisan frustration with IDFPR, issues that were initially brought to light during a subject-matter hearing last summer. Since then, deadlines for improvement have come and gone, and the new date of June 8th was revealed last Wednesday.
At the same time IDFPR is facing significant delays impacting countless Illinois residents, including essential workers, a different state agency continues to improve efficiency. The Secretary of State is offering “do it online” renewals for drivers licenses, marking a stark contrast to the troubles of IDFPR, which offers online renewals for only some licenses.
“House Republicans want to get people to work, so let’s fix the simple things, address the growing procurement issues and eliminate red tape,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.
McCombie has been vocal about the issues at IDFPR and filed legislation to solve problems at the agency. The Leader introduced the License Convenience Act (House Bill 4855), to mandate the department to accept electronic payments for licenses and fees–but the bill was prevented from moving forward in the Illinois House, despite bipartisan support.
“This is about fixing things in our state that aren’t working, this agency is not adequately serving residents and we must invoke change,” continued McCombie.
McCombie’s legislation is here: Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB4855 (ilga.gov).
Some legislators tell me that they spend more time helping constituents deal with IDFPR than anything else. It’s just ridiculous. People shouldn’t have to go through this.
* Rep. Rashid and Sen. Porfirio…
Today, State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) passed legislation out of the Illinois House that protects renters by requiring landlords to provide important information about flooding risk and history. SB 2601, sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), passed the Senate on April 10th with bipartisan support.
“This bill is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants across the state,” said Sen. Porfirio. “By requiring landlords to disclose flood hazards, we are arming renters with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families from potential harm.”
“Even one flooding event can be financially catastrophic to a family,” said Rep. Rashid. “With climate change making floods much more common and extreme, this is one important step we can take to protect working families.”
Prospective renters should know whether the unit they are considering renting has a history of flooding or lies in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Area. This information will help them make informed decisions about whether to purchase flood insurance. Many renters may not know that flooding protection is not typically included in renter’s insurance.
Through this bill, property owners must inform prospective tenants if their property lies within a high-risk flooding area. Additionally, landlords renting out units on lower levels, including garden, basement, and first floor units, must disclose whether any of these units have experienced flooding within the past decade.
SB 2601 is now on its way to Governor Pritzker’s desk.
* More…
* Illinois legislators try again on statewide public defender legislation: Harmon pulled his bill and supporters went back to the drawing board, coming up with a 42-page bill that was filed Monday. The measure lays out in much greater detail how a statewide public defender would be selected and how the office would assist county public defenders throughout Illinois, although a source of funding still has not been identified.
* Lawmakers weigh Illinois child tax credit as they negotiate budget: Though lawmakers filed a bill proposing the tax credit, lawmakers would pass it through the state budget. “It’s a $300 credit that’s going to go to half the children in the State of Illinois. We get there by offering the credit to families that are making about the median income of the State of Illinois,” said Erion Malasi with Economic Security for Illinois, an organization supporting the credit.
* Prosecutor opposes bill to help moms whose babies are born with drugs in system: The hope is that by taking away the threat of losing custody of a baby, mothers would be more likely to seek treatment. The initiative was prompted by a finding that the leading cause of death in Illinois among expectant or new mothers is drug use. Almost one-third of the 263 such mothers who died in 2018 to 2020 died of substance use, the state Department of Public Health reported. The proposed change in the law would create a task force to develop a plan for helping infants and mothers exposed to illicit drugs during pregnancy. These family recovery plans would include medical care, recovery support and referrals to community services for the child and caregiver.
15 Comments
|
* Good poll coverage by Sarah Karp at WBEZ…
Despite years of trying to convince Chicagoans that public school students here are making remarkable academic progress, most residents give the schools a grade of C and say students are not learning enough.
That’s according to a poll released Tuesday by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research organization. WBEZ and the Sun-Times collaborated with Public Agenda and the Joyce Foundation, which funded the project.
“People are not giving city schools high marks,” said David Schleifer, vice president and director of research at Public Agenda, which focuses on researching challenges facing democracy and uncovering solutions. “Also, there’s definitely this awareness that white students in the city have access to better public schools than students of color.”
Schleifer notes that parents and others don’t blame teachers but rather see the lack of learning as an effect of poverty and other challenges affecting students. Some 71% of Chicago Public Schools students come from low-income families. Still, poll respondents say leaders are more caught up in petty political battles than on what is best for children. They are not confident money is being spent effectively.
Go read the whole thing.
* It’s a long poll (toplines are here), and one question that didn’t make it into her story was this…
Those CTU numbers for parents ain’t exactly great, either. But at least they’re above water.
* And then there’s this…
Well, yeah.
16 Comments
|
* Background is here if you need it. Personal PAC’s Sarah Garza Resnick…
It is an unacceptable decision on the part of the Senate to remove coverage of abortion services from HB5142, the Governor’s Birth Equity Bill. This bill, as passed by the House of Representatives, would end cost-sharing and extend coverage for all services for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care. Abortion services are inseparable from this category of care. Eight other states, including California and New York, have already passed similar legislation. Illinois trusts women and there is no reason why we should not join these other states in removing another barrier to accessing abortion care.
The bill is here.
Resnick promised a “war” over this when I called her.
I have calls and messages out to the Senate sponsor, Lakesia Collins, and the Senate President’s office. The House sponsor, Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, referred me to Senate President Don Harmon.
* From the governor’s office…
Conversations regarding the Governor’s Birth Equity Initiative in the Senate are ongoing, but we’re proud of the broad support the bill received in the House. The Governor has been clear that Illinois trusts women to make decisions about their healthcare and abortion is a vital part of their healthcare options. He will not sign a bill that treats abortion differently than other birth equity provisions.
* Coincidentally, this polling memo was sent out by the governor’s campaign today…
Recent research from Global Strategy Group has found that the Healthcare Protection Act and the Birth Equity Initiative are deeply popular among the Illinois electorate, especially provisions that ban junk health plans and require prior approval for rate increases. What’s more, they stand to boost support for Democratic state legislature candidates who support them.
I’ve asked for toplines.
…Adding… From Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who chairs the Dobbs working group…
I am grateful to Governor Pritzker for being true to our promise to ensure access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care to everyone in our state. Copays are a barrier to access, especially for low income people. We should not be emulating the states around us making it harder for people to access care.
…Adding… The Senate sponsor, Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), told me she will not move the bill if it’s amended to strip out abortion coverage.
Sen. Collins had sponsored an identical Senate bill, but couldn’t get more than a subject matter hearing in the Insurance Committee. Now, though, the insurance industry is neutral after negotiations she participated in, and she said she told Senate President Harmon that they’d reached a point where the bill needed to be called.
Collins said Harmon told her that he “cares about the issue a lot,” but that there were still some issues with the bill. Asked what those were, Harmon told Collins it was the abortion coverage issue and he’d work on it.
“And then I find out today that they stripped the whole piece around abortion out,” Collins said, adding that no members from her side of the aisle had ever approached her about the topic being a problem. “I don’t know where the pushback is coming from.”
Collins said since the House was unlikely to pass an amended version and the governor won’t sign it, there’s no purpose in moving the bill forward. “You’re basically killing the bill,” she said.
“This has been a long time coming,” she said of her bill. “There have been advocates fighting around this for a very long time who are looking forward to this bill passing. And it’s like, here we are fighting about something to me that’s just fundamental.”
…Adding… Senate President Don Harmon…
I wish the governor would have reached out to me. We are working through this important issue with the caucus to inform and educate people about what it does so we can build consensus.
28 Comments
|
* Center for Tax and Budget Accountability…
FULLY FUNDING THE EVIDENCE-BASED FORMULA: FY 2025 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET, the newest report released today from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA, finds that at the current rate of state funding - $300 million per year – Illinois’ Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act (EBF) will not be fully funded until FY 2034. That is 17 years after the EBF was first implemented - or seven years past what is required in statute. CTBA notes in the report that if the state could increase the Minimum Target Level from $300 million to $500 million annually, the EBF could be fully funded by FY 2030 - three years after the date established for full funding under the statute. “Taking such action would benefit districts across Illinois, saving students from four years of attending underfunded schools,” according to the report.
The new report follows CTBA’s recently-released Educating Illinois: A Look at the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, Volume II, which finds that Illinois’ funding formula for K-12 Education has worked towards its promise of closing the drastic funding gaps between school in property-rich and property-poor districts, as well as between schools in predominantly white communities and schools that serve predominantly Black and Latinx students. The EBF puts the funding responsibility on the state to ensure equity for districts with less local resources by distributing new K-12 funding to those districts that are furthest away from having adequate resources, and furthest away from hitting their respective “Adequacy Targets” –which is the amount the research indicates is required to provide the level of education the students they serve need to succeed academically.
Funding of the EBF is making a positive difference in the fiscal capacity of school districts statewide, CTBA finds. In FY 2018, 657, or 77 percent, of all districts in Illinois were underfunded. Seven years into the implementation of the EBF things have improved, with the number of underfunded districts declining to 525, or 62 percent, of all districts. Overall, from FY 2018 through FY 2024, the state increased formula funding for K-12 under the EBF by $1.8 billion. Tier 1 and Tier 2 districts – those with the biggest funding gaps - collectively received 99 percent—or $1.78 billion—of that new Tier funding. Now, seven years later, the EBF has drastically changed public education funding allocation and has worked to close Adequacy Funding Gaps for students across all regions of the state and from all demographics by continuing to increase the state level investment each year.
Emphasis added.
This is what Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPS and the CTU have been talking about with their mantra of how the state “owes” city schools $1.1 billion.
* Meanwhile…
Today, advocates from the Fund Our Futures Coalition gathered outside the Capitol to urge support for a budget that generates revenue and consistent funding for essential programs to support Illinois’ low- and moderate income families, including a Child Tax Credit. This action follows a memo issued last week by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office indicating that cuts to grant programs and discretionary spending would be required if the Illinois General Assembly does not pass new revenue sources in Illinois’ FY25 budget. In light of these developments, Erion Malasi, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Economic Security Illinois responded with the following statement on behalf of the Illinois Cost of Living Refund Coalition:
“With the cost of living on the rise and growing demand for a state Child Tax Credit from families, advocates, union leaders, and even our own Governor, we call for a compassionate budget for Illinois. Our lawmakers must show courage and creativity by exploring progressive revenue options to ensure this year we can create and implement a robust Child Tax Credit that makes it easier for Illinois families to afford life’s essentials, like rent, groceries, or clothing. We will proudly stand behind long-term progressive revenue solutions proposed by the Governor’s Office, and any additional sources from the General Assembly if they can ensure the enactment and maintenance of critical policies that will help families flourish and reinvigorate our local economy.”
Advocates in the Illinois Cost-of-Living Coalition have been pushing for a Child Tax Credit for the past three years, in conjunction with allies in the House and Senate. Bills SB 3329 / HB 4917 introduced by State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., respectively, would offer $300 for Illinois families who earn less than the median income. Such a credit would benefit 1.4 million kids and generate over $1 billion in local economic stimulus. In February, Governor Pritzker delivered a promising budget address which called for the creation of a statewide Child Tax Credit that would return $12 million to taxpayers with children under age 3.
The Illinois Cost-Of-Living Refund Coalition, which successfully led the fight for the Earned Income Credit expansion, is leading the advocacy effort for the Child Tax Credit. The coalition includes more than 50 nonprofit, labor, consumer advocates, immigrant rights, and grassroots, community-based organizations across the state. (See list of member organizations below).
…Adding… CBS 2…
A critical resource for Chicago families is now at risk, as tens of thousands of Illinois students could lose their after-school care.
About 300 programs could close when federal grants distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education expire next month. That includes after-school programs such as the ones Stephanie Garcia oversees at James Shields Elementary School in the Brighton Park neighborhood and seven other schools. […]
Susan Stanton is an advocate for after-school programs. She is the executive director of ACT Now Illinois – a coalition for ensuring access to after-school and youth development programs - and she is calling on state lawmakers for $50 million.
“We can’t just think of these as programs that are great to have if there’s funding available,” Stanton said, “but they absolutely are essential.”
Stanton estimates about 40,000 kids statewide will be impacted in predominantly underserved communities. […]
In a statement, the Illinois State Board of Education said they requested $26 million in state funds for after-school programs – which is a $1 million increase from the 2024 fiscal year.
11 Comments
|
This is my surprised face (Updated)
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Background is here if you need it. But of course…
I reached out to the AG’s office last night, but haven’t yet heard back.
…Adding… From the AG’s office…
Opposing counsel has informed our office that their client made the changes to comply with the order, and we are reviewing them.
As noted in comments, full birthdates and street addresses have been partially removed.
19 Comments
|
Get The Facts On The Illinois Prescription Drug Board
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
The price-setting board proposed in HB4472 is not the solution for Illinois. It would give bureaucrats the power to arbitrarily set medicine prices, deciding what medicines and treatments are “worth” paying for. We can’t leave Illinoisans’ health care up to political whims. Let’s make it easier, not harder for patients to access their medicines. Click here to learn more.
Comments Off
|
Stop paying people to defend rapists, CPS
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* CBS 2…
Chicago Public Schools expert witness says in deposition that sexual assault is not always traumatic
Jane Doe is 38 years old now, but the pain she says she suffered at the hands of a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high school English teacher more than 20 years ago remains fresh.
“I have nightmares almost every night,” she said in her first on-camera interview about her experience. “It’s still really hard to talk about it.”
Jane was referring to inappropriate contact she said she had with a teacher at Gordon S. Hubbard High School in Chicago’s West Lawn Neighborhood. […]
In fighting Jane Doe’s lawsuit, CPS is paying an expert witness, Chicago psychiatrist Dr. Prudence Gourguechon, to testify about her views on childhood sexual abuse, student-teacher sexual relationships, and the impact of trauma after sexual abuse. […]
For example, when asked if under any circumstance is a teacher having sex with a student in high school is not sexual abuse, Dr. Gourgeuchon said, “I don’t know if every circumstance would qualify as sexual abuse.”
When asked if sexual assault is traumatic for the person experiencing it, she said: “It depends. It depends on the detail and how they’re defining who’s claiming what and what actually happened. I can’t make an across-the-board statement.” […]
When asked about Jane Doe’s case CPS provided CBS 2 the following statement:
The District believes that students who are harmed as a result of a legally-recognized failure on the District’s part should be compensated in a reasonable manner that will remedy injuries to the student. In doing that, the District also has a responsibility to the taxpayers who fund the District to ensure that it resolves these cases in a manner that is not just legally justified, but also financially responsible. Unfortunately, disagreements often arise about legal responsibility and what is reasonable compensation in any given case. The purpose of litigation is to resolve those disagreements. The District attempts to come to mutually acceptable resolutions in all cases of this type, and continues to do so here.
Beyond this, the District will not comment while the litigation is pending.
You gotta be kidding me.
17 Comments
|
* From Mayor Brandon Johnson’s interview with the Chicago Tribune…
Q: Have you vetted or looked at potential replacements for CTA President Dorval Carter?
A: Well, as you know, discussing personnel issues, I actually find that to be irresponsible, and I’ve said that repeatedly. And so, what I’m committed to doing right now is making sure that our ridership continues to go up, which it has. We have hired more people, which we’ve done that, I’ve made a commitment to doing that. Our better streets for buses, it’s the first initiative of its kind to build a better street signal, sidewalk infrastructure. These are all investments that I have put forward in order to build a CTA that we can be proud of. And again, as far as personnel matters, I don’t discuss those publicly.
Q: Why?
A: Because it’s not responsible. Should your employer discuss individuals’ employment status out loud about who they’re going to fire and keep?
Q: In fairness though, these are also employees, not just of yours, but of the city, right? The CTA president also serves Chicagoans and they have a lot of questions about him and all of the appointments that you make.
A: Having questions about how we build a transportation system that ultimately meets the needs and demands of the people of Chicago, those questions are welcome. Determining who I get to fire and hire, I find that to be irresponsible and I won’t discuss personnel matters publicly.
That interview undoubted set off the city council.
* Ald. Andre Vasquez lays out the stakes…
With federal stimulus funds drying up and a combined $730 million fiscal cliff looming, the Illinois General Assembly is considering a proposal to consolidate the Chicago area’s four mass transit agencies — the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace — into a single super-agency with beefed-up powers.
“It’s a bit of an inflection point where we need to figure out what we’re going to do,” Vasquez said.
“When you’re asking for funds from the state or federal government, folks there to issue the funds are going to wonder what the leadership looks like to have the confidence to invest that money. If we’re not bouncing back the way other cities are, it might be harder to get those funds.”
* So…
Alderpeople will introduce a resolution next week demanding the resignation or firing of CTA President Dorval Carter, adding to the mounting challenges facing the veteran transit leader.
The largely symbolic measure highlights more than a dozen reasons why the CTA is in need of change and follows Gov. JB Pritzker’s comments that the agency was due for an “evolution” of leadership.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), chief sponsor of the resolution, said it is effectively a “vote of no confidence” and is urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire Carter if he doesn’t resign. […]
Alderpeople who have signed on in support of the resolution include Alds. Daniel La Spata (1st), Peter Chico (10th), Marty Quinn (13th), Raymond Lopez (15th), Derrick Curtis (18th), Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), Jessie Fuentes (26th), Ruth Cruz (30th), Felix Cardona (31st), Scott Waguespack (32nd), Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33), Bill Conway (34), Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), Andre Vasquez (40th), Brendan Reilly (42nd), James Gardiner (45th), Matt Martin (47th), Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) and Maria Hadden (49th).
Whew.
* Ald. Brian Hopkins does make a good point, however…
“The agency is in a tailspin. He doesn’t seem to recognize it right now. … If he shows up tomorrow with an acknowledgement sweeping changes are needed, a real plan to do it, let’s get to work,” Hopkins said. “But this is not a problem solved by just firing Carter. We have to be careful as elected officials to scapegoat, just to say we did something.”
Rebuilding the CTA is more than about just one person, even the top person. And finding someone who is qualified to do that job isn’t just a snap of the fingers kinda thing. If this was so easy, the system would already be fixed.
But, yeah, Carter has come to symbolize all that’s wrong with the CTA. And he doesn’t appear to even know it.
26 Comments
|
Open thread
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Again, I’m not sure there will be a morning roundup today because Isabel is still under the weather. Talk amongst yourselves.
5 Comments
|
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Getting needed care for any health issue is best done sooner than later. For patients insured through Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), preauthorization denials are all too common. These inappropriate denials delay care, leading to poorer health outcomes while reducing MCO costs and increasing shareholder profits.
The prior authorization processes of MCOs are inconsistent and complex. One Illinois MCO had a 41% denial rate while another denied 15% of prior authorization requests, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) found.
What’s more, MCO’s self-report scattered outcomes from the appeals process, which requires countless hours of physicians and hospital staff. One Illinois MCO reported overturning 57% of denied prior authorization requests. Another said it overturns 63% of denied prior authorization requests on appeal.
What would prior authorization reform mean for patients? It would mean living fuller, healthier lives without unnecessary time away from work, school or family responsibilities. It would mean less stress, better health outcomes and a more productive future.
The Illinois hospital community urges legislators to pass commonsense legislation to streamline access to care and improve health outcomes by eliminating inappropriate prior authorization practices and embracing care coordination. Support IHA’s MCO prior authorization reforms.
Comments Off
|
|
Comments Off
|
|
Comments Off
|
Live coverage
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* You can click here or here to follow breaking news. It’s the best we can do unless or until Twitter gets its act together.
Comment
|
|
Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...
...............
...............
...............
...............
|
   
|
Hosted by MCS
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax
Advertise Here
Mobile Version
Contact Rich Miller
|
