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* State shortchanged hurt workers for 30 years

The state unit that handles compensation claims for injured workers has concluded that Illinois short-changed at least some beneficiaries and their heirs, and that it did so for as long as a stunning 30 years.

Neither the Workers’ Compensation Commission nor anyone else in state government is yet saying how much the snafu might cost Illinois employers, who will have to make up any shortfall. But the money apparently is owed, and industry sources say the final tab could top $100 million.

* ISU execs disappointed by budget cuts

* Giannoulias Calls Out Governor on Abandoned Pension Plan

The cost of this corruption can be measured in the millions of dollars in unnecessary costs that the state pension systems have paid over the past five years so that corrupt political insiders could protect their criminal behavior.

* Consolidation concerns

* Birkett testing the waters for a 2010 state run

But for what office?

“I’m not ruling anything out at this point. I came very close to winning that race in 2002. Lisa Madigan was a strong opponent, backed by her father’s organization,” Birkett said, referring to Illinois Democratic Party Chairman Mike Madigan, who also is the House speaker.

Here’s my interpretation: If Lisa runs for governor, Joe would go for attorney general. If she seeks re-election or runs for a different office, Birkett would run for governor.

* Joe Birkett explores another run for statewide office

* Alvarez sworn in as state’s attorney

* New process installed will move to cut deal with CN”>for evaluating judges

The Judicial Performance Evaluation Program that had been voluntary for more than 900 judges who preside over Illinois courts became mandatory Monday with the Illinois Supreme Court’s announcement of new initiatives to improve judicial performance.

The new measures mandate that all judges undergo an intense evaluation consisting of a review of their opinions and performance by attorneys and court personnel at least once during their terms.

* 16th Circuit’s 1st black chief judge sworn in

* $150 million casino and hotel opens in Rock Island

* Calumet City Not Giving Up Casino Hopes

* Illinois bets on recycling programs

The Illinois Recycling Grant Program is doling out $760,000 throughout the Chicago area during what is traditionally the most wasteful time of the year—the holiday gift-giving season.

The money will allow some communities to expand curbside recycling programs and other cities and private businesses to hire additional workers and address electronic waste.

Programs receiving grants include:

* City reaches deal to lease parking meters

* Daley Plaza Tree To Light Up Downtown Chicago

* Most Chicago Police Squad Cars May Soon Be SUVs

* Political columnist is one of three vying to lead Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

David Yepsen, a political columnist for the Des Moines Register, said the institute could be used as a means to explore national issues, like combating racial prejudice, studying women in politics, government spending and debt, health care in rural America and campaign finance reform.

* Frankfort will move to cut deal with CN

* Suburbs face a storm of service cuts

“What you’ll see is … local government is usually one of the first industries to feel the pinch,” said Dave Bennett of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “And then it’s always among the last to feel the recovery as well.”

* Buffalo Grove stays the course on budget

* Amnesty offered for red-light, parking tickets

People with Chicago parking or red-light tickets who take advantage of an amnesty that began today could save money and avoid the possibility of getting “booted” next month.

Half of the penalty for late payments on the 3.5 million outstanding tickets issued before 2007 will be waived for those who pay under the amnesty that ends Feb. 14, city Revenue Department Director Bea Reyna-Hickey said today.

posted by Kevin Fanning
Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:06 am

Comments

What is up with the feds swooping into Harvey today?

Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:16 am
A bit of surprise to see Yepsen throwing his hat in the ring for the Simon Institute. He’s been the King of the Caucuses in Iowa since the 80s.

He digs the limelight and attention from national political heavies that came from being the political columnist for Iowa’s biggest paper. When he tells you that he would have a national rather than an Illinois focus, believe him.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:18 am
Joe Birkett, I like you. Please give it up. Or at least pick an office and stick with it. Actually have a goal that does not appear to be “to hold a statewide office”.

Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:26 am
The pension systems need to be separate butwork closely together. Combining them puts vast power in the hands of a few, and we’ve seen how well that works in Illinois state government.

Comment by Fan of the Game Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:29 am
Exactly how much unnecessary cost has corruption denied the systems in the past 5 years, Mr Treasurer? Easy press pop, short on facts, and I suspect the number is very little, if any. But I would be glad to hear the Treasurer talk about it more, to see just what his grasp of the facts is.

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:31 am
>ISU execs disappointed by budget cuts

Is taking back a $2.1 million dollar budget increase really a ‘cut’?

This seems like just another excuse for university employees to whine to the media.

Comment by Leroy Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:38 am
Thanks for another chance to vote against Birkett.

Comment by Bluefish Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 9:46 am
Please … Joe Birkett … listen carefully … it’s over … be happy being county-wide. As a republican tired of putting the same ole “middle age guy from DuPage” on the ballot, do the party a favor… walk away.

By the way, taking a shot at Lisa and MJM is not going to give you a pass from the wrath of MJM if you do not run against Lisa. MJM likes to make a point, and taking you down, yet again, would probably make his day better if Lisa wins and you lose in the same election.

Do the party another favor, just admit Cruz didn’t do it. If you do … I can’t believe it… run, yet again, state-wide, please spare us the Cruz ads you will face for AG. Admit you were wrong to spare us the ads.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 10:31 am
Come on…lets egg BrickHeadJoe on a little. Go Brick Go. Maybe he should run for U.S. Senate in 2010. But could avoid losing to Brady Rutherford.
Then StateWideTom would only need to beat Schock to get to the General Election.

Comment by EmptySuitParade Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 10:48 am
If Birkett wants to test the waters for a run, there ought to be a Sanitary District where he can get a job.

Comment by Truthful James Tuesday, Dec 2, 08 @ 2:35 pm