Illinois Review

Former Illinois State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan dies at age 73

DES PLAINES, IL - Former Illinois state representative Rosemary Mulligan died Tuesday, her longtime friend Personal PAC executive director Terry Cosgrove confirmed to the Daily Herald Wednesday.

Mulligan was living in a retirement home in Des Plaines and had been declining healthwise, but Cosgrove did not know the immediate cause of Mulligan's death.

Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner expressed sadness upon hearing the news. “Diana and I offer our heartfelt condolences on the passing of former State Representative Rosemary Mulligan. Rosemary was a tireless advocate for her district, a defender of the taxpayer and a champion for Illinois women. She was a true public servant whose legacy will continue to guide us for years to come.”

Mulligan was a leading abortion advocate all the twenty years she was in the Illinois legislature. When she was elected to the Illinois House in 1993, when she beat by six votes the incumbent outspoken pro-life lawmaker Penny Pullen in a Republican primary challenge. 

Their 1992 election court challenge established familiarity with "hanging chads" and voting abnormalities that were to be referred to in the Bush vs. Gore 2000 challenge in Florida.

Taxpayer group warns Illinois income tax hike possible in January

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois taxpayers may be blindsided by a January vote to make the 67% increase in the state income tax permanent, according to Jim Tobin, President of Taxpayers United of America.

“Outgoing Gov. Patrick Quinn (D), whom the Wall Street Journal has called the nation’s worst governor, just won’t go without creating more turmoil in his final days. Quinn has called a special session of the Illinois General Assembly for January 8 that will cost taxpayers $50,000,” said Tobin.

“Anything can happen in the lame duck special session, but what really worries me is what could happen after the new legislature convenes in January.”

Governor-Elect Rauner sets up $20 Million war chest to push reform agenda

CHICAGO - Crain's Greg Hinz is reporting a Rauner insider says the governor-elect is putting his money where his mouth is and setting up a $20 million war chest to push through reforms he sees badly needed in Illinois.

Later today, Illinois State Board of Elections data will show Rauner is putting in $10 Million of his own funds, $8 Million from his top financier Ken Griffin and another $2 Million from Dick Uihlein to build a legislative coalition willing to stand with Rauner. The funds will be needed, Hinz says, when he goes against House Speaker Mike Madigan's House super-majority and Senate President John Cullerton's in the upcoming General Assembly session.

UPDATE: As Hinz predicted, the funds were reported Wednesday afternoon (see below the fold). In addition the Republican Governors Association dumped in $39,000 additional funds.

Monday, Rauner's transition budget director released a review of the state's current financial status, titled "Sins of the Past and Dishonest State Budgets" which rips the veil off the financial trickery Democrats have been hiding from taxpayers for decades.

Di Leo: Governance is Not for the Squeamish

By John F. Di Leo - 

In the old country, life was predictable.

If your father was a farmer, so were you. If your mother was a maid, so were you. If your father served in the House of Lords, so did you; if your father went off to war, possibly never to return, well… so did you.

There were exceptions, in that feudal and post-feudal world, but not many.  Poverty bred poverty; wealth bred wealth. There wasn’t much of a middle class, but merchants’ children did usually grow up to take over the family bakery, smithy, or cobbler shop, to be merchants themselves. Life was, and remained, predictable, for centuries upon centuries.

But with the Renaissance and the Enlightenment came some small opportunity for breakthroughs in those ancient walls between classes, and this New World, in particular, opened up a new economy in which a smart and hard worker could rise to the top… even if, back in the old country, he had been a minor scion of long-landless forgotten nobility, or an Irish convict, or the bastard brat of a Scotch peddler.

In a free market, governed by an invisible hand, anything was possible, for the first time in history… but you have to be willing to take the good with the bad, to accept the fact that rewards require risk.

State of Illinois to refund $63,000,000 to government retirees

SPRINGFIELD, IL - More than ninety-thousand state retirees will be able to get their share of $63 million in premiums the courts determined they improperly paid.

Springfield’s State Journal-Register reports a judge scheduled refunds to be paid to retirees by June 15th. Attorneys for the retirees have said eligible retirees will have to be proactive to get the refunds. The actual amount refunded depends on what kinds of premium payments retirees made to the state and also how much the court determines attorney’s fees will cost.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot change retirees fully subsidized health premiums because it violates the state constitution’s provision about government worker benefits.

From Greg Bishop | INN Radio

Foster: Governor-Elect Rauner should refuse to raise the income tax

By Howard Foster - 

The Illinois income tax is due to fall from 5% to 3.75% in January. Intense pressure is underway on Gov-elect Rauner to support a modification of the gradual phase-out of the huge 2011 increase in personal and corporate tax rates. The rates were increased, we were told by Gov. Quinn, to enable the State to pay its bills. But four years later, the State still owes billions. Where did the additional revenue go? Mostly to new spending programs, and the Republicans have been too quiet about this scandal. 

Additionally, the 2011 increase in the corporate tax rate from 7.75%, already one of the highest in the country, to 9.5%, the third highest, is responsible for an exodus of businesses to Wisconsin and Indiana.  Illinois has just about the worst business climate in the country and second highest overall state and local tax burden.

Alaniz: Should police "protect and serve" or enforce the law?

By Jesus Alaniz - 

A well-known periodical reports that “…traffic tickets and summonses for 'minor offenses' have dropped off by a staggering 94 percent following the execution of two cops — as officers feel betrayed by the mayor and fear for their safety…” in New York. I understand the NYPD’s sentiment but I disagree with their assessment and believe there is plenty of blame to go around. I don’t believe that abusive police are the only culprits or problem.

Upon the passage of an ordinance, rule, regulation or law, government heads then look to the police to “enforce the law.” During the past few weeks, I have watched good people state their support for the police, thanking them for their public service and protection. I believe these folks' acts are noble, well- intended and sincere. I also believe that there are many amiable police who do risk and have risked their lives to protect us and that the sentiments of the supportive public along with documented heroic deeds of many good police justify those sentiments. However, there are other elements I consider.

16 changes to Illinois children and family law in 2015

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Among the many new Illinois state laws that will go into effect January 1, 2015 are these 16 measures pertaining to children and families:

Adult Grandchildren Access (HB 5949/98-0704): Grants adult grandchildren access to original birth certificates, adoption registries and appointments with confidential mediators.

Children’s Information (HB 671/PA 98-0707): Deletes a provision in state law that allowed vendors of personal information to assume parental consent to the buying and selling of a child’s personal information. This legislation would permit the sale or purchase of a child’s personal information without parental consent when it is made as part of a criminal or civil investigation.

Thorner: White on Black Genocide is perception, not reality

By Nancy Thorner - 

Racial tension in America has exploded. Whoever would have thought that people would march arm in arm down streets chanting: "What do you want? Dead cops. When do we want it? Now!" They got exactly what they asked for when a black man assassinated two unsuspecting police officers while they sat in their patrol car, declaring the murders an act of revenge.

After the assassination of two patrol officers on a Brooklyn street on Saturday, December 20, wary NYPD cops are now letting minor crimes side. They are writing almost no summons and making arrests only when they must. Naturally concerned about their safety, law enforcement officers want to go home to their wives and kids after their shifts end.

Politico breaks down Mark Kirk's chances in 2016

WASHINGTON DC - While Republicans just won the Senate majority last month, Politico wonders if the GOP can keep it. The DC-based publication analyzed the U.S. Senators up for reelection in 2016. 

On Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, it writes:

The consensus: Kirk is almost assuredly running for reelection. He’s fundraising and keeping an active schedule consistent with someone who’s gearing up for a hard-fought reelection campaign. Although he suffered a stroke nearly three years ago, he’s silencing critics who initially thought he should step aside and focus on his recovery, saying repeatedly that he’s in the race for good.

But the politics are a different story. Kirk has few advantages in a state that’s inhospitable to Republicans, especially in presidential years. And Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth can offset most of them — from her military service to her own perseverance to overcome combat wounds. If she gets in the race, Kirk would immediately start as an underdog and would have to rely on his retail skills and appeal in the Cook County suburbs to claw his way into contention. Duckworth would be formidable but no shoo-in. Critics say she’s nakedly ambitious and an uneven campaigner. But she’s learned a lot since her 2012 victory over firebrand conservative Joe Walsh and may be ready to make the leap. The big question: Will she get in? Duckworth gave birth to a daughter last month and may not be excited about giving up her now-safe House seat and diving into a tense statewide campaign.

Scientists study half-male, half-female cardinal in Illinois

Photo by Peer/Motz/Western Illinois University

MACOMB, IL (UPI) - Between 2008 and 2010, researchers tracked and studied a rare bird -- a gynandromorphic Northern cardinal. Gynandromorphism is a condition whereby an animal presents both male and female characteristics.

Because the cardinal color split (half white, half red) ran vertically from top to bottom, the specimen was considered to exhibit bilateral gynandromorphism.

Ornithologists Brian D. Peer and Robert W. Motz, from Western Illinois University recently published the details of their observations in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology.

The researchers said though they never witnessed the half-and-half cardinal making a mating call or pairing up with a mate, the bird wasn't targeted by others for its strange looks.

Brejcha: The Religious and Secular Significance of the Nativity Scene

Illinois' State Capitol is home to Baby Jesus during Christmas holidays

By Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel, Thomas More Society - 

This year we co-sponsored displays at the State Capitols of Illinois (7th year), Florida (2nd year), Rhode Island (3rd year), Georgia (1st year), Michigan (1st year), Texas (1st year), and Nebraska (1st year). Other groups have sponsored nativity scenes in Arkansas, Mississippi, Washington State, and Wisconsin. We also arranged for a display on the lawn outside the Governor’s mansion in Oklahoma. That makes 12 states in all, with 38 yet to go.

Is it worth all the effort to put up these displays in more venues, especially in State Capitols? The anonymous benefactor of our client, the American Nativity Scene Committee (ANSC), thinks so, and on reflection, so do we. The public debate that these displays trigger is a very healthy debate and one whose resolution is very important in terms of our re-shaping the contours of our more recently misshapen American culture.

Andrzejewski responds to grassroots campaign for comptroller

CHICAGO - Yesterday we reported (HERE) that several groups are circulating an email asking people to contact Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner and request he appoint Adam Andrzejewski to succeed Quinn-appointed Jerry Stermer as State Comptroller. The office was vacated when State Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka died suddenly in December after being re-elected to a four year term in November.

When asked about the campaign, Andrzejewski told Illinois Review:

“Recently, I made application for the open Comptroller position. Over the past five years of my life, I’ve worked hard on behalf of all citizens to insure an open, honest, transparent and accountable government. The outpouring of support from across the state during the Christmas Holiday has been deeply appreciated by our entire team.

The appointment is Bruce Rauner’s decision and should be accorded respect. Personally, I have decided to be the ‘quiet applicant.’”

Governor-elect Rauner is expected to announce his decision shortly after taking office on Monday, January 12.

Proft ends five years as WLS talk show host

CHICAGO - Radio talk show host Dan Proft has called it quits at WLS. In a statement on his Facebook page, Proft wrote:

After nearly five years, I have decided to leave WLS at the end of the year to pursue other ventures and adventures in broadcasting, politics and business including but not limited to the Bears coaching vacancy. My time at WLS has been incredibly fun and rewarding. I am humbled to have had a platform on the station with the most recognized, respected and enduring call letters in the Midwest. It has been an honor to follow radio greats Don Wade & Roma in the morning drive slot.

Illinois spends $2.5 million on zombie-themed public service announcement

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) says it anticipates at least two more episodes of its zombie-themed public service announcement called "The Driving Dead."

The online web series is part of a $2,500,000 contract with the Arthur Agency, Inc. that utilizes federal taxpayer funds passed through IDOT.

h/t: Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network

Wallace: Other People's Money and the Minimum Wage

By Dr. Eric Wallace -

Milton Freidman is known for saying, “That no one spends other peoples’ money well," meaning we all watch out for how we spend our own money, but seldom give much thought when that money is not ours.

The truth is, we’ll shop for bargains when it’s our money at stake—often spending hours to do so. However, when the money we are spending is not ours, who cares if we get the best deal? We have a great example of this in the way government—federal, state and local—spends taxpayer dollars. It’s not the governor’s or state legislator’s money; therefore his or her only concern is whether it will help re-election.

Group of Illinois community college presidents going to Cuba

In mid-February, when Illinois' winter weather is at its worst, a group of community college presidents from several Illinois schools will be heading to Cuba on the taxpayer dime.

The Moline Dispatch reports fourteen schools from Illinois will visit medical and art schools and meet the administrators who oversee Cuba’s education system. They will also attend various lectures while in Cuba.

President Obama announced a plan to normalize relations with Cuba earlier this month. The report says the decision for the college presidents to visit Cuba came before the announced change in foreign policy. The average temperature in Cuba in February is 72 degrees.

h/t: Greg Bishop | Illinois News Network

Illinois' minimum wage will still be above average in 2015

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois' minimum wage will remain at $8.25 per hour on January 1, 2015 - above the nation's average. However, the state's income tax will fall from 5 to 3.75 percent - placing more funds in the hands of families on tight budgets.

California's minimum wage will remain at $9.00 per hour and Connecticut's will rise to $9.15. Washington D.C. will remain at $9.50 per hour, while Massachusetts' will increase from $8.00 per hour to $9.00 per hour. New Jersey will hit $8.38 an hour and New York will hike 75 cents to $8.75 an hour.

Oregon will be at $9.25, Rhode Island at $9.00 and South Dakota will increase $1.25 per hour from $7.25. Vermont will be at $9.15, Washington state will rise to the nation's highest minimum wage at $9.47.

Illinois and 11 other states will be at $8.25 above, and the other 38 states will be below or equal to Illinois' minimum wage. States like Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee still do not have minimum wage mandates.

Illinois-based religious freedom group multiplies public Nativity scenes in 2014

The God Squad that erects the annual Daley Plaza creche

BARRINGTON, IL - While story after story of atheists working through school programs and public squares has been in the headline this Christmas season, one group is celebrating the expansion of Christmas celebration into state capitols and in public parks. 

It's all about free speech, a Constitutionally-protected First Amendment right, says American Nativity Scene Committee founder Jim Finnegan, an active, retired Arlington Heights resident. 

Democrats search for Frerichs replacement

Democrats in Champaign and Vermilion counties are working to line up potential candidates to replace their outgoing state senator.

Treasurer-elect Mike Frerichs officially resigned from the State Senate during the holidays. That means Democratic party chairman will form a committee for the 52nd District and appoint someone to inherit the seat Frerichs held since 2006.

Frerichs will become the next Treasurer January 12th.

From Greg Bishop of Illinois News Network

Parents against Pot: 10 Myths Marijuana Advocates want the public to believe

Parents Against Pot is a group that urges the distribution of "10 Myths Marijuana Advocates want the public to believe" with those supporting and planning to participate in Illinois' soon-to-roll-out medical marijuana program for adults and children. The author is Dr. Christine L. Miller:

Myth #1. It is rare for marijuana users to experience psychotic symptoms like paranoia.

In fact, about 15% of all users and a much higher percentage of heavy users will experience psychotic symptoms.1 Half of those individuals will become chronically schizophrenic if they don’t stop using.2 Fortunately, some do stop using because psychosis is not pleasant and they wisely recognize that pot caused their problems.

Myth #2. Marijuana-induced psychosis must be due to other contaminating drugs.

Accountability group calls on Illinois to reform welfare programs [video]

STREATOR, IL - Christine Chalkey has been fighting for her 18 year old developmentally-disabled son Jake since he was diagnosed at age six months. Jake is the oldest of 19 people in the world with the life-threatening condition that causes debilitating seizures. Due to problems within Illinois' Medicaid system, cuts were made that cut state help for Jake's medications.

The Foundation for Government Accountability interviewed Mrs. Chalkey, Jake and State Rep Patti Bellock about the fraud and abuse within Illinois' Medicaid system - and the frustration with a system that will not allow itself to be audited and made accountable to the state's taxpayers.

Illinois Congressman Schock stirs vacation envy via Instagram

Congressman Aaron Schock's Instagram account is buzzing over the holidays with photos that are stirring the green monster among his social media followers. He's been tangoing in Argentina, rafting Andes Mountain rivers, para gliding the Mendoza skies and hiking on Patagonia glaciers, photos he's posted this past week show.

And how did you spend your Christmas vacation?

Rhoads: Sloppy History Channel

By Mark Rhoads -

I was very pleased to see a new series promoted on the History Channel called Sons of Liberty. I am always encouraged to see new opportunities to teach American history to students in an interesting format. But here is the problem: In the commercial for the series, you hear a voice shouting "The British are Coming, the British are coming."  

No one ever said that even though it is one of the myths about the Lexington Alarm of April 18, 1775 when Paul Revere and William Dawes rode to spread the alarm to colonial militia. What they might have shouted is "The Regulars are coming" referring to the King's regular troops who left the garrison in Boston to reach Concord and Lexington by dawn. But they could not have shouted "The British are coming," because Revere and the other real Sons of Liberty thought of themselves as British with the rights of British subjects in the colonies.

Andrzejewski being pushed as new Illinois Comptroller

UPDATE: CHICAGO - Several conservative groups are circulating an email asking for calls to Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner to appoint 2010 gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski to succeed Quinn-appointed Jerry Stermer as  State Comptroller. The office was vacated when State Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka died suddenly in December after being re-elected to a four year term in November.

The pitch:

You may be aware that Adam Andrzejewski has made application for the appointment to the open Illinois Comptroller position.

I realize it is a very busy time of the year, but time is of the essence. If you would be so kind, to let Governor Elect Bruce Rauner know your thoughts and recommendation

Please take a few minutes and write an e-mail recommending Adam to this most important financial office in Illinois. It’s important to unite our party: establishment and reform.

Bruce Rauner has much establishment, corporate, and political support. Rauner also ran on a platform of reform.

Andrzejewski’s track record consists of bold oversight on local, state and federal spending, nationally leading transparency work and has the support of the statewide grassroots-Conservative base. 

Together, they could truly “Shake Up Springfield!”

AFP: Helping to Create a Better Future for Illinois [video]

NAPERVILLE, IL - Americans for Prosperity Illinois has launched a new video telling the story of how Illinois voters chose a new direction in 2014, and the role AFP-IL played in "putting Illinois on the path to a better, more prosperous future."

Illinois makes changes in 2015 affecting schools, education

SPRINGFIELD - Several new state laws pertaining to schools, teachers, and general education will go into effect on January 1st, 2015, including:

School Safety Plans (HB 5716/PA 98-0661): Provides that when school districts update their school building's emergency and crisis response plans, consideration may be given to making the plans available to first responders, administrators and teachers for use on electronic devices.

GED Certificates (HB 4336/PA 98-0718): Changes references in state statutes from "General Education Development (GED) testing and certificates" to "high school equivalency testing and certificates". An identical bill, SB 2729, passed the Senate unanimously. This is being done because the owner of the GED test has contract with a private company to administer the test and prices are expected to rise significantly. Changing the references in state statutes to the generic high school equivalency will allow other tests to be used and foster competition.

Lawsuit Against State Over Pension Reform: Update from Aaron Maduff

Attorney Aaron Maduff who is representing the State Universities Annuitants Association in their lawsuit against Illinois over pension reform, gives an update on the lawsuit in light of the recent ruling from the circuit court of Sangamon County that the pension reform law is unconstitutional.

Where's Weyermuller? Driving in 1980's Presidential Motorcades

Circa 1981, VP George Bush with 21 year old motorcade driver Mark Weyermuller (middle)

By Mark Weyermuller - 

What's the big deal? The New York Times is reporting this week that some 24 year old woman was driving in President Obama's motorcade. The Secret Service drive the limousines, but often volunteers and political workers drive the media and staff.

Well, I got some breaking news. I've driven in these motorcades, too -- 30 years ago. I drove with Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Nancy Reagan. Back in 1981 I even drove a young man around Iowa who said he was a new United States Senator. His name was Chuck Grassley. 

Back in my days in Iowa while attending Drake University as a member of the College Republicans, I was asked to drive in several  motorcades. The Drake College Republicans advocated lower taxes and limited government, which seemed to make sense to me back then. The Secret Service did "vet" us and we were given security lapel pins. Once around 1980, I helped park cars at a Ronald Reagan campaign event at a farm in Iowa. Very similar to Barack Obama claims, I too was mistaken for being a "valet" -- except I was one.

Chicago’s Tribune Tower Plaza target of New Year's Eve protests

CHICAGO - New Year’s Eve celebrations around the country promise to be even more raucous – and potentially dangerous — than usual this year, with race-mongering radicals planning mass disruptions to protest what they call routine police abuse of blacks.

The group behind the website Stop Mass Incarceration has put together a list of planned “actions” nationwide under the heading, “Rock in the New Year with Resistance to Police Murder.” According to the organization:

“But in this society, cops who brutalize and murder are given the benefit of the doubt and are almost never punished in any way for their crimes. This is illegitimate and unacceptable. It must be STOPPED, and it’s up to us to stop it! On New Year’s Eve, we must act in many different ways to do just that.

Targeted cities so far include New York’s Times Square; Houston’s Market Square Park; Los Angeles’ Grand Park; and Chicago’s Tribune Tower Plaza.

Image Source: Vice News

U.S. Attorney in Illinois: Intel ISIS Reaching Out to Ferguson Criminals

ST. LOUIS - The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois said he’s received intel showing that ISIS is actively reaching out to the criminals in Ferguson who rioted, looted, and set buildings on fire. ISIS has been recruiting Americans (some less successfully than others), and according to Steve Wigginton, the chaos in Ferguson caught their attention.

He told KSDK that he’s received intelligence of ISIS trying to recruit Ferguson criminals, mostly on social media. They are, as Wigginton explained “encouraging Americans to join the people who are burning down buildings in Ferguson to engage in that conduct across America.”

Watch the video at Mediaite

Leadership Institute to train Chicago Republicans

CHICAGO - Partnering with The Leadership Institute—a national conservative grassroots organizing group—the Chicago Republican Party, and other GOP entities, will participate in a Grassroots Activist Workshop on Saturday, January 10.

The Chicago Phoenix reports that Caitlin Huxley, one of Chicago’s Log Cabin leaders, invited members to the training by email, writing:

“Ideal attendees for the Grassroots Activist Workshop are conservative individuals interested in making a difference. Whether volunteering or working for a conservative candidate, cause, or issue at the local or state level, this class will improve your skills. Attendees will learn how to get involved, drive support for an issue or candidate, organize activists in large or small groups for maximum impact, communicate more effectively, use the media to help advance an issue, build personal leadership skills, abilities, and confidence.”

The Leadership Institute, is an Arlington, Va.-based organization founded in 1979.

Illinois Legislature to take hard look at DCFS

SPRINGFIELD, IL - With the holiday season in full swing, the state Capitol is largely quiet. But some legislators say this is the exact time to think of children in the state’s care.

State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, called reports of physical and sexual violence within the state’s child welfare agency “an absolute tragedy.”

She said an upcoming hearing to examine the problems at the Department of Children and Family Services could mark the start of a bipartisan effort to greatly improve child protection in Illinois.

State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, another member of the House Human Services committee examining the issues, agrees change is needed, including making child protection a true state priority.

DCFS has long been underfunded and understaffed and leadership at the top has too often changed, Cabello said. “I’ve worked with a number of DCFS people, caseworkers, in my area. I can tell you they are committed to doing what is right, committed to doing the most they can with what they have,” said the Rockford police detective who is on leave while he serves in the General Assembly.

More by Mark Fitton at The Rockford Register Star.

Federal government sues Chicago schools for pregnancy discrimination

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Last week, the U.S. Justice Department sued the Chicago Board of Education, alleging that it discriminated against pregnant teachers at a northwest side elementary school.

The suit alleges that starting in 2009, Scammon Elementary School Principal Mary Weaver subjected female teachers to lower performance evaluations, discipline, threatened firing and firing because of their pregnancies.

The suit also alleges that the board approved the firing of six recently pregnant teachers at Scammon and forced two others to leave the school.

"No woman should have to make a choice between her job and having a family," said Vanita Gupta, acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's civil rights division. "Federal law requires employers to maintain a workplace free of discrimination on the basis of sex."

Weaver, who won a Chicago Public Schools principal achievement award last year, made negative comments to and about pregnant Scammon teachers, the suit said. She responded to one teacher's pregnancy announcement with "I can't believe you are doing this to me. You are going to be out right before [mandatory] testing," the suit said.

More HERE

#TakeBlackChi celebrates Kwanzaa with protests, flash mobs

CHICAGO - The Chicago-based movement #TakeBlackChi is using the week-long African-American celebration of Kwanzaa to publicize what they refer to as "Black communities ... under attack via police violence and racisim." They've scheduled a week of protest and "community activism," by making Kwanzaa wishes and publicizing them via Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

BYP100 Chicago Chapter writes, "This Kwanzaa we are coming together to both celebrate Black life and protest Black death. Come out December 26th through January 1st for a week of art, action & community in partnership with SuperGroup, an artist collective seeking to positively influence African diaspora through culture. #BlackHolidaze #TakeBlackChi"

Chicago shootings continue through Christmas week

CHICAGO - During Christmas Week 2014 in Chicago, 12 persons were shot and killed, 54 were shot, bringing the total of those shot to 68. Thus far in 2014, the statistics show that in Illinois' most populated and gun-controlled city - 

From HeyJackass.com

Mark Kirk: #1 most likely to lose U.S. Senate seat in 2016

WASHINGTON - Of ten Republicans who may lose their U.S. Senate seats in 2016, Sunday The Hill named Illinois' U.S. Senator Mark Kirk as #1 most likely, with a possibility of four Illinois Democrats  as potential challengers: 

1. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)

Kirk narrowly defeated a scandal-plagued Democratic candidate by less than 2 points in the 2010 Republican wave election. In the 2016 presidential election year, he will likely face a much more Democratic electorate.

Gutierrez: Expanded DACA program applications should be ready in February

WASHINGTON - The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) expanded program President Obama issued via executive order on November 20, 2014 is expected to go into effect sometime in February, Congressman Luis Guiterrez says on his official website. 

The congressman says the Executie Order applies if an immigrant came to the U.S. before their 16th birthday and has lived in America continuously since January 1, 2010. Obama's order removes previous upper age barriers - and those born prior to June 15, 1981 who meet the other DACA requirements, are also eligible for DACA benefits.

There is no indication on Gutierrez' website as to whether a DACA applicant will need to prove the date he or she entered the United States and his or her age at the time of entry.

If the expanded DACA program application is approved, the applicant receives a DACA status card, protection from deportation and a work permit. 

DSCC: A 2016 win in Illinois would help Democrats regain U.S. Senate control

WASHINGTON DC - Did you know that Illinois is a Republican-leaning state? That's sort of what the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee says it is, despite being controlled by Democrats in the legislature. In a map of the 2016 U.S. Senate races they hope to win Democrat seats in during the next election, the DSCC includes "purple" Illinois.

"Democrats have a great chance to reclaim the Senate majority in 2016," the DSCC writes in an e-mail. "Why? It’s simple math." 

Gery Chico stars in latest Rahm Emanuel campaign ad

CHICAGO - Chicago Democrat and former Chicago Public School Board Chairman Gery Chico and "Latinos for Rahm" are highlighted in the latest video from the Emanuel re-elect campaign.

2014 Project Veritas Year In Review

In the past year, Project Veritas has exposed Wendy Davis supporters mocking Greg Abbot’s disability in Texas, exposed Battleground Texas for elections irregularities a couple of times, exposed a GOP congressman lying, forced a GOP state Senator to resign, exposed Hollywood for their anti-oil agenda, shown that neither the northern nor the southern border are secure, and interviewed the guy who made Jonathan Gruber's name well known.

Di Leo: Josef Stalin and the Problem of Political Opposition

Reflections on the anniversary of dekulakization

By John F. Di Leo -

In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers declared the only legitimate purpose of government:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness… that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

So, this was not just the plan for the United States. This part of the Declaration comes before the listing of our Founders’ grievances against King George III and his puppet majority party in Parliament. The Founders here were speaking of the philosophical agreement of the thinkers of the Enlightenment: governments exist to secure the rights of the citizenry.

There may be many different ways to do so. In some countries, a republic governed by popularly elected representatives in a bicameral legislature might be the best approach. In some, a hereditary monarchy might. In some, a military dictatorship is the only way. We must recall that the first obligation of government is to secure the God-given rights of the citizenry; the effort to find the most effective and moral approach to constructing that government for the country in question is actually of secondary importance.

Kirk expected to increasingly vote with Democrats as he prepares for 2016 election

WASHINGTON DC - Emily Cahn of Roll Call writes that both Democrats and Republican operatives are expressing concern about Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk’s ability to withstand the strenuous task of a statewide campaign in 2016. Some Republicans, however, argue Kirk may be the only Illinois Republican who could keep this seat.

Kirk will face an uphill route to victory in Illinois. The state voted for President Barack Obama with 25- and 17-point margins in 2008 and 2012, respectively.

Cahn says Kirk will need to make an extra effort to appeal to Democrats who could split their tickets and vote for him in a presidential cycle. She says to watch Kirk’s voting record over the next year, which should trend liberal. In the lame-duck session, for example, Kirk was the sole Republican to vote for Obama’s surgeon general nominee who was opposed by conservative groups like the NRA.

Image Source: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo

Wal-Mart to meet minimum wage mandates through current wage reductions

CHICAGO - Minimum wage increases across the United States - including Chicago - is prompting Wal-Mart to adjust base salaries at 1,434 stores, impacting about a third of its U.S. locations, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters.

The memo, which was sent to store managers earlier this month, offers insight into the impact of minimum wage hikes in 21 states due to come into effect on or around Jan. 1, 2015. Thirteen U.S. states, and Chicago, lifted the minimum wage in 2014.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said the company was making the changes to "ensure our stores in the 21 states comply with the law."

In recent years, Wal-Mart has been struggling to grow sales after many lower-income Americans lost jobs or income over the last 6 years of the Obama administration.

The Wal-Mart memo shows that the government mandated wage increase for lower-skilled workers will come from a reduction in the current pay for higher-skilled employees.

"Essentially that wage compression at the upper level of the hourly associate is going to help absorb that cost of the wage increase at the lower level," said a Wal-Mart manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

More HERE

Gas prices dip below $2 gallon in downstate Illinois

WEST FRANKFORT, IL - While diesel fuel remains in the $3 plus range, regular gas is $1.93 per gallon in downstate West Frankfort. AAA says gas prices have fallen to the lowest level since May 2009 and could fall another dime before leveling off next month.

IllinoisGasPrices.com shows the cheapest gas in the state Saturday can be found at Circle K in Okawville, Illinois. Overall, the best town to find the best gas prices this weekend is in Jacksonville Illinois, where all the gas stations were posting regular at less than $1.90 a gallon.

This dip in gas prices is encouraging editorial boards to encourage lawmakers to jack up gas tax levels. 

Illinois State Society Gala Flashback 1989

WASHINGTON DC - Illinois Review contributor former State Senator Mark Rhoads has a treasure trove of historical photos, especially of Illinois political figures. Saturday, he posted on his Facebook page a photo with an array of late 80s Illinois notables that attended the 1989 Illinois State Society gala in Washington DC:

From left to right are former Congresswoman Lynn Martin, former State Senator Mark Rhoads, Illinois Society Board member Jeanne Jacob, former Governor Jim Thompson, the late press secretary Jim Brady, Senators Dave Barkhausen, Mike Howlett and Frank Watson, former Congressman Denny Hastert, the late State Senator Adeline Geo-Karis, and the late Congressman Phil Crane, who passed away last month.

More Illinois parental liability for underage drinking on January 1st

SPRINGFIELD - Not only will parents be breaking the law if they allow underage drinking in their residences or on their private property, a new state law that goes into effect Thursday will hold parents responsible if minors drink while aboard watercraft, mobile homes and campers.

Sponsored by State Sen. Pam Althoff, House Bill 4745 expands current law that makes it illegal for parents or guardians to allow underage drinking at a residence or other private property.

Oberweis: 70mph coming to Chicago tollways January 1st

By State Sen. Jim Oberweis - 

Senate Bill 2015, which I sponsored, brings the state’s Toll Highway system in Chicago up to the same 70 mph speed limit as the rest of the state, unless the Toll Highway Authority can prove that speed is unsafe on those roadways.

In my opinion, Tollway drivers should be able to already drive 70 mph, under the new law. Any delay for safety studies is ridiculous because this legislation first passed in May and transportation officials have had plenty of time to conduct these studies. I will be working with them to get these studies done as quickly as possible.

Poverty, Inc. Official Trailer [video]

Senator LaHood hopes for bi-partisan 2015 in Illinois Senate

DUNLAP, IL - State Senator Darin LaHood says the last few years under Democratic Governor Pat Quinn have seen what he characterizes as bad leadership, and there should be a renewed sense of optimism about where the state can go now that Bruce Rauner is about to take office.

LaHood says despite all that, he thinks bi-partisanship — and more of it — continues to be what’s needed in Springfield.

“I think balanced government — bi-partisan government — is healthy for democracy,” LaHood told Galesburg's WGIL radio station. “You can look at many of our neighboring states in the Midwest, where they have a Republican Governor and a Democrat legislature, and they’ve worked very well  on implementing policies to get the state back on a good fiscal footing, to get us on the path to fiscal solvency.”