Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Open thread

Posted in:

Illinois

* I have some errands to run that couldn’t be accomplished over the weekend. Judging from the large number of subscriber e-mail bounce-backs this morning and the texts (with photos) I’ve received from southern Florida, Puerto Rico and an undisclosed location on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean, I’m guessing that not a lot of you really care one way or the other.

Here are some stories that could help fuel the thread. Or you could just talk about the Bears. I’ll be back in the early afternoon…

* Downtown jobs keep soaring as mayoral race closes in: Downtown Chicago has added the jobs equivalent of almost three Amazon HQ2s in just eight years, even as growth in other neighborhoods and some suburbs turns negative

* Number of Illinois ‘gun sanctuary’ counties has increased though new gun laws haven’t advanced: The 39 counties that have passed resolutions in one form or another are: Brown, Calhoun, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jasper, Jefferson, Lawrence, Livingston, Macon, Madison, Marion, McDonough, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pope, Saline, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Washington, Wayne, White and Woodford.

* No Guns For Teachers: Illinois Association Of School Boards

* With Pritzker and Madigan on board, Dems push again for pot legalization: While many details are still being hashed out, the plan would legalize the sale and use of cannabis for people over 21 years old and include a six-month period for officials to create rules and issue licenses should it be passed into law.

* State Rep. Bryant Says Fully Legalizing Marijuana Takes It Too Far: Bryant says she sees recreational marijuana as a gateway drug that leads to more severe drug use and bigger crimes down the road for some users.

* Illinois marijuana legalization push gets huge boost with Pritzker win: “To me that is not the way we should deal with problems, to rely upon weed to be the guiding light to fix all the problems we are experiencing in Springfield,” said State Rep. Jim Durkin, House Republican Leader.

* Mayor Rahm Emanuel cautions Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker about big Democratic majorities in Springfield

* Infrastructure Investment In The Works: Illinois Lawmakers Consider A Capital Bill

* Conditions right for banner duck season in Southern Illinois

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:20 am

Comments

Scaling up Colorado’s marijuana tax revenues in 2017 to match Illinois’ population gives about $600 million in annual revenue. No, it’s not going to fix our revenue problems, but it sure won’t hurt.

Comment by striketoo Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:33 am
re: Capital Bill. I hope legislators just take the hit voting for revenues and do a real capital bill instead of playing footsie and trying to have it both ways. If you’re going to take a bad vote, just take it.

My concern is that the Democrats will wrap the capital bill along with the state budget, and it won’t be a bi-partisan agreement.

Comment by Just Me Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:34 am
Bears have exceeded my pre-season over/under of six wins. They’re playing monster defense right now and not turning it over too much on offense.

But man, take a look at that Saints offense. They run the ball more and better than anyone in the league, leaving Drew Brees to carve you up with play-action passes. Virtually unstoppable all year.

To have a puncher’s chance against that team, you’re going to have to get lucky with turnovers — and they’ve only turned it over eight times in 10 games.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:34 am
What’s a banner duck? Is it like a Mallard?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:38 am
Rep Bryant says “gateway drug”. Right. I guess all her marijuana smoking bridge club members, rotary club members, chamber of commerce members, church members, etc. are all on their way to becoming coke and meth addicts.
What tripe.

Comment by don the legend Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:38 am
I’m glad the IASB voted down arming teachers with guns. What could possibly go wrong, with the prospect of even more shooting? We are awash in guns already. There was article out some years back that showed states with fewer gun regulations had more per capita gun deaths.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:40 am
Alcohol and tobacco are the biggest “gateway” drugs ever and we tax the (deleted) out of them.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:41 am
So, what’s the count of counties that are “Domestic Abuse Victims Sanctuaries?

Comment by BhartBanjo Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:46 am
“What’s a banner duck? Is it like a Mallard?” An overzealous blog moderator?

Comment by Skeptic Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:47 am
Don’t they mean … rabbit season?

Comment by Daffy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:48 am
A couple years ago the Cowboys go the game before Thanksgiving moved to Sunday night and caused a short week to get shorter. Jerry Jones cried and the NFL said they will never do it again. I guess they meant they would never do it again to the Cowboys as the Bears are the first game on Thanksgiving.

Comment by I Miss Bentohs Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 11:54 am
Mitch Trubisky is for real. I’m pleasantly surprised. This is a real balanced team and I’m actually optimistic for a change.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Does Bryce Harper go to the White Sox???

Comment by Gohawks123 Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:15 pm
==Downtown jobs keep soaring as mayoral race closes in: Downtown Chicago has added the jobs equivalent of almost three Amazon HQ2s in just eight years, even as growth in other neighborhoods and some suburbs turns negative.==
At least downtown is easy to get to, well served by rapid transit, etc.

Jobs attract people and they need places to live and shop. Has Related Midwest started on the South Loop railyard project? Has 601W progressed with the Old Post Office? How about the Cook County Hospital masterplan?

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:27 pm
Have we heard anything more about the Walsh vs Allen and Connelly vs Ellman races?

Comment by ItsMillerTime Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:29 pm
The following candidates filed for Mayor at 9AM today:

Willie Wilson
Paul Vallas
Toni Preckwinkle
Jerry Joyce
Catherine Brown D’Tycoon

Comment by Grand Avenue Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:36 pm
Thank goodness the Illini football season is almost over.

Any predictions for the basketball season?

Comment by illini Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:38 pm
I’m very glad at the prospect that Rep. Bryant’s Reefer Madness thinking may not matter next year.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:44 pm
Rep Bryant would do better to be more concerned about the illegal grows in the Shawnee Nat’l Forest post legalization then dragging out the old canard of the Gateway Theory.

If she wants to look out for those who need jobs post-coal then pushing for cannabis as a replacement economy for So. Illinois is about as good as it gets.

Comment by frisbee Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:46 pm
Labor board was supposed to meet last week, I believe, regarding the AGSCME contract but I haven’t heard a peep from anyone regarding it. Did it get rescheduled or just nothing new happened?

Comment by Fixer Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:47 pm
–Any predictions for the basketball season?–

14-15 wins? Hard to expect much more. Their nonconference schedule with Maui this week is brutal.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:50 pm
Illini Basketball: I’m ever the optimist, but I’d think NIT is probably the best bet at this point. They’re better than last season. Ayo Dosunmo is the real deal.

Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:54 pm
Sunday night –> Thursday does not offer much respite from the collision sport.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:56 pm
==Any predictions for the basketball season?==

Illinois will be better than last year, but it may not reflect in the win column.

The best team in the State will be, once again, the Loyola Ramblers.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:56 pm
There are a lot of Californians now homeless because of the fires. They might still own a smoldering plot of land, but it will be a long time before their neighborhood infrastructure is made whole, not to mention being able to rebuild their own homes. It would be nice if the state of Illinois could assist them till they get back on their feet, maybe find some livable vacant homes, if only to help them have a base to telephone their insurance companies and recieve an insurance check. They also might need help with basic needs like clothes. You know, karma is real.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:58 pm
“Downtown jobs keep soaring”

I noticed “early bird” parking hours are longer and the rates are cheaper than a few years ago. That must mean more of the downtown workers are living in the city. Or not driving.

Comment by Fav human Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:58 pm
===the Loyola Ramblers===

Don’t be surprised when Illinois State takes the MVC banner away from LUC. Just remember you heard it hear first.

I think it’s safe to say ISU will be the only 20 win men’s division one team in Illinois this year.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:59 pm
illini@ 12:38

The bigger question is how does Lovie still have a job after suffering the worst loss in Illinois history?

Comment by Jocko Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 12:59 pm
Yep. Illinois State.

The could go dancing this year. Sleep on the Birds at your own peril.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:00 pm
Here, not hear. D’oh.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:01 pm
==I think it’s safe to say ISU will be the only 20 win men’s division one team in Illinois this year.==

The ISU team that almost lost rob Chicago State at home last week? Many people would take your bet.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:01 pm
===how does Lovie still have a job===

It’ll cost $12 million to fire him now, or only $4 million if they wait until after next season. I’m no math major, but I’d think it’s safe to say Lovie will be the head coach next year.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:03 pm
@Jocko - I was not ready to go there, but a good question.

Comment by illini Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:04 pm
Same gateway drug nonsense..if any politician cared they see to it that opioids scripts be outlawed, that’s the gateway drug.

Comment by Truthteller Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:05 pm
–I’d think it’s safe to say Lovie will be the head coach next year.–

Agreed. Unless he decides he just doesn’t want to do it anymore and they negotiate something.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:06 pm
=Has 601W progressed with the Old Post Office? How about the Cook County Hospital masterplan? ‘

Don’t know about the South Loop project, but I went to the Old Post Office during Open House Chicago. The lobby restoration is done and is gorgeous. Work is going on the rest of the building.

Work started on the old Cook County Hospital earlier this year. I had occasion to drive past it multiple times this summer and fall, and there is progress, but it’s a huge job.

So I’d say

Comment by JoanP Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:12 pm
I have no idea why I didn’t finish my 1:12 pm post. Need more caffeine, I guess.

What I was going to say was, “So I’d say both projects are on track.”

Comment by JoanP Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:14 pm
==I think it’s safe to say ISU will be the only 20 win men’s division one team in Illinois this year.==

There’s a Final Four team from the North Side with three returning starters — including the MVC Player of the Year — that might disagree.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:17 pm
@Fixer The Labor Board didn’t even consider it.

https://bit.ly/2TsEBAl

Comment by Steve Polite Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:21 pm
Except for blatant anti-Valley bias, there is no reason why Illinois State and Loyola can’t make the dance with one as an at-large…

The Valley plays good basketball and can have a 2nd team be an at-large.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:24 pm
That’s why they play the games Word. We’ll find out in March if Loyola still has the magic.

===The Valley plays good basketball and can have a 2nd team be an at-large.===

ISU won 28 freaking games in 2016 and got snubbed. The Valley doesn’t get much respect.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:27 pm
==Except for blatant anti-Valley bias, there is no reason why Illinois State and Loyola can’t make the dance with one as an at-large…==

I can think of two reasons why Illinois State shouldn’t get an at-large bid: (1) SIU is better than ISU this year; and (2) ISU isn’t as good as people think they are (see near loss to Chicago State, and this afternoon’s Georgia-ISU game (Georgia currently winning…by a lot)).

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:29 pm
===ISU won 28 freaking games in 2016 and got snubbed. The Valley doesn’t get much respect.===

Yep. Hopefully Loyola helped with last year’s run and the last few years where Valley teams advanced.

It’s anti-Valley bias, not just mid-major bias.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:30 pm
===I can think of two reasons why Illinois State shouldn’t get an at-large bid:===

To rephrase…

While I do think ISU could get an at-large, even with a bad loss to Georgia, but a win is a win, Chicago State or not… the Valley is worthy of 2 teams, ISU, SIU, any second team with Loyola could be considered.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:33 pm
The only hope for stateworkers to get restitution is when Rauner leaves. If he could, Pritzker ought to quickly pay state workers their steps and longevity pay. Waiting longer just puts taxpayers more on the hook with interest payment. What a mess Rauner is leaving, a deliberate, nasty mess.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:34 pm
===even with a bad loss to Georgia===

We’re only down 21 at halftime. I expect a big second half. Go Redbirds!

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:39 pm
==ISU could get an at-large, even with a bad loss to Georgia, but a win is a win, Chicago State or not==

When you’re trying to make a case for an at-large resume, a win is not always a win. A near loss, at home, to one of the worst teams in college basketball hurts a resume. A blowout loss to an average-at-best major conference team shreds the resume. Mid majors only get a handful of chances out of conference to make their case. SIU gave a pretty good showing at Kentucky, Loyola will have their opportunity over the next week against Nevada and the Maryland soon after to try and make their case….ISU is choking one of their few opportunities away as we speak.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:44 pm
I am not sold on Trubinsky. He needs to hit some of these passes a bit better. Mack and the defense IS THE REAL deal. Excited again…

Comment by view from the cheap seats Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:47 pm
===ISU is choking one of their few opportunities away as we speak.===

Meh, it’s halftime. Get it close…

Also, Loyola may not win the Valley tourney and *they* get the at-large bid…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:48 pm
RNUG,

It was nice meeting you at Parkway on my trip down to St. Louis. I have to admit, true to your word, Parkway’s Horseshoe was absolutely delicious. On the way back, I stopped in at Charlie Parker’s and had theirs. Gotta say Charlie’s edged out Parkway for me based solely on their crispy hash browns. Love me some crispy hash browns. Anyway, chatting with you edged out both horseshoes. Thanks for the hospitality.

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:49 pm
===how does Lovie still have a job===

It ain’t exactly a hot job these days. Beckman and Cubit weren’t highly coveted stars on the rise.

Lovie is a Super Bowl coach. I think we’ll find out next year if that was worth anything for recruiting.

FWIW, the last Illini coach with a winning record at the school was John Mackovic. He left for Texas in 1991.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:51 pm
RNUG and others, when do you think JB will put state workers at the proper pay step and when do you think they’ll get their backpay?

Comment by Still frustrated Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:54 pm
@Fixer

AFSCME wrote that the, “ILRB failed once again to take action.” The Board didn’t consider AFSCME’s motion asking for a court order to force compliance with the placement of step increases.

https://www.afscme31.org/news/rauners-labor-board-evades-responsibility-on-state-employee-step-increases

Comment by #5 Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 1:56 pm
Anyone heard what’s going on with Frank Mautino’s pending litigation?

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Hot take: Strangers in the Night is still the best song out there. Rich “Richie Stichie” Miller must have a good music list

Comment by Frank Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Thanks folks.

Comment by Fixer Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:14 pm
Just think about all of the people spending money on things once the back pay is done. People purchasing things they’ve been putting off for the last four years. Cars, houses, paying off debts, etc.

Comment by Go Hard Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:17 pm
===Scaling up Colorado’s marijuana tax revenues in 2017 to match Illinois’ population gives about $600 million in annual revenue.===

A number of studies have come out recently about the effect of marijuana on auto insurance clams. In Colorado the increase in clams is reported to be 14 percent. I would guess that Illinois auto insurance companies like Allstate and State Farm have taken note. I would also guess that insurance rates will take the increase in clams into account when setting rates for auto insurance rates.

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2017/06/23/455548.htm

Comment by Illinois Native Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:27 pm
===bridge club===

Bridge is a gateway drug to Black Jack.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:28 pm
8 weeks until Inauguration Day. Hoping JB lifts the lag freeze right away. We know Rauner won’t pay a dime.

Comment by Still frustrated Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:29 pm
===Bridge is a gateway drug to Black Jack.===

Lol. Watch out for Euchre too. Once you go alone and take ‘em all, you’re hooked for life.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:31 pm
Euchre.

You can lose hours, money, it’s a game that is too addicting.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:33 pm
Anybody else watching the DuPage County Forest Preserve president race? People are at the headquarters in Wheaton pouring over absentee and vote by mail ballots and there’s currently 35 votes separating the Democrat and Republican out of 354,000 cast…

Comment by Lunchbox Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 2:35 pm
I do not concur with 47th ward that we tax liquor too much. We subsidize the liquor monopolies with income tax dollars the way we subsidize Casino monopolies with property tax dollars. If we had the same tax as Washington State on liquor we would have $500 million a year. The Centers for Disease Control has reported illinois has an alcoholism and birth defects epidemics due to alcohol and a $4 billion alcohol subsidy.

Comment by Al Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:00 pm
===I do not concur with 47th ward that we tax liquor too much.===

But that’s not what I said, is it? I’ll speak for me, you speak for you. How’s that?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:05 pm
While Bryant & Durkie “down on dope” is riverting,we are surprised more did not watch the Conference of the Clueless at the City Club today. Pat Brady, Proft and Katrina all basking in their wise ideas for the future of the GOP. Does anyone really even want a future for the GOPies. Apparently CommandoIves was gagging in the front row over Brady’s ‘room for everyone’ theory. Tom Cross was moderator. Not much there

Comment by Annonin' Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:24 pm
Typical ISU fan, delusional. Loyola, SIU and Bradley all had 20 wins last year, all three plus ISU have major contributors from last year’s teams returning. Those four plus Missouri State will battle for top with Loyola repeating. Nice to see the Illinois schools as powers in the MVC for the second year in a row.

Comment by Stooges Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:32 pm
With marijuana and driving, is more found now because they’re looking for it? People have been smoking illegal pot and driving for decades.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:43 pm
Can we please have open season year-round on Canada Goose?

Comment by Shemp Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:47 pm
Buck Euchre with Dirty Jacks and mandatory play when you drop below 5 points will put you in rehab…

Comment by Jaded Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 3:49 pm
“===Bridge is a gateway drug to Black Jack.===” Except that the average Bridge player is in his/her 80’s.

Comment by Skeptic Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 4:31 pm
The IASB gun resolution will be back next year. Close vote, with under 50% of districts that are IASB members voting.

More than 30 states now allow it, including every surrounding state except Wisconsin. Of the remaining states, only about six don’t have pending legislation, including Illinois.

Comment by Right Field Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 5:08 pm
- PublicServant -

I enjoyed meeting and talking also. Next time you will have to try a dinner horseshoe at Darcy’s or Dublin or Bernie & Betty’s. Or a filet at the Old Lux.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 6:23 pm
Anonymous at 6:23pm was obviously I.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Nov 19, 18 @ 6:34 pm
Durkin’s guiding light has been gas-lighting

Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Nov 20, 18 @ 7:28 am
Thanks Joan P.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Tuesday, Nov 20, 18 @ 8:49 am
casino south sudan aid worker killed clams casino belgium 32red online casino uk casino milton keynes nhs vacancies john lewis vegas slots online bally quick hit

Comment by DavKnoDa Tuesday, Dec 4, 18 @ 12:32 am