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* As I told subscribers this morning, a House committee will vote today on an amendment to Sen. Gary Forby’s bill that will reattach ComEd to the Ameren-only rate rollback and freeze legislation.
A House committee is scheduled today to take up the legislation to freeze Ameren electric rates, Senate Bill 1592. A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan said it could be amended to include ComEd, passed in the House and returned to the Senate for reconsideration as early as Friday.
* People agitating for a freeze also delivered petitions to Senate President Emil Jones…
Advocates delivered what they said were more than 23,000 petitions calling for rate relief to Senate President Emil Jones’ office after the news conference.
* More…
Rank-and-file lawmakers have grown increasingly frustrated with the battle between Jones, a major beneficiary of ComEd campaign contributions, and Madigan, who has supported a freeze since last fall.
Downstate lawmakers have been inundated with complaints from Ameren customers about skyrocketing utility bills they have received since a nearly 10-year-long rate freeze expired with the new year. A group of consumer advocates dumped petitions in Jones’ office Wednesday asking him to support a rate freeze.
“President Jones, do your job!” shouted Jeanne Lakin, a resident of Downstate Godfrey, who said her February electric bill nearly quadrupled to $717 from a year ago. “Be there for us! Enough politics have been played!”
Consumer groups also have warned that Chicago area ComEd customers are likely to see rapid increases in their bills once the summer air-conditioning season arrives.
* More utility-related stories, compiled by Paul Richardson…
* Disconnect notices sent out
* Comments made by angry Ameren customers prompt investigation
* Death threat of lawmaker spurred by electric rate hike
* Police could wrap up death threat probe this week
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 8:57 am
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I’m wondering if Emil Jones can use the same procedure again to kill the bill…or there’s a workaround.
Comment by Crimefighter Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 9:44 am
It is hard to not blame it on Jones, with the money he has received from the electric companies everyone knows he is looking out for them and in the same time hosing the common citizen.
Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 1:32 pm
The supplemental approp gambit is interesting. Now we’ll see if Emil has someone file a motion to remove Forby as principle sponsor. Would that backfire on Emil by splintering the caucus or reinforce his power and cower any opposition?
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 7:30 pm
Emil just needs to fess up and admit he’s a pawn of ComEd. Then he needs to excuse himself from any activity regarding this legislation. He has no shame. But with the salaries coming into his home and the under the table cash from ComEd, what does he care.
Comment by Disgusted Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 7:45 pm
I’m watching what my State Senator will be doing, that being Lou Viverito. If he doesn’t support a freeze what a disgrace it would be. These electric rates are going to be ridiculous this summer. And WHERE THE HELL IS THE GOVERNOR ON THIS ONE!! I can’t even understand what Jones is saying when he speaks, but I know how he votes.
Comment by anon Thursday, Apr 26, 07 @ 10:20 pm
Anon - no one can understand Emil’s speech. Intentional?
Comment by Criminal Enterprise Called Illinois Friday, Apr 27, 07 @ 2:13 am
http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=33500
Comment by np Friday, Apr 27, 07 @ 2:14 pm