Illinois Review

Di Leo: Illegal Immigration - Inflated Uproar Over A Single Issue?

By John F. Di Leo - 

With an illegal alien population of about 20 million or so, in a nation of over 300 million, one might ask, why on earth are we so focused on this single issue? After all, 20 million is less than ten percent of our population.

This nation is suffering. The real issues we need to address include joblessness, drug abuse, gang crime, a crippling national debt, an incredibly expensive but ever-worsening education system, rampant vote fraud, severe military threats from abroad… and many more. These are issues that affect everyone in our entire country, not just ten percent of us!

In this context, why on earth have we allowed the problem of what to do about illegal aliens, at most less than ten percent of our population, to dominate our political discourse?

Rhoads: K Street Nominates Jeb Bush

By Mark Rhoads -

In their typically clumsy manner, establishment Republicans are laboring to make the nomination of Jeb Bush seem "inevitable" in the media by following the playbook of Hillary Clinton in the other party. Or is it the same party? The one called the Republicrats or the Demoblicans? 

Is Rauner urging Wilson to support Emanuel, or is he not?

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner has asked former Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson to endorse Rahm Emanuel in the April 7th runoff, Sun-Times Michael Sneed reports Saturday. Wilson came in third in Tuesday's mayoral primary with 10 percent of the vote.

Sneed hears Gov. Bruce Rauner has called former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson twice to encourage him to endorse Mayor Rahm Emanuel in April’s runoff election.

Rauner and Wilson are expected to meet Saturday. Wilson supported Rauner in his gubernatorial campaign last year, and in turn Rauner appointed him to his transition committee.

Republican Rauner and Democrat Emanuel have longtime personal ties, so it's not unbelievable that Rauner is pushing for Wilson to urge the black community to support Emanuel over runoff opponent - backed by the Chicago Teacher's Union and SEIU - Chuy Garcia.

But that's not the case, Rauner told NBC News Friday.  He told NBC he's staying out of the race:

Emanuel and Rauner are friends and worked together during Emanuel's time as an investment banker.

But asked Friday about the mayoral runoff, the Republican governor told reporters: "I'm staying out of it."

Whom do we believe?

Where's Weyermuller? At a Speakeasy with Chicago Young Republicans

Left to right, Angel Garcia, IL GOP Chairman Tim Schneider, Scott Davis & Stefanie Linaires

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Brando's Speakeasy was the site of the Chicago Young Republicans monthly business meeting on South Dearborn Street this week. This bar, in the Fisher Building, is known for karaoke, martinis, and mangia.

This week's theme was networking, politics and fun. The event was organized by CYR President Jeff Halm.

Stantis: Aaron Schock

Rep. Bost speaks on behalf or Rep. Davis' amendment to HR5.

Sharpton Interrupts Speech To Address O’Keefe at NAN Rally

Following the negative comments directed at the Reverend Al Sharpton by the family and representatives of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and Michael Brown, James O’Keefe went to Al Sharpton’s weekly National Action Network to question the Reverend. Before being “compelled” to leave the rally by several very large men standing over him, the good Reverend directly addressed O’Keefe and another Project Veritas journalist mid speech. A visibly flustered Sharpton said that O’Keefe was clowning and accused him (and the right wing in general) of distorting, exaggerating, and lying.

Old Democrat white guy repeats worn out talking points for Axelrod's IOP

CHICAGO - The University of Chicago's Institute of Politics found aging, former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley and asked him about political gridlock and his counsel to young people who feel frustrated by electoral politics. Bradley, who personifies today's Democrat party, repeated talking points that may have seemed fresh in 1978, but seem sadly detached and discredited today.

Schock repays for office redecorating

WASHINGTON DC - The Associated Press has learned that Illinois Republican Rep. Aaron Schock has personally reimbursed the government $40,000 for renovations to his congressional office, which was modeled after the TV show "Downton Abbey."

Schock had told reporters that he intended to personally pay for the decorating, like he did for his previous office. Financial records obtained by the AP show that Schock paid $35,000 earlier this month to the owner of the decorating firm, Euro Trash. He paid $5,000 more on Thursday.

Schock has been under scrutiny for using an office expense account to pay for the redecorating, as well as taxpayer and campaign funds for flights on donor-owned planes and concert tickets.

The Washington Post was first to describe the office decorations. A left-wing watchdog group has requested a House ethics review of the congressman's spending.

State's outdated driver's licenses could keep Illinoisans from flying

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois is working on a plan to bring state driver's licenses up to federal security standards before new air travel restrictions kick in next year.

Currently, Illinois licenses and identification cards do not meet minimum standards mandated by the Real ID Act, which passed in 2005 in the wake of 9/11. If the Department of Homeland Security does not grant Illinois an extension, residents would need additional identification like a passport or face additional security checks to get on planes.

The act aims to thwart efforts by terrorists, con artists and immigrants in the country illegally to obtain government-issued identification. Arguments about costs, privacy and whether the additional information would actually reduce threats have delayed implementation of the law for more than a decade. 

A major feature of Real ID is the verification of birth certificates, which Illinois currently does not require. The information is electronically scanned and stored in a federal database, and data can be shared easily among states and the federal government.

More from the Chicago Tribune | Image: Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune

Judge won't delay sentencing for ex-Illinois Rep. Farnham

CHICAGO (AP) - A federal judge in Chicago is refusing to delay sentencing for ex-Illinois Rep. Keith Farnham on a child pornography conviction despite an illness that soon could take his life.

Judge Edmond Chang says in an order filed Friday that the Democrat seems "physically capable" of attending the hearing. He adds there are "victim interests at stake" in sticking to the March 19 sentencing date.

Farnham's been under house arrest. He pleaded guilty to transporting child pornography and faces a maximum 20-year prison term.

Defense lawyers asked for the delay, citing Farnham's pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that damages lung tissue. They say he likely has less than six months to live.

Prosecutors opposed a delay. They said one victim who "made allegations against defendant personally" intended to speak at Farnham's sentencing.

Stantis: Rahm's humble pie

Poll finds Emanuel near 50%; undecided voters breaking toward Rahm

CHICAGO - Chicago Retail Merchants Association (CRMA) has released findings from a poll indicating Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is at or over the 50% required to win the Chicago mayoral election were the election to be held today.

The poll results find Emanuel at 48.65%, Garcia at 37.72% with undecided voters at 13.63%. However, when undecided voters were asked to make a decision, nearly 21% chose Emanuel while 15% chose Garcia. The mayor holds a commanding lead among likely female voters but his lead is narrow among males. In addition, when asked who would be better at creating jobs, Emanuel holds his lead with women and his support among men jumps substantially. Likewise, the mayor has a healthy lead among likely African-American and Caucasian voters. Garcia, however, holds a large lead among Hispanics while the candidates are split among Asian voters. The poll was conducted by We Ask America on Wednesday, February 25th, collecting responses from 1,138 likely voters with a margin of error of ±2.91%.

"While there are six weeks before Election Day, it would appear that Mayor Emanuel is in a strong position with likely Chicago voters," said Rob Karr, President, Chicago Retail Merchants Association. "When voters are asked about their perception of which candidate would be better at creating new jobs in Chicago, the numbers mirror each candidate's overall support, indicating this is a major factor in voters' opinions."

Starkehaus: Thursday at CPAC 2015

By Irene F. Starkehaus - 

A number of dynamic would-be presidential nominees spoke Thursday at the CPAC convention in Maryland. Given the audience, all potential candidates stayed right of center in their messaging as they courted the voters attending the nation's largest annual conservative convention.

The day's list of prominent speakers began with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The style of Christie's discussion was pretty unusual to say the least. He shared the stage with talk show host Laura Ingraham. They then went through what appeared to be an overly rehearsed interview session with the potential presidential candidate answering questions posed by Ingraham. Rather than engaging the audience, the contrived setup came off as something akin to an infomercial. The leitmotif seemed less likely to improve Christie's gravitas with conservative voters and more likely to hurt Laura Ingraham's, I'm sorry to say.

Christie did unabashedly pronounce himself a prolife candidate and offered as an example his success in eliminating funding for Planned Parenthood from the NJ budget. He stated that he is experiencing what he termed "implementation regrets" over the Common Core.

CEO of Illinois-based John Deere Challenged for prohibiting employee civic/political engagement

MOLINE, IL - At Wednesday's annual meeting of John Deere shareholders in Moline, Illinois, the National Center for Public Policy Research criticized the industrial giant for refusing to protect its employees from potential termination if they engaged in civic and political activities on their own time with their own resources.

In response, the company's CEO Samuel Allen pledged to reconsider Deere's policies and positions on the matter.

The exchange follows a legal battle in which Deere petitioned the federal Securities and Exchange Committee for the right to remove a National Center shareholder proposal on a non-binding resolution advising management of its view of the wisdom of enacting employee conscience protections.

"As it stands, many John Deere employees face potential discipline for engaging in private political and civic activities," said National Center Free Enterprise Project Director Justin Danhof, Esq. "Deere's actions to-date, such as fighting us at the SEC, suggest that no policy change is imminent. But I am hopeful that now, with the attention of the CEO, the company's human resources and legal teams will reevaluate the issue and protect Deere's employees."

The genesis for the National Center's Employee Conscience Protection Project occurred in April 2014 when the CEO of Mozilla, Brendan Eich, was forced out of his job because he had donated to a 2008 California referendum that defined marriage as between one man and one woman. Since last April, the National Center has approached dozens of major American corporations asking each to voluntarily add an employee conscience protection policy for its workers.

Andrew Klavan: Good News, Beheaded Christians

Andrew Klavan, takes a look at President Obama's belief that no religion is responsible for terrorism. Sure, everywhere you look now days savages screaming Allahu Akbar are raping, murdering, decapitating and burning innocents, but hey, Christians did something bad way back a long time ago too!

A Republic No More: Big Government and the Rise of American Political Corruption

When we think of political corruption, we tend to think of illegal schemes like Watergate or Abscam. While such scandals occasionally happen in American politics, they are not the norm. There is a far more pervasive kind of political corruption that plagues our politics. And, it’s entirely legal.

Illinois House adopts Bellock measure to encourage vaccinations

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois House of Representatives adopted a resolution Wednesday to encourage the continued use of vaccines for children, adolescents and adults to ensure the safety and health of the citizens of Illinois. The bill, HR 184, was introduced and sponsored by Deputy House Minority Leader and State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale).  

“Immunizing children and adolescents helps protect the health of our communities throughout the State of Illinois by slowing down or stopping certain disease outbreaks,” Bellock said. “I grew up during the era of the polio epidemic, when thousands of children and adults suffered lifelong paralysis. The advent of the polio vaccine virtually eradicated the disease from the United States, as did the vaccines for measles and other communicable diseases.”

Hultgren: We Must Defend Religious Freedom Against Islamic Terror

WASHINGTON DC - Illinois Congressman Randy Hultgren delivered a statement on the House floor drawing attention to religious minorities in the Middle East murdered or abducted by the Islamic State for their belief, and the need to repel the group’s sustained attack on religious freedom.

Following are Rep. Hultgren’s prepared remarks:

Roskam Applauds Committee Passage of Medicare Fraud Package

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Congressman John Carney (D-DE) released the following statements after the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee’s markup and subsequent passage of the Protecting Integrity of Medicare Act (PIMA), a bipartisan Medicare fraud package that includes the Roskam-Carney Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures (PRIME) Act of 2015.

“Every year that passes without addressing rampant Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions and depletes the quality of this critical program for the American seniors who depend upon it for their healthcare,” said Roskam. “I’m proud that key provisions of my PRIME Act are included in this bipartisan package to root out deficiencies that leave Medicare vulnerable to scams and fraud. These commonsense reforms are necessary to ensure Medicare dollars can go to providing important health services, not lining the pockets of crooks. Congressman Carney has been a tremendous partner in the effort to develop these thoughtful reforms, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue and commitment to making government work better for the American people.”

Illinois Congressman Shimkus Pans FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules

WASHINGTON DC – Illinois Congressman John Shimkus released a statement on the Federal Communication Commission’s approach to net neutrality.

“The real tragedy in President Obama and Chairman Wheeler’s approach to net neutrality is that they lack the imagination to see beyond the status quo,” Shimkus said. “Instead of debating how to divvy up today’s existing bandwidth, we should be talking about ways to incentivize the build-out of broad­band infrastructure and increase innovation-driven competition in the Internet service market.”

Rather than looking toward the future, the FCC today reached into the past, back to their telegram-era regulatory authority, to reclassify broadband Internet service as a public utility. This approach not only would grant the federal government sweeping new authority over Internet traffic and open the door to additional taxes, it would disincentive the development and deployment of faster Internet service nationwide.

CPAC 2015: Hispanic Leader Calls on Conservatives to Take Lead on Immigration

WASHINGTON DC - In a panel discussion about immigration reform at CPAC, Alfonso Aguilar, Director of American Principles in Action’s Latino Partnership, called on conservatives in Congress to “take the lead” on immigration reform.

“We have an opportunity to show the Hispanic community that we are not obstructionists, but that we have a forward vision for this country. We have to stop dragging our feet on immigration and take the lead.”

Aguilar outlined his vision for immigration reform based on conservative principles.

“There are two opposing views on immigration, but in reality there is a third way—a conservative path forward,” Aguilar said. “First, we must secure the border. Then, we must create a market-based guest worker program. Finally, we must give Americans who are here illegally a path to legal status. This is the conservative thing—the right thing—to do.”

Kirk Condemns ISIS Kidnapping of Hundreds of Assyrian Christians

WASHINGTON DC – Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk released a statement condemning the Islamic State (ISIS) for attacking Assyrian Christian villages in Syria’s Hassakeh province and kidnapping more than 200 Assyrian Christians, including women, children, priests, and the elderly:

"The Islamic State’s ongoing atrocities against Assyrian Christians remind us that terrorists pose an existential threat to religious and ethnic minorities throughout the Middle East.  Yet while the Administration repeatedly talks of working with regional allies to destroy ISIS, it has yet to articulate and implement a serious strategy to achieve that important goal.  In the meantime, innocent people are suffering and dying on an unconscionable scale.”

Grandma Who Thinks She’s Watching Her Granddaughter Graduate From Afar is in For A Big Surprise

Still recovering from a bone marrow transplant and brain surgery, Sharon receives the surprise of a lifetime from Taylor.

ISIS Destroys Archaeological Treasures in Mosul

In a video posted on the Internet on February 26, ISIS members are shown smashing statues and destroying archaeological remains in a museum in Mosul. A spokesman, standing in front of the scene of destruction, says that "Allah commanded us to shatter and destroy these statues, idols, and remains."

Minority Leader Durkin calls for end to lame duck sessions

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois has a history of passing controversial legislation such as tax hikes during the last few hours before a new General Assembly is sworn in.

There's two obvious reasons leadership uses this tactic: 1. Those members who were not re-elected are able to make votes for which they won't be accountable to their districts, and 2. When the calendar moves into January, legislation no longer needs super majorities to pass, they go back to requiring simple majorities for bill passage.  

Wednesday, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin filed legislation asking voters to put an end to lame duck sessions of the Illinois General Assembly by moving up the date of inauguration. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 30 would require future outgoing to General Assemblies to conclude their work before Election Day.

Joliet area community college to launch new engineering training in 2015

JOLIET, IL - Joliet Junior College will be launching a new training program next fall for industry jobs in petrochemical, nuclear and manufacturing that could surpass salaries of $75,000 a year.

The school's Operations Engineering and Technician Program will launch in fall 2015 and they will be taking program applications between March 2-31. 

“We are proud to introduce this new program that articulates a clear career pathway for our students,” said JJC President Dr. Debra Daniels. “We are grateful for the valuable relationships we have with our local legislators and area employers that were essential to the development of this program.”

With anticipated industry growth and an increasing number of retirees in coming years, many openings for well-paying, stable jobs are expected at energy and manufacturing companies.

Duffy calls on Com Ed to open the books on charitable donations

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Serious allegations have been made against Illinois’ largest energy utility company, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), regarding its improper use of ratepayer funds. State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington) calls on Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Chairman Brien Sheahan to take immediate action to protect ComEd ratepayers.

“As outlined in a Feb. 21st Chicago Tribune article, ComEd has allegedly been using ratepayer funds to make charitable contributions that appear to be intended to further its policy agenda to obtain rate increases,” said Sen. Duffy. “Hardworking Illinois families have the right to know where their money is being used, which is why I am calling for further investigation of this alleged misuse of funds.”

While ComEd admits that it has made charitable contributions to about 600 community organizations ranging from the Chicago Urban League to the United Way, it has failed to disclose this information in customers’ monthly bills, said Sen. Duffy.

Thorner: Will dollar signs supersede consequences of further pot legalization?

By Nancy Thorner - 

Shortly after his swearing in as governor, Governor Rauner picked up the task fumbled by Governor Quinn by telling General Counsel Jason Barclay to move ahead on the authorization process to establish a list of growing and dispensary centers for marijuana. Using the set of standards provided in the medical pot law, Rauner's office released a list of 18 approved centers where cannabis will be grown, and 52 approved sites where medical pot will be distributed in Illinois.  Yet to be resolved is how the cannabis seeds will legally be able to enter the state of Illinois. According to federal law, it is illegal to transport marijuana seeds across state lines. 

Even though the so-called “Medical” Cannabis Pilot Program has yet to begin, State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) has introduced legislation (SB 753) which would legalize the possession of 30 grams of marijuana and 5 plants for anyone over 21 years of age. In the Illinois House, State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation (HB 218) which would lessen the criminal penalties of recreational marijuana possession of 30 grams or fewer to a $100 ticket and a petty offense.

Senate Committee approves Loretta Lynch for U.S. AG with 3 GOP votes

WASHINGTON DC - Despite pleadings from 40 U.S. House members to reject Loretta Lynch to succeed Attorney General Eric Holder, the Republican-led U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved her nomination Thursday in Washington DC.

U.S. Senator from Illinois Dick Durbin was one of 12 votes for her confirmation. Three Republicans Jeff Flake, Lindsey Graham and Orrin Hatch joined the Democrats on the vote. The other nine Republicans on the committee voted no.

The House members said in a letter to the Senate Committee members that during Lynch's testimony before the Senate Committee, she made it clear that she planned to continue AG Holder's politicizing of the Department of Justice.  

FCC approves net neutrality

WASHINGTON DC - The Federal Communications Commission approved the policy known as net neutrality by a 3-2 vote at its Thursday meeting, with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler saying the policy will ensure "that no one — whether government or corporate — should control free open access to the Internet."

UPDATE below the fold: Congressman John Shimkus responds to FCC decision

But Commissioner Afut Pal disagreed with Wheeler, saying the FCC was seizing power in "a radical departure" from its earlier policies. The Republican accused the FCC of "turning its back on Internet freedom" and said that the commissioners were backing the new measure for only one reason: "because President Obama told us to."

Crowdfunding proposal introduced in Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD, IL -  If you've got a great idea to start a new business, but no capital, there may be help on the way.

State Representative Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) has filed legislation that would give entrepreneurs and startup founders a kick-start into the market. House Bill 3091 allows the use of intrastate crowdfunding, a new investing concept that is capable of generating greater access to capital, allowing for entrepreneurs with ideas to make them into reality.

“Crowdfunding will be the way of the future and is the next step in evolution for startups and small businesses,” said Rep. Demmer. “There are a lot of entrepreneurs out there who have great ideas to start a business, but have no capital. This bill will give those people the opportunity to bring new and innovative business ideas to Illinois.”

State Rep. Wheeler: Human-Trafficking -- Closer to Home than You Think

By State Rep. Barbara Wheeler - 

Last fall, I reported progress on halting an appalling practice that is much closer to home than most of us realize, human-trafficking. Human-trafficking is a modern-day version of slavery that is thriving in the United States and sadly, in some our own communities. Every day, human beings are bought, sold, or smuggled so that others can profit from their forced labor or sexual servitude. While every state criminalizes at least some forms of trafficking activity, legislators across the nation continue to explore new ways to combat traffickers and provide support for victims.

Most of us are unaware, but human-trafficking is a lucrative business right here in northern Illinois. In this area, human traffickers are using the massage parlor industry as a cover and method for connecting sex-trade customers with mostly East Asian women, both documented and undocumented, who are being forced to perform sex acts. Operators of these parlors locate in communities where zoning laws do not specifically address licensure, lighting, dress codes, and hours of operation for massage parlors.

Big Pharma's PR problem could stymie lawmakers' efforts to limit vaccine choices

CHICAGO - Pharmaceutical companies have an image problem that could affect Illinois legislation about mandated vaccines.

An isolated measles outbreak in a Chicago suburb has prompted Illinois politicians to introduce legislation limiting citizens' freedom to exempt themselves or their children from state-mandated vaccines. Despite a 95 percent vaccination rate, proponents argue that curtailing exemptions based on faith or conscience would benefit society. A change in the law would also increase vaccinations and benefit vaccine manufacturers, such as Pfizer and Merck - two drug companies associated with what critics call "Big Pharma."

A recent Harris poll revealed that a mere 37% of the population has a positive perception of pharmaceutical companies. Only government, tobacco, financial services, airlines, and insurance have a more negative perception. (see chart below)

"There are many reasons why that perception has changed, but the common denominator amid the contention appears to be a lack of trust," writes Richard Carufel in a PR Biz update.

Elizabeth S. Mitchell of PR Newser explains the two reasons for the public's negative perception of drug companies:

"The first is direct-to consumer advertising; it’s nearly impossible to get through an entire TV show without at least one drug commercial featuring a personified depression cloud or a bad metaphor for erectile dysfunction. And many legitimate concerns have been raised about how this type of blanket targeting may be changing the doctor/patient relationship and the act of prescribing medication for the worse."

The second reason is the lucrative, but poorly disclosed, practice of drug companies marketing to doctors:

This strategy runs the gamut from drug reps buying lunch for every employee in a medical office to a drug company paying large sums to have doctors serve as 'thought leaders' who push certain drugs on other doctors by taking them out to dinner to 'discuss' new products.

In Illinois, Big Pharma has been influential on decisions made by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for vaccine mandates to the Illinois Department of Public Health director.

Drug companies' lobbyists have historically been active in committee decision-making, specifically when they were considering a Hepatitis B vaccine mandate for newborns and chickenpox vaccine mandate for school age children in the early 2000s.

When a 2001 legislative effort passed unanimously the Illinois House and Senate to ban committee members' financial ties to vaccine-manufacturing companies, then-Governor George Ryan vetoed the legislation.

Financial disclosures showed in 2000 that the majority of Immunization Advisory Committee members received either research grants from or were financially invested in the same drug companies lobbying the committee for vaccine mandates.

In addition, when immunizations are mandated, pharmaceutical companies are protected from liability lawsuits. Instead, parents that have evidence their children were damaged by vaccines must appeal to the federal government's fund for compensation.

Drug companies face the challenge of improving their products' trust factor with the same public lawmakers face for re-election. Illinois may be a place where this public relations' "needle-threading" sets national precedence.

State Rep. Batinick makes emotional pitch for “Stephanie’s Law”

SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) has teamed up with State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) to expand the state’s Sex Offender Registry. Batinick has introduced House Bill 2548, known as “Stephanie’s Law,” which would give judges the discretionary authority to require that individuals convicted of battery register as sex offenders if it is determined that the individual's intent was sexual.

“As a father, I feel it’s imperative that we do everything we can to protect all citizens from sexual predators. Stephanie’s Law would close a loophole in the current statute and give our judges additional discretion in placing those who commit sexually motivated batteries on the Sex Offender Registry,” said Batinick. 

Breitbart editor condemns Schakowsky's boycott of Netanyahu speech

CHICAGO - Four years ago, Republican Joel Pollak challenged liberal Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for her Illinois Congressional seat.

Pollak is now living in Santa Monica California, the editor-in-chief of Breitbart California and general counsel for the conservative news outlet. But he's keeping an eye on the 9th Congressional District and the 31 percent of the district voters that supported his bid to oust Schakowsky.

Today, he sent an email to his friends in the 9th CD, calling on them to flood Schakowsky's phone lines with outrage that she's boycotting Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress next week. Pollak, now 37, wrote:

Reversing course in Illinois with a Republican governor

WASHINGTON DC - In George Will's latest column he writes:

The most portentous election of 2014, which gave the worst-governed state its first Republican governor in 12 years, has initiated this century’s most intriguing political experiment.... By electing businessman Bruce Rauner, it initiated a process that might dismantle a form of governance that afflicts many states and municipalities. Rauner, 58, won his first elective office by promising to change Illinois’ political culture of one-party rule by entrenched politicians subservient to public-sector unions.

Rauner has a plan to break “a totally rigged system.” ... hopes to ban, as some states do, public employees’ unions from making political contributions. ... hopes the Legislature will empower voters to ratify changes to the state constitutional provision that says public pensions can never be “diminished or impaired.” ... [and] impose term limits on state legislators.

An Illinois governor (Adlai Stevenson) once said, “Cleanliness is next to godliness, except in the Illinois Legislature, where it is next to impossible.” If Rauner emancipates Illinois from government organized, through its employees’ unions, as an interest group that lobbies itself for perpetual growth, so can other states. And the nation.

More HERE

Rauner urges cabinet to bring problems forward

By Greg Bishop - 

SPRINGFIELD, IL (INN Radio) - Illinois’ new Governor is sending a strong message to his cabinet, saying they have a moral obligation to report problems to his office. During a cabinet meeting at the capitol Wednesday afternoon Governor Bruce Rauner said the challenges facing Illinois are enormous and he encouraged department heads to look outside the box for solutions. Rauner says the team he’s put in place must report to him things previous executives may not have wanted to hear.

“You have a strong feeling in your heart as what’s right, you say so. You do not hold it back. And if you see something going on that you know is wrong you have a moral obligation to say so and bring it up. Don’t hold it back, bring it up. Let’s fix it. I can’t fix a problem I don’t know about. And I want to empower you. I’ve got your back. We’ve got to break some china, we’ve gotta change some things.”

Rauner said he wants his cabinet members to bring their disagreements forward so they can work through the problems facing the state. He also reiterated that he wants to reward employees who find taxpayers savings. The Governor says his job is to make his cabinet more effective and that in two years the state will be on a different trajectory.

Starkehaus: CPAC 2015 Thursday Lineup

By Irene Starkehaus - 

Today's CPAC 2015 agenda rolls out a lineup of GOP presidential hopefuls angling for conservative support in 2016. Thursday's company of speakers includes Ben Carson, Senator Mike Lee (UT), Governor Chris Christie (NJ), Senator Ted Cruz (TX), Governor Scott Walker (WI), Governor Bobby Jindal (LA), and Governor Sarah Palin.

The whispered question that can be heard throughout America's largest conservative convention is whether any of these potential candidates will reach out to the traditionalist audience with an authentic conservative message that will satisfy requirements rather than pay lip service to them.

LaHood seeks solution to ‘Common Core’ problems

PEORIA, IL – As educators across Illinois prepare to begin administering the federal “Common Core” assessment tests, State Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) is seeking a thorough review before the tests are conducted.

“It is not often that conservative advocacy groups and perceived liberal teachers’ labor organizations unite for a common cause. The cause is their opposition to the ‘Common Core’ standards and the tests that are being administered across Illinois,” LaHood said. “This is a classic overreach by Washington, D.C. bureaucrats who are determined to dictate our education standards.”

The Senator’s objections to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests or “Common Core” standards are not new. He and several colleagues risen in opposition for more than a year on the topic. As a result, LaHood has joined Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) in sponsoring Senate Resolution 89, which seeks to delay the implementation of the Common Core standards.

Harris & Connelly Author Legislation to Help Terminally Ill

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL – State Representative David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) has authored House Bill 2508, known as the Right to Try Act, to allow terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments. If the legislation becomes law, it would make Illinois a national leader by allowing patients who have exhausted all other treatment options the ability to utilize promising treatments that are still awaiting final FDA approval.

“Sadly, terminally ill patients often lose their struggle for life because they cannot wait several years for the FDA to approve a potentially life-saving treatment,” said Harris. “While testing new medical treatments is hugely important to ensuring their safety and effectiveness, it is reasonable to allow someone who has been diagnosed as terminally ill to use one of those treatments with the recommendation and supervision of their doctor."

State Senator Mike Connelly (R-Lisle) is shepherding identical legislation through the Illinois Senate.

“It is incumbent upon us in the General Assembly to provide our constituents afflicted with terminal illness access to potentially life-saving or life-extending medications that have been deemed safe by the FDA.   This legislation does just that,” Connelly said. 

Reps. Roskam and Hultgren Support Expansion of 529 College Savings Plans

WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Representatives Peter Roskam and Randy Hultgren today supported passage of H.R. 529, a bill which promotes saving for college by protecting, modernizing and expanding the popular 529 college savings plan. Among other provisions, H.R. 529 would allow computers to be included as a covered education expense, repeal an outdated reporting requirement, and allow tax-free reinvestment of refunds from colleges. 

“Saving for your children’s education is important, but daunting for many low- and middle-income parents. When the average student loan debt is $28,400 and tuition costs continue to increase each year, it’s no wonder nearly 12 million American families have turned to 529 plans to prepare for the education of their children,” said Hultgren. “The President was forced to withdraw his plan to tax and essentially eliminate these hugely popular plans after parents made it clear they wanted to be able to keep saving for their children’s education and plan ahead for the future. Studies show that college savings accounts, even with mere hundreds of dollars deposited, greatly encourage children to enroll and graduate from college. Let’s keep promoting a ‘culture of saving’ that helps parents plan for their children’s future, and ensure children succeed in education.”

Country star Garth Brooks got $1,000,000 in incentives from Rosemont

By Greg Bishop - 

ROSEMONT, IL (INN Radio) - A country star got around one-million dollars in incentives from a Chicago suburb to open his comeback tour in Rosemont. The Associated Press reports released documents show the Rosemont-owned Allstate Arena also gave Garth Brooks a reduced rate to rent the arena for his eleven shows in September. After having refused media requests for the documents the Illinois Attorney General’s office said Rosemont was violating open-records laws. That ruling led Rosemont to release the documents Monday. The suburb tells the AP they made more than two-million dollars from the nearly two-week run of shows.

Bill Kristol, E.J. Dionne talk about the role of government at the Univ. of Chicago

Policymakers, academics, and thought leaders often sharply disagree on the proper role of government in society. From energy and the environment to education and economic mobility, President Obama and Congressional Republicans also have fundamentally different views about the role government should play in addressing key issues.

So, what is the right size and scope of government in our daily lives? And how much government do we truly need? Should the federal government play a leading role in tackling our most pressing public policy issues, or would a smaller, more limited government better serve the American people and their interests?

The Real War on Women: Global Human Rights Abuses and the Americans Who Ignore Them

Iran Sinks Life-Size Model of U.S. Aircraft Carrier in Strait of Hormuz Navy Drill

During a February 25 naval drill by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, some 20 missiles and 400 shells were launched from land, air, and sea at a life-size model of an aircraft carrier of a "hypothetical enemy." According to the Iranian Tasnim News Agency, the model was of a U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

The Ruling on Executive Amnesty: Attorneys General Argue Their Case

Despite concerns from both sides of the political spectrum, last year President Obama unilaterally granted as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants access to work authorization and protections from deportation. However, the Department of Homeland Security’s roll out of the new directives gave way to mounting concerns from citizens, states, and members of Congress.

Now these directives face a new roadblock: Texas federal Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision to halt the executive actions of President Obama. Finding that the 26 states bringing the challenge to the executive actions had legal standing and that proper public notice was not given, Judge Hanen’s ruling thwarts the implementation of these unlawful directives.

Illinois to withhold funding from schools that don’t administer PARCC test

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Many states are withdrawing from the federal Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment. Mississippi was the latest, and their pulling out of the mathematics and language arts PARCC assessments left only ten states participating.

One of those 10 is Illinois, which announced that its schools will be administering the tests – or else.

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Chairman James Meeks and the State School Superintendent Christopher Koch emphasized in a letter to all district superintendents and school board chairmen that state and federal funding is dependent on their using PARCC assessments this spring.

And the “or else”? If any district does not test, ISBE will withhold its Title I funds.

Illinois anti-bullying law runs into legal problems as principals decline to exploit

JOLIET, IL – An Illinois law -- approved with bipartisan support in 2014 (see roll calls below) -- gave public school officials the authority to force students to turn over the passwords for their private social media accounts. However, as Victor Skinner of EAGnew.org reports, principals and others given the license to invade students' privacy have so far declined to exercise it for fear of legal repercussions.

Springfield legislators passed the law (HB4207) as an anti-bullying measure with what critics argue was little consideration of the actual need or the operational or Constitutional applicability.

Plainfield School District 202 spokesman Tom Hernandez told MySuburbanLife.com the district hasn’t had problems dealing with students’ social media activity in the past.

Brian Schwartz, associate director and legal counsel for the Illinois Principals Association, told the news site he doesn’t believe school officials should seek students’ social media passwords because it would be an invasion of privacy, in most circumstances.

Joliet Public Schools District 86 attorney Nick Sakellariou says he can foresee the possibility of parents suing schools that request social media passwords on constitutional grounds because many believe the law violates students’ First Amendment rights.

And there’s plenty of examples of schools that have delved into monitoring students’ social media only to regret the decision later.

According to Ed Week:

Illinois measles vaccination rate exceeds CDC-recommended herd immunity levels

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Despite concerns among legislators that vaccine exemptions are too loose in Illinois, the percentage of kindergartners vaccinated in Illinois is above the national average.

The Center for Disease Control reports in its latest findings that 95.5 percent of Illinois' kindergartners are vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), 94.6 percent are immunized for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) and 96.6 have had the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.

The CDC data shows that Illinois is one of the top states for vaccinations, ranking higher than California and Florida, and just behind Texas and New York -- all of which have larger populations.

A recent outbreak of measles in a Palatine daycare center prompted Springfield legislators to introduce legislation to further restrict citizens' right to choose when and whether to vaccinate their children. Despite the CDC data and the fact that the children infected with the measles were too young to be vaccinated, the bill was introduced and is causing concern among parents as well as civil liberty and First Amendment groups.

Pediatricians appealing to lawmakers for tougher vaccine exemption rules say they are concerned those claiming exemptions could be endangering what's called herd immunity levels - a community environment with a high rate of vaccinations that keeps a virus from spreading. That rate, ideally, is 95 percent of the population.

“In order for a community to have herd immunity, you really need to maintain vaccination rates around 95 percent,” said Dr. Tina Tan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “Otherwise, what happens is, that when the rates drop below 95 percent, you can have the reemergence or reappearance of these preventable diseases occurring in individuals that are either not vaccinated or are too young to be vaccinated.”

The 95 percent rate Dr. Tan espouses is an updated number. Until recently, an acceptable herd immunity threshold rate for the MMR vaccine varied between 83 percent and 94 percent. A CDC chart shows the varying recommended levels for the desired herd immunity in 1999: