Illinois Review

Racial wealth gap in Democrat-controlled Chicago worse than national average

White, Democrat Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (right) with white, Democrat Rep. John Dingell

CHICAGO - A report by Washington-based Corporation for Enterprise Development says about 65 percent of African-American, Latino and Asian households in Chicago would be thrown into poverty within three months if the breadwinner loses their job. The non-profit organization asserts the divide between the incomes of white households and minority households is wider in Chicago than in the nation as a whole.

Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of CFED says the huge divide is due to Chicago’s white households being wealthier than the national average. He adds the city’s African-Americans are significantly less wealthy than the national average.

The median income of whites in Chicago is $70,960 compared with $56,373 for Asians, $41,188 for Latinos and $30,303 for blacks.

Asante-Muhammad notes white households have recovered more than minority households from the 2008-09 recession.

Press conference: Illinois Policy's balanced budget proposal

The Illinois Policy Institute introduced a budget reform plan that balances the state budget and closes Illinois’ projected $7.1 billion budget deficit without a tax increase. According to the Institute, the plan offers struggling homeowners property tax relief, and reforms pensions in a way that complies with the Illinois Constitution. It calls for changes to state government that will put Illinois on a better economic path, including right-sizing state worker benefits and re-prioritizing higher education spending.

See the full plan HERE

Kindt: Proposed Casino Legislation Dictates More Bankruptcy & Education Losses for Illinois

By Prof. John Kindt - 

In Illinois, Lincoln’s essential premise of “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” has been corrupted into “government of the casinos, by the casinos, and for the casinos”—as exemplified by the new casino legislation in Senate Bill 7.

In 2015, U.S. Congressional hearings highlighted that much of the Illinois bankruptcy was precipitated by $35 billion to $100 billion in giveaways since 1990 to gambling interests—diverting funds particularly away from essential education funding. For example, the original 10 Illinois casino licenses worth $5 billion ($7.5 billion in 2017$) were given away for only $25,000 each to political insiders, including one insider who thereafter went to prison.

By comparison, the new SB 7 legislation gives away another 10 casino licenses worth billions of dollars on Wall Street for only $100,000 each--which is another giveaway of $3 billion to $6 billion to political insiders.

State Rep. Unes reacts to Caterpillar move

From Sate Rep. Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) - 

"I am disappointed to learn about Caterpillar's decision to relocate its Global Headquarters from Peoria to Chicago. Undoubtedly, the impact of this transition will be significant, presenting the Central Illinois region with challenges for years to come. That being said, I am reminded about the severe economic downturn of the eighties, which occurred at a moment in time where the Peoria area was not nearly as diversified. We rebounded successfully from that chapter of our history, and I have hope that we can do the same for our future. I am encouraged by Caterpillar's commitment to maintain a significant presence in Peoria, though the move is still unfortunate considering both the Headquarters' deep history with the city and also its 2015 promise to forever change the face of Downtown Peoria. I do believe that the consequences this new reality will have on our hotel industry, the airport, and the local housing market should not be underestimated.  Now more than ever, this area must embrace its own winning spirit, its "Never-Say-Die" attitude, and rise up to meet the new challenges of the day."

Thorner: Trump plows ahead, as Democratic Party seeks recovery and redemption

By Nancy Thorner - 

A nation that doesn't force foreigners to pay for the necessities of government (infrastructure, justice, and defense) is simply committing economic and cultural suicide. “Free trade” Europe outsourced its defense to the U.S.  In turn, we outsourced our defense to CHINA. Never has the security of the U.S. been so compromised with a fascist dictatorship able to wreck us economically and militarily at their will. Short of nuclear war, there really is little we can do to prevent the Chinese and their allies from seizing the rest of Asia. Even Europe seems to have a better chance of stopping Russia and the Muslims without nukes than we do with CHINA.

For this reason the Trump administration is trying to rebuild industries upon which our national defense rests. As to the reason the Trump administration is diminishing our defense commitments to Europe and the Middle East, it is because of Islam loving, undemocratic EU that China has an easy target. It is also the reason Trump chose Ted Mallochto represent the US in the European Union.

Wallner: Use Senate rules to break Supreme Court filibuster

By James I. Wallner - 

Donald Trump’s nominee to fill the open seat on the Supreme Court — whoever it may be — can expect rough treatment from Senate Democrats.

Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, has pledged to filibuster any nominee he disapproves of, even if it means leaving the nation’s highest court short-handed for years.

Doubtless, some Republicans will call for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, to exercise the “nuclear option”: eliminating the filibuster so the nominee can be confirmed by a simple majority. After all, SenateDemocrats went nuclear in 2013 to thwart Republican plans to filibuster some of President Obama’s nominations.

But success isn’t a given this time.

Congressman LaHood 'extremely frustrated' by Caterpillar move from Peoria to Chicago

PEORIA, IL - Congressman Darin LaHood released a statement today regarding Caterpillar’s decision to relocate corporate headquarters from Peoria:

"I am stunned, saddened and extremely frustrated to hear the news that Caterpillar’s corporate world headquarters will abruptly be moving from Peoria to Chicago. This is sad news for our community and our citizens. For over 92 years, Caterpillar has called Peoria home and we have embraced it with open arms. To say I am disappointed in this decision made by the Board of Directors would be a tremendous understatement. This, in some ways, is a betrayal of our community and in complete disregard for the hard working employees and citizens of Peoria. Like many Peorians, I joined with countless Caterpillar employees in the unveiling of the new state-of-the-art world headquarters in Downtown Peoria in February 2015. Now, it appears that we have had the rug pulled right out from under us.

I have and will continue to urge the Board of Directors to reconsider this decision. At the very least, I urge them to immediately meet with leaders of our community -- elected officials, labor and business leaders, and myself -- to work together to minimize the repercussions of this decision."

Shott: Showdown in Bloody Chicago

It'll take more than hot air to end bloodshed in the Windy City.

By James Shott - 

Unless you live on another planet, you have heard of the dangerous conditions in Chicago, where the level of violence is and has been at a crisis level for years. Chicago, like other major cities, has rampant crime and one of the higher murder and shooting rates, despite (or is it because of?) having some of the strictest gun laws in the country.

On a per capita basis, Chicago does not attract much attention because of its large population. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s last count in 2010, the estimated population in 2016 was 2.7 million, so its murder rate per 100,000 residents isn’t that large. But Chicago still wins a dubious prize for its total number of homicides and shootings.

Illinois Republican Party releases new ad: "Drop the Mike"

Citing Chicago Murder Crisis, Gingrich Mocks Schumer's Tears

Citing the record murder rate in Chicago, former Speaker Newt Gingrich on Tuesday slammed Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) for his emotional reaction at a press conference following President Trump's executive order on immigration.

"It really bothered me that Chuck Schumer could bring up a few tears for people that are not being killed, not being shot, not being imprisoned, they are simply being held in an airport," Gingrich said. "That brought tears. Four thousand Americans being shot, over 700 killed in Chicago. That didn't bring Chuck Schumer to tears. Didn't bring Rahm Emanuel to tears."

.@newtgingrich: Schumer could conjure up tears for people being held in an airport but not for the hundreds shot and killed in Chicago? pic.twitter.com/GESq1i6yY4

— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 31, 2017

Six Illinois Organizations Certified as Best Christian Workplaces for 2017

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) today named 78 faith-based organizations as Certified Best Christian Workplaces. Today's announcement is the first of two to reveal BCWI's 2017 Certified organizations. More honorees will be announced in July.

Certified status is based on eight key, quantifiable benchmarks of BCWI's "FLOURISH Model": fantastic teams, life-giving work, outstanding talent, uplifting growth, rewarding compensation, inspirational leadership, sustainable strategy and healthy communication.

Six Illinois organizations were honored as "Certified Best Christian Workplaces for 2017".

CHRISTIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Aspen Group – Frankfort, IL 

CHURCHES
Park Community Church – Chicago, IL

HIGHER EDUCATION
Olivet Nazarene University – Bourbonnais, IL

MEDIA
Tyndale House Publishers – Carol Stream, IL

PARACHURCH & MISSIONS
Willow Creek Association – Barrington, IL

PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Samaritan Ministries International – Peoria, IL

Di Leo: The Vetting Process, from Legitimate Tool to Impossible Dream

By John F. Di Leo - 

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about “vetting” people coming in from the Middle East.  In fact, however, it’s a much broader issue than that: it’s a need to vet people who come into the USA from anywhere.  

While any risk can theoretically originate anywhere, statistically, each region has different primary risks.

From some countries, it’s a human trafficking and prostitution risk; from others, it’s a drug trade and organized crime risk.  But of course the one most in the news is the terrorism risk, which originates primarily in muslim-majority countries (like the middle east) and in muslim pass-through points like Europe.

This is not to say that all people from Syria – for example – are evildoers, or that all muslims – for example – are evildoers.  But when you look at statistics, it is undeniable that a higher percentage of travelers from Syria will be evildoers than, say, travelers from Lichtenstein, Ireland, or Greenland… and that a higher percentage of a muslim population will pose a threat than, say, a similar population of Amish or Bahai’is.

With 15 other Democrats, AG Madigan condemns Trump Executive Order

CHICAGO - Over the weekend, Illinois' Democrat Attorney General Lisa Madigan - who is also daughter of Illinois' longtime Democrat House Speaker and Democrat Party Chairman Mike Madigan - joined with 15 other Democratic attorneys general in condemning President Trump's  Executive Order pausing admittance from seven terrorist-affiliated countries.

Trump put a 120-day hold on Friday on allowing refugees into the country, an indefinite ban on refugees from Syria and a 90-day bar on citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Madigan and the other attorneys general from Democrat-leaning states said Trump's order was "unAmerican" and "unlawful:" 

Trump: This is not a Muslim ban, as media is falsely reporting

WASHINGTON - As the pressure mounts concerning President Donald Trump's recent executive order temporarily clamping down on immigrants from seven countries, the president released a statement following Sunday night in which he emphasized, "To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting."

The new president battled with the mainstream media throughout his campaign, and continues to point to "fake news" as key in perpetuating what his closest advisers say is misinformation. 

Trump and his inside circles are bypassing the media and going directly to the public on Twitter and Facebook, where Sunday evening Trump said the countries included in the order were those previous identified by President Barack Obama.

He then defended his actions saying, "My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country."

The statement as posted on Facebook: 

Thorner: Will Trump be misled to pick another Souter?

By Nancy Thorner -  

Tomorrow, January 31, 2017, will be a momentous day for pro-life conservatives.  It is then that President Trump plans to make known his choice to replace the vacancy of Anthoin Scalia on the Supreme Court.

There is now more to consider since the publication of my most recent article on the same issue at Illinois Review on January 25, 2017:  "Thorner: Latest contender to replace Scalia, Judge Neil Gorsuch, is not pro-life." 

Time has just about run out. We are only a day away from President Trump being misled and pressured to make the same mistake that the first Bush made.  David Souter was the stealth nominee pushed on the first President Bush and promoted by the Federalist Society and National Right to Life.  The selection of Souter resulted in 30 million additional abortions, and he even timed his resignation so that Obama would fill his vacancy with another pro-abort who will hold power for another 30 years.

Rhoads: Presidents vs. The Rule of Law

By Mark Rhoads -

Donald Trump may have to learn the hard way the same lesson that other presidents learned when they thought they were above the law or could defy federal court orders. The same people who condemned President Obama for his lawless abuse of executive orders are now defending President Trump for his lawless abuse of executive orders.

Only Trump's abuse already is rising to the levels of Nixon when he orders his Department of Homeland Security to defy several federal judges who have declared that Trump is violating the rights of American citizens with green cards by detaining them at airports.

Trump is not a student of history, but he is about to get a history lesson by not learning from the lessons of other presidents who also thought they were above the tule of law.

What's Holding the Arab World Back?

What's holding the Arab world back? Why, by nearly every measure, are Muslim nations so far behind the West economically, culturally and scientifically? Bret Stephens, Global View columnist for the Wall Street Journal, explains.

Chicago officials declare they plan to defy temporary federal immigration ban

CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and a city alderman announced Saturday "No ban, no wall."

The officials said they plan to allow refugees from certain Muslim countries into Chicago despite President Donald Trump's executive order signed into effect Friday. 

The order bars all persons from certain terror-prone countries from entering the United States for 90 days and suspends the US Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days until it is reinstated "only for nationals of countries for whom" members of Trump's Cabinet deem can be properly vetted.

Small manufacturers balk at IL Senate budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD - Small manufacturers - an endangered species in once highly-productive Illinois - will be hit once again if the budget plan becomes law when the legislature returns in February. 

Still stinging from the budget hit they are taking from higher utility bills dumped on them last fall via the General Assembly's recent Exelon bailout plan, small manufacturers could bear the brunt of several tax-increasing aspects included in the proposed budget plan.

The Technology & Manufacturing Association, a group of more than 800 small manufacturers that employs more than 30,000 taxpayers, says they are opposed to any budget compromise predicated on raising revenue without significant structural reforms.

The group's president, former Senator Steve Rauschenberger, expressed disappointment in the current budget proposal in a notice to members last week.

"What is apparently not included in the proposal is any explicit pension reform nor any spending reform of Medicaid, K-12 School Spending, higher education spending, or the General Assembly's spending budget," Rauschenberger wrote. 

"And what we get in return is minor changes to the workmen's compensation system and a two year freeze on property taxes." 

Ideas of smaller government, lower taxes "unrealistic," IL GOP Senate leader says

DuPAGE - Democrats remain in firm control of the Illinois General Assembly, and the Illinois Senate is preparing to vote on a budget deal that will raise taxes while leaving the size of government in place.

The proposal will raise the state's income tax from 3.5 to 4.99 percent, set into motion a new "business opportunity" payroll tax that will weigh heaviest on smaller businesses, along with new service taxes that everyone in Illinois will pay in one way or another. 

In return, Democrat- and trial-attorney approved changes to Illinois' workers' compensation program are promised, as well as a temporary, two-year property tax freeze.

Republican leadership appears to be lining up with the Democrats' proposal, implying that the traditional Republican stance of lower taxes and smaller government is no longer realistic for Illinois.

Kinzinger hopeful to "see great things" from Trump

WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) - a Republican who never was a fan of Donald Trump's during the 2016 campaign - continues to hold his cards close to the vest while analyzing the president's first week in office on CNN. But, he wrote on his Facebook page Friday that he remains hopeful that "we'll see great things" from the new president.

Tom Madigan: Cousin of House Speaker Mike Madigan

Illinois Policy Institute interviewed Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's cousin Tom Madigan, who grew up in Chicago alongside Mike.

Tom's father and Mike's father were brothers and worked together in the 13th Ward Democratic political operation. Tom provides insights into Mike's evolution from public servant to Machiavellian political strategist fueled by his obsession with the accumulation and retention of power.

Where's Weyermuller? Reminiscing about the Great Chicago Blizzard 50 Years Ago Today

By Mark Weyermuller -

Do you remember where you were 50 years ago today?  That's me and my mom on January 26, 1967 standing on Cedar and Rush Streets in Chicago. I'm not sure why a delivery truck full of scotch got stuck right there. It's probably the day after as Chicago received its largest recorded snowfall of 23 inches in just one day. Just two days before Chicago has record temperatures in the high 50's so this was completely unexpected. 

Why Is America So Rich?

Why is America the world's richest nation? Is it mostly because of the government, or is it thanks to entrepreneurs and businessmen? Historian Burt Folsom of Hillsdale College explains.

Debated tax hike bill also proposes doubling Illinois' gambling casino licenses

SPRINGFIELD - The controversial Senate bill that will raise the state income tax, create a new "business opportunity tax," another new tax on services will also double the number of gambling casinos in Illinois - including Chicago's struggling south suburbs. 

It's not as if Chicago's south suburbs is missing out on the gambling windfall. Since 2012, residents in the south suburban townships of Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Thornton and Rich have racked up a grand total of $211 million in gambling losses attributed to over two thousand video gambling machines throughout the area.

Illinois Congressman Participates in Washington DC March for Life

WASHINGTON DC - Illinois Congressman Randy Hultgren participated in the 2017 March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Lawmakers introduce new tax ‘for the privilege of doing business in the state’

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK

Part of the “grand bargain” to end the state’s budget impasse being heard in the state Senate are some new taxes.

One such tax is called an opportunity tax.

State Senator and sponsor of the proposal Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights, read a synopsis in committee on Tuesday.

“The Business Opportunity Tax creates a tax on each qualified business for the privilege of doing business in the state,” she said.

Then, in a moment of self-reflection, she immediately added, “I probably wouldn’t have written it like that.”

Madigan's effort to pause state employee paychecks criticized by GOP lawmaker and union

SPRINGFIELD - Thursday, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a motion in St. Clair County courts to stop state employee paychecks until the state passes a budget. If the court rules in Madigan's favor, state government would effectively shut down, aggravating bi-partisan talks that are moving towards a compromise, critics are saying.

Responses began coming in Friday morning from state lawmakers and state employee unions.

State Representative Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) says Madigan's move is "blatantly political, dangerous, and confusing."

"This interference by yet another Constitutional officer in the budget process is blatantly political and seeks to unnecessarily blow-up ongoing negotiations," Bryant said. "The Senate went home this week following committee hearings on a possible budget deal to hear from their constituents. Pieces are starting to move to get to a compromise and a balanced budget. So, the timing of the Attorney General's attempt to stop state employee paychecks is as dangerous as it is puzzling."

Manufacturing and the New Trump Administration: Happy Days are here again?

From the Technology & Manufacturing Association's January 2017 News Bulletin 

As a respected economist, he’s a regular on national cable news programs. As a distinguished visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, he’s been tapped to counsel incoming President Donald Trump’s transition team. As an opinion leader, he served on the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, writing on the economy and public policy.

Since before the 2016 General Election, Stephen Moore – who grew up north of Chicago in New Trier Township - has been meeting regularly with the Trump team, encouraging public policy initiatives he believes could have a dramatic effect in bringing production and jobs back to America.

Lowering the corporate tax rates is a top priority that would stimulate the economy, Moore says.

The current U.S. corporate tax rate is about 39 percent, the third highest in the world, according to the Tax Foundation. By comparison, the rate for France is 34 percent, for Germany it is 30 percent, and for the United Kingdom and Japan it is 20 percent. Trump wants to knock the U.S. rate down to 15 percent, and Moore agrees.

Moore – a graduate of the University of Illinois-Champaign - points to four main obstacles for growing employment:

• First, government discourages work. Welfare programs provide layers and layers of federal and state income support that need to be revamped to encourage work and independence.
• Second, public school systems often fail to teach kids basic skills.
• Third, negative attitudes toward blue-collar work discourage more students from pursuing lucrative careers in manufacturing, engineering and technology.
• Fourth, an irrational bias against young adults working has pervaded the American culture.

Moore took a few minutes recently to talk with TMA’s News Bulletin about what he sees ahead for American manufacturing, and why he’s optimistic about the future.

Trump and Pence lend support to Friday's March for Life

WASHINGTON DC - For the first time in its 44-year history, the National March for Life will be attended by a vice-president. VP Mike Pence and presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway will address the marchers Friday at noon in Washington D.C. 

Thursday evening, Pence met with pro-life leaders in his office and tweeted out a photo of the meeting, saying he was "honored" to meet with them. Within the first few days of being sworn into office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning U.S. tax dollars being sent to other countries to fund abortions. 

Friday morning, President Trump lent his support to Pence and the March for Life via Twitter:

Missouri nears becoming 28th right-to-work state

National Right to Work graphic

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The Missouri legislature is one step closer to making their state the latest right-to-work state, leaving Illinois surrounded on all sides as a mandatory union fees state.

Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and earlier this month, Kentucky, have all freed workers to choose whether or not to join unions. Fox 2 reports on Thursday:

Missouri’s Republican-led Senate has passed a right-to-work bill to ban mandatory union fees.

Senators voted 21-12 Wednesday to send the bill to the House. House members last week passed an almost-identical bill.

Right to work has new momentum with Republican Gov. Eric Greitens’ support. He says he’ll sign it if the GOP-led Legislature sends it to his desk.

Kentucky's law also prohibits public employees from going on strike - a somber alert for state employees in neighboring state like Illinois where public sector unions dominate state policy. 

According to the Legal Defense Foundation, right to work laws prohibit union security agreements, or agreements between employers and labor unions, that govern the extent to which an established union can require employees' membership, payment of union dues, or fees as a condition of employment, either before or after hiring.

State Rep. Dave McSweeney on potential tax increases.

Illinois state senator rebuffed after critical Facebook video goes viral

SPRINGFIELD - State Senate Kyle McCarter spontaneously expressed his frustration with a plan both Democrat and Republican leaders are sliding through the Illinois Senate on a Facebook Live presentation Wednesday, and he's getting mixed reviews. 

While over 4500 have seen the video as of Thursday afternoon, he's not being so warmly received within his GOP Senate caucus, he told Illinois Review. 

"Let's just say it's not a good relationship right now," McCarter said. "But things are likely to get much worse before they get better."

State Rep. McSweeney Takes Aim at Red Light Cameras

CARY, IL – Calling red light cameras nothing more than revenue generators for municipalities, State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has introduced a package of legislation aimed at banning the use of red light cameras in Illinois.

“Red light cameras do not enhance public safety, but they do help local governments generate revenue,” McSweeney said. “Raising revenue is not a valid reason to continue the red light camera program in Illinois.” 

House Bill 472 bans the use of red light cameras in Illinois and House Bill 473 bans red light cameras in non-home rule units.  McSweeney sponsored similar legislation to stop non-home rule communities from using red light cameras in 2015. The legislation passed the Illinois House with 79 votes.

Roskam talks tax reform with Stuart Varney

NRA responds to Illinois Congressman Gutierrez' MSNBC attack

The NRA isn't sitting still and accepting Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez' attack today on and MSNBC appearance:

.@RepGutierrez: Come on #NRATV & defend your deceitful claim that @NRA is responsible for #Chicago's death toll! #2A #twill pic.twitter.com/xiP60il3WS

— NRATV (@nranews) January 26, 2017

Republican senator defends Democrat 40% income tax hike proposal

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) defended the proposed 40% state income tax hike on his Facebook page Wednesday after Governor Rauner's annual State of the State Address.

Despite the Democrats maintaining a super majority in the Illinois Senate, Senator Syverson's comments indicate that he as a Republican is preparing to conspire with the Democrats and support a tax hike that will cost the average Illinoisan two weeks pay.

"I don't like having to be in this position, but it is something I warned over and over would happen if spending the last ten years (that I opposed) was allowed to continue," Syverson wrote on the post. 

Senator Syverson's posted comments in their entirety: 

Trump approval rating hits 59%

PRINCETON NJ - Approval of President Donald Trump's performance during his first week in office has been steadily climbing - reaching the 59 percent level Wednesday, Rasmussen Polling says:

In the latest of this week’s executive orders, Trump has begun a crackdown on illegal immigration, adding thousands of Border Patrol agents, starting the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and cutting federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities that refuse to enforce immigration law. He also has imposed a temporary ban on refugees from and visas for citizens of several Middle Eastern countries until the U.S. government can do a better job screening out possible terrorists.

Stopping illegal immigration has long been voters’ number one immigration priority.

Most also support Trump’s plan for temporarily restricting immigration from countries with a history of terrorism and for testing to screen out newcomers who don’t share America’s values.

Attorney General Madigan sides with environmentalists over state's coal miners

SPRINGFIELD - The idea that it really doesn't matter who is a state's attorney general could be in question, as Illinois' chief law enforcer isn't interested in protecting one of Illinois' most valuable resources - the coal industry.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan - the daughter of Illinois' longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan - sides with radical environmentalists more than coal miners. Illinois News Network reports: 

Illinois could soon be the third-largest coal producer in the nation, but the state isn’t among a dozen or so states suing to prevent a federal regulation that would essentially force the mines to close.

Stream protection rules from the Obama administration make it much more difficult to run a mine.

Phil Gonet with the Illinois Coal Association said there’s a simple explanation why Illinois isn’t one of the states suing to keep their mines open.

“The Illinois Attorney General is the state’s lawyer,” he said. “And she’s on the other side of this issue. That’s the main reason why Illinois isn’t in that lawsuit.”

The Attorney General’s office didn’t offer an explanation as to why she’s not joining the other coal states.

The rest of the story is HERE.

Thorner: Economist Robert Murphy warns about Socialism in new book

By Nancy Thorner - 

On January 18, The Heartland Institute held an event with economist Robert Murphy, author of Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action., a book that distills Ludwig von Mises’ seminal work on Austrian economics Human Action for a general audience. Unlike what usually passes for economics in many classrooms, government, and the media, Murphy’s book is an engaging and intriguing book that provides something quite unique: a genuine treatise on economics that instructs and entertains both professional economists and general readers.

Republican state senator blasts proposed bi-partisan "massive tax increase"

SPRINGFIELD - Republican state Senator Kyle McCarter (Lebanon) is not happy with the "massive tax increase" Democrat and Republican leadership are preparing to thrust onto Illinois taxpayers, he said on his Facebook page Wednesday. 

"This is an opportunity to pick your pockets," McCarter said about one part of the plan.

Party leaders are finding creative ways to take two weeks pay from Illinois workers to fund an income tax hike without an attempt to shrink the size of government, and McCarter's fed up with the scheme being rushed through the Illinois General Assembly.

"We'll have one day to hear 12 bills" in the Illinois Senate, he said. "Hundreds and hundreds of pages that I guarantee not everyone has read."

Emanuel to Trump: We're gonna stay a sanctuary city

CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday he's against President Trump's suggestion to bring certain "Feds" into Chicago to protect its endangered citizens.

Emanuel told reporters he would accept help to fight crime and violence from the Department of Justice, the DEA and other agencies, but not the National Guard "because the city is re-invigorating its community policing."

And in response to the president's signing Wednesday of an executive order cutting Federal funding for cities that ignore immigration laws, the Chicago mayor said "We're gonna stay a sanctuary city ... You are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American dream."

Via Fox Business News: 

Cook: The Durbin Amendment Needs to Go to Make Illinois Great Again

By Dennis Cook - 

So far this year we have seen that the new federal government means big changes for the country. In order to move into the future, sometimes it is necessary to revisit the past and make corrections. An important issue that needs a second look came from Illinois’s own Senator Dick Durbin, who included an amendment in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.

The Durbin amendment was an under-the-radar attempt by retail lobbyists to increase their client’s bottom line. Without any hearings or studies before its implementation, the amendment was included in the massive Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act to change a marketplace that had nothing to do with the financial crisis. This legislation placed price controls on the fees retailers pay to accept debit card transactions, effectively eliminating the free market system for interchange fees, which are used to operate the complicated and dynamic global electronic payments system.

Make no mistake about it, this amendment infringes on the freedom of our economy and the rights of consumers like you and me.

Soda tax out of budget for now, but battle's not over, tax group says

SPRINGFIELD - Tuesday, the Illinois Senate decided to amend Senate Bill 9 removing the proposed beverage tax from the Senate’s budget plan after consumers expressed their outrage with the plan.

“Lawmakers heard consumers loud and clear that yet another tax that singles out thousands of common beverages adds to the burden of families and small business owners, who already work hard to balance their own budgets," Illinois Coalition Against Beverage Taxes spokesperson Claudia Rodriguez said in a statement Wednesday. "This new state tax would add to ones that already exist on beverages, causing prices to skyrocket, threaten jobs, and hurt local businesses.” 

Illinois lawmakers still have tough decisions ahead, so the group strongly encourages taxpayers to continue sharing their opposition with lawmakers.

The beverage tax still remains as an attractive target to generate revenue. Updates on the tax are available from Illinois Coalition Against Beverage Taxes at noilbeveragetax.com.

"It is important that we continue to share our concerns about rising prices on our common grocery items," the group said.

Rauner "optimistic" about Illinois' future in 2017 State of the State Address

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner delivered the 2017 State of the State address Wednesday at the Capitol, relaying that despite frustration with being unable to come to agreement on a balanced budget for two years, he's "optimistic" about the state's future.

His State of the State address in its entirety:

It is an honor to stand with you today to discuss the State of our State. Despite the problems and uncertainties we face, I am deeply optimistic about the future of our beloved Illinois.

We have big challenges and like many of you, I’m frustrated by the slow pace of change in Springfield. But with great challenge comes great opportunity. By working together, we can overcome any obstacle. We have the best people and best location of any state in America. Through bipartisan cooperation, Illinois can once again be the economic engine of the Midwest and the home of innovation and prosperity for everyone. 

How IL Congress members voted on ending taxpayer funding of abortion

Congressman Darin LaHood argued to end taxpayer funding of abortion

WASHINGTON, D.C.— A measure that would end taxpayer funding of abortion passed the U.S. House Tuesday afternoon with a 238 to 183 vote. All of Illinois' delegation voted along party lines, except Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), one of three Democrats that supported the bill. 

Six members of the Illinois delegation - five Republicans and one Democrat - signed onto H.R. 7, the "No Taxpayer for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017," as co-sponsors: Democrat Dan Lipinski and Republicans Rodney Davis, Randy Hultgren, Mike Bost, Peter Roskam and Darin LaHood.

Fraternal Order of Police-Command Council, Rauner Administration Reach Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced Wednesday the Administration has reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police-Command Council that represents Illinois State Police captains and lieutenants. The agreement will now go to the full union for ratification.

“Through good faith negotiations, we were able to reach a compromise with the Command Council on a contract that is fair to both state employees and taxpayers,” Rauner General Counsel Dennis Murashko said. “The Administration has now successfully reached 20 innovative collective bargaining agreements with public employee unions.  We continue to invite all unions to work with us on reasonable and affordable contracts.”

The agreement will include a merit pay system and a temporary, four-year wage freeze.  The Administration looks forward to building on our partnership with the Command Council in serving the citizens of Illinois.

Thorner: Latest contender to replace Scalia, Judge Neil Gorsuch, is not pro-life

Judge Neil Gorsuch is the latest contender to fill Scalia's vacancy, but he's not pro-life

By Nancy Thorner - 

An article in the Los Angeles Times by David G, Savage on January 24, 2017, "Conservative Colorado judge emerges as a top contender to fill Scalia's Supreme Court seat," confirmed that Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, 49, has emerged as a leading contender for President Trump's first Supreme Court nomination.  Two others top contenders for the position are Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of Alabama, who serves on the U.S. 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta, and Judge Diane Sykes of Wisconsin, who serves on the U.S. 7th Circuit Court in Chicago.

Judge Gorsuch currently serves on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. He was a former law clerk to both Justice Byron White and Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, having also served in the George W. Bush administration's Justice Department.

The LA Times article speaks of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch as a highly regarded conservative jurist, best known for upholding religious liberty rights in the legal battles over Obamacare.  Judge Gorsuch currently serves on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.  He is a former former clerk to both Justice Byron White and Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, having also so served in the George W. Bush administration's Justice Department.

Trump opens way for completion of Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump re-opened negotiations to begin construction on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines Tuesday. 

Trump said the proclamation calls for the pipes to be built in the United States and that the pipeline will open the way for 28,000 "good" construction jobs. 

Illinois taxpayers prepare for possible 40 percent state income tax hike

SPRINGFIELD - Weary taxpayers are tired of working hard to pay taxes when at the state level, both Republican and Democrat lawmakers are considering how they can get more revenue for state-funded programs, agencies and projects - and yes, even pay long overdue bills. 

At the federal level, the Republican majority in Congress is debating just how much they will cut taxes while at the state level, the Democrat majority is winning support from the Republican minority leadership on just how high they will raise state taxes on income taxes and sweetened drinks. 

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) has been touring editorial boards with Senate President John Cullerton, outlining their plans to tap state lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to support a grand compromise - including, perhaps, some type of workers comp reform in exchange for the new taxes.

State Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) told Illinois Review he absolutely will not support an income tax hike.