* Press release…
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has yet to respond to a proposal that would produce a “win-win” outcome for both her and a faction of lawmakers currently opposed to her bid to obtain state authorization to increase the city’s tax on property sales.
The attempted compromise would modify Lightfoot’s proposal to raise the rate of Chicago’s Real Estate Transfer Tax on sales of elite properties, yielding sufficient revenue to boost city funding to provide affordable housing for Chicagoans experiencing homlessness– a plan the Mayor promised to support during her campaign for office – without diminishing revenues she said she needs to trim the budget deficit.
Under the concept presented to the Mayor last week, the city would adjust the graduated structure of Lightfoot’s RETT increase by 1.) changing the rate for property sales worth more than $10 million from the 2.55 percent that Lightfoot proposed to 4 percent, with the rate applying only to the portion of the sale over $10 million, not the entire sale; and 2.) apply the rate that Lightfoot has proposed for properties sold for between $1 million and $3 million to those also sold for more than $750,000. The counter proposal also ensures that any property sold for less than $800,000 would receive a tax cut. This equates to roughly 70% of property transactions in the city.
State lawmakers who devised the compromise sought to work together with the Mayor’s administration to advance the idea, but their overture has elicited no response.
“I can’t emphasize enough that we see this proposal as a “win-win” opportunity for everyone,” said Representative Thersea Mah “It leaves the money that Mayor Lightfoot had budgeted to curb the deficit unscathed, but it also honors her campaign commitment to support a dedicated revenue stream to combat homelessness by investing in permanent, supportive housing. This is what our city desperately needs after generations of chronic under-funding at the city level.”
During her campaign for office, Lightfoot repeatedly promised to seek a RETT increase exclusively to address glaring housing needs in the city. Advocates with the Bring Chicago Home (BCH) coalition have pressed the Mayor to uphold her promise and last week, 13 state lawmakers – including 10 representing districts that include areas of the city – cautioned Lightfoot that they could not support her quest for legislative approval of a RETT increase unless the Mayor made good on that pledge.
Lawmakers pointed out that their proposed amendment to the RETT increase would meet the Mayor’s goals for shrinking the budget deficit – ostensibly sparing her any need to consider a property tax increase – while concentrating the impacts on a small fraction of the city properties sold at high to ultra-high prices.
* Greg Hinz…
But the move may not be enough to save Lightfoot’s proposal, which faces deep opposition in Springfield. […]
Either way, I’m hearing Lightfoot’s plan still is in trouble, facing opposition both from Republicans and real estate groups that oppose tax hikes, and from downstate and suburban Democrats who see no reason to take a tough vote even if progressives may be climbing aboard. […]
If Lightfoot doesn’t get action from the General Assembly in the veto session, she’s strongly hinted she’ll instead have to raise property taxes at least $50 million in 2020. The tax would be implemented at midyear, and eventually pull in $100 million a year. Lawmakers return for the veto session Nov. 12 through 14. After that, they’re not back in session until January.
I heard maybe 20-something votes in the House today. It’s gonna be a tough climb.
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* From 2015…
The Rauner administration said Monday it has reached tentative or final agreements on new labor contracts with five groups of Teamsters units representing about 4,600 workers statewide.
The announcement comes as the Illinois House prepares to return to Springfield on Wednesday and possibly vote on overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 1229. The bill, pushed by Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, would place contract talks in the hands of an independent arbitrator in the event an agreement cannot be reached at the bargaining table.
The Rauner administration has previously used settlements with Teamsters locals as evidence that it bargains in good faith and can reach contract settlements with unions representing public employees.
* From that 2015 Teamsters contract…
Maintenance of the current level of health care benefits for employees and their dependents as part of the State’s continued contributions to the independent Teamsters Local 727 Health & Welfare Fund.
That was supposed to be paid for with a four-year wage freeze. What Rauner did was provide lots of state money to move Teamsters union members out of the state health insurance fund, which he was trying to kill off or at least hobble. Costs have since climbed even higher.
* From AFSCME’s new contract…
Employee premiums and out-of-pocket costs in the state group health insurance plan will increase. Although specific employee contributions vary by type of health plan and salary levels, premiums will go up each January by a composite $13 per month for individuals and $18 per month for families.
* Yesterday…
* From a Pritzker spokesperson…
The administration is committed to negotiating contracts that are fair to workers who serve the state and taxpayers, and we are committed to working through issues in this contract at the bargaining table.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As we’ve already discussed, Gov. JB Pritzker said yesterday that he wants to move forward next week with a “first step” on lobbying disclosure. Pritzker was asked this morning what he’d like to see disclosed by lobbyists which they do not now disclose…
Well, one example is… the City of Chicago requires lobbyists to report how much they’re getting paid to lobby for organizations, but the State of Illinois does not require that. I think that’s something that we ought to be looking at.
I went over this topic with subscribers this morning.
* The Question: Should registered Statehouse lobbyists be required to disclose their compensation? Please explain your answer in comments. Thanks.
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* Hannah Meisel early this morning at the Daily Line…
Democratic political operative Alaina Hampton shook up Springfield politics last year when she accused a top aide to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) of sexual harassment, and subsequently sued four of Madigan’s operations — the Democratic Party of Illinois and three of his political funds: Friends of Michael J. Madigan, Democratic Majority and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization — alleging retaliation for “asserting her rights to be free from unlawful harassment and a sexually hostile work environment by failing to hire her to work as a political consultant for the 2018 campaign cycle.”
After traveling and working on out-of-state campaigns last year and earlier this year, Hampton has been back in Chicago, and aims to launch a not-for-profit organization before the end of 2019 that she describes as a foundation that helps pay for “recovery treatment for victims of workplace sexual harassment and abuse.”
But before then, Hampton is rolling out another effort aimed at helping those who have experienced workplace harassment: a monthly support group. The first meeting of Hampton’s group, the Chicago Workplace Sexual Harassment #MeToo Meet Up will be Dec. 2 at Great Central Brewing Company in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.
Hampton told The Daily Line she’s opening registration for the event to anyone who has been affected by workplace harassment — not just women — and also welcomes those who work outside of politics.
In fact, Hampton said, she got the idea for support group from a professional woman who messaged her on Facebook after a September profile by NPR Illinois, when Hampton revealed she felt she could not seek traditional therapy, because therapy notes are discoverable in a lawsuit when a plaintiff is seeking damages for emotional distress. The woman said she’d had a similar experience at her non-political job, and had been searching for a support group but found none, Hampton said. […]
“When I was being harassed at work, I felt very alone and felt like I was the only person going through this,” Hampton said. “As I sought help and no one helped me, I felt even more isolated…if I had other people I could talk to [who had also been] in those situations, I would’ve felt so much more comfortable.”
More info is here.
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ComEd’s lobbying crew is heavy on Madiganites
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WBEZ…
Fifteen of the 23 firms that worked for Commonwealth Edison in Springfield this year deployed lobbyists with direct ties to powerful Illinois House Speaker and state Democratic boss Michael Madigan, a WBEZ investigation has found. […]
Will Cousineau, another trusted Madigan aide, lobbied ComEd together with colleagues from the Cornerstone Government Affairs firm.
Cornerstone reported that it had stopped representing ComEd in the Illinois Capitol on Oct. 25. […]
In addition to [former Rep. John Bradley, who also is no longer representing ComEd], the retired Democratic members of the Illinois House who have landed gigs as ComEd lobbyists are Annazette Collins, Kevin McCarthy, Donne Trotter and Howard Kenner.
Donne Trotter left the House in 1993 after he won his state Senate race. Trotter and Madigan weren’t exactly close.
Cornerstone’s Statehouse lobbyist list includes Chris Sarley, who worked for retiring GOP Congressman John Shimkus.
Mike Kasper is listed in the story. He is most definitely a bigtime Madigan guy, but his two partners are former high-level Senate Democratic and House Republican staffers.
Travis Shea is listed as a current ComEd lobbyist and former MJM staffer, but he was booted from his firm in March. The head person at his old firm, Chip Englander, is a former Rauner guy.
ComEd also employs lobbyists like former GOP Rep. Ed Sullivan, former GOP Sen. Dave Sullivan and the brother of Leader Durkin’s campaign consigliere Tom Walsh.
* But, yeah, make no mistake, that company does indeed have a whole lot of Madigan types on its lobster payroll.
…Adding… The article lists Jake Miller as a Madigan guy. Miller (no relation) was on Tech Review (legal) staff for one session 17 years ago.
…Adding… I checked in with Mike Kasper and he said ComEd was originally Jim Fletcher’s client. Fletch is now retired, but, Kasper said, ComEd is principally handled by Courtney Nottage, who is a former chief of staff for Senate President Emil Jones. Kasper said he does do work for ComEd as a partner in the firm, however.
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Campaign roundup
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Madison - St. Clair Record…
Fifth District Appellate Court Justice David Overstreet of Mt. Vernon will seek election to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2020, for the seat being vacated next year by retiring Justice Lloyd Karmeier.
Overstreet, 53, was elected last November to a 10-year term at the appellate court in a race against Kevin Hoerner, Democrat, who later got appointed associate judge in St. Clair County in January.
He is the first candidate to publicly announce for the Karmeier vacancy, and will run as a Republican in a district comprised of the state’s 37 southernmost counties. The primary election is March 17 and the general election is Nov. 3, 2020.
Four of the seven seats on the state’s high court will be on the ballot next year - open seats at the Fifth and Chicago-based First Judicial District, as well as the retention campaigns of Justices Robert Thomas, Republican, of the Second Judicial District and Thomas Kilbride, Democrat, of the Third Judicial District. Judges running for retention don’t face rival candidates - they are retained if they get 60 percent voter approval.
* BND…
A man who previously worked on President Donald Trump’s campaign is now jumping into the race for the GOP nomination in the Illinois 15th Congressional District.
Kent Gray, 49, of Leland Grove, who worked as an advance man for the Trump administration, announced his candidacy for the seat that U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, is leaving at the end of term.
“President Trump needs reliable supporters in Congress to help him accomplish his agenda,” Gray said. “I want the president to know that the 15th District of Illinois embraces his successes with the U.S. economy, honest trade, tax cuts, immigration management, judicial appointments and protecting the Second Amendment. The 15th District is overwhelmingly supportive of Donald Trump. My existing relationships with numerous congressmen, senators and administration officials will allow me to hit the ground running for district residents.” […]
Gray ran for state representative in 2016, but lost in the GOP primary.
He finished third in a three-way primary in that race.
* From the Jeanne Ives campaign…
Friends,
I’m going to be blunt: If you don’t want a radical, leftist mob led by Sean Casten getting a foothold in government, you need to step up and get Jeanne Ives elected.
Jeanne is a fighter. She has an Economics degree from West Point. She is an Army Veteran and a Military Mom.
But what I like best about Jeanne is that she is who she says she is. As a state legislator, she promised to defend taxpayers and that was exactly what she did - even when it meant standing alone.
As a Congresswoman, Jeanne will protect the opportunities available to your kids. She will protect your jobs and pocketbooks. She will uphold the rule of law. And she will push back on the Socialists in Congress in a way they won’t soon forget.
Join Jeanne and me on Wednesday, November 6 to help take her campaign to the next level. Tickets start at $50 and you can RSVP right here.
If you submit two completed petition sheets to help Jeanne get on the ballot, you can join us for free. Download your petition and instructions here.
Hope to see you there!
All In,
Dan Proft
AM-560 Morning Drive Host
* Jim Oberweis campaign…
The Lake County Republicans held their primary endorsement session Saturday, and Jim Oberweis won the endorsement on the first ballot against a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican party nomination for the 14th Congressional District.
All Township Chairmen and all Lake County Republican Central Committee officers could vote in the endorsement session. To win the endorsement, Oberweis had to receive two-thirds of those voting at the Saturday meeting.
Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mark Shaw said, “all of the Republican candidates seeking the nomination for US Representative from the 14th Congressional District had an opportunity to make their case that they would be the best candidate to win the General Election in 2020. Jim Oberweis earned the endorsement because he made the strongest case for success against Rep. Lauren Underwood. We need a candidate who stands up for our Republican values, and who has a path for victory in the race for US Representative in the 14th District. Jim Oberweis checks all of these boxes.”
The 14th Congressional District is widely considered a seat Republicans can retake. Oberweis says he is honored to have the confidence of the Lake County party especially in light of how important this race is nationally.
“If Republicans are going to retake the House in 2020, it starts with the 14th Congressional District in Illinois,” Oberweis said. “But the first step to defeating Lauren Underwood is to win the nomination and garnering the support of the Lake County Republican Party is a big step forward for this campaign. I am honored and humbled to have their endorsement.”
* Politico…
Freshman Rep. Lauren Underwood’s name is being batted about for a House leadership position freed up after California Rep. Katie Hill resigned last week.
The empty position is reserved for first-term Dems, according to POLITICO’s Heather Caygle.
Underwood, who flipped the right-leaning 14th District in 2018, is part of the “Big Six,” a set of freshmen who serve as liaisons to leadership. Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York coined the nickname because the group is seen as those most likely to climb into leadership roles. Underwood, for example, sits on leadership and strategy meetings.
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Um, no
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Um…
Some lobbyists are still cozying up to Luis Arroyo. The state Board of Elections reports five lobbying organizations donated to the former state rep’s political account two days after he was charged with bribery and accused of offering kickbacks to an unnamed state senator in exchange for favorable gaming legislation.
SEIU Healthcare Illinois/Indiana PAC and Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois each gave $1,500 to Arroyo. American Council of Engineering Companies, Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 and Electric Contractors Association each gave $1,000.
The contributions came in before Arroyo ultimately resigned from the General Assembly last Friday, but it should come as no surprises that lobbyists would be undeterred by a federal investigation. It was nearly a year ago that Ald. Ed Burke’s offices were raided by the feds — and just days later hundreds of folks turned out for his annual holiday fundraiser.
Keep in mind that Illinois law requires disclosure after campaign checks are deposited in the bank. So, you cannot discern when the checks were written by looking at the candidates’ disclosure reports.
I reached out to three of the contributors listed above this morning.
* The Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois sent me its canceled check. The check was written on September 20th for an event Arroyo held on September 12th which was co-hosted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Speaker Madigan. An ABDI official said the association mailed the check the same day…
As you can see, the check was deposited on October 31 or November 1 (it’s difficult to tell), a couple/tree days after we found out Arroyo had been arrested. This sort of thing happens literally all the time (late deposits, that is, not arrests). Campaign committees often only deposit checks once or twice a month, particularly in the off-season. And some committees (I doubt Arroyo did this) have attorneys vet their checks to make sure they’re not taking money from someone they shouldn’t be.
* The American Council of Engineering Companies said their check was dated September 9th and mailed the same day. An association official said the check was cashed on November 1. Here’s their canceled check…
SEIU Healthcare Illinois/Indiana claims its check was cut on July 29th and mailed on Oct. 9th. Again, Arroyo’s arrest was first reported on October 28th.
Also, a search of the state’s registered lobbyist database came up empty on both the Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 and the Electric Contractors Association.
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Note to readers
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As you can plainly see, my RSS news feed reader is currently down. I’m not sure when it will be back online. I apologize for any inconvenience and I’m trying to figure out a work-around in case this continues very much longer.
…Adding… It’s back up again. Not sure what happened.
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* Tribune…
As hundreds of people sipped cocktails and snacked on hors d’oeuvres at a Cook County Democratic fundraiser, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday night he was “disgusted” by Democrats caught up in sweeping federal investigations and proposed broadened lobbyist disclosure rules for legislators to consider in the final week of the fall veto session.
Pritzker said more robust lobbyist disclosure would be a first step that could be accomplished in the three-day legislative session next week, and that comprehensive ethics legislation must be on the agenda when the General Assembly starts a new spring session in January.
“I am furious watching public officials, some from our own party, betray the public trust. I am disgusted that some people seem to think the old way of doing politics is the right way of doing politics. It is time to change the way politics is done in this state — period,” Pritzker said. […]
Pritzker’s remarks were ignored by many attendees who chatted to themselves throughout his address in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago in the South Loop.
* Sun-Times…
Vowing to help lift the cloud of pay-to-play politics over Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday told Cook County Democrats that he plans to return to Springfield next week to help craft legislation that would shed more light on lobbyists as the first in “a series of ethics reforms that are frankly long overdue.” […]
Pritzker did not elaborate about his ethics proposal. And the governor’s office declined to provide any additional details.
“As a first step on much-needed ethics reform, Governor Pritzker is committed to passing legislation in next week’s veto session to shine a brighter light on lobbyist activity so there is far more transparency for the public,” Emily Bittner, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications, said in a statement. “He also believes that there must be more broad, comprehensive ethics reforms in the next legislative session, and he plans to work with stakeholders on meaningful reforms.”
Pritzker has increasingly ramped up his rhetorical outrage as the federal investigations dominate the headlines.
Subscribers know a bit more.
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* Click here for the full opinion…
In 2018, the Supreme Court reversed its prior position and held that compulsory fair‐share or agency fee arrangements impermissibly infringe on employees’ First Amendment rights. Janus v. AFSCME, Council 31, 138 S. Ct. 2448, 2461 (2018). The question before us now is whether Mark Janus, an employee who paid fair‐share fees under protest, is entitled to a refund of some or all of that money. We hold that he is not, and so we affirm the judgment of the district court.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* News-Gazette editorial…
Arroyo’s departure from the House is no great loss. But that does not detract from the fact that he’s being punished based on accusations, not convictions for criminal wrongdoing.
FBI tape-recorded conversations between Arroyo and a cooperating witness don’t appear to leave Arroyo solid ground on which to assert his innocence. Still, even though Arroyo was effectively thrown out of the Legislature and not into jail, it’s never a good day when accusation is tantamount to guilt.
That regrettable stance was enthusiastically embraced by Madigan, who said “the allegations contained in this criminal complaint go beyond anything that could be considered a lapse of judgment or minor indiscretion.”
* The Question: Do you agree or disagree with House members who said they would eject Luis Arroyo from the chamber if he didn’t leave on his own? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
survey hosting
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Schakowsky again endorses Newman
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Today, Marie Newman, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ Third District, announced that she had earned the endorsement of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
“Congresswoman Schakowsky’s leadership is an inspiration and I am truly thankful for her endorsement and her support of our campaign to elect a progressive Democrat with a real plan in Illinois 3rd District,” said Marie Newman. “Congresswoman Schakowsky has long led the fight for bold progressive action in Illinois, and I look forward to standing with her in Washington as we fight for policies that will truly improve everybody’s every day.”
“With Marie in Congress, we will grow our ability to secure big wins for working families, to protect women’s rights and fight climate change. I am proud to stand with Marie. Her election helps Democrats build a party that is willing to take bold steps to bring affordable health care, including prescription drugs, protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, and raise the wages of working Americans,” said Jan Schakowsky.
* Greg Hinz…
Other local congressmen have not yet made any endorsements. But Newman is supported by three presidential candidates—Sens. Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren—and by freshman U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Also seeking the 3rd District seat on the Democratic side are attorney Abe Matthew and film production company owner Rush Darwish.
Lipinski, in a quick phone call, made it clear he does not appreciate Schakowsky’s intervention. “Jan Schakowsky and AOC don’t represent the views of the 3rd District,” he snapped. “Their extreme views won’t play well here. I doubt AOC ever has been in the district. Jan may have been once, to ask my dad (former Rep. William Lipinski) for something. This (internal fighting) is not what Democrats should be doing.”
…Adding… Rush Darwish campaign…
Rush Darwish supports Representative Schakowsky’s Medicare for America bill, as it provides Medicare for all who want it, while allowing people to keep or purchase private health insurance if they so choose. This choice is a fundamental American right, one that Marie Newman wants to take away from her potential constituents, putting her at odds with Schakowsky over healthcare policy. Rep. Lipinski, on the other hand, doesn’t even believe that healthcare is a human right, as he voted against the Affordable Care Act.
We understand that Rep. Schakowsky developed a personal friendship with Marie Newman last election cycle, when Schwakowsky endorsed Newman. Clearly, this recycled endorsement is based on a personal relationship and not on good public policy.
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Open thread
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Today is root canal day. Hooray! I’m not sure when I’ll return, so monitor the live coverage post for updates and please be nice to each other while keeping the conversation Illinois-centric. Thanks.
…Adding… All’s well that ends well…
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“This could literally put an end to us”
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Mark Maxwell yesterday…
Luxury private jet companies were hoping state lawmakers might bail them out of four-year-old unpaid sales tax bills. Instead, billionaire Governor J.B. Pritzker greeted their pleas for mercy with a stiff arm on Monday.
“I am going to veto that bill if that lands on my desk,” Pritzker pledged, explaining that the plan the House passed last week “would forgive $50 million of taxes that are owed by people who are in this private jet industry.”
A special sales tax exemption for private jet facilities expired in 2014, and the companies said that caught them off guard.
“We did not collect those taxes from our customers,” West Star Aviation CEO Jim Rankin confessed. “We didn’t know we had to. Nobody did. Therefore, if we have to go back and pay that, we are going to have to pay that ourselves as a company. You can imagine how difficult that would be if a retail outlet had to go and pay sales tax when they did not collect it from their customers to begin with.”
The total money owed the state by all these companies is estimated at $50 million.
* Today…
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Don’t believe everything you read
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This blatant falsehood has popped up in my Facebook feed. Turns out, it’s hostile foreign propaganda…
The cellphones known as 5G, or fifth generation, represent the vanguard of a wireless era rich in interconnected cars, factories and cities. Whichever nation dominates the new technology will gain a competitive edge for much of this century, according to many analysts. But a television network a few blocks from the White House has been stirring concerns about a hidden flaw.
“Just a small one,” a TV reporter told her viewers recently. “It might kill you.”
The Russian network RT America aired the segment, titled “A Dangerous ‘Experiment on Humanity,’” in covering what its guest experts call 5G’s dire health threats. U.S. intelligence agencies identified the network as a principal meddler in the 2016 presidential election. Now, it is linking 5G signals to brain cancer, infertility, autism, heart tumors and Alzheimer’s disease — claims that lack scientific support.
Yet even as RT America, the cat’s paw of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has been doing its best to stoke the fears of American viewers, Mr. Putin, on Feb. 20, ordered the launch of Russian 5G networks in a tone evoking optimism rather than doom.
* In a similar vein, I’ve seen this Twitter ad numerous times the past few days…
* Dr. Bruce Solka, a retired senior principal scientist at Unilever Corp., took on this claim. His conclusion…
Although both of these papers show a few ppb ethylene background in their subjects before oxidation tests or surgery the authors do not comment on that background. The systemic background may be due to inhalation of the ubiquitous 5 to 20 ppb background ethylene in ambient air. In any case ethylene (and hence ethylene oxide) quantities in the human body seem to be very dependent of various disease or stress conditions. This may suggest that concentrations of such a compound may not be the best means to support establishment of disease risk factors.
* From Jen Walling at the Illinois Environmental Council…
To me, I think they have a hard time getting over the fact that the [Willowbrook-area] readings were all near zero [for EtO] after Sterigenics closed.
Yep.
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Yes, it can happen here
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Western Illinois University’s racial tension and its eventual ouster of the university’s first African-American president Jack Thomas wasn’t covered very well by local media. But the Chronicle of Higher Education has published a deep dive that’s well worth a full reading…
Elitism. Incompetence. Kanye. There were lots of reasons people say they soured on Thomas. But the incident that infuriated many of his critics, and directly preceded the “Fire Jack” campaign, was Thomas’s decision to fire Brad Bainter.
Bainter, who is white, is a former WIU Leatherneck basketball star who went on to serve as the university’s vice president for advancement and executive officer of its foundation; his wife is director of alumni programs. Thomas cited administrative costs as the rationale for eliminating Bainter’s job. Bainter, though, had close professional relationships with some of Thomas’s opponents.
In dismissing Bainter, Thomas had disrespected a Macomb favorite son. “That was kind of the final straw, because Brad’s a local kid,” said W. Garry Johnson, an emeritus vice president for student services who worked at Western for 33 years. Firing Bainter was “the dumbest thing that could have ever happened,” Johnson said, because it alienated any remaining supporters Thomas might have had.
The backlash was swift. Days later, the executive committee of the university’s foundation board sent a letter to Western’s trustees, calling for Thomas’s ouster and Bainter’s reinstatement. Soon after, the Alumni Council followed suit with a resolution.
As the town rose up against Thomas, state officials sounded an alarm about the racial overtones of the campaign to remove him.
In early June, Jesse H. Ruiz, deputy governor for education, warned Western’s trustees about the bigotry that was flooding his inbox. He forwarded to the board one of “many” racist emails that he had received about the president, this one accusing Thomas of admitting low-income students as part of a “social experiment of using WIU as a form of welfare.”
“Many of the free and reduced students have brought with them criminal elements and family members who ride their coat tails which has negatively effected [sic] this community,” the person wrote.
In reality, total crime in the city dropped by about 60 percent from 1991 to 2015, according to the latest federal data.
In his email to the trustees, Ruiz urged the board to “stand up to these misinformed and misguided attacks.”
* The article also quoted WIU senior Janiya Haynes…
She noticed a group of men in a red pickup truck at a nearby intersection. They yelled a racial epithet at her, Haynes said, and warned that black people “shouldn’t be out at night.”
* In response, Heather McMeekan, the president of the Democratic Women of McDonough County, has published an open letter to Macomb’s mayor and city council…
The entire article about our community was profoundly distressing, embarrassing, and consistent with the experiences of members of our organization, campus, and community. It shows a community that has chosen to ignore these issues for far too long. However, we wish to address specifically the abhorrent behavior described in the article by unknown person or person(s) in a “red truck” targeting some members of our community for behavior ranging from verbal harassment to explicit threats.
I personally witnessed a truck with that description displaying flags consistent with the White Supremacist movement in the Aldi’s parking lot in February of 2018. I have sent that photo to the Office of Public Safety Director Derek Watts and WIU’s President, Dr. Martin Abraham.
Our organization has members who have students, friends, or family members who have reported to us having had similar experiences with a truck matching that description. We have also had community members reach out to our organization over the past year with similar accounts, which we always encourage all to report to the police. However, in every single case, those reporting such incidents to us also have reported lack of trust in the police to properly investigate such incidents without retaliation against those making the complaint. Therefore, this behavior targets those already perceived as being marginalized and who also express the belief or perception they aren’t safe from our own police.
* The truck…
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* Hannah Meisel at the Daily Line…
Illinois will need to contribute $9.8 billion to its five state pension systems during the 2021 fiscal year, according to new actuarial estimates published last week, representing a $538 million increase in pension costs from what the state is paying to the five systems in the 2020 fiscal year.
The total amount of pension costs included in the current fiscal year’s budget is $9.2 billion — which represents 22 percent of the total amount of state spending in the current $40.7 billion budget. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget estimates the state budget for the 2021 fiscal year will grow to $42.2 billion, and the estimated $9.8 billion in pension contribution costs for the state’s five pension systems would represent 23 percent of the state’s operating budget.
When debt service payments for past pension bonds — including pension funding bonds from the 2003, 2011 and 2020 fiscal years — are included, along with the state’s contribution to Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund normal costs, the total amount of pension costs the state expends represents over a quarter of the state’s overall operating budget. Illinois is projected to spend $708 million in debt service for its pension bonds in the 2020 fiscal year.
* The breakout…
General Assembly Retirement System: $27.3 million
Judges’ Retirement System: $148.6 million
State Employees’ Retirement System: $2.5 billion
State Universities Retirement System: $1.99 billion
Teachers’ Retirement System:
Based on Illinois statute: $5.1 billion
Based on TRS Board Actuarial Funding Policy: $8.3 billion
GOMB’s latest five-year forecast projected state pension fund spending would rise by $498 million next fiscal year, about $40 million below what will actually be required. GOMB has projected a General Funds deficit of $1.768 billion next fiscal year.
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“A state-supported scam”
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Scott Reeder…
Just call it a state-supported scam.
Once upon a time, parking enforcement was the purview of meter-maids on scooters tooling from spot to spot.
Today, it is big business.
For example, in 2008, Chicago received $1.15 billion when it signed a 75-year lease with a private outfit called Chicago Parking Meters LLC.
Within a decade, they have already collected revenue greater than their initial payment by jacking up parking fees and zealously enforcing meter times. And please note they have 64 years remaining on the lease.
It seems rather unfair that when folks fall behind in paying this outfit owned by a Wall Street bank and the Middle Eastern emirate of Abu Dhabi, they can have their driver’s licenses suspended by the state of Illinois.
Why should the power of the state be used to benefit a particular money-making enterprise?
Imagine a landlord or credit card company telling someone who has fallen behind on payments that if they don’t pay up, the state will suspend their driver’s license.
Not only would that be unfair, it also wouldn’t make much sense. After all, how is someone supposed to pay what they owe if they don’t have a way to drive to work?
But that is exactly what the state of Illinois does in helping companies and cities collect parking fees.
Illinois is one of 44 states that have policies of suspending driver’s licenses over unpaid fines, fees or court debts.
Last week, the Illinois General Assembly passed a measure that would end the practice of suspending licenses for unpaid parking fines. The measure awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s consideration.
A high percentage of those suspensions affect drivers from low-income, black neighborhoods in Chicago and its suburbs ProPublica Illinois has reported.
Many of those affected have been unable to drive legally for years but do so anyway. If pulled over, they face further fines, fees and even jail time. This can exasperate a cycle of poverty that many spend decades trying to escape.
The bill on the governor’s desk also restores driving privileges for some 55,000 individuals whose licenses are currently suspended.
Passing this measure, is a smart move on the part of lawmakers. And I’m hopeful Pritzker will sign the measure.
But the underlying policy of paid, on-street parking needs to be examined. The practice deters people from doing business in central city locations and places downtown businesses at a disadvantage.
Communities such as Rock Island have moved away from this antiquated practice.
Beginning in 2016, it removed its parking meters and increased the time limit on most downtown parking spots from two to four hours.
Too often, cities have viewed parking policy as merely a means to generate revenue rather than an asset that should be promoted and used to make for a more vibrant, user-friendly community.
Debt-based license suspensions don’t protect or promote safer communities. They are indicative of an intrusive government that is callous toward the most vulnerable among us.
The Illinois Legislature made a step in the right direction by passing this measure. No one should have a license suspended for any non-safety related matter.
* Related…
* Lightfoot’s decision to eliminate library fines triggers 240% increase in book returns
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Corruption roundup
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dave McKinney, Dan Mihalopoulos and Tony Arnold at WBEZ…
Veteran lobbyist and City Club of Chicago President Jay Doherty has stopped working for embattled, longtime client Commonwealth Edison, according to a disclosure document he filed Monday with Illinois officials. […]
Also Monday, records show Doherty informed state officials he was no longer going to lobby for Fer-Pal Construction. WBEZ reported last week that both Doherty and the firm co-owned by influential Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas — who is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s floor leader — had been lobbying for Fer-Pal.
ComEd signed Villegas’ lobbying company, Elgin-based Stratagem Consulting Group, in January to a one-year, $5,000-a-month deal. But the utility, which has a monopoly over virtually all of northern Illinois, cut ties with Stratagem last month and executives have not explained why they did so.
He still appears to be lobbying with Jordan Matyas at Catalyst Consulting Group, however. Matyas is Speaker Madigan’s son-in-law.
* Rachel Hinton at the Sun-Times…
Cook County Democratic Party leaders voted unanimously Monday to ask former state Rep. Luis Arroyo [the 36th Ward Democratic committeeman] to step down from their ranks — and plan to send a letter to indicted Ald. Ed Burke requesting he relinquish the party post he’s held for more than half a century. […]
On Monday, the Cook County Democratic Party’s 10-member Executive Committee voted to formally request the resignations of Burke and Arroyo because they had been charged with crimes, Delmarie Cobb, a spokeswoman for the party, said.
The vote was unanimous, although Ald. Carrie Austin, the 34th Ward committeeman, did not attend the meeting or vote. Austin herself was named in a federal grand jury subpoena earlier this year, prompting FBI agents to remove files and equipment from her Far South Side ward office. Like Solis, she has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
* Dan Petrella and John Byrne at the Tribune…
On Friday, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the 35th Ward Democratic committeeman, called on Arroyo to step down before the vote to replace him. “I’m not going to be part of the process where he’s filling the vacancy,” said Ramirez-Rosa, who has about 11% of the vote.
Sen. Robert Martwick, who has about 9% of the vote as 38th Ward committeeman, said he “certainly would not participate in him choosing his successor.”
Ald. Ariel Reboyras, who as 30th Ward committeeman controls the second-largest share of the vote at nearly 19%, said he will take part, regardless of whether Arroyo is involved. As treasurer of the Cook County Democratic Party, Reboyras was among the executive committee members who voted to request Arroyo’s resignation.
So, if Arroyo stays, he could cut a deal with Reboyras to appoint his replacement.
* John Byrne at the Tribune…
Chicago’s new 25th Ward alderman filed an election complaint Monday saying his predecessor, Daniel Solis, improperly used hundreds of thousands of dollars from the ward’s Democratic organization to pay lawyers to represent him in a federal investigation of his spending.
Solis is at the center of the spiraling FBI probe at City Hall. He secretly wore a wire while cooperating with federal investigators after they confronted him with evidence of his alleged wrongdoing they had compiled during a two-year investigation, according to a federal affidavit in the case. […]
Now, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who took over from Solis representing the ward that includes Pilsen, Chinatown and part of the South Loop, filed a complaint with the Illinois Board of Elections, arguing Solis violated the Campaign Disclosure Act by transferring $220,000 from the 25th Ward Regular Democratic Organization to cover his legal costs. […]
Sigcho-Lopez said Solis hasn’t been fulfilling his duties as committeeman, so he shouldn’t be allowed to tap into the party funds. “More than anything else, it raises attention of this common practice,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “The election law says you can use the political fund for legal fees, but the legal fees have to be relevant to your office or the purpose it was collected for.”
* Related…
* ‘What’s wrong with you guys?’ Arroyo scolded tollway after it dumped his donor
* Hastert hush-money sex abuse lawsuit trial delayed until spring
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