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* Sen. Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) succinctly sums up why the Senate Republicans are opposed to any long-term borrowing to pay off state bills…
“It’s a lot easier to explain not borrowing to the general public than borrowing,” Bomke said.
Like this, perhaps?…
And Springfield will borrow. And the warning bells are ringing off the wall.
“This is historic, it is epic,” said Laurence Msall, president of the non-partisan Civic Federation research group. “It is impossible to overstate the level of peril.”
* Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) explains why the Democrats don’t really care about Republican complaints over the remap process…
“I don’t doubt that when the Republicans have the majority, we’ll be screaming that they’re not being transparent enough and not involving people enough,” she said. “That’s the way it always works.”
* From a column by Paul Osborne…
The proposed redistricting map is especially brutal to Sen. Kyle McCarter, who has been a thorn in the side of the Democrats since he was appointed to replace Sen. Frank Watson and won election on his own in November.
The Democrats knocked McCarter completely out of the 51st District in the proposed map. The new map means he will no longer live in the district.
That leaves the 51st District open for a new senator and, as indicated a few paragraphs ago Rep. Chapin Rose has already an-nounced he’s going to make a run for it
McCarter was drawn into the same district as Sen. Dave Luechtefeld. His options appear limited.
* Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) dismisses concerns about rate hikes to fund ComEd’s plan to modernize its grid and tells the attorney general, who opposes the plan, to mind her own business…
“If consumers want something to work they’ve gotta pay for it… There’s nothing for free. My cable billl went up $10 a month last month. Nobody asked me if they could raise it. But, here, the attorney general, who doesn’t even have a vote in this body, is determing how I could vote or what I should do. No! If you want to have a vote in this General Assembly run for the office.”
* Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), correctly explains why new power plants are needed in Illinois…
“In the next several years, some of the coal-fired power plants will be coming off line because of some new federal regulations,” Nekritz said. “In Illinois, we are going to need some new baseload power. One of the ways we can do that is through clean coal.”
* Health and Family Services director Julie Hamos on government employee and retiree worries about what will happen after the state switches health insurance providers…
“This is what’s happening every day in the private marketplace,” Hamos said.
*** UPDATE *** The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability adopted a resolution this afternoon knocking down the Quinn administration’s attempt to switch insurance carriers. But Health and Family Services points to a recent attorney general decision to claim that the vote meant nothing…
“HFS will continue the process of contracting with the winning bidders… Solano said.
* Roundup…
* Democrats advance remap; Latino group rips proposal - Illinois redistricting heads to House vote
* House committee OKs new legislative districts
* Preschool for All faces cuts - Program offers 2½ hours of free instruction for 3- and 4-year-olds
* Procurement officer rejects Health Alliance, Humana protests
* Prostestors seek approval of bill on school closures
* Craft brewers might scale back distribution soon
* Going soon: Trans fats?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 1:50 pm
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I have no problem with Rep. Nekritz’s stance so long as she is willing to take credit for higher electric bills. I don’t want to see her blaming the utility companies. Maybe include an insert in bills that “all or a part of your electric rate hike is attributable to a vote by the General Assembly”.
Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 1:56 pm
D mike jacobs must be getting a ton of money from commonwealth edison.
Comment by foster brooks Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 1:58 pm
RE: “This is what’s happening every day in the private marketplace,” Hamos said.
And the HFS / CMS isn’t being very helpful to the people who have to decide. I’ve spent a couple of hours today on the State & provider web sites trying to make sense of it. What you need to find is several layers deep. Then the State didn’t have some of the dependent fees in the document they originally posted (corrected about lunch time). Once you get past that you have to figure out if your physician is part of one or more of the networks. Only two of the four provider sites gave an answer at all (one didn’t give a list, the other wanted my email for it instead of just showing me), and only one of them was totally clear with a “no” … on the other, I think it is telling me my doctor is only on their tier 2 / tier 3 schedule but it isn’t totally clear. Finally, the fine print in the CMS “summary” booklet says you have to read the individual provider plans and some of the companies won’t let you see them on the web site unless you are a registered member.
In my personal opinion, I would describe the whole situation using a five letter military acronym ..
The only thing that is clear right now is that I will be paying more because, apparently, I can only get tier 2 service from only one company if I want to keep my doctor of 25 years and the company will only pay 90%.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:10 pm
Re: Trans fats. What health benefits have been measured in Cleveland and New York.
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:17 pm
I love that you didn’t bother to mention that Mike Jacobs’ daddy lobbys for ComEd.
This cozy synergy between Mike, who chairs the Senate energy committee and his daddy who lobbys for energy interests will by Mike’s downfall in ‘12.
For the most part, the establishment press has politely averted their eyes—his opponent will not.
Comment by qcexaminer Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:18 pm
Then every vendor of the state who has their business in Springfield should call Larry Bomke and express their opinion that perhaps the State borrowing money to pay their bills might be a darn good idea.
Also, borrowing the money to pay the bills will pump billions of dollars into the state’s economy (most vendors are in Illinois or have offices/plants in Illinois. That might help the State short-term. It might help some people keep their jobs.
Comment by I don't want to live in Teabagistan Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:22 pm
== The proposed redistricting map is especially brutal to Sen. Kyle McCarter ==
Gimme a break. The CURRENT 51st District is just about the most gerrymandered district in downstate Illinois, stretching without rhyme or reason from Decatur in Central Illinois to O’Fallon in the Metro-East, and winding through portions of nine counties along the way.
The old map was good enough for Sen. McCarter, the new map should be just fine.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:26 pm
===It might help some people keep their jobs.===
The only jobs Bomke and other GOP Senators care about keeping is their own.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:29 pm
- Re: Trans fats. What health benefits have been measured in Cleveland and New York. -
What is it with you and trans fats? What’s been measured is that there is no safe level of consuming them. Do you think we ought to let dairy farmers put melamine in their milk and let the consumer decide whether it’s worth the cost savings? Get a clue.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:37 pm
Coal is awesome, and clean coal is where it’s at. Rep. Nekritz and I actually agree on something. The “all of the above” approach to energy is definitely something which we need to consider in a state as diverse as Illinois, especially since we have the capability to provide electricity via the grid from Southern Illinois to the Suburbs and Chicago. Anything is possible. No reason to take anything off the table - even nuclear power.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:41 pm
“It’s a lot easier to explain not borrowing to the general public than borrowing,”
1. Do what it right, not what is easy.
2. Explain that the state is borrowing money from small businesses, social service providers and schools. Then explain that those people are borrowing from a bank to pay their bills that are owed because the State hasn’t paid them.
We’re not talking about additional borrowing; we’re talking about a payment plan. I for the life of me can’t understand why Illinois Republican’s want to continue to hurt small businesses, social service providers and schools when they have ability make things right. Pay the bills!
Comment by Ahoy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:52 pm
“HFS will continue the process of contracting with the winning bidders… Solano said.
Predict HA / Humana are off to the courts now …
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:55 pm
Bomke, like Rutherford, are just enabling the Tea Bagger financial illiteracy.
Comment by King Louis XVI Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 2:57 pm
===“That’s the way it always works.”===
No offense, Senator Holmes, but how would you know? You made it to the Senate in 2006 after serving one year on the Kane County Board.
Sounds like someone’s new/proposed district boundaries are going to her head.
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:02 pm
I just went to the COGFA site and read the mercer handout from today’s meeting. I’m no expert in these matters, but it sure looks to me that Mercer is saying it will cost more money (about$350/year) for enrollees in the OAP programs than in the HMO programs. Someone else see if they read it some other way.
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:09 pm
Not only does it look like the OAP is more expensive, but the colors on the report are pretty.
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:21 pm
Now that Health Alliance is not an option for me, I found that my current physician is not included in any of the four HMO options given.
The two Blue Cross HMO plans do not include any physicians in my area although they are two of the options in my county of residence.
I am not seeing many options other than taking the more expensive PPO which means the state would have to kick in more money as well.
How is that saving any money for the state?
Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:22 pm
Senator Holmes: Forgive me, but the Democrats campaign on being better than the Republicans, so her complaint that, “We’re just as bad as the Republicans are” doesn’t do a whole lot for me.
Comment by Not a Newcomer Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:23 pm
- her complaint that, “We’re just as bad as the Republicans are” -
Who’s complaining (besides the GOP)? She’s saying she doesn’t blame them because the Dems would be doing the same thing.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:31 pm
My biggest complaint with this whole healthcare plan fiasco is that nobody still understands exactly what the impact of these changes will be. Nobody can tell me how much more I might pay. I just want to know how it affects me and it hasn’t been explained to anybody.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:35 pm
What I didn’t see in the handout was the assumptions on migration as a result of the changes. Anyone know what they are?
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Another Blago era shady deal finally gets shot down. Without the big haired one blessing monoply contracts hopefully the free market will start to work again. Years after leaving office the Blago administration still finds ways to kick state workers in the teeth.
Comment by Unhealthy Alliance Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:41 pm
I also can’t tell from the report how much of the projected savings comes from total reduction in cost pmpm, and how much comes from transfer of cost from the state to the insured. Anyone see that?
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:42 pm
Any word on Congressional remapping, anyone? I thought it was today…
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:44 pm
Nearly Normal,
I had to search each Health Link OAP 1, 2 & 3 plans separately. I managed to find my doctor at Springfield Clinic under the Health Link Open Access 2 entry (and 3). Apparently my doc is currently considered a “tier 2″ provider. So I can stay with my doctor of 25 years but will have to pay more.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:48 pm
Nearly Normal,
Where did you find the Blue Advantage doctor list? I couldn’t find it.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 3:54 pm
Retired–
Here’s the link-http://www.bcbsil.com/stateofillinois/
Go to the box that says Find a Doctor and click on link to find doctors and hospitals in your area.
You can search by name or provider type at the top of the form. Click on your choice. Then you select the name of the health plan. I found that if the list of names of health plans does not come up right away in the box, click on the button next to Group even though it has been preselected for you.
There is nothing that states this list is for the FY12 plans but right now this is all that is there. Plus, when I got a message no one provider by that name it states that it was last updated on 5/23/2011.
Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 5:09 pm
Nearly Normal,
Thanks … my doc wasn’t there
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 5:30 pm
If I’m understanding the Mercer report, they used one set of standards for HMOs and a different set for OAPs. For HMOs, cost was the major factor. For OAPs, cost was the minor factor. If I was a suspicious person (and having written a number of RFPs), I would say some selective criteria was used in the RFP. Wonder how many conversations were held off the record before the specs were finalized and the RFP issued?
Steve,
The way I read it, the report says the FY12 OAP per enrolled member annual costs are, on average, $884 more than the HMO costs. Don’t see the switch assumptions. And they made some pretty heavy assumptions that the OAP stuff would be almost all (84%) tier 1 service level … which may or may not be the case … right now my doc is tier 2, as is the case for a lot of downstate people.
As you noted, there some information missing from the report.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 7:01 pm
I’m getting a little tired of people using a self-fulfilling prophecy (they’d do the same if they were in control) to justify gerrymandering the hell out of the maps. It’s a hypothetical situation that will only happen in an parallel universe. Just come out and say you’re drawing the map to punish the opposition. You aren’t fooling anyone.
I realize that politics is a contact sport, and I that I sound a like an idealist when I wish that districts were drawn in squares. It really isn’t sour grapes, either. Just frustration at the entire process.
You do have to wonder, though, if drawing somewhat competitive maps would restore a little credibility to the electoral process. Actually forcing candidates to campaign would force them to actually get to know their constituents.
Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 8:10 pm
Trans fats should be banned and there should be no exemptions. There is zero health benefit to trans fats. They only do harm. There are alternatives. The argument the government shouldn’t tell you what to eat is garbage in this case for the above reasons.
Comment by Mark Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 11:05 pm
Regarding long term borrowing to pay off past due bills.
I think I read in yesterday’s comments the State can refinance some bonds.
Is anyone stating the way to pay off past due bills is to refinance bonds? Please fill me in on the details. Politely.
What bonds are we talking about?
Amount?
How long to maturity?
New maturity date?
Type of bonds?
Cost to refinance?
Much of State and Local government spending is too lavish, compared to private industry and Federal government. Obviously there are exceptions. Pensions is target #1 due to the salary and pension spiking and defined benefit nature. Law was enacted in exchange for campaign contributions and votes. Obviously not all pensions, but many. So don’t get upset with me if you are the exception. I am not saying all.
I don’t understand why the unions are so upset about pension reform. The pensions they are or will receive were unsustainable from the start and only enacted in exchange for campaign donations and votes. They may have to pay a little more but are still receiving very nice pensions. Why be so greedy?
Your pensions are being paid for by people who don’t get salary spiking and pension spiking or defined benefit pensions. We don’t get perks in exchange for campaign contributions and votes. Count your blessings.
Comment by Mark Thursday, May 26, 11 @ 12:32 am
No one reads the examiner
try to stir it up here and you can’t
ha
Comment by Lil Enchilada Thursday, May 26, 11 @ 3:56 pm