*** UPDATED x6 *** Afternoon roundup
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The House has adjourned until January 16. As I noted on another post, that means the Senate either has to take up the House’s elected Chicago school board bill (SB2324) or nothing happens. I’ve reached out to the Senate President’s office to see what that chamber will do. I’ll let you know.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Senate President Harmon has decided to call his version of the elected school board bill, HB2233.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Harmon’s bill passed 38-12.
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Senate appears to be adjourning.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Harmon gave his closing remarks. He didn’t mention the dispute with the House. He did note that the House hasn’t finished its 2024 calendar yet, but said the Senate is issuing one today.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Actually, the House did distribute a calendar to members. Click here.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Harmon said during the debate that the General Assembly has until April 1 to finalize a plan. He also told reporters that there would be plenty of time for people to prepare because petitions won’t be circulated until the summer. When asked if Speaker Welch had given him a heads up about adjourning the House before finalizing work on the bill, Harmon said, “We didn’t discuss it but I was not surprised.”
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
I’m not sure yet what else was left in the air, but the Invest in Kids Act extension springs to mind. The income tax credit program to fund private school scholarships will now sunset at the end of December, but we’ve known that was going to happen for quite a while.
* Background is here if you need it. Subscribers know more about this…
The Senate did agree to extend another state law that’s set to expire Dec. 31, voting 42-12 to give another year to a 2018 law that increased minimum prison sentences for repeat gun possession offenders. The proposal still needs approval in the House.
The law was pushed by former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration after more than 770 people were slain in the city in 2016, but Mayor Brandon Johnson opposes an extension. Crime statistics provide no clear evidence that the law has had any impact in reducing gun violence.
State Rep. Will Guzzardi, a Democrat from Chicago, said he hopes to block the bill in the House. “This is not the kind of policymaking we should be engaged in,” Guzzardi said.
The 12 senators who voted no were all Democrats, most representing districts that cover portions of Chicago.
The main sponsor of the extension was Sen. Patrick Joyce, a Democrat from Reddick in Kankakee County. In a rare bipartisan show of agreement on a criminal justice issue, Senate Republican leader John Curran praised the legislation moments before the vote.
It can’t move without the sponsor’s permission, so Guzzardi doesn’t have to hope for anything…
* Sun-Times…
With the betting window closed on the first full month of operation at Bally’s temporary casino, the Medinah Temple site raked in more than $7.6 million in October, a 12% decline in average daily revenue compared to its first few weeks.
The latest monthly cash count announced Wednesday by regulators at the Illinois Gaming Board put the River North betting house near the top of the state’s roster of 15 casinos — but well behind city tax revenue projections for Chicago’s desperately underfunded police and firefighter pensions.
Bally’s adjusted gross revenue — its profit after paying winners — shook out to about $245,446 per day in October, down from an average of roughly $278,268 from its Sept. 9 opening through the end of that month. […]
Bally’s take generated nearly $768,000 for city coffers, adding up to almost $1.5 million in tax revenue since it opened.
That leaves it a long shot for the long-sought Chicago casino to hit the $12.8 million revenue target for 2023 set by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot shortly before she left office.
* US Attorney’s office in Chicago…
A Chicago man has been convicted in federal court of threatening to commit violence at a women’s reproductive health clinic.
A jury in U.S. District in Chicago on Wednesday convicted FARHAN SHEIKH, 23, of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. The conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland did not immediately set a sentencing date.
The conviction was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron R. Bond and Melody Wells.
Evidence at trial revealed that Sheikh posted the threatening communications on Aug. 13, 2019, on the social media platform iFunny. In one of his posts, Sheikh stated, “I am done with my state and thier (sic) [expletive] abortion laws and allowing innocrnt (sic) kids to be slaughtered for the so called ‘womans right’ [expletive].” Sheikh later wrote that he would visit a clinic in Chicago and “proceed to slaughter and murder any doctor, patient, or visitor I see in the area and I will not back down.”
In posts that immediately followed the threats, Sheikh described his anger at law enforcement and his frustration over the arrest of another individual for making threats online. Sheikh referred to the other arrest as “surpressing [sic] our freedoms,” and he vowed to “do the same” to “whores.”
* And, finally, Jim Paul has been a House doorman for 22 years and is retiring. The House gave him a nice sendoff today. Congratulations, Mr. Paul!..
…Adding… One more…
* Isabel’s roundup…
* WREX | Live Updates: President Biden emphasizes ‘worker power’ in Belvidere speech for reopening of Stellantis plant
* WSPY | Montgomery State Rep. arrested for DUI: In a Montgomery Police Department report, obtained by WSPY news, an officer says that he located [Illinois Representative Matt Hanson] asleep in his vehicle in the 2000 block of Jericho Road on October 27 at around 10:30. The vehicle was said to be parked on two spots and had its taillights on. […] “I am deeply disappointed by my own conduct, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I’m committed to ensuring this is the only time I ever exercise such poor judgment. I plan to undergo an alcohol evaluation, complete any treatment or education that evaluation recommends, and accept all terms the court deems fit. My focus is on the work I need to do for myself and for the people who have entrusted me to represent them.”
* Sun-Times | Ed Burke trial on hold for a week after lawyer tests positive for COVID: The judge and the lawyers still haven’t finished jury selection in the highly anticipated case. Thirty-eight potential jurors have survived questioning. Nine more must make it through the process without being struck for cause to round out the panel after lawyers exercise peremptory strikes. [US District Judge Virginia Kendall] intended to push lawyers to finish jury selection by lunchtime Thursday. Now the trial is on hold entirely. The lawyers who came to court Thursday were all wearing face masks. So was Burke.
* Tribune | Chicago police officer charged with felony battery after video shows him hitting an 8th grader: The felony charge against Craig Lancaster, 55, come less than two weeks after the Chicago Tribune published a video of the altercation, which shows the veteran officer hitting 14-year-old JaQuwaun Williams near his throat as the boy walked into Gresham Elementary School on May 18. The video, which has no sound, does not show the teen interacting with Lancaster before the physical contact or doing anything obvious to provoke it.
* Daily-Journal | Electric school buses begin to arrive in Herscher: Two of the 25 electric buses going to Herscher Community Unit School District 2 were delivered Thursday. The remaining 23 are scheduled for delivery in late summer 2024. When taking one for a test drive, Decman marveled at the sound coming from the vehicle — or rather, the lack of sound — as the bus traveled in near silence.
* Daily-Journal | Gift from Kankakee as city OKs $85K to Gift of God: The $85,000 pledged to aid improvements at Kankakee County’s lone fixed-based homeless shelter has been officially approved, and the North Fifth Avenue church and shelter location will likely have the money prior to December. […] Gift of God is having extensive and required upgrades to the site completed. To comply with fire prevention standards, the property needed to be equipped with the sprinkler system. The cost is $100,000 and the work is largely complete.
* Tribune | Under new CEO, Walgreens prepares for 267 corporate layoffs: None of the layoffs will impact retail employees at Walgreens stores. Workers at call centers and micro fulfillment centers — where prescription medications are shipped directly to pharmacies, sometimes with the aid of robots — will not be part of this round of layoffs either.
* Sun-Times | Streeterville boutique hotel becoming homeless shelter, prompting staff layoffs: The shelter is expected to open next month, house 116 people and remain open for up to seven months. It is part of an unfolding city plan to provide “an additional 300 emergency shelter beds,” Reese said. It will be staffed by Equitable Social Solutions, a Kentucky-based company, according to the Illinois Secretary of State database.
* AP | Biden celebrates a labor deal saving an Illinois auto plant as he promotes a worker-centered economy: The reopening “goes to the heart of who he is, the heart of his vision for the country and how he’s led,” said Jen O’Malley Dillon, White House deputy chief of staff. Stellantis, the maker of Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles, agreed to hire back 1,200 employees to build pickup trucks and to add 1,300 more workers for a battery factory.
* WBEZ | Working in-person costs employees $51 a day over remote work, survey finds: The average per-day cost for employees working in-person: $8 for parking, $13 for breakfast or coffee, $16 on lunch, $14 commuting, and $20 for pet care for those who need it. More companies are calling employees back to the office even though only 22% want to be there. In-person work climbed from 44% in 2022 to 66% this year, according to the survey. Hybrid schedules have held steady, at about 25% of those surveyed.
* Sun-Times | Supreme Court hears decorated Army vet’s claim that VA shortchanged his GI Bill benefits: The case, Rudisill v. McDonough, concerns military veterans who’ve earned college benefits under both the Montgomery GI Bill, which pays tuition, and the newer, more generous Post-9/11 GI Bill, which pays tuition and fees, plus housing and books. The law allows vets to tap both, up to a maximum of 48 months. […] The Virginia resident contends that the “absurd” way the Department of Veterans Affairs oversees benefits shortchanged him out of 12 months of schooling.
* NPR Illinois | Quad Cities airport considers future spaceport: The Moline airport is conducting a study to see how much money and work it would take to add a spaceport in the next twenty years. Spokeswoman Ashleigh Davis says it could become a “horizontal launch” site. “Planes would use the existing ten thousand foot runway that the airport has, they would take off just like a regular commercial aircraft would, however they would have a different system that they’d switch on, a different fueling mechanism, that would allow them to travel into space.”
* AP | In Wisconsin, the old fashioned cocktail come with brandy. Lawmakers want to make it official.: It’s a resolution, not a bill, so even if passed by the Assembly and Senate the brandy old fashioned won’t make it onto the list of other official state symbols that include milk as the official beverage, kringle as the official pastry and corn as the official grain. Getting that level of recognition, enshrined in the state’s “Blue Book,” requires introduction of a bill, a public hearing and then the signature of the governor.
* Block Club | Chicago’s Hottest Music Venue Is a Concrete Pillar In The Chicago River: Since then, the concrete structure that Kinsinger calls an “island” has hosted multiple “Secret River” shows, delighting fans and confused passersby alike. This year’s concert series features two bands alongside Lawrence Tome, the local band fronted by Kinsinger. The fifth and final show of the year will take place 11:11 a.m. Saturday.
* Patch | Super El Niño Winter: What IL Might See For Snow: The Climate Prediction Center says with 100 percent certainty the strengthening El Niño weather pattern will last through early winter, and with 90 percent certainty that it will last until spring. The agency, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, expects the El Niño pattern to bring warmer than normal conditions to Illinois this winter.
* AP | Last 12 months on Earth were the hottest ever recorded, analysis finds: The last 12 months were the hottest Earth has ever recorded, according to a new report by Climate Central, a nonprofit science research group. The peer-reviewed report says burning gasoline, coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels that release planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide, and other human activities, caused the unnatural warming from November 2022 to October 2023.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
North Illinois has some of the worst air quality in the country, in large part due to heavy freight traffic. Converting just 3 in 10 heavy-duty trucks in Illinois from gas to electric would save $5.8 BILLION in health care costs and over 600 lives.
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Illinois children deserve clean air now and a healthy future. Fortunately, there are bills in front of the Illinois State House and Senate right now that can help transition whole fleets of large trucks to electric – saving lives and saving money. Our legislators must support. More here.
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* Background is here if you need it. Senate President Don Harmon just introduced a new proposal (click here) that he said addresses the House’s concerns…
Most notably, they raised a legitimate concern that the mechanics of election lead to the possibility of someone easily getting on the ballot and winning election to a four-year term on the school board with a small percentage of the vote without benefit of a runoff or a primary election.
So I am offering an amendment that’s just been filed that will address some of those issues incorporating ideas that came from the House bill. I want to just run through those for the benefit of everyone here.
First of all, all 20 districts would be up for election in 2024. But instead of initiating staggered terms, in the first election all 20 would stand for election to a two year term.
In 2026, the second election, we will have a [non-partisan] primary election in March, from which the top two vote-getters would advance to the November election. That way, we would ensure that the winner of a longer term has a majority of the vote, would begin implementing staggered terms. And 2026 with 10 of the seats being elected to four-year terms and the other 10 being elected two-year terms, and then flip and the subsequent elections leading up to the redistricting election and 2032.
There’s not enough time left on the clock to create non-partisan primaries next year, so this kicks that issue to 2026.
* Harmon also mentioned that the House has introduced a trailer “cleanup” bill for their elected Chicago school board measure. The language is on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2324.
The amendment is said to be designed to address Senate President Don Harmon’s objections to the original bill’s “woefully inadequate ethical provisions”…
For example, there is no prohibition on executives and employees of school district contractors and vendors being able to serve on the board.
The House legislation opens the door for corruption by exempting board members from the requirements under the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
So, we still have two competing bills.
…Adding… Isabel asked Senate President Harmon whether there was an agreement yet between the two chambers. “We’re still working on it,” Harmon said. “Our amendment definitely incorporated some of the good ideas from the House bill, and I’m very pleased that they are incorporating the ethics provisions from our bill. These are all positive things.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** The House just passed its cleanup bill, SB2324, on a 99-1 roll call.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The House has adjourned. That means either the Senate takes up the House legislation, or nothing gets done during veto.
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Here’s How To Make The Tax Credit Scholarship Better
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
We’ve been listening carefully to the governor, legislative leaders, and many members of the legislature about how to make the Tax Credit Scholarship better – and we now have an amended program proposal that does exactly that. Thousands of vulnerable kids are counting on us to put them before politics.
In response to direct feedback, our bill offers substantive improvements along with good-faith compromises which justify extending the Tax Credit Scholarship Program:
1. Add a new priority level of scholarship recipients from the most under-served areas of Illinois to create opportunities for thousands of primarily Black and Latino children. Donors will be incentivized to prioritize helping this new “Region 7” beyond the thousands of other kids who qualify based on financial need.
2. Reduce the overall size of the program to $50MM (down from $75MM) and reduce the individual giving cap to $500,000 (down from $1MM).
3. Reduce the tax credit for donors to 55% (down from 75%).
4. Encourage more middle-income donors by crediting donations of up to $5,000 with a 100% tax credit.
Illinois, let’s do the right thing. It’s about the kids, not the politics. Save the scholarships.
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Unclear on several concepts
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Paul Vallas uses his latest Tribune op-ed to give Gov. Pritzker advice on asylum-seekers. Most of what he’s suggesting sounds like it’s coming from Facebook comments (I’ve seen versions of all of them on that site) and includes this idea…
Just as Pritzker did during the COVID-19 crisis, he should issue an executive order declaring a statewide emergency. That order would supersede the Illinois TRUST Act, as amended, and Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance. This would allow the governor to take decisive action to deal with the influx of migrants.
1) Pritzker has already declared a disaster. It’s been in place for more than a year…
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/7, I find that a disaster exists within the State of Illinois and declare all counties in the state as a disaster area. The proclamation authorizes the exercise of all emergency powers provided in Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/7, including but not limited to those specific emergency powers set forth below.
2) This is what Paul Vallas said about COVID-19 executive orders issued by Pritzker and Lori Lightfoot…
On these executive mandates, no legislative input whatsoever. So it gives them the ability to act like dictators. The second thing it does is it creates the perception that somehow they’re being decisive leaders.
3) Vallas also clearly has no understanding of the TRUST Act, which is about local law enforcement non-cooperation on federal civil immigration issues…
Nothing in this Section shall preclude a law enforcement official from otherwise executing that official’s duties in investigating violations of criminal law and cooperating in such investigations with federal and other law enforcement agencies (including criminal investigations conducted by federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)) in order to ensure public safety.
* Another genius Vallas suggestion…
It should be made very clear to governors who deliberately send migrants to Illinois that the state is prepared to charter buses to return the migrants to their point of origin.
How can the state legally transport people across state lines against their will? You want to round them up at gunpoint and send them elsewhere? Really, tough guy?
* Another plan…
The governor should use the National Guard and its armories, in partnership with the Illinois State Police, to screen and process many migrants.
I asked the governor’s office about this months ago and was told that, without federal assistance, using the National Guard would be too costly. It’s simply cheaper to contract with staffing companies, I was told.
* Another…
Illinois should bypass obstacles to integrate screened migrants more quickly into the workforce. The state should authorize host cities such as Chicago to award their own temporary work permits and business licenses to immigrants, helping them become self-sufficient.
We talked about this just the other day. There’s just no work-around on federal law. Also, giving the migrants state work permits would essentially be handing a paper trail to the federal government, which could then use that evidence to deport them for working illegally and could make the state and employers liable.
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* AP…
The Illinois Senate approved lifting a 36-year-old moratorium on new nuclear power installments on Wednesday in a plan proponents say will ensure the state can meet its carbon-free power production promise by 2045.
The Senate’s 44-7 endorsement opens the door for cutting-edge nuclear technology in so-called small modular reactors, designed to sit on sites for which they produce power, such as large factories.
The bill now heads to the House for concurrence.
* Reuters…
NuScale Power said on Wednesday it has agreed with a power group in Utah to terminate the company’s small modular reactor project, dealing a blow to U.S. ambitions for a wave of nuclear energy to fight climate change and sending NuScale’s shares down 20%.
In 2020, the Department of Energy approved $1.35 billion over 10 years for the plant, known as the Carbon Free Power Project, subject to congressional appropriations. NuScale has received about $600 million from the department since 2014 to support the design, licensing and siting of the project.
NuScale had planned to develop the six-reactor 462 megawatt project with the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) and launch it in 2030, but several towns pulled out of the project as costs rose. […]
NuScale said in January the target price for power from the plant was $89 per megawatt hour, up 53% from the previous estimate of $58 per MWh, raising concerns about customers’ willingness to pay.
* Some context on that $89 per megawatt hour price…
Levelised costs of energy for onshore wind and solar come in as low as $24/MWh and gas around $39/MWh, according to latest analysis by Lazard.
*** UPDATE *** The House just passed the nuke bill 98-8.
…Adding… IMA…
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement following passage of HB 2473:
“Manufacturers use one-third of all energy consumed in the United States to produce needed medicines, food and other important goods. Ensuring there are safe, reliable, and low-cost sources of energy is critically important for our sector and consumers who rely on these products. Today’s passage of HB 2473 will allow Illinois to continue leading in energy and manufacturing innovation with the use of small, micro nuclear technology,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Recent studies from regional grid operators show a significant reduction in current energy generation capacity, and new carbon-free nuclear power is a solution to ensure that electricity remains available and affordable for homes and businesses. In addition to nuclear, Illinois needs to continue focusing on the development of other technologies including carbon capture and sequestration and hydrogen to meet our clean energy goals.”
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* The White Sox just lost arguably the best play-by-play announcer in baseball to… Detroit? What?…
The Detroit Tigers have their new play-by-play announcer. The team announced on Thursday that Jason Benetti, one of the top voices in sports, will join the Tigers.
Benetti was previously the play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox for the past eight seasons.
“I’m incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending Tigers franchise,” said Benetti. “From every single person I talked with throughout the interview process it was clear why so many respected professionals and creative people have joined the organization in the last several years. There’s something special about it, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Tigers fans around the globe. I’d also like to thank Chris Ilitch, Ryan Gustafson, Scott Harris, and everyone else I’ve met with in the last several weeks who have been so welcoming. Everyone I spent time with made it clear this was the right place for me. I was born and raised in the Midwest, and understand how important sports are, especially here in the Motor City.”
Detroit?
* Seriously?…
Sell. The. Team…
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Bost announces Jordan endorsement
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Shot…
* Chaser…
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost today announced that his 2024 re-election campaign has been endorsed by leading House conservative, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
“Mike Bost is a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment conservative who supports our veterans and will fight for a strong border,” said Jordan. “Now more than ever, we need patriots like him in Congress advocating for our values.”
“Jim Jordan is a principled leader in Congress and a pillar of the conservative movement; I am honored to have his endorsement,” said Bost. “I look forward to standing with Jim as we continue the fight for our shared values against the radical Left.”
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Open thread
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: It’s the last day of veto session. Here’s a breakdown on what’s happened so far from Capitol News Illinois…
- Lawmakers are set to consider nuclear energy on final day of veto session, after passing in the Senate 44-7, the measure now goes to the House.
- Yesterday, the Senate passed a measure that would require the state to purchase exclusively “zero-emission vehicles,” such as electric vehicles, after Jan. 1, 2030.
- A measure that would allow legislative staff to unionize, appears to have stalled in the Senate after clearing the House with broad Democratic support during the first week of veto session.
* Related stories…
* Isabel’s top picks…
* Tribune | Democrats still divided over transition to Chicago elected school board; chances dim for private school tax credit extension: With one session day remaining on the legislative calendar for 2023, the House voted 78-33 to approve boundary lines for 20 districts that eventually will each elect a representative to the school board and a plan to have 10 members chosen by voters in the 2024 election, with the remaining 10 and a board president appointed by the city’s mayor.
* Sun-Times | Incomplete grade? Chicago elected school board plan stalls amid House, Senate divisions: “We are concerned with the failure to include strong ethical safeguards in the legislation the House approved,” Harmon said in a statement released after the Senate adjourned. Harmon wrote that there is no prohibition on executives and employees of school district contractors and vendors being able to serve on the board. He also stated that those who offered testimony during several Senate hearings about the elected school board stressed the importance of electing all 20 board members next year, which anchors his proposal.
* WGN | Dolton dysfunction: Bills go unpaid amid questionable expenses: WGN Investigates also obtained copies of the township’s credit card statements, too. It showed township taxpayers also spent money on the Vegas trip. Charges included more than $8,400 for hotels; $587 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and $3,741, just on Henyard’s roundtrip flight. During the recent interview, WGN Investigates asked Henyard if she flew first class. “Any other questions?” was her only response.
* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…
* WICA | Bill to get IDFPR new licensing software passes Senate unanimously: A bill sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) would expedite the process to get new software to speed up the licensing process for all industries across the state. The bill would also make IDFPR extend expiration dates or renewal periods if the secretary finds operational need to do so or if it would avoid hardship on a profession’s licensees.
* Tribune | Opening statements near in historic corruption trial of ex-Ald. Edward Burke as sluggish jury selection nears end: “I’m going to make you get the openings out before the weekend, so we can get to the evidence by Monday,” U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall told attorneys before breaking for the day Wednesday evening. Friday is a court holiday.
* Sun-Times | Judge promises opening statements in Ed Burke’s trial by Thursday afternoon: Though Kendall insisted opening statements would begin Thursday afternoon — and lawyers began preparing accordingly — it will require jury selection to speed up dramatically. The 38 potential jurors who have survived the questioning amount to about 12 per day. Kendall has given lawyers a half-day to pick nine more.
* Daily Southtown | Calumet City alderman says filing complaint led to Mayor Thaddeus Jones harming his business: A Calumet City alderman said his consulting business has suffered after Mayor Thaddeus Jones, who is also a state representative, sent an email to Democratic colleagues urging them to cease doing business with him. The email advised other legislators not to use the services of 1833 Group, the consulting company run by 6th Ward Ald. James “JR” Patton. Patton said he lost three clients from the email but declined to provide information on them.
* SJ-R | Turner bill amended after property dispute between landowner, District 186 resolved: Springfield resident Joyce Downey has owned the vacant lots on 521 and 523 W. Monroe St. since 1998, according to Sangamon County property records. The district had previously offered the fair market value of $69,000, but Downey wanted more than $200,000. Now, both parties have agreed to a $100,000 deal for the property transaction. District spokeswoman Rachel Dyas said a school board vote scheduled for Nov. 20 will be the final step before the contract is approved.
* Sun-Times | Bally’s temporary Chicago casino sees average daily revenue drop in first full month: Bally’s adjusted gross revenue — its profit after paying winners — shook out to about $245,446 per day in October, down from an average of roughly $278,268 from its Sept. 9 opening through the end of that month. […] Bally’s reported more than 83,000 admissions in October, an average of about 2,681 visits per day. That’s down about 20% from the average of 3,347 who walked through the turnstiles on average each day in its inaugural weeks.
* Crain’s | Johnson taps new legislative liaison to City Council: Johnson has already tapped Sydney Holman, a lobbyist at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, to serve as his next head of intergovernmental affairs — an often behind-the-scenes but crucial post that guides the mayor’s agenda and manages relationships with the City Council and state legislators.
* Crain’s | Hotel near Mag Mile set to become a temporary homeless shelter: Mayoral spokesman Ronnie Reese confirmed in a statement to Crain’s that the Selina Hotel at 100 E. Chestnut St. will be used as a shelter beginning next month “for Chicago’s unhoused” with support from an Illinois Department of Human Services grant. The hotel, formerly known as the Tremont Chicago, will house up to 116 people and is expected to operate as a shelter for up to seven months, according to Reese.
* WBEZ | Suburban Chicago Islamic school copes with fear, sadness after threat: Principal Tammie Ismail, like many, feels that dehumanizing rhetoric spread by U.S. politicians and media about Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs in the wake of the war in Gaza has inspired hate that’s endangering her students.
* WTTW | Push for Reparations in Chicago Gets New Life as Johnson Earmarks $500K for New Panel: “These are the first dollars spent in this city to begin the process of studying both restoration and reparations,” Johnson said. “When residents who have experienced neglect and disinvestment for generations speak out of their pain and their trauma, this administration and the Black Caucus we hear you.”
* ABC Chicago | City council disruptions from gallery prompt call for changes for workplace safety: Tuesday a committee meeting had to recess because things got so chaotic, and some alderpersons are now expressing concerns about their safety. The alders that spoke with ABC7 said they can’t ever remember things being this bad, and they want disrupters put on notice that if they can’t behave in public meetings, they can’t participate.
* Crain’s | Northwestern’s stadium fate is up to Evanston’s mayor: The fate of Northwestern University’s $800 million football stadium reconstruction project hinges on the choice of Evanston’s first-term Mayor Daniel Biss. With Evanston City Council members evenly divided on the controversial project, Biss will cast the tiebreaking vote when the council makes the final call at a meeting scheduled for Monday.
* NYT | Striking Actors and Hollywood Studios Agree to a Deal: The Writers Guild of America, which represents 11,500 screenwriters, reached a tentative agreement with studios on Sept. 24 and ended its 148-day strike on Sept. 27. In the coming days, SAG-AFTRA members will vote on whether to accept their union’s deal, which includes hefty gains, like increases in compensation for streaming shows and films, better health care funding, concessions from studios on self-taped auditions, and guarantees that studios will not use artificial intelligence to create digital replicas of their likenesses without payment or approval.
* AP | A judge is set to hear arguments as Michigan activists try to keep Trump off the ballot: Activists — in two separate suits — point to a section of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment that prohibits a person from running for federal office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. or given aid or comfort to those who have.
* Tribune | Obama Presidential Center museum director aims for history, context: During an exclusive interview, Bernard said she has grappled with how to approach Obama’s history and the controversies and challenges from his two terms in office, and present them at an institution critics worry will turn into yet another of the presidential “temples of spin” instead of an unbiased reflection of the time.
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Live coverage
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Click here or here to follow breaking news.
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* Senate President Don Harmon…
The people of Chicago deserve representation and accountability. The Illinois Senate is not going to consider an elected school board bill with woefully inadequate ethical provisions.
We are concerned with the failure to include strong ethical safeguards in the legislation the House approved.
For example, there is no prohibition on executives and employees of school district contractors and vendors being able to serve on the board.
The House legislation opens the door for corruption by exempting board members from the requirements under the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
A Chicago School Board must be held to the same ethical standards as every other school board in Illinois.
These are specific accountability protections the public requested during numerous Senate hearings. We also heard repeated testimony regarding the importance of electing all 20 board members next year, a provision the Senate supports and one that is lacking from the House version.
We are eager to work with the House on the shared goal of an elected representative school board but we will not accept watered down ethical provisions, and we believe the parents, families, students and taxpayers of Chicago deserve immediate representation.
Much progress has been made this week. I look forward to continuing discussions with our colleagues in the House to swiftly reach an agreement.
…Adding… Rep. Ann Williams, sponsor of HB4221, which is the House’s latest version of an elected school board bill…
The House and Senate are both working towards the same goal: a fully elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. While we may have suggested different paths to accomplish that goal, and these particular concerns from Senate President Harmon were never brought to our attention until tonight, I feel confident we can continue to work together to achieve a product that Chicago can be proud of.
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Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sen. Sue Rezin…
Illinois has once again taken another step closer to paving the way for the development of new nuclear reactors within the state thanks to the passage of Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin’s (R-Morris) new legislation, House Bill 2473, in the Senate on Wednesday, November 8.
“House Bill 2473 is a new piece of legislation designed to thoroughly and specifically address the concerns that the Governor stated in his veto message of my original bill,” said Sen. Rezin. “I would like to personally thank Senate President Harmon, his team, and other stakeholders that assisted throughout this negotiation process.”
House Bill 2473 lifts the ban on next generation nuclear reactors less than 300 MW beginning January 1, 2026. Additionally, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security will be directed to establish rules for reactor decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness by January 1, 2026. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will also provide consultation.
Furthermore, House Bill 2473 authorizes the Governor to commission a brand-new study to research the State’s role in guiding the development of new nuclear technology and makes conforming statutory changes, including updating references to IEMA-OHS in preexisting Illinois law.
“The federal regulatory permitting process already takes six to eight years, so if we want to take advantage of the amazing advancements in new nuclear technology that have occurred over the past decade and prevent our state from falling behind the rest of the nation, we need to end this moratorium now,” continued Sen. Rezin. “Nuclear provides clean, reliable, and secure energy that we can count on as we strive to reach our clean energy goals in Illinois. With the passage of this legislation, we provide our state with the opportunity to truly embrace the next generation of nuclear technology and all of the benefits that it offers.”
House Bill 2473 passed out of the Senate with a 44-7 vote and is now on its way to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Since House Bill 2473 doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2026, it only requires a simple-majority vote in order to be sent to the Governor’s desk.
* Sen. Rachel Ventura…
State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a measure through the Senate that would move the state toward lower emissions, improve air quality throughout Illinois and require newly purchased state-owned vehicles to be zero emission.
“We cannot afford to delay transitioning to zero-emission vehicles,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With this legislation, Illinois will not only save money in the long run, but will also protect the environment.”
Highway vehicles release about 1.4 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year — mostly in the form of carbon dioxide — which contribute to the global climate crisis. Roughly five to nine tons of greenhouse gases are burned each year for a typical vehicle according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Ventura’s measure aims to lower the state’s overall emissions by addressing the pollutants released into the air by vehicle emissions, which have a direct impact on the environment.
Under Senate Bill 1769, passenger vehicles purchased or leased by the state must either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle with the exception of law enforcement vehicles and vehicles procured by IDOT as part of their consolidated vehicle procurement program by 2030. Currently 13 other states have adopted similar zero-emission vehicle requirements, Minnesota being the only other Midwestern state to do so.
“This is just one step toward mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis. Illinois continues to lead other states, but there is more work to do,” said Ventura. “Going forward, the state needs to create a reliable electrical grid to support the increased demand of electrification, incentivize carbon-free energy production, and expand and restore natural carbon capture methods.”
Senate Bill 1769 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the governor.
* From Gov. JB Pritzker’s Think Big America last night…
“Tonight, Ohio voters showed, once again, that they will not stand for draconian and extreme attacks on their reproductive rights. Ohioans have spoken loud and clear - abortion bans have no place in their state. Women deserve the freedom to make their own reproductive health choices and, thanks to the hard work of Ohioans across the state, that freedom is now protected in the state constitution. Think Big America applauds everyone who worked tirelessly to pass Issue One in a historic victory that will resonate for decades to come. Tonight, we celebrate the win for freedom in Ohio and tomorrow we continue the fight to pursue these same victories for reproductive rights across the country.”
* From Pritzker’s group today…
“Virginians voted to protect the future of abortion in their state and send reproductive rights allies to Richmond. Think Big America congratulates reproductive rights champions, state senators-elect Danica Roem, Schuyler Van Valkenburg, and Russet Perry. Virginia remains the final state in the South without an abortion ban and the message sent on Tuesday is loud and clear - we want to keep it that way. Despite the best efforts by anti-choice extremists and their far-right allies, women’s freedom to determine their own healthcare decisions won out yesterday. Think Big America applauds the hard work of everyone in Virginia who made these victories possible and who have steadfastly defended reproductive rights and abortion access along the way.”
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup…
* Tribune | Jury selection for ex-Ald. Edward Burke corruption trial continues: That’s a little more than half of the 47 potential jurors who are needed before attorneys can proceed to the next phase of selection, in which each side will get to strike a certain number of people from the jury pool without giving a reason. The slow pace means opening statements in the case will likely be Thursday at the earliest.
* Center Square | Lawmakers grill IDES director over billions in unemployment fraud during pandemic: A performance audit released by the Office of the Auditor General showed that overpayments of $5.2 billion in the Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs were the result of fraud, non-fraud and identity theft between 2020 to 2022. The audit also found that nearly 3,500 inmates in Illinois prisons received fraudulent benefits. The Auditor General’s office found that inmates received over $40 million in benefits.
* ABC Chicago | Former Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti officially launches Cook County state’s attorney bid: Bob Fioretti was expected to be at the Billy Goat Tavern on West Madison Street Wednesday morning to say he’s running as a Republican. Fioretti previously ran for Cook County Board president and lost to Toni Preckwinkle.
* Daily Herald | Deferred prosecution OK’d for Sugar Grove trustee charged with forgery: He is accused of forging the signature of a North Aurora building department official on a certificate of occupancy for a home in the Moose Lake Estates subdivision and presenting the forged document to a title company. Michels works for a company that builds custom homes. According to a North Aurora police report, the forgery was discovered when a homeowner inquired about getting a permit to build a swimming pool. North Aurora employees were confused, however, because they had not issued an occupancy certificate for the house.
* Crain’s | Paid leave policy outrages Chicago restaurants, but workers want PTO: If passed, the proposal would require Chicago employers to provide employees 10 paid days off starting next year. Companies with more than 100 employees will be required to pay out up to seven unused days off when a worker ends employment. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees would be exempt from having to pay out unused days, and there would be a one-year phase-in of required payout for companies with 51 to 100 workers.
* SJ-R | Springfield City Council adopts moratorium on residency requirement for municipal workers: Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory, Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams Jr. and Ward 4 Ald. Larry Rockford voted against the ordinance, which, like two weeks ago at committee of the whole, engendered a long discussion. Before the vote, the council approved two amendments to the ordinance, including one that would subject the council to revisit the ordinance after one year, though no sunset provision was attached to it.
* NBC Chicago | Several Illinois schools listed in Wall Street Journal rankings of best Midwest colleges: Lake Forest College was named as the second-best small Midwestern college, while ranking 27th overall nationally. The University of St. Francis in Joliet was ranked as the ninth-best small Midwestern college. Four Illinois schools made up the top 10 mid-size colleges, with Chicago’s Illinois Institute of Technology topping the list.
* ABC Chicago | Bill Murray, Mike Veeck are new co-owners of Joliet Slammers baseball team: The Joliet City Council unanimously approved the sale Tuesday evening. Murray is part of a group that’s reached an agreement, in principal, to buy 75% of the team. One of the other co-owners is Mike Veeck, the son of late White Sox owner Bill Veeck.
* Daily Herald | ‘I’m overwhelmed’: Victory Auto Wreckers’ owner says of public response to business closing after 78 years: That’s why Weisner’s phone has been ringing nonstop and T-shirt sales have jumped since he announced the business closing on Dean Richards’ WGN Radio 720 show Sunday morning. “It’s endearing,” he said Tuesday of the ongoing response. “I didn’t think we had that much of an impact on people’s lives. Thank you so much for everything.” Nov. 18 is the last day Victory will accept vehicles and Nov. 30 is the final day it will be open to the public.
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* The Invest in Kids Act extension bill needs 71 votes to pass the House. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie told WJPF Radio host Tom Miller today that there are only 57 votes in the House…
Chris Welch will not call it. He has, from my understanding, 17 hard yeses on the Democrat side of the aisle. We only have 40. So some on our side of the aisle say ‘Well, you know, you could do more, you could do more.’ And my issue is I have 40 Republicans in the House, they have 17 hard yeses. That’s 57. I can do the math. And Welch will not call a bill when a bill is not going to be passed. He is not going to put his members on a bill and put pressure on them when there’s no bill to be solidly passed. So it’s not going to be called by the Speaker. There is a compromise by the advocates, I would say a compromise that they worked very hard on, carried by Representative Guerrero, and one that I believe Republicans, I know Republicans would support, I know 17 Democrats would support, but it’s not enough to apply pressure to the Democrats for Speaker Welch to call it.
Except the Illinois Freedom Caucus refused to support Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar’s bill. They did signal a willingness to compromise yesterday, but, again, the bill doesn’t have 71 votes, so it doesn’t mean much…
As the Illinois General Assembly convenes for this year’s’ final week of Veto Session in Springfield, we must take action to support the Invest in Kids Scholarship Program before its’ sunset December 31st.
The Illinois Freedom Caucus has been engaged in working out an agreement that addresses the concerns about enhanced targeting of the scholarships to the students most in need, and including a reasonable sunset where the program can be reviewed. We appreciate Representative Guerrero-Cuellar’s willingness to put a proposal on the table. We support this legislation (HB4194) with the following amendments:
1. Maintaining the scholarship program’s credit cap at $75 Million
2. Allowing for a 65% tax credit for regular contributions, and 75% tax credit for contributions to an underserved area.
We remain committed to working with all sides to see this successful program extended in the most meaningful way. The children who are counting on us to protect their educational opportunities deserve an up or down vote on this bill.
No such amendment has yet been filed.
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ILEPI rebuts IPI critique
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* After I posted an Illinois Economic Policy Institute analysis last month, the Illinois Policy Institute published a critique, including this…
Data from state income tax returns shows Illinois’ population is declining – and the ILEPI study excluded it
An entire section of the new report is dedicated to comparing differences between annual Census estimates and Illinois Department of Revenue data on state tax returns. They use the tally of the number of tax returns filed (which is not the same as total population) from 2010-2020 as evidence of Illinois’ population growth during the decade. The authors have problematically excluded the parts of that same dataset showing the number of individuals represented in the tax returns has declined substantially from 2010-2020.
ILEPI’s report contains a table showing growth of 200,143 Illinois tax returns from 2010-2020. But the number of tax returns filed is not representative of the number or individuals in the state. Many couples file jointly or have dependents who do not file their own tax return. The state tax data also includes the number of basic exemptions – a count of the number of individuals (filers and their dependents) – represented in the data, which shows Illinois’ total population declined by 354,759 people between 2010 and 2020. (Illinois eliminated basic exemptions for joint filers earning more than $500,000 and all other filers earning more than $250,000 in 2017, so we’ve re-added those figures to the data based on previous Illinois income tax returns).
While every Illinoisan is not required to file a state income tax return, these figures are similar to the Census Bureau’s original estimate of Illinois’ population decline of approximately 253,000 during the decade. The fact that not all Illinoisans file state income tax returns likely explains the bulk of the difference between the Census Bureau’s estimates of population decline and changes in state tax return data.
* I asked ILEPI’s Frank Manzo for a response to this. Here’s an excerpt…
Critiques that the ILEPI-PMCR study did not include basic exemptions in analyzing Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) tax statistics misunderstands the key takeaway that Illinois’ tax base has expanded.
Tax return data is useful to include because it can provide additional information on changes that are occurring within a state, but it is only partially complete because it does not include people who do not file taxes. People who do not earn incomes are not included in tax statistics, but are included in Census counts and in household surveys.
With that said, Illinois Department of Revenue tax returns between 2010 and 2020 generally corroborate a finding in the official Census count that the Chicago area added population and Downstate lost population. The tax return data show that the Chicago area added 203,000 taxpayers (a gain of 6%) while Downstate lost 3,000 taxpayers (a loss of 0.2%).
Overall, the data show that Illinois added more than 200,000 taxpayers between 2010 and 2020, a 4% increase statewide. Additionally, there was an 80% growth in taxpayers earning over $500,000 per year and a 52% gain in those reporting between $100,001 and $500,000 while those claiming Earned Income Credit (EIC) government assistance fell by 11%.
While exemptions could potentially be useful to include, they would simply be estimates in Illinois, because the state eliminated exemption allowances for high-income taxpayers in 2017. However, this is the group of taxpayers that has grown the most over the decade. Assumptions would need to be made about how many exemptions these households would claim, and the resulting population estimate could swing wildly depending on the built-in assumptions.
The data that is objective and not based on any assumptions is the number of tax filers. That data shows that the tax base has grown and that Illinois has become higher-paid. It does not show a state in decline.
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Oops
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Jumped the gun on a post. Sorry. Deleted. To atone, here’s an Oscar pic…
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It’s just a bill
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Rep. Bob Rita’s HB4222…
Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that each licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed large truck stop establishment shall notify the Illinois Gaming Board in writing prior to a proposed sale or transfer of the licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed large truck stop establishment. Sets forth provisions concerning the change of ownership of a licensed establishment. Provides for conditional licenses for licensed establishments. Provides that a licensed terminal operator shall be excused from any surveillance obligation imposed upon a licensed terminal operator if the failure of the terminal operator to comply with the surveillance obligation is caused by specified circumstances. Effective immediately.
* SB2638 from Sen. Julie Morrison…
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that moneys collected by a municipality from hotel use taxes may be expended to contribute to fund actuarial liabilities of the municipality’s pension fund established under Article 3, 4, 5, or 6 of the Illinois Pension Code or Article 7 of the Illinois Pension Code with regard to sheriff’s law enforcement employees if the municipality has not established a pension fund under Article 3, 4, 5, or 6 of the Illinois Pension Code.
* Press release…
Continuing his advocacy for immigrant employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 earlier this summer, State Senator Javier Cervantes brought forth a new plan that would protect marginalized workers and give employees time to correct employment verification document discrepancies before an enforcement action is taken against them.
“Throughout my years working alongside labor and health care organizations, I have seen employees hurt by this process,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “In working with the governor’s office and advocacy groups, we are confident we have come up with a plan that will protect employees and work for everyone involved in the verification process.”
Currently, federal immigration law requires employers to verify the legal work status of their employees through the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares information from an employee’s I-9 Form to records available to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm eligibility. If discrepancies are found, immigrant workers have the possibility of receiving a “no match” letter for a variety of reasons, including instances where the individual changed their name due to marriage. Many employers terminate employees who receive this notice, even though they could be legally working in the United States.
Senate Bill 508 would prevent employers from imposing work authorization verification requirements that are greater than those required by federal law and give employees time to correct documentation discrepancies. The new legislation would require employers, upon finding a discrepancy in verification information, to notify the employee that the federal or State agency has notified the employer and the time period the employee has to contest the information. The employee would be given an explanation of the discrepancy and retain the right to have a representative present for meetings related to employment verification. Employers would be barred from taking any adverse action against the employee based on the notification. […]
Senate Bill 508 passed the Senate Floor on Tuesday and heads to the House for further consideration.
* HB4223 from Rep. Michael Marron…
Creates the 5-day Budget Review Act. Prohibits a hearing or vote on any appropriation bill or revenue bill for at least 5 days after the bill is made publicly available. Provides that a vote on an amendment to an appropriation bill or a revenue bill is not in order unless that amendment is made publicly available at least 48 hours prior to the vote. Provides that these temporal limitations may be waived by an affirmative two-thirds vote of the full committee or house considering the legislation. Effective immediately.
* Effingham Radio…
The Illinois Legislative Prayer Caucus (ILPC) is spearheading a drive to reestablish a prayer room in the Illinois State Capitol. The ILPC is for legislators only and operates under the umbrella of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation (CPCF). The CPCF connects legislators within states and across the nation in prayer and action. Members of the ILPC believe that through trust in God, humble prayer and strategic action, the religious liberties of all Americans will be protected.
When a prayer room was established in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, it took one year from start to finish beginning in 1954 then opening in 1955. However, in Illinois, it took a 15-year effort to have a nondenominational chapel, or prayer room as it is known, established in the Illinois Capitol. The process in Illinois began in 1982 and in November 1997, the prayer room was opened and dedicated.
During a 2009-2013 renovation of the West Wing, the prayer room in the Capitol was remodeled and converted into a House committee room.
In this final week of the Fall Veto Session, Rep. Brad Halbrook, Chairman of the ILPC, has filed a Resolution (HR 495) to reestablish the prayer room during the current, ongoing renovations of the North Wing of the Capitol building.
As Rep. Halbrook has stated, “Prayer was a vital part of the founding fathers’ lives as they sought the direction, protection & wisdom of God. Our great need of God’s help today is no different than our forefathers’ need when they created this nation. This is why it only makes sense to have a prayer chapel designated for our Illinois State Capitol.”
* WCMY…
Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin provided a status update on her efforts to end the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear reactors:
“As a result of ongoing negotiations with the support of the Senate President, his team, and other stakeholders, we are in the process of finalizing the language for legislation that I believe will be voted on in the Senate this week.
“The new legislation will have similar language to Senate Bill 2591, which I filed last month. It is my hope that this new bill will address the concerns of the Governor by including a very specific and intentional definition of what constitutes new nuclear within our state. Furthermore, it will include state-level oversight in addition to the already stringent oversight laid out by the federal government.
“Nuclear energy runs 24/7, 365 days a year, rain or shine. Nuclear is the clean and affordable energy that is necessary to help power Illinois and America’s future. The federal regulatory permitting process takes six to eight years, so we must act quickly to ensure that our state has the opportunity to take advantage of the amazing advancements in new nuclear technology that have occurred over the past couple of decades. The longer we wait to end this moratorium, Illinois falls further behind the rest of the nation.”
* Rep. Dan Caulkins introduced HB4220 yesterday…
Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to provide certain written summaries and verbal notifications to parents, guardians, or other persons having legal custody of a child who are under investigation for child abuse or neglect. Provides that, after initiating an abuse or neglect investigation, the Department shall provide the investigated person with a written summary of the following information: (1) the known allegations and factual claims the Department is investigating; (2) the Department’s procedures for conducting an investigation of alleged child abuse or neglect; (3) the person’s right to file a complaint with the Department or request a review of the Department’s investigative findings; (4) the person’s right to review all records of the Department’s investigation within 24 hours of making the request unless such review would undermine an ongoing criminal investigation or jeopardize the child’s safety; and other matters. Requires the Department to provide a verbal notification of the person’s right to: (i) not speak with any agent of the Department without an attorney present; (ii) record any interaction or interview the person has with a child protective investigator or any other agent of the Department with the understanding that upon court order the person may be required to disclose the recording to the Department, a law enforcement agency, or another party; (iii) refuse to allow a child protective investigator to enter the home or interview the child without a court order; and other matters. Provides that the Department shall provide a verbal notification to the child of the child’s right to have an adult the child is comfortable with present during any investigatory interview with the Department. Provides that the child protective investigator assigned to investigate the report of abuse or neglect shall document in the case record that the investigator provided the written summaries and verbal notifications. Provides that if a parent, guardian, or legal custodian under investigation for child abuse or neglect does not receive the written summaries and verbal notifications, any information obtained from such person is not admissible as evidence against the person in any civil proceeding.
* SB2637 from Sen. Willie Preston is on First Reading…
Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, a person or entity shall not manufacture, sell, deliver, distribute, hold, or offer for sale a food product for human consumption that contains brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye 3. Provides that a person or entity that violates the prohibition shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for a first violation and not to exceed $10,000 for each subsequent violation. Makes a conforming change.
* Rep. Ryan Spain’s HB4216 is on First Reading…
Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall approve a course for school safety officers (a retired law enforcement officer who has been hired by a school district to perform security services). Sets forth training and certification requirements, including firearm certification. Provides that an applicant for employment as a school safety officer must authorize an investigation to determine if the applicant has been convicted of any criminal offense that disqualifies the person as a school safety officer. Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Exempts school safety officers from the Act if a school board does not require officer-worn body cameras. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2025, a school may employ a school safety officer. Requires a school safety officer applicant to provide the school district a certificate of completion or approved waiver issued by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Provides that a school safety officer shall wear a uniform that clearly identifies the officer as a school safety officer. Provides that a school safety officer may detain a person when the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that an offense, other than an ordinance violation, is being committed. Provides that a school safety officer may carry a firearm as long as the officer is certified under specified provisions of the Illinois Police Training Act. Adds references to school safety officers throughout the Code. Effective immediately.
* Sen. Celina Villanueva’s SB2633…
Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act to include in the definition of “petitioner” an intimate partner. Amends the Protective Orders Article of the Code of Criminal Procedures of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that, if the petitioner seeks a court order prohibiting the respondent from possessing firearms, firearm ammunition, and firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm, the court shall immediately issue a search warrant directing seizure of firearms at the time an ex parte or final order of protection is issued, if the court finds, based on the facts presented that: (1) probable cause exists that the respondent possesses firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm; (2) probable cause exists to believe that the respondent poses a danger of causing personal injury to the petitioner or child by having in the respondent, custody or control, or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm and that the danger is imminent and present; and probable cause exists that firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm are located at the residence, vehicle, or other property of the respondent.
* HB4217 from Rep. Joe Sosnowski is in Rules…
Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Deletes provisions requiring an applicant or holder of a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card to be a resident of the State of Illinois. Provides that a person who is not a resident of the State may apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card if the applicant complies with the provisions of the Act. Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall, by rule, allow for non-resident license applications from any state or territory of the United States if the applicant complies with the provisions of the Act (rather than from any state or territory of the United States with laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying, that are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under the Act).
* HB4219…
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning fentanyl education, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, provides that in at least one unit in the State-required health courses for grades 6 through 8 a school district shall provide instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl.
* SB2635 from Sen. Cristina Castro…
Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of “employee” does not include: (1) an employee who is employed by an institution of higher education (i) for less than 2 consecutive calendar quarters during a calendar year and who does not have a reasonable expectation that he or she will be rehired by the same employer of the same service in a subsequent calendar year or (ii) as a temporary appointment as described in the State Universities Civil Service Act; (2) higher education faculty and instructors who have teaching, research, and extension faculty contracts or appointments of less than 12 consecutive months of the year; or (3) an employee employed by a public community college or other public institution of higher education in the State of Illinois whose position is covered by a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. Provides that the definition of “employer” does not include laboratory schools as defined in the School Code. Makes conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2024.
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Some insights into the nature of the beast
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Former Rep. and current registered lobbyist Mike Zalewski invited one of my very favorite Statehouse denizens onto his podcast this week: Lobbyist and former Senate Democratic staffer Ron Holmes. An excerpt…
Z: You worked on the assault weapons ban. Did you learn anything about the building or the way it works [while] working on that particular issue? Did anything surprise you about that? … Is there anything you took away from that process that was unique to you?
Holmes: Each day I go down to Springfield and and walk through those doors, I make it my intent to learn something about someone or something. And I think the biggest lesson from the assault weapons ban negotiations is that sometimes it’s better to just sit still and allow things to kind of work themselves out than being in a position where you’re just trying to force it.
Z: In that building specifically, no one has ever hurt themselves by waiting. That is the important thing about the way that place works.
Holmes: Yes. And when calm heads, you know, happen and people are able to put out their press releases back and forth and the finger-pointing with orders behind the scenes. And then it’s like ‘Alright, we saw. All right. Let’s, what is it that we’re really talking about here? What are the differences? Let’s put pen to paper and go.’ And by far that is one of the more interesting things that I learned from that.
The second thing is in many ways, one of my criticisms of the gun violence prevention movement has been - and I’ve been involved in many of the public safety bills that have passed over the last decade - has been that everyday violence isn’t always treated the same way as mass shootings. And the number of folks that also said, ‘Hey, what do you guys need for your community?’ was very emotional. Because I think that there’s always this divide in Springfield. Naturally, people always look for two sides of every story and so, to see surburban lawmakers also say to Black and Brown caucus members, ‘No, no, no. You absolutely should get these other things’ was very interesting to watch.
Z: It’s the nature of the building right now. The two chamber leaders, the House speaker and the Senate President, are prime ministers. They have to build coalitions on every single issue right now.
Holmes: And those coalitions look different on every issue. On every issue.
Z: It’s sausage-making every day. And you traditionally had, you know, Downstate caucus and lakefront caucus and the city caucus and all that, but it’s much more pronounced now. And quite frankly, what I worry about is the nature of the building when the next economic downturn occurs.
Holmes: Yeah. Everything’s all good when you’ve got a $50 billion budget and everybody’s able to walk away with something. But I think yeah, I mean, to your point, happy days aren’t always going to be here and how Democrats govern in times of downturn is just as important as times of prosperity.
Please pardon any transcription errors.
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* Background is here if you need it. From Christina Baker at the Bond Buyer…
The accounts payable tab is at $572 million, down from $5.9 billion in 2021 and its peak of $16.7 billion in 2017. Illinois estimates that the accounts payable will stand at around $527 million at the end of the fiscal year.
“What was the bills backlog is now a normal accounts payable situation,” [Fitch Ratings analyst Eric Kim] said.
Illinois is also steadily increasing its reserves. The budget stabilization fund stands at $1.965 billion now and the state plans to add another $138 million by the end of the fiscal year. The fund is 4.2% of Illinois’ enacted 2024 revenues, but the state has raised the target to 7.5% of revenues. Fitch’s report said the state’s rating could be raised if the fund reached 10% of state spending.
The 2024 budget creates long-term sources of funding for the budget stabilization fund, including 10% of cannabis tax revenues, and repayment over 10 years from the state’s $450 million loan to the unemployment insurance trust fund.
* Let’s go back to Fitch’s report…
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade:
–Material improvements in fiscal resilience, primarily through building reserves to, or approaching, 10% of spending, while maintaining other improvements in fiscal management such as normalization of accounts payable.
–Sustained progress toward structural balance and improved liability management, primarily through materially narrowing the wide gap between actual and actuarially determined pension contributions.
–For Build Illinois, an upgrade to the state’s [Issuer Default Rating].
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade:
–Reversion to the previous pattern of irresolute and contentious fiscal decision-making, which could include delayed budgets with unsustainable fiscal measures such as deeper pension funding deferrals or sustained increases to accounts payable or other budgetary liabilities.
–Imprudent budget management that builds in significant new recurring spending or revenue reductions without offsetting actions, threatening recent progress towards structural balance.
–For Build Illinois, deterioration in the state’s IDR given the linkages, or material weakening of pledged revenue coverage and structural resilience. Fitch considers this unlikely given the limitations on additional debt issuance.
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Today’s must-read
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Molly Parker at Capitol News Illinois…
A review of hundreds of pages of state audits, law enforcement records, a federal lawsuit, and reports by oversight and advocacy bodies point to troubling conditions inside many of the state’s 16 juvenile detention centers, which operate much like adult jails, detaining court-involved youth with open cases when a judge determines they are at risk of fleeing or reoffending. The facilities combined can house upwards of 1,200 youth as young as age 10, though they are rarely at capacity.
The records show that youth have been Tased, pepper sprayed and roughed up by staff and law enforcement officers; forced into isolation for days at a time; denied access to their psychotropic medications and mental health treatment; and received little or no schooling, despite state and federal laws mandating that the youth receive educational services while incarcerated. Nearly two-thirds of those who are detained are Black teens.
Poor conditions in juvenile lockups across the country have recently made headlines, bringing renewed calls for reform. What makes Illinois different from many of its state peers is that no independent agency licenses or certifies the youth detention centers. Even in some states that have been heavily scrutinized for problematic conditions inside their youth facilities, such as Louisiana, Tennessee, Michigan and Pennsylvania, a licensing process is in place that allows for sanctions up to closure.
Under state law, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice sets standards for county detention facilities that hold youth in custody and conducts audits of them. While the department has repeatedly cited several centers for failing to meet its standards, under state law, IDJJ cannot mandate corrective action plans, issue fines or shut down detention centers found in repeated violation of the rules. Instead, the IDJJ reports are sent back to the county detention facilities’ staff and to the chief judges of each judicial circuit, under whose authority they operate. Neither the staff nor the judges are obligated to respond.
Go read the rest.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: Lawmakers put forth new plans for Chicago’s transition to an elected school board. Chalkbeat…
- Rep. Ann Williams’ bill would make 10 elected school board members and 10 appointed by the mayor from each pairing of districts. A school board president would also be appointed by the mayor.
- Senate President Don Harmon put forward a plan to have all 20 districts vote in 2024, the mayor would appoint the school board president.
* Related stories…
* Isabel’s top picks…
* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…
* Sun-Times | Advocates angered by delay in passing ‘Karina’s Bill,’ aimed at taking guns from those accused of domestic violence: Late Tuesday, the Senate president released a statement saying there likely would be no action on “Karina’s Bill,” named after Karina Gonzalez who was shot to death in her Little Village home allegedly by her husband despite an order of protection. A spokesman for Senate President Don Harmon said several issues with the bill, including questions of enforcement, had not been resolved in time to act on the measure during the veto session.
* Politico | Biden to meet UAW president again with strike heading to rear-view: The White House said Tuesday that the meeting will take place in Belvidere, where Stellantis agreed to reopen a stalled plant and add additional jobs as part of the tentative contract deal between the UAW and the company late last month. […] In Illinois, Biden will deliver remarks touting gains in the deals the UAW won, as well as his economic and pro-union policies, according to the White House. He will also meet with other UAW members and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, the White House said.
* Capitol News Illinois | State gets 9th recent credit upgrade as administration faces scrutiny for pandemic unemployment handling: Fitch’s review of state finances drew similar conclusions to those that came before it: reserves are growing while long-term liabilities, including pension debt, remain “an elevated but still moderate burden.” “Reserves have improved to historically high levels for the state and provide an important fiscal cushion, but levels remain relatively modest versus other states,” Fitch said in its analysis. “Management has eliminated many outstanding budgetary liabilities and established a sustainable pattern of smoother fiscal decision-making.”
* WBEZ | Here’s what you need to know about the tax increase Chicago voters will consider in March: The campaign, known as Bring Chicago Home, seeks to adjust the real estate transfer tax, a one-time tax imposed on the sale of property. Voters would be asked to authorize City Council to adjust Chicago’s current, flat tax to a tiered, marginal tax that would increase the tax rate on portions of property above $1 million — while implementing a tax cut on property valued under that amount.
* Block Club | Bring Chicago Home Heads To Chicago Voters After Council Passage Tuesday: Property buyers in Chicago currently pay a one-time flat tax of 0.75 percent on all sales, regardless of final price. In September, Johnson and Council allies introduced a revised version of Bring Chicago Home featuring a marginal, tiered rate instead of a flat tax. Under that plan, people buying properties under $1 million would see reduced property transfer taxes. Real estate sales over $1 million would see higher rates only on the portion of the sale above $1 million.
* Sun-Times | Ramirez-Rosa narrowly escapes City Council censure — with help from mayor and Ald. Mitts: Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote against censure of his former floor leader, accused of “manhandling” Ald. Emma Mitts while trying to prevent her entrance to Council chambers.
* Daily Southtown | Calumet City drops disorderly conduct charges against Ald. Monet Wilson; she agrees to follow rules of conduct: Wilson received three citations, with fines totaling $2,250, for allegedly being out of order during discussion of agenda items at an Oct. 26 meeting where she was accused of continuing to speak although she did not have the floor.
* WTTW | Paper Restrictions at Cook County Jail Signal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Concerns: Since the beginning of 2023, Cook County Jail administration has reported 16 deaths in custody, with five attributed to overdoses, three of which involved synthetic cannabinoids, according to Cook County Medical Examiner records. This hidden substance is frequently concealed, jail officials say, in paper-like items including photographs, books and letters mailed to detainees. Synthetic cannabinoids, a lethal substance, becomes even deadlier when mixed with additives like fentanyl and rat poison, meant to enhance the user’s experience when smoked.
* Tribune | Racketeering trial of ex-Ald. Ed Burke sees second day of jury selection, courthouse display of corruption cases past covered in brown paper: A pool of at least 47 people is needed before proceeding to the next phase, in which each side will get to strike a certain number of people from the jury pool without giving a reason. The slow pace means opening statements in the case will likely be Thursday at the earliest.
* Sun-Times | Public corruption display at fed courthouse covered at request of Ed Burke’s lawyer: Chicago’s federal court puts its history proudly on display on the 25th floor, sharing stories with visitors about everything from the 1918 bombing of the old courthouse to the prosecution of Al Capone. But following a request from one of ex-Chicago Ald. Ed Burke’s lawyers, courthouse staff began temporarily covering up some of the 11 displays on the wall, including one about the history of public corruption prosecutions in Chicago.
* WCIA | Illinois community colleges launch new brand campaign: The state’s community colleges have come together to drop a new advertising campaign. The campaign is called “For Every Student, For Every Community”. Community college leaders say the campaign will highlight the benefits they bring to Illinois like economic development, as well as unite the 48 community colleges across the state under a single brand.
* AP | Ohio voters enshrine abortion rights in state constitution: Ohio voters on Tuesday night approved a proposed amendment that will enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution. As of just after 9 p.m., when the Associated Press called the vote, the “Yes” vote led roughly 57.7% to 42.3%.
* SJ-R | Senators Durbin, Duckworth to introduce bill to expand Lincoln Home site: The Abraham Lincoln Association has secured $400,000 for the construction of the cottage and the purchase of land at 617 S. Eighth St., the site of a former parking lot. Abraham Lincoln and his family lived in the home at Eighth and Jackson from 1844 to 1861, when they left for Washington, D.C. Lincoln was elected president in 1860.
* Block Club | Meet George Hollywood, The Parakeet Who Evaded Capture All Summer At An Edgewater Beach: George Hollywood survived the summer at Hollywood Beach by mimicking the behavior of other birds. He is now up for adoption through Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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