Illinois Review

Thorner: Phyllis Schlafly's Reagan archive reveals how she would judge Trump

By Nancy Thorner - 

In light of Trump's first hundred days in office, much has been made of how President Trump is being viewed by the America people as to his accomplishments and campaign promises honored. 

While Trump supporters, for the most part, remain firmly behind what Trump has so far accomplished, those on the Left continue to be critical of Trump's every tweet and word spoken.  It has become obvious that the Left is not about to give Trump any credit for his many positive actions taken to "Drain the Swamp" that is still deeply rooted in Washington DC.  Trump is viewed as an illegitimate president who must be discredited and destroyed so Democrats can triumph in 2018. 

Abortion funding bill passes Senate; headed to Governor Rauner

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Democrats are committed to making Illinois taxpayers pay for abortions for any reason for state employees and women and girls on Medicaid. Wednesday, in a 33 to 22 vote, the Senate passed HB 40 to the governor's desk.

He has declared that he will veto the bill, but HB 40 supporters are urging calls to the governor's office to sign the bill into law. Only Democrats supported the bill when it passed the Illinois House two weeks ago. 

State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) was quick to respond to the development.

Thorner/Ingold: Harsh criticism by loyal opposition to AHCA unfounded

By Nancy Thorner and Ed Ingold -

The first 100 days of a Presidency are often called the “Honeymoon” period. Some honeymoon! By most accounts, it was 100 days of a contentious divorce proceeding, with the Democrats wanting to keep the (White) house and the bank account.  By contrast, all Bill Clinton took was the dishes and flatware (and the “w” keys from the typewriters). 

Obama AG Eric Holder counseled Rosenstein on Comey firing recommendation

WASHINGTON - "Comey wasn't doing a good job, very simply, he just wasn't doing a good job ..." President Trump said Wednesday after reporters asked him why he fired the former FBI Director James Comey Tuesday afternoon.  

But how did the president come to his decision to fire Comey? In a letter dated May 9, newly-confirmed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein with the heading "SUBJECT: RESTORING CONFIDENCE IN THE FBI," Rosenstein said the director was out of line when he declared the investigation concerning Hillary Clinton's email should be closed without prosecution. 

Moms Demand to march for stricter gun control Thursday in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD - Moms promise to "take over" Springfield Thursday, demanding state lawmakers pass laws that will strengthen even more gun control in Illinois, one of the most gun-regulated states in the nation. 

One of the speakers expected at Thursday's rally at the Capitol is Lucy McBath, mother of a child slain by gunfire. 

"I want the NRA to hear loud and clear: Your dangerous agenda is not welcome here," McBath said at another recent rally. 

Thorner & Ingold: Trump's Russian Conspiracy?

By Nancy Thorner and Ed Ingold - 

Why is it taking so long to determine whether anyone in the Trump camp conspired with the Russians to sabotage Hillary’s campaign? There is an active investigation by the FBI, and Congress has been holding hearings for months. 

The religious liberty executive order doesn’t really do much

President Trump’s executive order on free speech and religious liberty doesn’t do much other than confirm existing law and focus on less important issues, says Ryan Anderson. He points out that what we really need to protect religious liberty is action by Congress:

“Congress can start by passing the Russell Amendment, the Conscience Protection Act, and the First Amendment Defense Act.

David Axelrod vs. Karl Rove at University of Chicago [video]

CHICAGO - University of Chicago's Institute of Politics hosted David Axelrod and Karl Rove to discuss their time advising two different presidents in the Oval Office. The discussion is 1 hour, 23 minutes.

Illinois Lawmakers Push Anti-Life Measures [video]

Illinois Family Institute's Monte Larrick focused this week on a bill moving through the Illinois legislature that would require taxpayers to fund abortions for women on Medicaid and state employees.

Weyermuller: CNN Misidentifies Dan Rutherford as Governor Rauner

CHICAGO - It's tough trying to identify those pesky, nondescript people muddling around in the Midwest for CNN, but if they only knew how awkward it was that CNN mis-identified former Treasurer Dan Rutherford as Governor Bruce Rauner.

Listing the GOP governors that have voiced their concern about the American Health Care Act's changes, CNN used a photo of a political rival - Dan Rutherford - instead of the governor.

Mark Weyermuller pointed out CNN's mistake and sent photos proving the two are totally different persons. Maybe this is really "fake news"? 

Leftists celebrate mandatory voter registration moving to Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD - Mandatory voter registration based on drivers' license applications is making its way through the Illinois legislature - to the delight of prominent Left-leaning organizations.

Saturday, Rainbow PUSH Coalition's Jesse Jackson urged the bill's passage in the Illinois legislature, saying said "We need to pass Automatic Voter Registration to register up to 2 million people." 

After unanimous, bipartisan support in the Illinois Senate last week, Democrat State Rep. Robyn Gabel of Evanston and Rob Martwick of Chicago signed on Monday to shepherd SB 1933 through the Illinois House.

House to consider protecting immigration law evaders where IL's most vulnerable gather

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois House members will be asked this week to make state-funded places where Illinois' most vulnerable citizens gather as the very same locations criminals will be able to find sanctuary from immigration authorities.

SB 31, dubbed by supporters as the "Illinois Trust Act," passed the Illinois Senate last week along party lines, with all Democrats voting "Yes," and all Republicans voting "No," except Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno, who voted "Present." Six Democrats did not vote.

Tax dollars provide legal assistance for those facing deportation

CHICAGO - Precious tax dollars are being diverted to providing legal assistance to those facing deportation in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

While Chicago can't find funds to keep schools open, in December, at Mayor Rahm Emanuel's request, the Chicago City Council set aside $1.3 million they don't have for a legal defense fund to help immigrants threatened with deportation.

Thorner: Arizona doctor jumpstarts 2018 Senator Flake challenge in Chicago

Arizona GOP candidate Kelli Ward (r) with Eloisa and Garcia Hector at recent Chicago fundraiser

By Nancy Thorner - 

Former Chicago Bear coach Mike Ditka's restaurant on Tuesday, May 2nd, served as the venue for introducing candidate Dr. Kelli Ward to potential Illinois donors. Dr. Ward is focused on unseating Arizona's GOP incumbent U.S. Senator Jim Flake in 2018. 

Indiana principal taught First Amendment lesson

FORT WAYNE, IN - Last month, a group of pro-life advocates brought pro-life signs to the public walkway outside South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They talked to students after school dismissed for the day…and nothing happened.

Quite a difference from the tirade last fall when South Side High School Principal Carlton Mable screamed at the group on public right-of-way to "get off my property," grabbing pro-life signs and hurling them into the street. 

What about pre-existing conditions and the Obamacare repeal?

WASHINGTON - “I have a pre-existing medical condition. What will happen to me under the House plan to repeal and replace Obamacare?”

That's a question many are asking about the American Health Care Act that passed the U.S. House this week. Answers to that question were posted this week by the Joint Economic Committee, assuring Americans four specifics about pre-existing conditions if the House version to repeal Obamacare become law:

• You can’t be denied coverage.
• You won’t be charged higher premiums if you maintain coverage.
• You have options even if you don’t maintain coverage.
• You’ll have the benefit of other reforms to lower costs and increase your choices.

Post-Dispatch ousts black columnist over her support for gun rights

ST LOUIS - A freelance contributor that began writing a column for the Post-Dispatch last November was suspended by the newspaper last week after she wrote a column on guns that her editor complained did not mention her past affiliation with the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Reick: A $10 million boondoggle you're going to pay for

WOODSTOCK - On his blog "Illinoyances," State Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) reported on an idea that's making its way through the Illinois House that would set up a state-funded insurance company to pay workers' comp claims. The concept is if a state-funded entity enters the market, cheaper prices will result for all. 

The effort promises to repay the taxpayers in five years. Right...Rep. Reick wrote, it's just another very expensive boondoggle:

IL Senate votes to require Trump release income tax returns to be on 2020 ballot

SPRINGFIELD - In a 32 to 19 vote, the Illinois Senate passed a measure Friday that would ban from the Illinois general election ballot any candidate for President or Vice-President of the United States that has not released his or her tax returns for the most recent five years.

Same Illinois group lobbies for sanctuary state and automatic voter registration

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate passed in a 48 to 0 vote Friday another effort to automatically register to vote persons applying for drivers' licenses. 

New study shows Illinois lawyers double dipping in asbestos lawsuits

MARION - A new report shows how personal injury lawyers are gaming the system in Illinois by strategically timing asbestos lawsuits to inflate legal costs and further erode the state’s business climate.

The report from the Illinois Civil Justice League - Illinois Asbestos Trust Transparency – shows how personal injury lawyers are rigging the timing of asbestos lawsuits to double dip for the same claim.

Senate moves toward making Illinois a sanctuary state

SPRINGFIELD - Despite threats from the Trump Administration to cut federal law enforcement funding to jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials, Illinois is moving towards becoming the nation's fifth sanctuary state after California, Connecticut, New Mexico and Colorado.

With one vote to spare, the Illinois Senate passed a SB 031 Thursday, which would set Illinois state-funded schools, health care centers and secretary of state facilities as "safe zones" for undocumented immigrants to find protection from federal law enforcement.

Thorner/O'Neil: Political Climate fostering intolerance and anger at colleges and universities

By Nancy Thorner & Bonnie O'Neil - 

In this very telling article (HERE) Roger Simon states if fascism comes to America it will be through our college and university system.  Simon goes on to explain:

The biggest cowards in our country today can be found in our colleges and universities; they are the administrators, followed closely by a large number of their faculty. They have and continue to allow our institutions to be taken over by a monolithic world view that is increasingly totalitarian and antithetical to the diversity of opinion on which the search for truth depends. The inmates are running the asylum -- and not with any of the humor of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It's only a slight exaggeration to say that these Social Justice Warriors are to social justice what the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea is to democracy. In a few years, freshman handbooks may no longer be necessary. They can give out copies of Orwell's Animal Farm instead.

The solution to Illinois' pension crisis

Illinois crafted the solution to its pension crisis nearly 20 years ago. That’s when lawmakers passed an inspired retirement plan that gave state university workers an alternative to the traditional pension plan, one that offered more flexibility, portability and individual control.

The problem is many lawmakers don’t even know that plan exists.

More than 20,000 university workers have opted into this alternative 401(k)-style plan since its creation.

Those who have joined avoided the trap of an Illinois pension system that offers its members no control, no voice and no exit. Meanwhile, their peers in the State Universities Retirement System, or SURS, pension plan are participating in a pension fund that has only $0.41 of every dollar needed today to pay out benefits to retirees.

With pensions in such a mess, it begs the question: Why aren’t all Illinois workers – not just university workers – given the same choice regarding their retirements?

Stunning 2016 Election Map Released—Democrats Should Be Scared

Check it out HERE

100 Years of Communism’s Bloody Legacy

An epoch-defining tragedy began 100 years ago this month, but it remains unknown to many younger Americans. Marion Smith of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation writes:

“A recent study conducted by YouGov found only 33 percent of millennials are familiar with Lenin. Of those who are familiar, 25 percent view him favorably. The study also revealed, among other disturbing insights, that 32 percent of millennials believe more people were killed by the administration of George W. Bush than the regime of Joseph Stalin, which was responsible for no fewer than 15 million deaths.

“Influenced by educational and cultural systems hostile to free-market economics and willing to whitewash the human toll of Marxism, young Americans are increasingly turning to socialism and other forms of extremist ideology. In a 2016 poll by Harvard University, 33 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 said they supported socialism while 51 percent said they opposed capitalism. Alarming also are the findings that only 25 percent of millennials now believe that living in a democracy is essential, down from 75 percent for their grandparents’ generation.”

More at The Daily Beast

The American Flag: A Symbol of Hate Speech on Campuses?

Is the U.S. flag a symbol of hate speech? That's what documentary filmmaker Ami Horowitz wanted to find out when he went to UC Irvine, where the student government tried to ban displays of the flag in a main thruway. Watch and be amazed as Ami interviews the student who spearheaded the flag ban.

If There Is No God, Murder Isn't Wrong

If there is no God, murder isn't wrong. You may think it's wrong, but how do you know it's wrong? As Dennis Prager explains, without God, all morality is mere opinion.

How Illinois Congressional Delegation voted on Obamacare repeal

WASHINGTON - The American Health Care Act passed the U.S. House 217 to 213, with 20 Republicans opposing the measure. How did Illinois' delegation vote? 

Guess ... 

Family Research Council lauds Trump's religious freedom proclamation

WASHINGTON - Not only did the Obamacare repeal pass the U.S. House Thursday, it was National Day of Prayer and the President signed a proclamation that some are criticizing and others are praising. 

Here's what the conservative Family Research Council has to say about it:

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins was at the White House for the signing ceremony of an executive order protecting religious liberty. The President's new order ensures the freedom of all Americans to believe and act in accordance with their beliefs. The executive order makes clear that the administration will pursue policies that "protect and vigorously promote religious liberty."  

For Hultgren, doing nothing wasn't an option as Obamacare collapses

WASHINGTON DC — Three counties of the seven within Illinois' 14th CD have only one insurance carrier left on the Obamacare exchange. That was simply not acceptable for U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), who released the following statement on his vote for the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1682):

“Maintaining the status quo under a failing law is simply unacceptable. I have had great concerns about this bill, and expressed those to Speaker Ryan and House leadership. But doing nothing isn't an option, which I why I supported this amended bill as an important next step in the longer process of broader health reform that will benefit Illinois.

Congressman Rodney Davis: AHCA does not weaken pre-existing condition coverage

WASHINGTON - Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) focused on the issue of pre-existing conditions when responding to the passage of the American Health Care Act Thursday in the U.S. House:

Scheidler: Today's vote "Giant Step" towards defunding Planned Parenthood

CHICAGO - Eric Scheidler, a Chicago-based national director of the #ProtestPP (Protest Planned Parenthood) Coalition is applauding the passage of the American Health Care Act by the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday.

LaHood: AHCA will rescue Americans from impending Obamacare collapse

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thursday, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted in favor of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which passed the House of Representatives 217-213.

The AHCA is one of three phases to fully repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. LaHood said: 

Bost: AHCA "not perfect," but step in right direction

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act:

Shimkus: AHCA passage a "win" for those forced to buy unaffordable Obamacare

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement after the House approved legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known more commonly as Obamacare:

Kinzinger explains why he supported Obamacare repeal

WASHINGTON DC –  Thursday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) supported the American Health Care Act (AHCA) to "take the first step in repairing the damages of the Obamacare system," his office said.

On his decision to vote in favor of the AHCA, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:

Roskam's statement on American Health Care Act

WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam (IL-06) explained why he voted for the American Health Care Act Thursday in a close 217 to 213 vote:

Rauner "deeply concerned" about GOP's Obamacare repeal bill

SPRINGFIELD – Thursday, Governor Bruce Rauner released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the American Healthcare Act:

“The bill that passed in the U.S. House today continues to be of deep concern to our administration. Recent changes did not address fundamental concerns about the bill’s impact on the 650,000 individuals that are part of our Medicaid expansion population, nor have those changes eased the concerns of the 350,000 people in the individual market who are dealing with skyrocketing premiums and fewer choices.  We will continue to voice our concerns as the law moves to the Senate. 

"The Affordable Care Act is a seriously flawed law that should be changed.  Difficult as the task has proven, we are hopeful that our federal lawmakers will continue to work hard to get this right for the people of Illinois and our nation.”

Hultgren opposes federal budget bill citing little reform or spending reductions

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) was one GOP Illinois Congressional member that opposed House passage of H.R. 244, the FY2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, a $1.1 trillion bill to fund the government through September.

The controversial bill passed the House Wednesday afternoon in a 309 to 118 vote, with 103 Republicans opposing. Update: IL Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) were the only other Illinois GOP caucus members that also voted "no."

“I cannot in good conscience vote for this massive spending bill with little reforms or reductions to the spending of taxpayer dollars," Hultgren said. "It does nothing to reverse the growth of our national debt now nearing $20 trillion. Another continuing resolution moves us farther from regular order and the path of meaningful debt reduction. It doesn’t follow through on the promises we made to Americans calling for a change in direction. Our constituents, our kids and our grandkids deserve better.”

Trump to sign religious freedom executive order on National Day of Prayer

WASHINGTON -- President Trump is expected to sign a religious freedom executive order Thursday as part of a celebration for the National Day of Prayer. President Trump campaigned on the promise to protect religious freedom. He also campaigned on the pledge to repeal the so-called “Johnson Amendment” that restricts churches from endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office.

“The first freedom in the Bill of Rights is religious freedom. America was born on the foundation of religious freedom and it is one of our most cherished liberties. There could be no better day to sign an executive order on religious freedom than the National Day of Prayer,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel.

18 year old Deerfield High senior sworn onto school board

BANNOCKBURN - Jake Leahy believes he's the youngest person in Illinois currently serving in an elected position - and he very well could be. Leahy, who turned 18 in March, was sworn onto Bannockburn School District 106 Board of Education Tuesday night. 

Trump "First 100 Days" ad circulating despite CNN ban

WASHINGTON - The Trump Campaign released an ad this week celebrating what they consider their accomplishments in the administration's first 100 days in office, and CNN refused to air the ad.

“CNN requested that the advertiser remove the false graphic that the mainstream media is ‘fake news,’” the cable channel said in a statement. “The mainstream media is not fake news, and therefore the ad is false and per policy will be accepted only if that graphic is deleted.”

In response to what the campaign called an "act of censoring," Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., Executive Director Michael S. Glassner reported an "enormous online response."

"The American people have fought back against CNN’s censorship," Glassner said. "We’ve received a tremendous response over the last 24 hours from people across the country viewing our ad online. We’ve broken through a media barricade and helped spread President Trump’s message."

Warren tells Chicago audience she'd like to "cut open" donated Republicans' bodies

CHICAGO - With Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on hand, Democrat Senator (and expected 2020 presidential contender) Elizabeth Warren told a Chicago audience over the weekend that she'd like Republicans to "donate their bodies to science" so she could "cut them open" ... and the audience roared in approval. 

Connecticut loses billions as it taxes the rich

SPRINGFIELD - Who hasn't heard the "Make the Rich Pay More" mantra or seen it on protest signs at Fight for 15 rallies? The answer to budget deficits, wealth redistributionists say, is to dip more into the pockets of those that "can afford to pay more" taxes.  

It would be wise for those millionaire tax advocates to check into what's happening in Connecticut, where they've found out millionaires have options - and they take advantage of them. Connecticut is losing billions in income tax revenues.

Dems win latest federal budget battle

WASHINGTON - The Dems won a budget battle this week - and they're crowing about it. 

Thorner: Trump's tax reforms aren't radical, but they are better, expert says

By Nancy Thorner - 

In what turned out to be perfect timing, tax expert, Heartland Institute Policy Advisor, and author Daniel J. Pilla was the featured speaker on April 27 at the Heartland Institute on the same day Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn were sent out by President Trump to reveal his tax plan at a White House press conference briefing.

Students despise Obama policies...when credited to Trump

One of the worst tragedies on college campuses today is the hate our kids are being taught for their fellow man. On a human level, we as a nation have failed our children because we have allowed liberals at all levels of academia to poison our children’s minds with hate and intolerance. We’ve sat back while their teachers have bullied them into submission so they would pass their courses, telling them to just keep their heads down. Meanwhile, these leftist, bully educators and administrators have taught our children to be intolerant of others who don’t agree with them, while making them believe they are superior to those with opposing political and social views, while calling them “intolerant”.

The experiment performed in the video below by Campus Reform is a perfect example of the blind allegiance our children have to a radical, leftist ideology promoted by arrogant and intolerant educators. The student’s hate is not based on knowledge of the facts or of history, it is strictly a hate based on an ideology that permeates academia on almost every campus in America like a cancer. Students are given a sense of acceptance by their peers and by their teachers when they go along, and shamed when they don’t. It really shouldn’t come as any surprise then when kids are asked questions about our current President that the only way they know how to respond is with hate.

Manufacturers call for "Meaningful" Workers' Compensation Reform

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois' workers' compensation costs rank 8^th highest in the nation and remain a primary reason why manufacturing companies and good paying jobs are fleeing the state. Since the end of the 2009 recession, Illinois has lost 1,600 manufacturing jobs while our neighboring states have added tens of thousands of new jobs, the Illinois Manufacturing Association said in a statement issued over the weekend.

How to lower health insurance premiums for 25 million Americans

By Ed Haislemaier - 

“There has been considerable focus on how legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare could affect the 20 million individuals receiving subsidized coverage through the exchanges and the Medicaid expansion. However, much less attention has been paid to another group of 25 million individuals who also have a significant personal stake in the outcome.