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* 1:34pm - The leaders meeting had been scheduled for 2 pm. Check back later for updates and audio.

* The Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Education Association just released this joint statement which more than just implies their continued support of an income tax hike…

…There are proposals before the legislature, including those that increase the income tax. We believe that the General Assembly should consider any proposal on its merits, regardless of the political promises of any one elected official. Lawmakers need to find the courage to step up and vote for a proposal that truly provides education funding reform. The General Assembly has the power to make this happen.

When the new legislature was sworn in on January 10, 2007, Senate President Emil Jones said “We should be the leaders in doing the right thing. We must bring about real change to the outrageous, inequitable system that funds our schools.” On that same day House Speaker Michael Madigan spoke about making tough choices. More recently he said, Before we finish our budget in May or June, Illinois is going to see a tax increase.

Political infighting is not an excuse to ignore the school funding needs in Illinois. The time for change is now.

* 1:35 - Just noticed this one from CBS2…

Tony Rezko appeared in federal court Tuesday morning on new criminal charges related to the Blagojevich administration. Rezko, a friend of the governor, is charged with three counts of wire fraud. His co-defendant, Ali Ata, is the former executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority. Ata, who was appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to his six-figure position, is charged with aiding and abetting.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 1:34 pm

Comments

How Dare You put those ugly criminals into the news with My Plan!
Put me down as very poutty!
Tee Hee, My plane did not soar until about 1 p.m. so 2 p.m. might be a little to start this week.

Comment by Manw/ThePlan Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 1:42 pm
Who cares about the plane. Just make sure we got enough $75 millions to get some votes

Comment by GettingJonesed Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 2:02 pm
Rich - I think you should start an adjournment pool. The winner could get a free one-month subscription to Capitol Fax.

P.S. If you really don’t want to give any freebies you could always give away the action packed month of December. LOL

Comment by Beerman Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 2:08 pm
Did Rezko have any comments for the press?

Comment by Hollywood Rod Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 2:59 pm
The teachers’ statement should be Example A for why we don’t need more school funding.

These teachers are asking lawmakers to break their campaign promises. Is that what we want to teach our children?

I am still waiting for an explanation from them as to why more money would mean better education.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 3:11 pm
Political infighting is not an excuse to ignore the school funding needs in Illinois. The time for change is now.

Funny. What they are proposing isn’t any kind of change - just more of the same.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 3:11 pm
Skeeter - Um, I think that Governor Blagojevich is beyond the point of keeping his promises. The latest promise to fall by the wayside was not expanding gambling.

And just a reminder, Governor Blagojevich promised the Illinois Federation of Teachers that he would not renew his “No Taxes” pledge in garnering their endorsement during the Democratic primary of 2006. So, what their actually doing is asking him to keep the promise he made to them.

But, if you think we’d all be better off with a casino at Navy Pier, that’s your choice.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 3:22 pm
Anyone know what Governor’s legal bills are to date? The legal eagles that he’s surrounded himself with have to being billing like there’s no tommorrow.

Comment by Reading between the lines Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 3:41 pm
Reading between the lines

YEAH! With our money!

Comment by Lei Qiang Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 3:57 pm
Friend? How can he be my friend? I don’t even know, or have even met that fellow… or was he the guy who performed my daughters confirmation, no, no I think he was the clown at my baby girls birthday party. Or was it the other way around?

Sheila!!! I need some help here. I was asked a question that is not written on my shirt sleeve.

Comment by I just look like Rod Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:07 pm
This has been just a big smoke screen by Madigan to get his buddies Cross and Watson in on the budget deal.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:14 pm
^^^If this is Madigan’s smoke screen it is not for Cross, it is so G Rod will be forced to step off the stump.

“1.4 million people without health ins….1.4 million…”

Comment by Downstate Jr. Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:46 pm
Downstate,
You got it.
I mistakenly thought that we had a Democrat Speaker.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:47 pm
Yes Bill, everyone should listen to Rod and Emil.

Can you imagaine?

Comment by Downstate Jr. Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:51 pm
Tee Hee
No one noticed the tan.
Se you all tomorrow

Comment by Man w/ ThePlan Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 4:51 pm
JR no one voted rod in for a big tax increase maybe they need to try and get more jobs that pay good and has a fringe package you know “work not welfare’.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Tuesday, Jun 5, 07 @ 6:42 pm
Almost a 50% drop out rate in Chicago schools and these people are asking for more money. The teachers and education associations deserve nothing.
In fact due to their dismal performances we should demand a refund.

Comment by Lula May Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:42 am