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Illinois

* Vrdolyak faces arraignment today

* Illinois House wants limits on utility bill collection practice

* New Ameren rate hike not approved; more here

* Senators want to end gas sales tax

* McQueary: Who knew sign hangers had clout

* Teens largely absent from state politics

* Legislator aims to patch gun safety loophole

* Senate bill could mean lights out for incandescent bulbs

* Bedell: Bill allows gambling on video games

* Editorial: Gun law quirk needs to be addressed

* Treasurer gives federal prosecutors documents on Collinsville hotel

The state says it has uncovered evidence of tax and mail fraud at the Holiday Inn in an accounting of the hotel’s books ordered by Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Early this year, the state moved to foreclose on the property. The debt now stands at more than $30 million.

* IDOT stalls on illegal airfield

* Tribune Editorial: Get ready to vote in the cold

* Michael Sneed: Rezko & horse slaughter

* Illinois state fire marshal arrested for DUI

* Lynn Sweet: Rezko question dogs Obama

* Kane healthcare project gets OK, but without cash

* Cook Co. approves $11.5 million in legal settlements

* Options narrowed for rail to Rockford

* Suburban officials cleared in 2005 election night beating

* English language law back on hold in Carpentersville

* Some say ‘English-only’ is a safety issue

posted by Paul Richardson
Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 7:56 am

Comments

After reading (according to the AP) Illinois is the “most average state” among the 50 states, I felt a sudden rush of fear. Does this also mean that the corruption and cronyism that is found in Illinois and Cook County politics can be considered to be “the norm” in the remaining 49 states? And if that is the case, how will Patrick Fitzgerald manage to cover the remaining 49 states all at the same time? He has already been guaranteed lifetime employment just trying to clean up Illinois and Cook County government. Maybe Mr. Fitzgerald can get a few tips from Santa on how to cover the whole country at the same time.

Comment by Beowulf Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 8:22 am
So that’s what those two goons were doing parked outside the meeting area at Walker Bros. Pancake House Walker Bros. in Wilmette. If you’d get to close they’d slap you around with pancakes.
Wonder if Blago is a pancake fan?

Comment by Democrat's Love Fest Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 8:25 am
The light bulb issue is fine if they are only talking about state-owned buildings. If they want to talk about privately owned or quasi-government buildings (building of any organization that receives state funding) then I oppose it.

Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 8:26 am
Wonder if Walker Bros. Pancake House have any autographed photos of all meeting participants hanging on their walls?

Comment by Pancake Shakedown! Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 8:38 am
Did we miss the very insightful editorial in the SJR?

Compromise, governor

Legislators, lobbyists, legislative leaders, the governor and da mayor were all in Springfield Wednesday thanks in part to the “Taste of Chicago in Springfield.”

Unfortunately, the tent filled with Chicago delicacies may be the only place Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan are likely to meet any time soon.

Of course, others will be involved in shaping the state’s next budget, but no doubt Blagojevich and Madigan are the key players for several reasons. The governor has a much stronger ally in Senate President Emil Jones, even though Jones’ passion for Blagojevich’s $7.6 billion tax plan seems to have cooled a bit in recent times.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross and GOP Senate Leader Frank Watson may or may not be at the table for budget talks. They weren’t much involved the last couple of times - but with a tax hike on the table, some of their members’ votes will almost certainly be needed this year.

Still, the power players in this one are Blagojevich and Madigan - and they are not talking.

Madigan’s spokesman, Steve Brown, says that does not mean the speaker isn’t moving forward. Madigan had an extensive meeting with the Democratic caucus on Tuesday to discuss budget matters. He has also had several meetings with Jones as well as with the Republican leaders.

The governor says it’s not his fault there are no ongoing negotiations. Blagojevich has tried to open the lines of communication to no avail. But the speaker has good reasons why Blagojevich’s phone calls are not being returned.

“The general attitude at this point is that as long as this guy (Blagojevich) is still calling for special sessions and vetoing bills that it is probably not a productive use of time to worry about meeting with him at this juncture. We’ll try to fashion a spending plan with whatever revenue people are willing to support and go forward,” said Brown.

Madigan has made it clear that in order for the state to meet its obligations for the next year, a tax increase will be needed. That assessment does not take into account the major cash infusions being proposed by Blagojevich for health care and education spending.

The Democratic majority seems amenable to a tax increase. But Blagojevich has basically said if it is not his gross-receipts tax increase, he’ll veto it - at least if it involves the sales or income tax. Take away those taxes, and there are not many other real options.

It’s a standoff - and we have to agree with Madigan on this one, it is a standoff largely created by Blagojevich’s penchant for governing by press release and puffery. Brown characterized the governor’s public pronouncements as “delusional accusations.”

Blagojevich’s abhorrence for spending time in Springfield - listed in 100 percent of atlases as Illinois’ state capital - is also taking a toll. “You have a guy who devotes about a half a day a week to the legislative process, so it’s difficult to work your whole week around which half day this fella is going to decide to spend with the legislature,” said Brown.

As Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said Wednesday, it is time for everyone to tuck away their egos and remember they work for the people of Illinois. But it is also time for Blagojevich to signal he is actually open to compromise on a budget plan. Until then we can’t blame Madigan for not being that interested in a meeting.

“We take the governor at his word. He wants want he wants, no changes, and anything different he’ll veto and then call special sessions until what we do is repealed. Given that, a meeting doesn’t seem like a productive use of time,” said Brown.

Comment by Reddbyrd Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 8:51 am
Wonder if the Pancake House was an all guys club? If not, wonder which females were allowed access to the wheelings and dealings.
Maybe Patti could answer that.

Comment by St. Afonso's Pancake Breakfast Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 9:00 am
Rich,

how could you miss this for the morning shorts?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5310933

Comment by Joe Moore, Crimefighter Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 11:43 am
Take a look at the person’s name who posted this and you’ll see your question is misdirected. But thanks for the link.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 11:45 am
YUMMY APPLE PANCAKES
An Original Pancake House tradition! Filled with fresh apples and complimented with a Sinkiang cinnamon and sugar glaze. Topped with French vanilla ice cream for an additional charge.

Comment by Tony Pancakes Thursday, May 17, 07 @ 1:19 pm