Illinois Review

Little Pavel and the Knights of the Round Table

By John F. Di Leo

Our young campaign volunteer returns from Wisconsin, to learn who put the “democrat” in Democracy…

It was an ordinary Saturday morning at 51st Ward Party Headquarters.  The Boss was in his office with the door open; his tweed blazer hung on the coat rack, his collar and tie loosened in the heat.  It was just he and Pockets, after all; no Machine pols to impress, no volunteers to order around.  With no mailing, no lit drop, and no fundraisers scheduled for this holiday weekend, he and Pockets were just polishing off a few things, and planning to wrap up by lunch.  

But then he heard a voice from the doorway:  “Mornin’, Paulie!  Always good to see ya!”  It was Pockets, his right hand man, Deputy Committeeman since Day One of the Boss’ tenure in the office.  Long years, now, long, long years.  And he was welcoming one of their youngest volunteers, Pavel Syerov, who must have just walked into the office.

Eye-popping taxpayer-funded pensions take center stage

SPRINGFIELD - As the last week of this legislative session begins next Monday, Springfield's attention will focus towards pension reform.  The Chicago Tribune has published a list of Illinois' highest retiree pensions HERE.  On the other hand, budget-conscious new House members, such as State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), declined the state's health care and pensions benefits.

On Chicago Tribune's eye-popping list, 29 state retirees currently receive six-digit taxpayer-fund pensions every year, ranging from $100,000 to $203,000, compounded with cost of living increases and health care benefits.  Numerous other retirees receive much more annually from state taxpayers than those same taxpayers make. 

For comparison, Payscale provides a list Illinois' current salary samples -

 The bulk of last year's 67 percent state income tax hike went to pay in arrears pension payments.  However, Illinois' pensions remain $83 billion in debt.

CJ Powers Review: The Avengers" Break $1 Billion at Box Office

By CJ Powers - 

Most everyone desires to watch a movie that is significant to our culture, but few would have guessed it would be based on a comic book. When I was growing up, I was told that comic books were only for those who couldn't read very well. Today, they are so popular that graphic novels have become best sellers.

Not only are comic books popular, but various tastes are represented within "The Avengers". This film is ideal for fans of Captain America, Black Widow, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Hawkeye. And lets's not forget that everyone is pulled together to save America by S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division).

Civic Committee calls for meaningful pension reform

Statement from the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago:

The Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago today complimented lawmakers for continuing the discussion about the pension crisis facing Illinois taxpayers. At the same time, members warned against passage of anything less than a massive reform of the system. Anything less than comprehensive, meaningful pension reform would be a slap in the face to our pensioners, taxpayers, our future generations and bond rating agencies.

Kelly outlines his RNC National Committeeman campaign platform

CHICAGO - Chicagoan William J. Kelly rolled out his campaign platform for being elected RNC National Committeeman during the upcoming IL GOP State Convention at Tinley Park Convetion Center on June 8th.

1. As National Republican Committeeman, I will focus my efforts on coalition building, good will campaigns, and reshape our party’s fundraising strategy. We will focus on building donor relations with Republicans and conservatives –instead of major campaign bundlers for Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel.

2. I will help refocus our party’s efforts on ethical fundraising, not schemes that raise the specter of financial impropriety or smack of “political money laundering” to evade campaign finance limits.

Honor WWII vets this Memorial Day

Share this video ... support Honor Flights Chicago.

H/T IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady

Topinka: Child care checks on the way

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka on Friday announced that she has directed her staff to immediately distribute 13,716 payments totaling $8.8 million to Illinois child care providers.

The direction from the state Fiscal Officer comes after members of the General Assembly passed legislation to provide additional funding for child care services for low-income families. The legislation was introduced this month after more than 40,000 child care providers were informed that they would not receive another payment until the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Gambling bill amended to provide cover for downstate lawmakers

From ILCAAAP -

The Senate is adjourned until Monday night, May 28th, when they could come back to Springfield to vote on the massive gambling expansion bill (SB 1849).   The Legislative intent of the bill was amended in the House so downstate legislators could have political cover by voting on a bill to help agriculture.  (The Act is intended to benefit the people of the State of Illinois by assisting economic development, promoting IL tourism and agriculture, assisting conservation and forestry programs, funding programs that assist people of the State of IL during difficult economic times . . . by supporting programs that enhance the beauty of the State and its parks, rivers, forest preserves, and botanical gardens.) 

The Daily Herald editorial warned the gambling market is nearing saturation now. Adding thousands more gambling positions at five more casinos while communities continue to assess whether they can manage video gambling in all their bars and restaurants is plainly wrong.  The governor should veto this plan if it gets to him, and that veto must not be overridden.  This massive expansion will not bring Illinois a jackpot.

Stand up for Religious Liberty

By Mary McWilliams -

On Friday, June 8th Catholics across the nation, accompanied by people from other faiths, will rally to protest the HHS Mandate that violates the religious liberty guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The rally will take place at noon in Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams. Chicago.

The matter often referred to as the "Contraception" Mandate, requires the Catholic Church to pay for insurance coverage for abortifacient drugs, sterilization, and contraceptives in violation of Church teaching that opposes the use of these things. The churches themselves are exempt, however all Catholic hospitals, social services, schools, religious orders, and other Catholic entities would have to provide the coverage. These entities teach, feed, treat, and care for people of all faiths or none and are proven to do it better than anyone else. If the Mandate stands the bishops warn that the Church would have to stop providing these services altogether.

Next on the legislative docket: Illinois pension reforms

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate has passed a cigarette tax hike before, so it's likely the pivotal legislation in a 3-bill package to reform Medicaid will go to the governor before next Thursday's legislative year is scheduled to end. The other key revision to get Illinois' budget within its revenue source is the state's pension system. The Chicago Tribune outlines options the Democrats are considering:

Under one plan being considered, a retired worker could keep collecting 3 percent annual cost-of-living increases based on compound interest but would have to give up access to a retiree health care plan. At the same time, a retired worker willing to take the lower cost-of-living adjustment would have the opportunity to stay in the state's health insurance plan, said Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, a key pension negotiator.

Current workers also would have choices. Workers willing to accept a lower pension cost-of-living increase would be eligible for whatever health care plan is in place when they retire. In addition, future salary increases would be calculated into the size of their pensions, Nekritz said.

But current employees who want to keep the 3 percent compound interest in their pensions would be unable to count any more pay raises into the salary that their retirement checks are based upon. They'd also lose any state health care when they retire.

18 GOP House members vote to raise cig tax $1 per pack

SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to raise an estimated $350 million in revenue to pull in a matching $350 million from the federal government to dig Illinois out of a $2.7 Billion Medicaid budget hole, 18 Republican House members joined Democrats Friday in supporting this session's cigarette tax increase, despite hundreds of calls from frustrated taxpayers throughout Illinois.

Seventeen House Democrats - Beiser, Chapa-LaVia, Costello, Crespo, D'Amico, Dunkin, Farnham, Flowers, Franks, Lang, Mayfield, Mussman, Phelps, Sente, Thapedi, Verschoore and Walsh - were able with the 18 GOP votes to please their constituents, voting against the cigarette tax hike.

Del Mar Picks Cook GOP Leadership Team

At last night's Cook County Republican meeting, new Chairman Aaron Del Mar announced the first four members of his leadership team. Pat Rea, Bremen Township Republican Committeeman, will serve as Deputy Chairman. Blair Garber, Evanston Township Republican Chairman, will serve as one of the Vice Chairmen. Judy Diekelman, Thornton Township Republican Chairman, will serve as Secretary. Christine Svenson, attorney and former President of the 42nd Ward Republican Organization, will serve as Parliamentarian and General Counsel.

In a press release about the appointments Del Mar said, “The Cook County Republican Party just became immensely stronger thanks to the willing and passionate service of these respected, talented individuals. Deputy Committeeman Rea is looked up to by all of us in the County, and his steady leadership will ensure we continue moving the Republican Party in Cook County forward. Vice Chairman Garber has proven to be an effective and hard-working Chairman in the North Shore, a vital battleground area in Cook County. I’m honored that Secretary Diekelman was willing to continue serving the Cook County Republican Party as she’s an invaluable asset. And I’m excited to welcome Parliamentarian Svenson to the team as she lends her experience and knowledge to our meetings and official Party actions.”

Plummer Outlines His Pro-Growth Agenda

From Jason Plummer -

ULLIN, IL - Despite his opponent's absence, 12th Congressional Candidate and Businessman Jason Plummer met with voters and fielded their questions at a townhall forum on Thursday, May 24, at Shawnee College in Pulaski County. The Thursday evening event was originally scheduled as a debate between the two congressional candidates, but was shifted to the townhall format after Brad Harriman chose not to attend.

"We had hoped Mr. Harriman would participate in this forum, but I'm still appreciative of the opportunity to meet with Illinois families to outline my ideas to reduce spending, create jobs, and implement a real all-of-the-above energy policy," Plummer said. "The only way to know what issues the voters really care about is to meet with them, and I appreciate their willingness to participate in the political process."

"This election calls for serious leaders to offer serious solutions for the problems that Illinois families face," Plummer added. "I enjoyed meeting with constituents in Pulaski County, and I look forward to meeting with many more voters across the 12th District over the coming months."

Murphy advances pension bill he says will prevent abuses

From Sen. Matt Murphy - 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Scandals and stories about former elected officials receiving generous pension bumps are the reason for State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) sponsoring legislation to cleanup loopholes.

“A former legislator went to work for the City of Chicago for a short period of time and was allowed to calculate his time at the City of Chicago toward sweetening a legislative pension,” Murphy said. “These little - known loopholes and abuses have to be curbed, in order for the legislature to establish much needed credibility on saving the state’s five pension systems from financial ruin.”

House Bill 3969 requires employer contributions to cover the cost of pension bumps by former legislators who take jobs with other units of government. It prevents the state taxpayers from picking up the tab for pension spikes if the annuitant  has less than 2 years of service credit, post active participation in General Assembly Retirement System.

HB 3969 heads back to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote and then to the Governor, if it passes the full House.

State legislature votes to cut Medicaid budget and services

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois General Assembly accepted dramatic cuts to Illinois Medicaid services Thursday, and the bill now goes to Governor Pat Quinn. SB 2840 is part of a package Governor Quinn called on to cut $2.7 billion from the state's Medicaid budget. Other elements in the 3-bill Medicaid cutting package include pushing Cook County into Obamacare two years ahead of rest of the nation, as well as a $1 per pack cigarette tax.

This bill is said to reduce costs in HFS Medical Assistance Programs by about $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2013, comprising $1.36 billion in programmatic changes and $240 million in provider rate cuts.

StLToday.com lists specific changes to Illinois' Medicaid system, as provided in SB 2840:

Illinois growing dependent on sin taxes

Illinois government is getting larger and becoming financially dependent on questionable personal behaviors. Here's 3 examples from this week's legislative action alone:

1. STRIP CLUBS: If Governor Quinn signs HB 1645 into law, on January 1, 2014, every person that walks into a nude bar or strip club will have to pay a $3 tax to the state. HB 1645 allows "live adult entertainment facilities" to pay the tax either per person or at one time, from $5,000 to $25,000 annually, depending on their businesses' gross revenue. SB 1645 unanimously passed the Illinois House and Senate.

2. GAMBLING: The Illinois House passed legislation this week to expand gambling in Illinois with five new casinos, including one in Chicago. In addition, video slot machines will be added at horse race tracks. If this expansion bill passes the Senate, Illinois will become even more dependent on destructive gambling behavior.

3. SMOKING: The Illinois legislature passed two bills Thursday that are part of a package to reduce the $2.7 billion Medicaid hole in the state budget while expanding Obamacare in Cook County. The last part of the package is a $1 per pack cigarette tax. The anticipated tax hike will increase Cook County cigs to nearly $100 per carton.

These are three behaviors that Illinois now needs to encourage in order to meet budget gaps. So, which is it? Do we encourage these behaviors in order to get the expected revenue into Illinois treasuries? Or do we discourage these activities because in the long run it costs everyone - including innocent family members and neighbors - not just the participants.

Rahm wants Fitzgerald replacement to focus on gangs - the non-political kind

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told reporters yesterday that departing U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has done a good job, but his successor should focus less on political corruption and more on gangs, guns, and drugs.

During Thursday's press conference, Rahm said the new U.S. Attorney must be a "full partner in fighting the gangs and guns that are on our street.” Asked whether he felt Fitzgerald hadn’t been a “full partner” in those pursuits, Emanuel said, “I didn’t say that. I didn’t say that.”

Emanuel’s remarks were reminiscent of complaints that former Mayor Richard M. Daley made at times. Fitzgerald’s pursuit of corruption tied to the Hired Truck, city hiring and minority contracting scandals led to dozens of convictions, including those of Daley’s former patronage chief and streets and sanitation commissioner. But Daley publicly complained that the federal prosecutor should be equally concerned about fighting gangs, guns and drugs.

At a news conference Thursday, Fitzgerald made a point to say that the size of the gang and narcotics sections of the U.S. attorney’s office had doubled on his watch, now accounting for 25 percent of the office’s 168 federal prosecutors. And nearly four pages of the summary of accomplishments distributed by Fitzgerald’s office were devoted to narcotics and gang prosecutions that snared high-ranking members of several street gangs. ...More HERE

Kass: Durbin not running in 2014 could complicate finding Fitzgerald successor

CHICAGO - John Kass is saying on his Facebook page that if U.S. Senator Dick Durbin doesn't seek re-election in 2014, it may complicate the search for someone to succeed U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who announced this week he'll complete his service June 30th. And as always, IR "Amens!" Mr. Kass' column today about Fitzgerald:

Fitzgerald accomplished great things as prosecutor in Chicago. The most important wasn't all those political pelts on the federal building wall. Instead, it was that he gave the people of Illinois hope that he and his assistants and the FBI would stand up to the crooked politics of this crooked state.

18 facts to combat global warming scare tactics

By Nancy Thorner -

Chicago's Heartland Institute, Joe Bast, CEO, sponsored its Seventh International Conference on Climate Change from May 21 - 23 at the Chicago Hilton. I attended the two-and-a half days of discussion and debate.

This year's program (Real Science/Real Choices) featured approximately 60 scientists and policy experts discussing the most important and controversial topic of our time -- the causes and consequences of climate change. 

While more than 30 "warmists" were invited to defend their position, all declined, to which Joe Bast had this to say:  "It is fair to judge a scientific theory as to whether its advocates show up to defend, then the theory of catastrophic anthropogenic global warming is a failure."

GOP House members join GOP Senators in pushing Cook Co. into Obamacare

SPRINGFIELD - Last night, with the help of 11 Republicans, the Illinois House passed HB 5007, which accelerated Cook County's movement into Obamacare provisions. Even though Obamacare may be found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, lame duck Republican House members together with those in secure districts, joined Democrats in allowing Cook County to apply for waivers that would advance its involvement into the Obamacare plan.

Although House Minority Leader Tom Cross voted "NO", the following 11 House Republicans voted "YES" with their Democrat colleagues:  Franco Coladipietro, Jim Durkin, Mike Fortner, David Leitch, Sid Mathias, Mike McAuliffe, Rosemary Mulligan, Randy Ramey, Skip Saviano, Tim Schmitz and Dave Winters.

These 11 GOP House votes also allowed 13 Democrat members in competitive and conservative downstate districts to vote "No" in order to keep themselves out of trouble with their constituencies this fall. (see list below)

Neo-Nazi ex-wife responds and warns more about extremist groups

By Fran Eaton -

In a followup on my Southtown Star column on how extremist groups are trying to push their way into conservative and Tea Party circles, the neo-Nazi's ex-wife responded on Illinois Review to the ongoing controversy that raised its ugly head during an attack by anarchists on a white supremacist group in Tinley Park last Saturday. "Jennifer" writes -

Hi, I'm the person Fran interviewed. Normally, I don’t talk to press but I knew Fran would do a great job. I forwarded the article to the ex-wife of the main leader of the group & she loved it. I have been thinking for a long time about how to get the word out about these groups and their desire to infiltrate the tea parties and conservative groups.

There are really no right leaning groups that focus on opposing anti-semitism and racism and I think that’s a shame. I think we as conservatives need to do more to let these elements know that they aren’t welcome. I’m going to put a blog together with general information about how these groups work and how to stop them. I’ve seen some police, Dept of Homeland Security, and ADL documentation on these groups and much of it is severely lacking and/or incorrect. Yes, these people are scary but when armed with information, we can stop them.

Sen. Radogno's take on HB 5007

SPRINGFIELD - Minority Leader Christine Radogno's press secretary Patty Schuh sent the following rebuttal to our post on the Senate's vote on HB 5007:

HB 5007 is tied to SB 2840 – the Medicaid reforms that include cuts, reduction in eligibility and strong accountability measures. It does NOT include any tax increases. It just passed the House. It is also tied to the passage of SB 3397 – which cuts up the state’s Medicaid credit card. We forced reforms that prohibit the state from pushing Medicaid bills off from one fiscal year to the next. That has not been voted on in either chamber yet.

This begs the question: If HB 5007 is so good, why did only 5 lame duck GOP senators support it? And if it's not bad legislation, why did Senator Radogno herself vote No?

Gorman kids land lucrative jobs with Orland Park

CHICAGO - Fox News Chicago's BGA Investigations turned up an array of coincidences in Orland Park's summer hiring plan this week. Cook County Commissioner and Orland Township GOP Chairman Liz Gorman says she is being picked on again by nasty, agenda driven reporters and former staff members:

Illinois Policy Institute blasts IL Republican support for ObamaCare

From Illinois Policy Institute -

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 25, 2012) – Late Thursday, Illinois lawmakers approved legislation that would implement ObamaCare two years ahead of schedule in Cook County. Sixteen Republican lawmakers voted for the ObamaCare legislation, bucking the national trend of Republicans standing firm against President Obama’s misguided, big-government health mandate.

Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman released the following statement regarding the Republican support for ObamaCare:

“By partnering with Democrats to implement ObamaCare ahead of schedule in Cook County, these Illinois Republicans and Illinois Republican leadership demonstrated how out of step they are with taxpayers and members of their own party. Unfortunately, this is not the only arena in which Illinois Republicans are the outlier.

Morthland on SB 2840

From State Rep. Rich Morthalnd -

SPRINGFIELD, IL – On a day that saw a rare, bipartisan effort to rein in state spending, State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) backed landmark Medicaid reform legislation aimed at cutting Illinois’ Medicaid spending and reversing a decade long trend of exploding costs.

“Today, the Illinois House passed landmark reforms that will ensure the future viability of our Medicaid program,” Morthland said. “Without meaningful Medicaid reforms, Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills would grow to approximately $21 billion by 2017, a level of spending that is simply unsustainable. So we took action to cut nearly $1.6 billion from the State’s $11 billion Medicaid program, which will help get Illinois back on solid fiscal ground.”

Rutherford praises Fitzgerald fight against corruption

SPRINGFIELD – “I have the utmost respect for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, and I wish him the best as he leaves his post as U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois. Fitzgerald should be appreciated for his tireless fight against corruption in government.  He has undoubtedly helped raise the bar for ethical standards in this state.”

Cartoon: Romney's capital vs. Obama's capitol

Radogno uses lame duck Republicans to support Obamacare, tax hikes, and Democrats

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate has passed HB 5007, which is a waiver for Cook County's Medicaid system (see roll call below). The bill was passed with the stipulation that it will go into effect only if the Illinois General Assembly passes SB 2840 - the Medicaid Obamacare bill that includes a $1 per pack cigarette tax increase to set up health care exchanges in Illinois.

HB 5007 - sponsored by State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston) passed in a 35 to 22 vote, with no questions or discussion on the Senate floor. And despite the fact that its passage did not require Republican votes, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno permitted (or urged), five lame duck GOP Senators to cross over and vote with the Democrats.

The vote indicates how the Medicaid-Obamacare vote on SB 2840 is likely to go down. Shane Cultra, Tom Johnson, John O. Jones, John Millner and Suzi Schmidt broke ranks, damaged the GOP anti-tax brand, and possibly cost Republicans seats come November. None of them are on the ballot this year and therefore have no accountability to the voters.

Of course, Radogno's deal did allow four Democrats in tough races to vote against the bill. Democrats Forby, Haine, Jacobs, and Sullivan got a pass thanks to Radogno and the five others.

Interestingly, Radogno herself voted against the bill. Most likely because she's up for re-election in a district where the voters would not approve.

Republicans are expressing outrage, and calling Radogno's actions a betrayal. We'll bring you reaction and updates.

Radogno cutting deal on Obamacare Medicaid Bill

Sources in Springfield are telling Illinois Review that Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is putting five Republican votes on the Obamacare Medicaid Bill.

Suspects include Millner, Schmidt, Radogno, Dillard and one other.

Stay tuned.

Comment today and you will help keep Clean Coal an energy option

CHICAGO - The EPA is holding a public hearing in Chicago Thursday on their New Source Performance Standards for greenhouse gas emissions. Even using the most current technology, these new rules would make it economically impossible to build a new coal-fueled power plant in this country. That will threaten grid reliability, increase consumer costs, and take a major step away from energy independence.

The enviros have packed the hearing but it’s fairly easy (by government standards, at least) to submit a comment online. 

Tell them to say NO to tax hikes and ObamaCare

By Kristina Rasmussen, Illinois Policy Institute

You are making a difference, but we're not done yet. Phones at the statehouse have been ringing off the hook since we alerted you last week to mischief in Springfield regarding plans to hike taxes and implement ObamaCare early under the guise of "Medicaid reform."

Concerned citizens are weighing in against misguided policy deals and demanding real reform – such as the 59 savings ideas unveiled by the Institute Monday with state Sens. Kyle McCarter, Sam McCann and Darin LaHood. Together, this multifaceted approach offers more than $2.7 billion in real expenditure reductions.

Writing on the plan, Crain’s political writer Greg Hinz said: “The Illinois Policy Institute says the state can begin to bring Medicaid into balance without cutting reimbursement rates for hospitals and without imposing a $1-a-pack cigarette hike…Some of the ideas clearly make sense, such as better price transparency, worth $185 million a year.”

Must Read: What's wrong with Milton Township?

By Adam Andrzejewski -

SUBJECT: What’s the Matter With Milton Township?

QUESTION: What’s wrong with a cash rich unit of local government where 10 employees combine to cost taxpayers $1 million, and the supervisor doesn’t require accountability?

ANSWER: Everything. It illustrates why Illinois is going broke.

Neighbor, how stands the Union?

From the Cranky Housewife -

If you didn't recognize it, that title references a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet entitled, The Devil and Daniel Webster. It's a Faustian tale written in the early 1900s.

Some 40 Catholic dioceses and charitable organizations challenged Kathleen Sebelius and the Department of Health and Human Services with regard to their recent health care mandates regarding abortion, sterilization and birth control services by filing a lawsuit to block such directives for organizations who conscientiously object to providing those services on religious grounds. The suit in part seeks to stop the United States government from drastically narrowing the definition of what a religious organization is, thereby limiting which organizations can claim First Amendment protections from governmental oversight. The Administration's current position is that the First Amendment protects only the religion itself and its houses of worship. The organizations that were founded by and are run by direction of a particular faith would not be afforded the same religious protections that the religious leaders themselves have. This would reduce freedom of religion for all faiths to a mere intellectual pursuit and would severely restrict those organizations' ability to actualize their convictions through works of charity.

Cartoon: Fitzgerald leaves, crooks remain

10 Reasons Why Illinois Must Reject Health Exchanges

Prepared by the Goldwater Institute for states considering the Obamacare Health Exchanges -

1. The federal government controls exchanges. “An Exchange may not establish rules that conflict with or prevent the application of regulations promulgated by the Secretary [of Health and Human Services (HHS)].” Further, the Secretary and the General Accounting Office will have continuing oversight over exchanges.

2. The federal government controls the doctors and other providers that are allowed to participate in an exchange-offered plan. The Act mandates that only providers who “implement such mechanisms to improve health care quality as the Secretary may by regulation require” may participate in a “qualified plan” offered on the exchange.

3. The federal government controls health insurance plans and benefits. The Act prescribes the minimum essential benefits that must be included in a plan and gives authority to the HHS Secretary to prescribe more. HHS is also required to establish the criteria for the certification of health plans as “qualified.” As a result, only HHS-approved plans may be sold in the exchange.

Illinois House passes 'quick-take' bill for proposed Illiana tollway

The Illinois House has passed legislation giving unelected state bureaucrats so-called "quick-take" power to acquire private property for the proposed Illiana expressway connecting Interstate 65 in Indiana and I-55 in Illinois.

Quick-take would let the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) bypass eminent domain court proceedings in taking private property for the proposed highway.

The roll call vote was 61-57. The Senate passed the legislation in March. Gov. Pat Quinn will sign the measure, his office said.

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, among those voting against the measure, said it was too early in the process to approve quick-take power. “(IDOT doesn’t) know where (the Illiana) is going, they don’t know whose land will be affected,” Bost said. “This is not a standard practice.”

Other legislators oppose quick-take on constitutional grounds. ...More HERE

Illinois Senate passes budget making last year's tax hike permanent

SPRINGFIELD - Senate Republicans remained a solid voting bloc in rejecting Democrat Senators' three budget bills that State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) said demanded that last year's "temporary" 67 percent state income tax hike would become permanent. Senator Kirk Dillard referred to the budget as "Blagojevich-esque." SB 2404, SB 2455 and SB 2461 passed along party lines.

$662,000 per teacher not enough for failed program?

From State Sen. Christine Radogno -

Buried within a budget plan approved by Illinois Senate Democrats on May 23 was an additional $1 million earmark for a little-known program that is supposed to recruit and train parents and community leaders to become teachers.

The problem is, the program has already received more than $19 million in its first six years and only produced 29 teachers. That's an average of $662,000 per teacher.

In fact, only 54 individuals have ever graduated from the program, which works out to $356,000 per graduate. Although students who fail to graduate or who do not take teaching jobs are supposed to repay their educational costs, most are "counseled out" of the program, which does not require a repayment.

Will Lisa Madigan succeed Fitzgerald?

CHICAGO - ABCChicago's Chuck Goudy says names to replace resigning U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald began circulating within minutes of Fitzgerald's announcement Wednesday. The decision as to who should succeed the 11-year federal prosecutor is ultimately US Senator Dick Durbin's. Goudy provides odds on some possibilities:

• Patrick Collins (2-1 odds), who led the bribes-for-license case including the prosecution of former Governor George Ryan, and chaired a state panel on ethics reform. He's now in private practice.
• Lori Lightfoot (3-1 odds), a former assistant U.S. attorney and city attorney. She is now in private practice.
• Andrea Zopp (3-1 odds), a former assistant federal prosecutor, prominent corporate lawyer and now head of the Urban League.

...Followed by several other former assistant U.S. attorneys and two long shots whose names frequently come up, [are] Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, who is said to be close politically with Senator Dick Durbin.

Chicago Teachers Union leader fails in Occupy's "mic check"

CHICAGO - EagNews.org provides a chuckle this morning in recording for history what went on Wednesday afternoon when the Chicago Teachers Union gathered to protest Mayor Rahm Emanuel's lack of cooperation with the teacher union's contract demands. Chicago Teachers Union vice president Jesse Sharkey had a little trouble corralling the troops by using the famous Occupy Wall Street "mic check" tactics at a recent protest.

44% of Cook County homes with a mortgage are underwater

Almost 667,000 homes with a mortgage in the seven-county Chicago area were underwater on their mortgages in March -- and 13 percent of those homeowners were also delinquent on their mortgage payments by three months or more.

The paper losses total almost $58 million in lost equity in Cook, Kane, Lake, Will, DuPage, Kendall and McHenry counties, according to real estate site Zillow's negative equity report scheduled to be released Thursday. ...More HERE

The news ... illustrated

Voters pick Creation Museum as top destination

The hugely popular Creation Museum in Kentucky, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary soon, was recommended by more people than any other single location for Budget Travel’s newest list of the 15 places “every kid should see before 15.”

But it wasn’t on the list.

The creation science group that runs the museum, Answers in Genesis, expressed disappointment. The group said, “Curiously, despite being a clear winner in terms of votes received, the Creation Museum does not appear on the Budget Travel List.” ...More HERE

Gallup: 'Pro-Abortion' Americans at Record Low

One-half of all Americans identify as "pro-life" on abortion, according to a new Gallup poll. Forty-one percent consider themselves "pro-choice," a record low since Gallup has asked the question.

The previous record low for pro-choice identifiers was 42 percent in May 2009. Fifty-one percent called themselves pro-life in that poll, matching this month's nine percentage point gap between pro-life and pro-choice identifiers. 

The May 2009 spike in pro-life identification proved temporary. A 2011 poll showed more pro-choicers, 49 percent, than pro-lifers, 45 percent. ...More HERE

Durbin Wages War on Military, Bustos Stays Silent

From Congressman Bobby Schilling -

EAST MOLINE, IL - U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today reiterated his continued support for the FY2013 National Defense Authorization bill. The defense bill is annual legislation that provides the budget authority for the Department of Defense and for Department of Energy programs pertaining to our national security.

More than a third of divorce filings contain the word Facebook

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg changed his status to "married" Saturday and received over one million "likes" from his followers.

But the site he founded isn't always so marriage-friendly. In fact, lawyers say the social network contributes to an increasing number of marriage breakups.

More than a third of divorce filings last year contained the word Facebook, according to a survey by Divorce Online, a UK-based legal services firm. And over 80 percent of U.S. divorce attorneys say they've seen a rise in the number of cases using social networking, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. ...More HERE

16-Year-Old Conservative Girl Gets Death Threats After Posting Pro-Marriage Video

Madeleine McAulay, a sixteen-year-old Christian conservative from North Carolina, is speaking out today after receiving a litany of death threats and vile responses for publicly espousing her views on gay marriage.

After North Carolina voted to define marriage as being between a man and a woman, McAulay made a YouTube video in which she lamented the left trying to make it a “fresh” political issue, where she noted that it is actually the 31st state to do so. ...More HERE

She continued:

24 GOP House members defy 2008 IL GOP Platform and support gambling expansion

SPRINGFIELD - In an obstinate defiance of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party's platform position against the expansion of gambling, 24 Republican House members supported Democrat State Rep Lou Lang's (D-Chicago) effort to add five casinos, slots at race tracks and more options.  The 2008 IL GOP platform clearly states:

The 24 GOP House members who either didn't care or didn't know what the IL GOP's 2008 Platform said about gambling expansion included:

Barickman, Dan Brady, Brauer, Brown, Coladipietro, Minority Leader Tom Cross, Gaffney, Hays, Mathia, McAuliffe, Bill Mitchell, Jerry Mitchell, Moffitt, Morthland, Poe, Reboletti, Rose, Roth, Sacia, Saviano, Sullivan, Tracy, Unes and Winters.

House passes gambling expansion 69 to 47

SPRINGFIELD - Rep. Lou Lang (D-Chicago) called his massive gambling expansion bill Wednesday that would put a casino in Chicago and four other cities, add positions at riverboats and allow slot machines at racetracks. After a long floor debate, the bill passed by a vote of 69 Yes to 47 No. 

During the debate, Rep. Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon) read and asked questions from an op-ed written by Professor John Kindt published in Wednesday's Springfield newspaper – “State’s best bet would be to phase out gambling”.

SB 1849 could go the Senate and be called for a vote as soon Thursday.

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to step down June 30

Statement from the Northern Illinois US Attorney's office -

CHICAGO — Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois for more than a decade, today announced that he is stepping down as U.S. Attorney effective June 30, 2012. Mr. Fitzgerald notified the White House, Attorney General Eric Holder, and U.S. Sens. Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk this morning of his decision to step down from the presidentially appointed post that he has held since Sept. 1, 2001, making him the longest-serving U.S. Attorney ever in Chicago.

Mr. Fitzgerald, 51, has no future employment plans and will take time off this summer before considering career options. Including his tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, Mr. Fitzgerald is leaving the Justice Department after nearly 24 years.