Illinois Review

Cullerton says he didn't, but he did

from the IL GOP

CHICAGO – Earlier this week, State Senate President John Cullerton claimed in an op-ed in the State Journal-Register that, “I never had nor did I ever say I had a proposal to impose an income tax on retirement income. There is no John Cullerton retirement income tax.” However, the facts clearly dispute this:

Chicago Tribune, 3/7/11: “Influential Senate President John Cullerton on Monday suggested the state should start taxing retirement income….'It would just be a matter of fairness,' Cullerton said.”

Chicago Sun-Times, 3/8/11: “If they want to talk about, perhaps, taxing some of that retirement income — maybe tax retirement income up to age 65 — if we want to expand the tax base and sales taxes [as Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has proposed] — we can do that, then lower overall rates. I’m all in favor of that. That would be tax reform,” said Cullerton.

Buffalo Grove makes employee compensation records available on web

Buffalo Grove made information concerning the village's employee compensation and benefit data available to the public, the Palatine Tea Party reports today:  

The Village of Buffalo Grove provides 2010 line-by-line employee compensation and benefit data based on a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made by a resident. To view Buffalo Grove's line-by-line compensation data, click here.

The Village of Buffalo Grove was easy to work with and did not give any issues providing this line-by-line compensation data.

If you have questions or concerns you may e-mail the entire Village Board, click here.

Harvey mayoral candidate Chuck Givines with Illinois Review

Frustrated as Harvey's 1st Ward Alderman because he "couldn't get things done," Chuck Givines told Illinois Review last week that he's running for mayor of Harvey because he's concerned about the struggling south suburb and its mounting debt.  Founded in the late 1800s by a industrialist that was a close friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody, Harvey was once a model of a Christian community that's now come upon on hard times.

Located in a prime transportation hub bordered by Interstates 294, 80, 90, 94 and 57, just west of the Indiana border, Harvey is a 79 percent black community that lost 15 percent of its residents in the last decade.  The village's administration and police department has been questioned by federal law enforcement, one local newspaper has been unable to get factual information about the city's budget, and the town's financial situation is crumbling.

Mayor Eric Kellogg is vying for his second re-election against four other candidates, one of which is Givines. 

Illinois Review had a chance to sit down with Givines, who began the conversation very concerned about Harvey's financial situation:

IR:  ...Sorry to say Harvey's reputation isn't a good one ...

CG: Givines22

Planned Parenthood does not provide mammograms

Despite what Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards claimed in her television appearance, mammograms are not part of Planned Parenthood services offered at all the 27 locations contacted via phone by Life Action.

Costin: “Are we running for Student Council, Mayor Larson?”

SCHAUMBURG, IL - Brian Costin, sole challenger for Schaumburg mayor in the April 5 Consolidated Election, released the following statements today in response to campaign attacks by incumbent Mayor Al Larson. Larson made the charges in his “Common Sense” newsletter mailed to constituents this week.

In response to accusations that Costin is misrepresenting his family to voters via photos posted deep in his personal Facebook profile, Costin said:

“Mayor Larson has seriously discredited himself with his juvenile and baseless attacks on my character.

“For the mayor to take a picture of my wife and I celebrating our nephew’s first birthday - posted in a private Facebook photo album - and to turn it into a nefarious political attack on my personal integrity is actually shocking.

Indiana House Passes Nation's Largest Voucher Bill

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana House of Representatives today passed legislation that would become the nation's broadest voucher program, allowing low- and middle-income families to use taxpayer funds to send their children to the private school of their choice.

Earlier in the day, a crowd estimated at 1,000 parents, children, teachers, and supporters of reform gathered outside the State House in support of expanding educational options.

"The goal is to make sure as many kids as possible get choice," said Robert Enlow, President and CEO of the Foundation for Educational Choice.

Cross and Madigan co-sponsor budget proposal

from House Minority Leader Tom Cross

Years of advocating for fiscally conservative and responsible budgeting by members of the House Republican caucus finally seems to be resonating with leading Democrats in the House. Wednesday, House Republican Leader Tom Cross testified alongside House Speaker Michael Madigan before the House Elementary and Secondary Appropriations and the General Services Appropriations Committees on legislation they are co-sponsoring that reinforces the concept that the state cannot spend more money than it takes in.

Breaking: Illinois Schools stockpile large amounts of money in fund balances

Local schools are stockpiling more and more taxpayer money, with dozens of districts sitting on enough cash to pay a full year of expenses, statewide financial data show.

The statewide total of $8.9 billion unspent at the close of the 2010 budget year is enough to cover the entire state portion of public school budgets across Illinois next academic year, though districts stress that the money isn't just sitting around for no reason — some of it is meant for future school expenses, building projects and other uses.

They say that while these balances can help stave off staff or program cuts, they cannot eliminate the need for them. Many districts that lay off teachers or cut programs have already spent down their reserves, and school officials say it's irresponsible to use fund balances, which the state likens to checking or savings account balances, for ongoing expenses.

The balances have grown by $3.6 billion since 2004-05 and now average about 40 percent of districts' main operating revenue, up from 30 percent five years ago. The Illinois State Board of Education's barometer for healthy fund balances is at least 25 percent — enough to cover three months of expenses.

The Tribune found that 8 of 10 school districts had fund balances exceeding that amount when the books closed on June 30, 2010. Nearly half of districts reported fund balances of 50 percent or higher, and 70 school districts — many in the Chicago area — had balances equaling 100 percent or more, enough to cover a whole year of expenses.

via www.chicagotribune.com

House passes Illinois 'Iron Curtain' bill

Construction companies that want to work for Illinois government would have to promise not to move out of state under a proposal moving through the Legislature.

Bidders on state construction contracts would have to sign affidavits affirming the company will keep its primary employment base in Illinois.

The bill passed without opposition Tuesday in the House. It now goes to the Senate.

The legislation comes as other states try to lure away Illinois companies in the wake of the state income tax increase.

Caterpillar Inc. recently told the governor that several other states are trying to persuade the company to leave its Peoria headquarters.

via www.sj-r.com

Rep. Connelly: Excess Revenue Should Go To Pay Bills

The Illinois House of Representatives today passed House Resolution 158 to expand on previous work to make sure this year’s revenue is spent in the best interests of taxpayers by adopting a responsible plan to spend excess state revenue above estimates agreed to by both parties earlier this month to pay down the backlog of state bills.

House Resolution 158 suggests a new standard be put into place when dealing with the state budget. The House has previously agreed on a bipartisan budget estimate for next year and today’s resolution suggests that all revenue brought in above and beyond that estimate in 2012 be sent directly to pay the backlog of bills.

“We didn’t get into this debt overnight and we do not expect there will be enough revenue this year to pay down the state’s obligations, but if extra money is brought in, HR 158 suggests it should be used to pay bills,” said State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville).

House Resolution 110 passed the House March 8th; it states that revenues for the next fiscal year be estimated at $33.2 billion, $700 million less than Governor Quinn estimated in his February budget address.

“The governor shouldn’t even be considering spending money on new programs and expansions until every dime we owe to taxpayers and vendors is paid in full,” said Rep. Connelly.

Barack Obama's "Mission Accomplished" Speech

by Teri O'Brien

Just about 36 hours after his Secretary of Defense, Bob “No Vital Interest” Gates and acting President Hillary “Don’t Make Me Slap You” Clinton did a confusing and cringe-inducing “Who’s on first?” routine on two of the Sunday public affair network shows, Barack Obama finally emerged from exile to explain America’s “kinetic military action” in Libya.

His speech was predictable. The pompous, prevaricating pantload currently occupying the Oval Office lied about “consulting Congress” and offered no answers to the obvious question on Americans’ minds, most important why the “images of slaughter and mass graves” that he imagines might have come from Libya are more horrifying than the actual images of those things from Iran, Somalia, Syria or Ivory Coast. Instead, appearing petulant and resentful that he had to explain anything at all, he took gratuitous, childish slaps at his predecessors George W. Bush and even Bill Clinton.

Video - Who's more responsible: Charlie Sheen or Washington?

Walsh: DC Opportunity Scholarships scare teachers

by Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-8)

I’ve spent most of my life working to advance school choice — to give all parents the power to decide where their children go to school. Most Americans support this idea, but in reality only those parents with the financial means can decide where to send their kids to school, leaving many underprivileged families forced to send their kids to consistently failing public schools. Many of these struggling families live in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., is home to some of the most troubled public schools in the country.

Today the House of Representatives will vote on a bill to reauthorize the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program — a program that provides low-income students with “expanded opportunities to attend higher performing schools in the District of Columbia.” Under pressure from special interest groups and the teachers unions, OSP was defunded in 2009 by the Obama administration and a Democrat-controlled Congress, despite the overwhelming evidence of its academic success.

Gadhafi son on Obama State Department internship until crisis

Washington (CNN) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's youngest son, who runs the country's elite special forces for his father's regime, was on an internship program in the United States when public unrest exploded in Libya last month.

Khamis Gadhafi abruptly cut off his visit and returned to Libya, where he has led the 32nd Reinforced Brigade, known at the Khamis Brigade, in its brutal suppression of rebel forces.

ABC News was the first to report Khamis Gadhafi's recent stay in the United States.

The month-long internship was sponsored by AECOM, a global engineering and design company based in Los Angeles, and with the assistance of the State Department.

The younger Gadhafi traveled from coast to coast meeting with high-tech companies, universities and defense contractors. His itinerary included stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Colorado, Chicago, Houston, Washington and New York City.

via www.cnn.com

Casino smoking ban exemption passes IL House

If you're an habitual smoker in public smoke-free Illinois, can't give up that habit, and want a place to hang out during those cold, winter months, the Illinois House passed legislation Tuesday that makes Illinois casinos one step closer to being a place just for you.

After Illinois casinos have complained about major dropoffs since the smoke-free law went into effect, the legislature is considering loosening up those smoking restrictions. Yesterday, the Illinois House took the first step in snuffing out Illinois smoke-free casinos.  HB 1965 -- sponsored by Rep. Daniel J. Burke - Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr. - Lou Lang, Daniel V. Beiser and William Davis -- passed the House in a 62 to 52 vote, with Democrats and Republicans taking both sides of the issue.

The legislation now heads for the Senate, where Senator Martin Sandoval will shepherd the bill.

Video: Roskam says "The Mask is Off Senate Democrats"

Let's Go Green!!

by Ghost of John Brown

Instead of allowing oil companies and coal plants to thrive, maybe we should invest more in "green technology".

from www.Dilbert.com

Speaker Madigan on budget talks: No more lump sum spending for Quinn

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and Minority Leader Tom Cross spoke with Capitol reporters on budget negotiations, and Speaker Madigan announced a new, bi-partisan cooperation in this year's talks.  Only difference is that Governor Pat Quinn won't be allowed "lump sum spending," Madigan said.  This year House members will have much more input into spending, instead of giving all that power to Quinn.  No surprise about Madigan's plan to take back the budget helm. This isn't an election year. 

At the end of this interview, when asked how Illinoisans can expect the Democrat/Republican cooperation to flourish, Speaker Madigan retorts, "We all rely upon faith of some sorts, don't we?"

via Illinois Statehouse News

Boehner promotes DC scholarships with ad

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) is pushing for D.C. Opportunity Scholarships to be reinstituted in the nation's capitol with a new ad, just released today:

Shut It Down

by Ghost of John Brown

Democrats in Washington, DC are salivating over the prospect of being able to blame Republicans for a government shutdown. Bob Dole once said that the most dangerous place in Washington, D.C. was to stand between Chuck Schumer and a camera. However, Sen. Schumer may not rush to a telephone any time soon as he was unknowingly taped prepping fellow Senators about how best to blame Republicans. Howard "arrrraaaaaahhhhh" Dean recently said that if he were the head of the DNC he would be rooting for a government shutdown because "I know who is going to get blamed". Even Howard Dean is admitting that the Main Stream Media is just a bunch of lap-dogs for the Democrats.

In the immortal words of Clint Eastwood - "Go ahead, make my day".

Oak Lawn teachers agree to smaller pay hikes

Oak Lawn District 229 teachers are sacrificing for the good of area taxpayers. They've agreed to reduce their expected pay raises by 3 percent, now to be between 4 to 6 percent hikes. WGN reports:

District Superintendent Michael Riordan had faced laying off more than 30 teachers if the union balked at the board's proposal.

Raises for teachers will drop from 7 percent and 9 percent over the next two years to 4 percent and 6 percent. The average teacher in District 229 earns around $70,000 a year.

"We found a way to adjust that contract in a way that would allow us to continue our programs for students," Riordan told WGN News. "Now we do not have to lay off teachers and other staff members and can balance our budget for the next five years and beyond."

Are these sacrifices taxpayers should appreciate, favorable self-imposed belt-tightening, or simply...'Be thankful you have a job, and a $70k a year job at that'!

Wisconsin AFSCME 24 demands union support signs and threatens boycotts

You're a businessman that just wants to keep your head above water, focus on your customers and maintain the employees you have.  You've decided the best thing is to stay out of the union battle going on at the State Capitol.  The massive protests have died down, and although legislative action's still heated, you think the worst is over.  It isn't.

This week, businesses around Wisconsin began getting letters urging them to place signs in their windows saying they support union workers.  Wisconsin radio talk show host Jay Weber obtained a copy of a letter sent to Oak Grove, Wisconsin area businessmen who refused to cooperate:

The letter goes on to explain that AFSCME employees haven't gotten a "good" raise since 1999, that they have offered to open negotiations, that they're doing their best to deal with those evil Republicans, but more importantly, that it would be in the best interest of the businessman to display union support signs, that neutrality isn't an option:

Anti-abortion billboards stir debate

Rev. Isaac Hayes, former GOP congressional candidate and working with the group "Life Always", debated a Chicago Abortion Fund representative on Fox News Chicago Tuesday night, after over 30 anti-abortion billboards were unveiled in Chicago's black communities.  The billboards feature Barack Obama and emphasize the disproportionate number of abortions among black women.

Controversial Anti-Abortion Billboard Featuring Obama Goes Up on South Side: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

No Time Like The Present to Sunset Illinois’s Film Tax Credit

by Richard Lorenc

Illinois is in rough shape, but it’s not difficult to see how it happened. The pursuit of well-meaning but misguided policies over many years have lead us into a situation where the politicians see no other choice but to borrow huge sums of money to pay the government’s overdue bills. As if that weren’t bad enough, legislators recently increased the state personal income tax by 67 percent and the corporate income tax by 46 percent.

Every policy move our government makes has both short and long-term effects, and the effect of these policies will drive families and businesses (like Caterpillar) out of Illinois.

For legislators who may recognize the error of their ways, there’s an opportunity this week to make a small step toward fiscal sanity: they should eliminate the state’s film tax credit.

Quinn says budget-cutting governors have it wrong

Bloomberg's interview with Governor Pat Quinn leaves Illinoisans with little hope he'll embrace the Republicans' $6.7 billion in spending cuts offered for this year's budget.  Instead, if Bloomberg has it right, Quinn remains proned to actually spending more, and ridicules those governors focused on cutting spending:

For governors cutting education and health care and going after public-sector employees to balance budgets, here’s a message from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn: You’re wrong. Not mistaken, not misinformed.

“Just plain wrong,” said Quinn, 62, during a March 22 interview in his Chicago office. “I don’t buy into all these radical cuts in government as a way to make life better for ordinary, everyday people.”

Quinn's solution?

Blagojevich to keynote high school government group's 2011 spring conference

If you wanted to set up a role model for high school kids showing an interest in going into politics, wouldn't the first person you'd think of be a convicted felon?

Indeed. Convicted felon and impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be the keynote speaker this weekend at Junior State of America's Midwest Conference in Oak Brook.  He'll answer questions and compete in a game of Jeopardy!  with high school students as a fundraiser for the Japanese Tsunami Relief Project.

The mission of the Junior State of America and the Junior Statesmen Foundation (JSA) is to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society.

Audio: Congressman Schock on Libya and Caterpillar

Congressman Aaron Schock spoke on WLS this morning about the conflict in Libya and the President's speech from last night. He also spoke about the possible departure of Caterpillar Inc., and the jobs that will be lost if they move out of Illinois. Caterpillar is located in the Congressman's district. Click below to listen:

DRwithAaronSchock329

Video: Roskam says Senate Democrats must act to cut spending

Part 2 of Senator Radogno's exclusive interview with Illinois Review

Part 2 of Illinois Review's interview with Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont)

IR: You've mentioned that half of the 15,000 cell phones the state owns are an example of "low-hanging fruit" that could be cut from the budget. There are other, smaller budget items that you've proposed eliminating include the Illinois Arts Commission, headed by Speaker Madigan's wife. Another is the City College Board, as well as the Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission. Could you explain your thoughts on these specific cuts?  

CR: CRbudget5

IR: Other states have been forced to address the public sector employees' union contracts as part of balancing their budgets.  Will Illinois be forced to do the same? 

Durbin Senate hearing: protecting civil liberties or Islamic fundamentalism?

from the IL GOP

Senator Dick Durbin hasn’t even started his public hearing on Muslim civil rights today and already it is making headlines.  Unfortunately the real story isn’t being reported by the mainstream press.

Durbin, who is invoking the Founding Fathers, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in what he billing as a hearing to highlight intolerance and bigotry of Islamic Americans, has a glaring credibility gap on the subject.

U.S. Congressman Peter King held a hearing on the dangers of Islamic radicalization three weeks ago and was roundly criticized by the mainstream media - which went out of their way to put King’s hearing and all of its claims under a microscope and discredit it as a “targeting” Muslim Americans.

Durbin’s hearing, conspicuously held three weeks after King’s hearing, reeks of a political agenda and, coupled with Durbin’s history of poor judgment on Islamic issues and the shady cast of characters appearing at the hearing, yet he is getting a free pass by the media.

Is Enriquez Right about the Republican Party's Direction?

by Sam Pierce

Saturday evening I attended the Richland County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. The county party did a nice job organizing the event and there was what appeared to my untrained eye to be a great turnout. The founder of For the Good of Illinois, and my first choice for governor, Adam Andrzejewski spoke before dinner. After dinner, Congressman John Shimkus spoke for a few minutes, followed by our state central committee member, Bob Winchester. Winchester was followed by former Secretary of State candidate Robert Enriquez, who inspired this piece, but more on that in a moment.

2010 Attorney General nominee Steve Kim spoke, followed by State Senator John O. Jones, State Rep. David Reis, Richland County States Attorney David Hyde, and Sherrif Andy Hires. The final two speakers, Bill Sandiford and Gary Carter, spoke as to why they are running for IECC (Illinois Eastern Community College) Board of Trustees (I would recommend voting for these two gentlemen if you are in the IECC district.)

I knew enough about Robert Enriquez and had read enough of his Facebook commentary to know I was likely not going to agree with his assertions. It did not take more than a few sentences before I was shaking my head and thinking "here we go with the identity politics and social liberalism garbage." In the middle of his speech, a friend who was also in attendance but at a different table, texted me: "What's with this RINO BS?" It would appear that "RINO BS" is Enriquez' vision for the Illinois Republican Party.

Returned to Sender, Unopened and Unread

by John F. Di Leo

In November, 2010, the American people had their first opportunity, as a nation, to speak with a single voice and send a message to Barack Hussein Obama and his whole leviathan-feeding, bounds-breaking party.

The TEA party activists, Republicans, conservatives, and others joined this Great Awakening on the last national Election Day, sending a message that the days of excess must end.  Henceforth, the Constitution must be obeyed – strictly – by all those who take an oath to do so, or they will be fired.

And in March, 2011, BHO declared in no uncertain terms that he received the message, and returned it, unopened and unread, by unilaterally involving the United States in a brand new foreign war without either Congressional authority or a legitimate grounding in our national security.  He couldn’t care less about the national will, our Founding Fathers’ legacy, or his oath of office.  He has power, and he is committed to using it, constantly and brazenly, for as long as he holds the Oval Office.

Time to Close Fermilab

by Ghost of John Brown

I know, I know, another article that could get me in trouble.  I've said before that our budget problems are national, and we need to be willing to make cuts even in our own backyard.  We need a thorough look at each and every program that the Federal Government (plus State and Local, but we'll focus on Federal today) undertakes and every program needs to be judged on its effectiveness.  If it isn't keeping us safe, it if isn't growing our economy, or if it isn't necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, it's time to get the axe.  Which leads me to Fermilab.

No time to sunset Illinois' film tax credit

by Collin Corbett

An amendment has been made to SB 4, turning what seems to be a good idea into a wasted opportunity. As I believe this vote is up for a vote on Tuesday, I’m hoping something can be done to mitigate this error.

I don’t often find myself siding with the Teamsters or Hollywood, but this issue is a no-brainer. Having spent years in the production industry prior to politics, and currently working with several friends in the industry to produce ads for our clients, this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart.

SB 4 makes a number of changes to the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit Act for the benefit of great Illinois companies like Motorola and Continental Tire. However, one of the negative side effects of this bill is that it imposes a five year sunset on the Illinois Film Tax Credit, which would severely impact the state’s film industry.

RALC Reagan Dinner featured freshman State Sen. Schmidt

by Nancy Thorner

The Republican Assembly of Lake County held its Ninth Annual Ronald Reagan Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 26th.  Newly elected Illinois State Senator Suzi Schmidt was the guest speaker.

While guests were finishing their dinner, RALC Chairman Colonel Raymond True introduced the evening's speaker, Senator Schmidt, who was no stranger to those attending.  Prior to being elected to her Illinois Senate seat last year -- a district represented for 25 years by Republican Adeline Geo-Karis (1997-2007) and held for one term by Democrat Michal Bond -- she served as Lake County Board Chairwoman.

Senator Schmidt spoke of her own mother's love for Ronald Reagan, and how she became a Reaganite during her teen years.

Minorities call for more representation in redistricting

State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) encourages Redistricting Committee hearing observers to insist on two things in the map redrawing process:

More on Monday's hearing at Illinois Statehouse News

Online town hall for Schaumburg mayoral candidates Thursday

SCHAUMBURG, IL - Schaumburg mayoral candidate Brian Costin will participate in a live Internet Town Hall on Thursday, March 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Soldiers Family TV & Radio Show with host Steve Tomaszewski.

Incumbent candidate, Mayor Al Larson, also has been invited to participate.

Quinn picks abortion rights activist for Human Rights Commission

SPRINGFIELD—Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn today gave a nearly $47,000-a-year position to the leader of an abortion rights group that prominently supported Quinn last fall over Republican opponent Bill Brady.

Quinn nominated Terry Cosgrove, the president and CEO of Personal PAC, as a member of the Human Rights Commission. Both Cosgrove and a Quinn spokeswoman said there was no connection between Personal PAC’s political support and the appointment.

But Brady spokesman Dan Egler said the governor “reached out to reward one of his big-time political supporters. The citizens of Illinois deserve fair and open-minded people on state’s boards and commissions—not pay-to-play political appointees.”

via Clout Street

New Black Panther Party spokesman prays for Qaddafi

The New Black Panther Party spokesman Malik Zulu Shabazz condemned Barack Obama on an internet radio program last week. Shabazz encouraged Obama's wife Michelle to leave her husband and reprimands Obama for not "listening to Farrakhan when he was at Obama's table. Shabazz also prayed that Qaddafi will be safe, despite Obama's claim that Qaddafi will be removed from Libya's top position. WARNING: Language is crude and offensive

Obama's unanswered questions about Libya; Responses to speech come in

The text of Barack Obama's speech tonight explaining American military action in Libya is available on Wall Street Journal's website.  If you missed the live presentation, please review the text and point out the answers to the following questions:

• How will U.S. remove Qaddafi from power in Libya?
• Who are the rebels, who are the forces we're trying to remove from power?
• How will we know when we've succeeded?
• Why didn't Obama get Congressional approval before U.N. approval?
• Will we follow this pattern in the future in other Mideastern countries undergoing regime unrest?

Below are responses of top Republicans to Obama's speech:

Obama to headquarter 2012 re-election campaign in Chicago's Prudential Bldg

CNN Politics.com reports Obama's 2012 presidential campaign will be setting up in Chicago's Prudential Building.

A Democratic source confirms to CNN that the re-election campaign will be housed in One Prudential Plaza, a skyscraper which faces the city's Grant Park, where Obama held his 2008 election night victory rally. The story was first reported earlier Monday by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times.

The office tower, known to many as the Prudential Building, its original name, is about two blocks away from the building where Obama's 2008 presidential campaign was headquartered.

10 Simple Questions Illinois Homeschoolers Can Ask Local School Board Candidates

from the Illinois Homeschool PAC

Next Tuesday (April 5th), voters in many cities and towns across Illinois will head to the polls to vote in municipal elections. While the mayors’ and city council races draw much of the attention — Illinois home educators should pay close attention to the candidates running for their local school boards.

As Senator Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) — who recently introduced legislation to mandate state registration of homeschoolers — has indicated, he is committed to finding ways to empower these local school boards to regulate and infringe upon the freedoms of home educators.

Before you vote next Tuesday, we urge you to investigate the positions and records of your local school board candidates — and also to contact these candidates to ask them ten simple questions: 

Ten Questions for Local School Board Candidates:

Rebel Pundit Exclusive: Chicago Media Covers Up Socialist Revolution Rally

H/T: Rebel Pundit

GOP Senate Leader Radogno discusses budget cuts with Illinois Review - Part 1

Illinois Review exclusive interview with Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno

LEMONT -- Before last week's spring session break, Illinois Senate Republican caucus offered a 22-page response to Governor Pat Quinn's 2012 budget proposal. They call their plan "The Reality Check," in which they lay out $6.7 billion in spending cuts. The GOP senators encouraged their Democratic colleagues to scour the ideas for budget solutions, rather than borrowing billions and raising taxes and fees.

This week, the legislature will return to the Capitol to continue budget discussions. In an exclusive interview with Illinois Review last week, Minority Leader Radogno said that Illinois taxpayers need to pay attention and understand what's going on in Springfield concerning these budget talks. Below are the questions IR asked Sen. Radogno, and the audio of her answers:

IR: Please give our readers a brief overview of the Senate Republicans budget proposal.

CR: CRbudget1

Continue reading and listening below:

Manzullo unhappy with Obama's handling of Libyan attack

President Barack Obama was more concerned about the Arab League's input to our Libyan "no fly zone" policy than he was about Congress' support, Illinois' 16th CD Congressman Don Manzullo said today.

Via Twitter: Monday morning, Congressman Manzullo discussed Libya and President's upcoming address, the devastation in Japan and U.S. nuclear policy on WNTA with radio talk show host Doug McDuff. Listen: http://tiny.cc/lnr5j

Redistricting hearing livestreamed Monday at 12:00 noon

The Illinois Senate Redistricting Committee will livestream its first hearing Monday via the Illinois General Assembly website.  The hearing, chaired by Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) starts at noon and can be seen HERE.

69% still angry with federal policies

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters remain at least somewhat angry with the current policies of the federal government, up slightly from 65% last August. Just 25% don't share that anger. These findings include 38% who are Very Angry versus only 12% who say they are Not At All Angry.In surveys since September 2009, those angry at the government have ranged from 66% to 75%. Those who are Very Angry have run from 33% to 46%.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters also still agree with the statement that neither Republican nor Democratic political leaders have a good understanding of what is needed today. Twenty-eight percent (28%) disagree with that statement, while 15% more are undecided about it.

Illinois revenue down $2B; spending up $2B in 2010

Illinois' tax revenue took a plunge last year:

Tax money coming into state and local governments in Illinois fell sharply —  by $2.2 billion dollars between 2009 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The decline in tax revenue from $32 billion to $29.8 billion is on par with a pattern that has emerged during the past several years. Areas that measure a state’s economic health — income, sales and property taxes — all have weakened.

But the state's spending dramatically increased:

While income dropped for Illinois, general fund spending increased from $27.9 billion to $29.7 billion between 2009 and 2010.  The total state budget is a combination of general fund spending and other dedicated and federal dollars.

That's a $4 billion problem in just one year.

via Illinois Statehouse News.com

Only 31 words

Obama to be featured in Chicago area anti-abortion billboards

Chicago's black community is likely to be in an uproar when over 30 anti-abortion billboards hit their neighborhoods and street corners Tuesday, March 29.

The billboards feature a graphic of President Barack Obama saying, “Every 21 minutes, our next possible leader is aborted.”