Illinois Review

Madigan calls for legislative session to continue June 4th and for "moderation"

SPRINGFIELD - House Speaker Mike Madigan says Governor Bruce Rauner should moderate his positions and move away from extremism to work together for a budget compromise. 

“What we need is for everybody to be reasonable,” Madigan told WBBM's Craig Dellimore in an interview. “I’ve been through these disputes in the legislature in the past. I know from my experience that you don’t solve these problems by working in the extreme. You solve these problems by working in moderation. That’s what happened in the past when I worked successfully with Governor Edgar, Governor Thompson, Governor Ryan. When people are functioning in the extreme, they are not working toward a solution.”

The comment begs the question of what "extreme" is. Who is demanding the status quo with no reform, no system changes, higher budget spending and higher taxes - while the people of Illinois are demanding change?

Those at the State Capitol today are reporting Speaker Madigan's instructions - the House will be in session throughout the summer, and lawmakers will get no state subsidies for their travel costs or time away from their other jobs.

 

State Rep. Batinick calls for reform on Higher Education spending

SPRINGFIELD - During the House floor debate on the Higher Education budget this week, Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) used some eyebrow-raising numbers concerning what Illinois spends on higher education and how many higher education grads leave the state each year:

• $12,293 - the amount the state of Illinois spends per full-time student 
• $6,552 - the amount that states on a national average spends per full-time student
• 16,000 - the net out of higher education grads that leave Illinois each year

Rep. Batinick's comments point out the Democrats' demand for elevated spending on the state's Higher Education budget without being willing to consider needed reforms that would bring those numbers under control: 

Breen: AFSCME's effort "a bald-faced power grab"

SPRINGFIELD - Faced with a vote on a bill the state worker union AFSCME pushed through the Illinois House Friday that would protect state workers from a lockout if contract negotiations stalled, State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) blasted the effort as a "bald-faced power grab," "a tax increase bill," "a budget-busting bill," and urged every member of the House to vote no and "vote no strongly." 

After discussing the specifics of the bill, how in reality the time allotted for passage, veto, veto override and implementation made SB 1229 irrelevant for the most part, Breen challenged the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Port Byron) as to the $350,000 AFSCME has donated to his campaign fund.

An excerpt of the discussion (video below the fold):

Downstate Republicans decline to line up with Rauner in AFSCME-backed battle

SPRINGFIELD - Friday's vote on AFSCME's effort to protect their workers from being locked out if contract negotiations stall in June, showed a peculiar list of House members refusing to back AFSCME's effort, but not comfortable opposing it, either. 

Republican Governor Rauner, who is gearing up for battle with powerful state worker union bosses, was presented with a list of Republicans in the State House that made it clear they're not standing alongside him on the battle lines. With two weeks to go in contract talks, the state employee union is staunchly opposed to Rauner's call for a wage freeze, higher health insurance costs and changes in overtime and seniority.

SB 1229, AFSCME's effort to protect union workers from being locked out if negotiations stall, passed the Illinois House Friday with a 67 to 25 vote. 

Of the 47 GOP House members, fifteen downstate Republicans registered "NV" on SB 1229 during Friday's floor votes: Anthony, Bourne, Brown, Bryant, Cabello, Davidsmeyer, Hammond, Hays, Mitchell, Poe, Pritchard, Reis, Stewart and Unes.

Rep. Mike McAuliffe, the only Republican representing a Chicago district also registered an "NV." Suburban Republican David Harris and downstate Don Moffit voted "Present" - not a "Yes" vote, and often interpreted to be a lukewarm rejection of a bill. 

Rand Paul to Chicago South Siders: "Crime is a spiritual problem"

CHICAGO - This week during presidential hopeful Rand Paul's visit with Chicago's New Beginnings Church family on the South Side, the U.S. Senator pointed to what he sees as the cause of crime spiking in America's cities.

"There's crime going on all across America, it is not a racial thing, it is a spiritual problem," Paul said. 

This week's comments in Chicago's South Side are not new to Paul. He's been warning that America is in a deep spiritual crisis since 2014, when he wrote in TIME.com:

America needs to revive tradition. America needs to revive virtue. America needs to revive the hope that springs eternal from the transcendent teachings of a humble carpenter who died on a cross. Government can supply bread, but it can’t mend a broken spirit.

Mother Teresa was once praised for her social work in India. She replied, “We are not social workers. We do this for Jesus.” No secular government, no social worker can claim the same motivation. No government, no law, can force a people to be virtuous. Our churches, schools and parents must fill that void.

Di Leo: From the Heartland to Tripoli - American Interests in a Global Economy

By John F. Di Leo - 

Reflections on isolationism and foreign policy, on Decoration Day...

When the field is crowded, candidates find a way to differentiate themselves.  No surprise there.

One way that some candidates have chosen in recent years is to set themselves apart from the “war hawks” of the other party, or even of their own party, by preaching isolationism, and by declaring that isolationism is the true heritage of our Founding Fathers.

They will quote Presidents Washington and Jefferson, who warned, on occasion, of the need to “avoid entangling alliances” like those of the Old World.  And they will imply that isolationism – and avoiding military action at all costs – is and must be what the Founders meant by their warnings.

But did they?

AFSCME moves to prevent worker lock-out

SPRINGFIELD - A confusing headline in the State Journal-Register reads "AFSCME pushing bill to prevent state workers from going on strike, being locked out."

To the average Illinoisan, that doesn't makes sense. Why would a state employee union want to prevent their members going on strike, their most powerful negotiating weapon? 

Apparently, AFSCME's plan is linked to stopping Governor Rauner from locking them out if contract negotiations stall.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) sent out this explanation of AFSCME's proposal late Friday afternoon: 

Hastert resigns from Wheaton College board

WHEATON, IL - Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has stepped down from the board of a center he helped create at Wheaton College, his alma mater, the Daily Herald reports.

The Christian school announced Friday it had received and accepted Hastert's resignation from the board of the J. Dennis Hastert Center for Economics, Government, and Public Policy. The announcement came a day after Hastert was indicted on charges of lying to the FBI and with structuring cash withdrawals to avoid complying with bank reporting requirements.

"The college respects Mr. Hastert's distinguished public service record and the due process being afforded him pursuant to the charges that have been filed against him," the school said in a statement.

More at Daily Herald

O'Brien: Rahm's Predictable, and Lame, Gun Control Clap Trap

By Teri O'Brien - 

Rahm Emanuel is well-known for the sentence "never let a crisis go to waste," which is one of the few utterances from the Chicago mayor that we can repeat her on this family site without redaction. That statement is a refreshing, and stunningly honest, description of a key item in the leftist playbook. It is an admission, albeit an inadvertent one, that no rational person would willingly agree to the Left's agenda, that is, unless he was acting out of fear, panic or the other emotions that demagogues use as levers against free people.

When I saw Rahm's latest lame excuse for the Memorial Day, 2015 gun violence in his city, one in a series of endless recitations of threadbare liberal clichés, I thought of another sentence, one from by Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in the 1927 case, Buck v. Bell. "Three generations of imbeciles are enough." He wants more gun control laws. At an event honoring police officers, he stated “It is not just about how many police you have, it is about the quantity of guns that are on the street so we actually have gun laws that back up the men and women we just recognized." Guns on the street? How could this be? 

Bloomington City Hall Going After Radio Station For Questioning Misuse Of Taxpayer Money

By Ulysses Arn - 

An extremely troubling assault on the Freedom of the Press is taking place in Bloomington, IL with Mayor Tari Renner at the center of an attempt to silence a local talk radio station and its morning show.

The mayor is unhappy with the station questioning a plan to have the city of Bloomington use some $8 million in taxpayer money to help finance the purchase of a block of buildings downtown. A developer reportedly has plans to turn the buildings into a hotel. In the meantime, the city has and is raising taxes on everything it can to cover a $3 million budget deficit while also giving the city manager a pay raise.

Last Friday Josh "Fistbump" Schmidgall, a reporter with Cities 92.9 FM's morning show hosted by Ian Bayne, was served with a restraining order, filed by Bloomington's Communications Director Nora Dukowitz. Earlier in the week, Schmidgall sought to get answers from Dukowitz at her apartment about the hotel project and the recent pay raise given to the city manager.  When Dukowitz didn't answer the door, Schmidgall placed his business card on the door and left the premises.

At Tuesday night's city council meeting during public comments, Mayor Renner let slip that may have had some role in the restraining order, which seeks to bar Schmidgall from City Hall and to forfeit his Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card (needed in IL to even touch a firearm legally), as well as his shotgun.

Lightford shuts down hearing witness Rich Goldberg: "You're so rude" [video]

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) shut down response from committee hearing witness Rich Goldberg during Thursday's Executive Committee hearing on collective bargaining by refusing to acknowledge his response and saying, "Rich, you're so rude!"

Goldberg was speaking on behalf of the governor's office. 

Video by Blueroomstream

Governor Rauner persists: We need structural change in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner told reporters Friday that he does not plan to call for a special legislative session if the state budget is not settled by Sunday night, the 31st of May. 

"We've been willing to negotiate," Rauner said, "but we need our economy to grow, we need jobs. We need to grow the economy and shrink the bureaucracy. Anyone that says that's not related to the budget is wrong. We need structural reform in Illinois." 

Rauner said the top two priorities are reforming property taxes and the state's workers' compensation system. 

"Property taxes along with workers' comp are the top two reasons job creators are staying out of Illinois, and there needs to be reform in each one," the governor said.

The governor said property taxes are punishing the state's home owners, and there needs to be a real property tax freeze while local boards take on the issues contributing to skyrocketing property taxes while property values stagnate.

"We will know if the Democrats are sincere and if they want true reform by Sunday night. Our bills, our language are there," Rauner said.  "No one's going to have to wonder by then."

By Monday morning, the Illinois General Assembly will have to garner a super-majority to pass any bill that can be implemented in the coming fiscal year, he said.

The Democrats hold a super-majority in each chamber.

UPDATE: Hastert allegedly paid to coverup sexual misconduct as Yorkville High teacher

UPDATE: CBSLocal is reporting that former Speaker Denny Hastert allegedly paid $1.7 million of a promised $3.5 million to conceal Hastert's sexual misconduct as a high school teacher with "Individual A." Another source is using the term "sexual abuse."

CHICAGO - The case the federal government has built against former U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert was assigned Thursday to U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin, an appointee of President Barack Obama and the brother of Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin.

Judge Thomas Durkin was confirmed to the federal bench three years ago and was a partner in the law firm Mayer Brown, where Hastert's son, Ethan, is an attorney.

The two-count indictment against Hastert says when the FBI interviewed the former speaker about large amounts of cash he had been withdrawing from three local banks since 2010, he said he was keeping the cash.

“Yeah . . . I kept the cash. That’s what I’m doing,” the indictment says Hastert told the FBI. 

Roskam and Ryan call for IRS to explain latest taxpayer information breach

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam (R-IL) have sent a letter to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen demanding information on the IRS data breach, which exposed sensitive information of 104,000 American taxpayers. 

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“Taxpayer confidence in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) ability to safeguard personal information is critical to our nation’s system of voluntary tax compliance. The IRS’s announcement that cyber attackers took advantage of IRS system vulnerabilities to access 104,000 taxpayers’ confidential information is a profound mission failure. We are writing to inquire about the full extent of the breach, including whether these crimes were facilitated by known system weaknesses and what steps the IRS is taking to prevent any further breaches. . . . The IRS has a responsibility to protect taxpayer information from unauthorized access and attacks. Clearly, the agency needs to do more.”

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:  

Rhoads: Illinois Heritage Trivia about DC's Lincoln Memorial

 

By Mark Rhoads -

Over the years I have collected odd bits of trivia about Illinois history for no particular reason but just for fun.

Today's Illinois trivia is that the beautiful Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. was dedicated in 1922 by President Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Not only does the classical memorial honor the most famous president from Illinois, but it was also designed by architect Henry Bacon, who was born and raised in Watseka, Illinois. Henry was a member of the University of Illinois Class of 1886.

Former U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert accused of evasion, lying to FBI

WASHINGTON DC — The Justice Department has indicted former House Speaker Dennis Hastert on reporting evasion charges and lying to the FBI as part of an effort to pay off victims of “prior bad acts.”

In an indictment handed down in the District Court of Northern Illinois, the Department of Justice and IRS charged Hastert, 73, with illegally transferring funds in an effort to avoid detection by the IRS, a scheme known as “structuring.”

In the indictment, Hastert is accused of agreeing to pay one individual $3.5 million.

Although the indictment specifies neither the “bad acts” nor the victims, sources said they could be from before Hastert, who is now a lobbyist in Washington, entered politics in 1980.

Murphy speaks out on Democrats' proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) reports to his constituents what is going on at the State Capitol concerning budget negotiations. Lawmakers say they're at a point of taking their messages directly to the people in their district via social media to get the other side of the story back home: 

With the scheduled session adjournment date just days away, click here to watch the most recent edition of Murphy’s Minutes and get his thoughts on the Democrats' proposed budget.

Posted by State Senator Matt Murphy on Thursday, May 28, 2015

Carson and Huckabee to headline conservative meeting in Tinley Park July 31

TINLEY PARK - Presidential hopefuls Dr. Ben Carson and former Governor Mike Huckabee will be sharing their ideas in Illinois the last weekend in July in south suburban Tinley Park.

A group of conservatives led by Dr. Eric Wallace of Freedom’s Journal Institute will be hosting a day long conference at the end of July with a theme of “All Lives Matter,” a direct response to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. 

 

"The theme is in defense of life, 'Why All Lives Matter,’” Wallace said this week. “Not only do black lives matter, all lives matter."

Democrats exploit Amtrak tragedy to target congressmen Dold, Bost, Davis

WASHINGTON DC - House Republicans who voted against increased funding for the taxpayer-subsidized Amtrak are being targeted by Democrats following the crash in Philadelphia.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told the Daily News it is running negative online ads against Illinois congressmen Bob Dold, Mike Bost and Rodney Davis.

Masters of Manufacturing: Steve & Mario Pagliuzza of Dial Tool Industries, Inc.

ADDISON, IL - When Steve Pagliuzza started working for his dad in the early 1960s, Dial Tool Industries' toolmakers wore shirt and ties to work each day. 

"It was very different from the way things are today," Steve recalled. "And one of my first jobs was to take a cart around the shop floor and deliver coffee to the guys. It was expected."

Steve says he remembers that he always wanted to work for the family business.

"When I was 10 years old, I could read blueprints. I always wanted to be here. Even when I went to college, where I studied business and math, I still always wanted to work here," he said.  

But Steve's four years younger brother Mario had other career ideas in mind.

Controversial sexual therapy ban advances in Illinois Senate, questioned by scientists

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The bill (HB 217) outlawing therapy that medical professionals say can help young people deal with sexual orientation issues was heard in the Senate Executive Committee last night. The bill passed by a vote of 11-4, with Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) voting present. Senators Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) and Chris Nybo (R-Hinsdale) voted in favor of the bill that critics argue puts the government between patients and their doctors.

It now moves to the Senate floor where a vote may come as early as Friday.  

The bill is strongly supported by gay activists, including State Rep. Kelly Cassidy who sponsored the bill claiming that the therapy can increase the risk of suicide and "mental anguish" in teenagers struggling with their sexuality.

Just last year, the House defeated a similar Cassidy plan 44-51 — with 22 members not voting.

Illinois Family Institute's Laurie Higgins opposes the lawmakers attempt to ban the therapy and points to an op-ed in the LA Times and Chicago Tribune by Dr. Eric Vilain, professor of pediatrics and human genetics at UCLA and director of the Center for Gender-Based Biology, and J. Michael Bailey, psychology professor at Northwestern University. Both Vilain and Bailey warn lawmakers against banning the so-called "conversion therapy" for minors who experience gender dysphoria. They argue that attempts by lawmakers to ban “all therapists from helping families trying to alleviate children’s gender dysphoria would be premature, a triumph of ideology over science.”

They also urge President Obama to support the scientific process, pause his public support of such bans, and encourage scientists to collect the data needed to make a rational judgement about the therapy.

Higgins wrote: "If Illinois lawmakers—never known for humility about their own knowledge—truly care about children, they will heed the words of these scientists. Illinois state senators should vote “no” on the "conversion therapy" ban (HB 217)."

Higgins went on:

UPDATE Goldberg: No compromise ever good enough for those who oppose reform

Thursday morning, a member of the Rauner Administration - Richard Goldberg, Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs - testified on the governor's behalf before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the topic of lawsuit reform, an issue in the Turnaround Illinois Agenda. UPDATE: Along party lines, the Democrats rejected the lawsuit reform proposal.

Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee –

I am pleased to be here today to testify in support of the Governor’s compromise reform proposals – specifically this morning on lawsuit reform.

As I said yesterday, I want to thank all members – from the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans – who participated in working group sessions for the last several weeks to help us develop this compromise legislation.

In our view, these were productive working groups. 

At every step of the way, Governor Rauner worked to compromise.  When members raised concerns, the administration worked diligently to address those concerns.  

When members raised objections, the administration worked diligently to compromise at every turn.  

Unfortunately, no compromise is ever good enough for those who stand in the way of reform.  

Gun control advocates push for Illinois gun dealers to be state licensed

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Memorial Day weekend shootings in Chicago are being used as a springboard to move a bill in the Illinois House that creates the "Gun Dealer and Ammunition Seller Act," which would make it unlawful for any person to engage in the business of selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring firearms or ammunition without a dealer license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

The Illinois State Rifle Association is opposed to legislation requiring state licensure of gun dealers, their website says. Only members of the ISRA are allowed to read Thursday's statement from the ISRA President Richard Pearson. No public statement is available from them on the state licensure issue.

Gun control advocates are actively promoting the passage of HB 3422 Thursday, saying "Wknd In Chicago: 12 dead,44 wounded. 20% crime guns from 4 stores, we need state licensing." House sponsors listed are Democrat House members Christian L. Mitchell, Martin J. Moylan, Daniel J. Burke, Robyn Gabel, Kelly M. Cassidy, Ann Williams, Greg Harris, Pamela Reaves-Harris, Deborah Conroy, Esther Golar and William Davis. 

Illinois Democrats expected to advance remaining pieces of budget Thursday

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Democrats in the Illinois Legislature on Thursday are expected to continue to advance the remaining pieces of a $36.3 billion budget proposal that Republicans are criticizing as unbalanced.

Among the outstanding parts is a component of a school funding plan, where Democrats say they plan to increase education spending by at least $240 million.

House Speaker Michael Madigan says Democrats are looking to Gov. Bruce Rauner to help them pass a tax increase to make up the more than $3 billion difference. But Republican governor says he wants some of his legislative agenda approved first.

A Senate committee could vote on proposals addressing changes to the civil legal system and a freeze on properties taxes Thursday. A Rauner-backed proposal on workers' compensation reform was voted down Wednesday.

Gov. Rauner paying education secretary $250K with human services funds

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show that the salary of Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's education secretary is being paid under the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Rauner hired former charter school director Beth Purvis at an annual salary of $250,000. Purvis' contract signed March 13 indicates that she will be paid under the agency while reporting directly to the governor's office.

The Sun-Times reports that Rauner's office announced three weeks later that the Department of Human Services had low funds. A total of $26 million in services was cut, causing some programs to completely shut down. The cuts later were restored, but Rauner's proposed budget for fiscal year 2016 calls for more cuts within the agency.

Purvis declined to comment Wednesday.

Worker’s Comp proposal fails to make it out of committee

By Greg Bishop / INN - 

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Governor Rauner’s proposal to reform worker’s compensation failed to pass the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

More than two hours of testimony included Republicans fighting for changes they said would spur job growth and Democrats claiming the proposal would make it harder for workers to get compensated for worker’s comp claims.

Rich Goldberg, Rauner’s deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs, spoke in favor of the legislation, which he said was part of a comprehensive package of reform needed to turn around the state.

“Passing fundamental structural reform to grow our economy will have a lasting impact on our state’s future.”

Senator Kwame Raoul countered that the language in the proposal is such that it may create barriers for workers.

“When we look at worker’s compensation, which is something I know a little about, we have to look at unintended consequences.”

In a party-line vote of 8-4, Rauner’s plan to overhaul the system was shot down.

Where's Weyermuller? Following Rand Paul around Chicago

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Presidential hopeful and United States Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul made the rounds in Chicago on Wednesday. He spoke of cutting the size, scope, and cost of government. This is a popular theme among conservatives called "limited government."

The Senator started on the south side of Chicago as the first speaker in the American Urban Issues Presidential Series as a guest of Pastor Corey Brooks. Paul spoke to a large crowd in a parking lot at 6619 South King Drive near the New Beginnings Church. He spoke of the high crime there saying, "Not a racial thing, it is a spiritual problem." All the presidential candidates, republicans and democrats are being invited to speak at these town halls over the coming months. More information can be found at Projecthood.org. 

Thorner: Are the issues of racism, white supremacy being exploited in your school district?

By Nancy Thorner -

The upscale community of Lake Forest remains in a turmoil over what was to be a fast-track approval at a hurriedly arranged 7:00 a.m. Special Meeting of Lake Forest Board of Education District 115 on Tuesday, May 26, to discuss the hiring of Dr. Chala Holland, an African American administrator now serving as assistant principal at Oak Park and River Forest High School, as the sole candidate for the position of principal at Lake Forest High School. Ms. Holland was picked from a pool of 25 candidates. Eight were interviewed, culling the pool down to three. Through interviews conducted by teachers and administrators, Holland was chosen as the finalist.

The LFHS principal search began in March of this year to replace Barry Rogers (LFHS also has an assistant principal) who resigned from his LFHS position after only two years of what had been a successful tenure. Roger's resignation was followed in short order with his appointment to another administrative position, that of an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, a shared position in Lake Forest Districts 67 and 115.

Rhoads: Time and Tide Wait For No One

By Mark Rhoads - 

I am a big fan of Rick Santorum and voted for him and donated small amounts to his primary campaign against Mitt Romney in 2012. So I have received many emails from his campaign to ask for support now but I do not see a great deal of logic to a 2016 Santorum Campaign when the field already includes conservatives such as Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Rand Paul.

Santorum never came up with a good explanation as to why he endorsed liberal Republican Arlen Specter over conservative Congressman and now Sen. Pat Toomey in the 2004 primary and he got clobbered by Bob Casey, Jr. in 2006 by a vote of 59 percent to 41 percent, so his campaign skills apart from a loyal core do not show a good track record of winning anything since 2000.  He is a good man and has a right to run, but I just think his time has passed him by.

Illinois Manufacturers Association calls for workers' compensation reform

SPRINGFIELD - Wednesday, Illinois Manufacturers' Association President and CEO Greg Baise testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the need for workers' compensation reform.

"The high cost of workers' compensation hangs like an anvil around the necks of job creators in Illinois.  We've seen the loss of 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the turn of the century, and reforming workers' compensation is the first step in making our state more attractive."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has consistently called for comprehensive and meaningful reform of the Workers' Compensation Act that will significantly reduce costs for employers - private and public sector - while protecting the rights of legitimately injured workers and ensuring their access to quality health care, Baise said.  

Anti-cut drama in State Capitol rotunda Wednesday

SPRINGFIELD - Mocking Governor Rauner's proposed budget cuts to minimize a potential $4 billion shortfall in Illinois FY16 budget, Chicago-based activist groups like Grassroots Coalition and Action Now staged a "die-in" in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday afternoon. 

The groups call for the governor and the legislature to #chooserevenue - in other words, reject budget cuts and hike taxes, because "cuts kill," their t-shirts say.

Leave a pet outside in extreme cold or heat could get you jail time

SPRINGFIELD - Tuesday, the Illinois House passed overwhelmingly a bill that would make it a Class A misdemeanor to leave a "companion pet" outside for prolonged periods of time in extreme cold or heat. The bill, which had passed the Senate in April, now heads for Governor Rauner's desk.

The offense could be punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, though judges would have discretion to impose lesser sentences.

Illinois Policy is live streaming Rand Paul: Unleashing the American Dream.

Illinois Democrats vote nine times to support budget nearly $4 billion underfunded

SPRINGFIELD - Tuesday, House Speaker and Illinois Democratic Party Chairman Mike Madigan moved forward nine FY 16 budget bills that feature a close to $4 billion budget deficit. 

Much of the cuts Rauner proposed in his budget were ignored as funds for programs were re-added. 

“Governor Rauner has made it clear that we cannot ask taxpayers to put more money into a broken system. The legislation being considered today represents some compromise reforms that are critical to turning Illinois around,” Rauner spokesman Lance Trover said. “Speaker Madigan and the politicians he controls in the House have made it clear all they want to do is raise taxes. Today, the Senate will begin to make clear whether they support reform or will side with Mike Madigan to block it.”

State lawmakers joined the Rauner Administration's outrage.

New Gallup Poll shows for first time, the Left and Right tie on social ideology

PRINCETON - A new Gallup poll shows that for the first time, 31 percent of Americans identify themselves as social liberals, while 31 percent identify themselves as social conservatives.

Among self-identified Republicans, 53 percent said they were conservative,34 percent moderate and 11 percent liberal.

Among Democrats, 53 percent said they were liberal, 31 percent moderate and 14 percent conservative.

Gallup first asked Americans to describe their views on social issues in 1999, and has repeated the question at least annually since 2001. The broad trend has been toward a shrinking conservative advantage, although that was temporarily interrupted during the first two years of Barack Obama's presidency. Since then, the conservative advantage continued to diminish until it was wiped out this year.

More on Gallups' numbers HERE.

Starkehaus: For the first time in her adult life Michelle O is…right.

By Irene Starkehaus - 

The bad news: If Memorial Day in Baltimore is any indication of what's in store for American cities this summer, you can bet that we're in for one heck of a bumpy ride. When Michelle Obama stands before graduates of Oberlin College and encourages a contentious schism to begin because those who are opposed to it are now a fringe minority, you better know that the Left thinks it's in a position to take the lead in this battle for the soul of America.

And why wouldn't they? Things are truly going their way with no end in sight. There's no need to manipulate through skullduggery anymore. The Left has chosen 2015 to come out of the closet and light the streets on fire.

So the good news? Small victory though it may be, for the first time in her adult life, Michelle Obama is actually right about something. Excerpting from her Oberlin speech:

Former state lawmaker predicts state employee strike this summer

James Nowlan | Graphic from Illinois.edu

SPRINGFIELD - State employees will go on strike in late June, former state legislator Jim Nowlan predicts in an op-ed on QCOnline.com. He says state worker unions like AFSCME and SEIU are tough bargainers and Governor Bruce Rauner is looking to make a national name for himself taming Illinois' union bosses.

Nowlan, who is a retired senior fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, writes:

Though not an expert on labor negotiations, I predict the governor’s final contract offer this summer will be unacceptable, even insulting, to AFSCME.

This will set the stage for an “impasse” (in which further bargaining would be futile), a legal term in collective bargaining, along with that of “good faith bargaining.” These terms of art typically end up being interpreted by the courts as applied to conflict situations such as this will certainly be.

Rauner will then seek to implement his final offer, and in response AFSCME will go out on strike.

Rhoads: 36 Chicago Murders in May

By Mark Rhoads - 

There are many reports that show homicide rates in general have gone down in recent years but that is no comfort to the families of 262 people who have been shot in Chicago during May and the families of 36 people who have died for a rate of more than one fatal shooting per day. A great majority of victims are African Americans and so are a majority of the killers. But Mayor Rahm Emanuel still seems to be very confused about why the murder rate is so high.

Rep. Bost Introduces Bill to Address Illegal Foreign Trade Practices

Legislation Garnering Strong Support from Steel Industry, Both Parties in Congress

WASHINGTON DC - Working with fellow Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) has introduced the American Trade Enforcement Effectiveness Act, which streamlines the process for addressing unfair dumping of foreign products into U.S. markets.

“When it was announced that Granite City Works would be temporarily idling nearly 2,100 local steel jobs, I immediately went to work to find a solution that stops this from happening again,” said Bost. “Illegal trade practices are putting American jobs at risk, and I am pleased we’ve received support from both sides of the aisle to combat these practices. When the rules are applied equally, I am confident that American workers will outwork and outperform foreign competitors every day of the week.”

Catholic Citizens for Life launches calls in opposition to SB1564

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Mary Anne Hackett, President of Catholic Citizens of Illinois has recorded a series of automatic calls requesting people contact their state legislators asking them to oppose SB 1564, which would force abortion referrals by healthcare providers and crisis pregnancy centers in violation of their fundamental religious beliefs.

An example of the call can be found HERE.

Andrzejewski: The VA Scandal One Year Later

Bonuses at the most troubled VA facilities run virtually unabated

By Adam Andrzejewski - 

CHICAGO - Last year, it took a courageous whistleblower, Dr. Sam Foote at the Phoenix Veteran’s Administration facility, to focus national attention on a ‘cook-the-books’ wait-times bonus scandal. At the Phoenix facility alone, Dr. Foote suggested that up to forty veterans died while waiting to see a doctor and up to 1,300 veterans had to wait up to six months for an appointment.

Although the Phoenix facility was the touchstone, the scandal was national: Memphis, Hines-Chicago, Biloxi, Albuquerque, Miami, Gainesville, Central Alabama and many other facilities were cited as ‘troubled.’

Yet, during and after the worst scandal in Veterans Administration history, not only did the VA continue the practice of doling out bonuses, but nearly half the bonuses in 2014 were paid to the exact same employees as the previous year. Where’s the accountability?

‘E-learning’ pilot program approved by Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A pilot program to test the feasibility of Illinois “e-learning” during extreme weather was approved by the Senate on May 21, thanks to the sponsorship of State Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Wheaton). 

“We are seeking a limited-in-scope program to test our schools’ ability to establish an ‘e-learning’ program, to continue the academic schedule so it can be unimpeded by severe weather,” Connelly said.

House Bill 2781 would help curb the usage of emergency days by school districts, such as prolonged snow days in extreme weather events. Ohio and a handful of smaller states have explored similar programs.

House to consider bill that could cause medical personnel to choose between job and faith

CHICAGO - A vote is expected Tuesday in the Illinois House on the Right of Conscience bill, which, if passed would require medical professionals to share with patients all their options for dealing with their conditions, even if the choices collide with the medical personnel's religious beliefs. 

Two main groups that represent Catholic opinion on the issues are holding a "neutral" position on the legislation, saying they already do what the bill requires them to do. However, those Catholic groups are being challenged by those who are concerned the bill would force doctors, nurses, medical personnel and administrators to choose between their jobs and their personal beliefs. 

The Illinois Catholic Health Association and the Catholic Conference of Illinois say they are neutral on the legislation - not for, not against. 

The ACLU and Planned Parenthood are pushing for the passage of HB 1564.  Illinois Family Institute is strongly opposed to it. Three Illinois Congressmen wrote to the Illinois General Assembly, warning that passing the legislation could endanger federal funding.  Republican lawmaker and civil rights attorney Peter Breen wrote a letter to his House colleagues opposing it:

12 shot and killed, 45 wounded in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend

CHICAGO - A camera on the dashboard of a parked car on North Mayfair Avenue in Chicago caught a shooting in broad daylight Monday afternoon, just one incident in which twelve people were shot and killed over Memorial Day weekend, and 45 were shot and wounded. See the video HERE.

The weekend brings the totals for 2015 in Chicago's continuing violent streak up to 137 shot and killed and 794 shot and wounded. See below:

Democrats crush Illinois' workers' comp system reform with faux amendment

Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downer's Grove) reacts to Rep. Hoffman's "faux" workers comp reform bill

SPRINGFIELD - On the Illinois House floor last Friday, Rep Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) introduced an amendment to legislation that he represented as part of Governor Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda recommendations for worker’s compensation reform. GOP Floor Leader blasted Hoffman's bill as being "faux."

Hoffman introduced the legislation on behalf of House Speaker Mike Madigan, which Hoffman opposed and for which he asked a "no" vote - with these comments: 

Thorner: Schweikart reviews overdue account of America's true history

By Nancy Thorner -

The final Heartland Author Series event before The Heartland Institute moves its headquarters from One South Wacker Drive, #2740, to its new facility in Arlington Heights was held on Thursday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Featured was Larry Schweikart, who along with co-author Michael Allen, wrote the newly released 10th anniversary edition of “A Patriot’s History of the United States: From Columbus’s Great Discovery to America’s Age of Entitlement.” 

It is irrefutable that during past three decades, many history professors have allowed their biases to distort the way America’s past is taught. These intellectuals have searched for instances of racism, sexism, and bigotry in our history while downplaying the greatness of America’s patriots and the achievements of dead white men. 

Where's Weyermuller: At the "Fight For Freedom Rally 2015"

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Freedom, liberty, and opportunity are major themes for conservatives. This in addition to large support of our nation's military members. Sunday afternoon about 900 patriots gathered in Mundelein, Illinois for the "Fight for Freedom" sponsored by Walsh Freedom.  The theme was honoring men and women in blue.  A large number of police men and women were in attendance  for the picnic and rally. 

This event included a BBQ and potluck, entertainment, patriot music, a few speeches, and fireworks. It was hosted by former congressman and current radio talk show host Joe Walsh and his wife Helene at their home.  Joe can be heard nightly on WIND 560-AM from 5-8 p.m. 

 
Left photo: Carol Davis poses with me and members of her group, West Suburban Patriots Right photo: Mark Weyermuller, Lori Diversey, Dulce Patlak, Dan Patlak , Joe Walsh, Blair Garber 

Should America be the World's Policeman?

Should America be the world's policeman? Does the world even need a policeman? Or would humanity be better off if America weren't the dominant military superpower? Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and foreign affairs expert Bret Stephens weighs in.

It's Time for Congress to Put an Obamacare Repeal Bill on the President's Desk

With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, lawmakers have set the stage to use reconciliation to repeal Obamacare.

Hultgren pushes SPACE Act

Rep. Hultgren delivered a statement on the House floor in support of H.R. 2262, the SPACE Act of 2015, a bill that supports the growth of the commercial space sector while also providing a smart regulatory environment to protect national security and public safety.