Illinois Review

New Mexico backs away from drivers' licenses for illegals, IL drives forward

SPRINGFIELD - While Illinois seems to be heading for issuing drivers' licenses to residents who've entered America illegally, one of the other two states with a similar policy - New Mexico - is backing away.  Or at the very least, they're wondering if their state policy will coordinate with a new federal law that kicks in next year.

New Mexico's policy of giving illegal immigrants driver's licenses could soon come back to bite the state's law-abiding residents when stringent new federal requirements for IDs take effect in January, the governor is warning.
 
With a key provision of the federal Real ID Act set to kick in on Jan. 15, Gov. Susana Martinez claims there will be no way to differentiate between state IDs issued to residents who furnish federally-required documentation and those issued to illegal immigrants based on less stringent requirements. Martinez is predicting the federal government will have no choice come Jan. 15, 2013, but to no longer recognize her state's licenses as valid identification at airport ticket counters or for entry into federal buildings or complexes such as the state's large Kirtland and Holloman Air Force.

What's about to happen with the licenses also used for ID purposes will be a bureaucratic nightmare, Gov Martinez says.

Tax, spend and borrow in style

By Ben VanMetre, Illinois Policy Institute -

During a House Executive Committee meeting this week, one round of testimony began with the argument that Illinois is in a fiscal crisis because it has $9 billion in unpaid bills. That argument couldn’t be more backward.

Illinois’ crisis is due to habitual overspending, that results in unpaid bills.

Unfortunately, the recent “solution” offered up to reduce Illinois’ unpaid bills would make things worse. Lawmakers want the state to borrow $4 billion from the bond market to pay down a portion of the $9 billion stack of unpaid bills.

Illinois lawmakers, addicted to borrowing and overspending, are asking for a second mortgage to pay down the state’s maxed-out credit card. Freeing up space on the credit card will just allow lawmakers to max it out again. ...More HERE

U.S. Senate Passes Walsh's No-Hassle Flying Act

WASHINGTON DC - Late Thursday night, the Senate passed S. 3542, legislation based on the No-Hassle Flying Act that Rep. Joe Walsh (IL-08) introduced and the House passed in September. The Senate-companion bill of the same name was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and now heads to House of Representatives before it goes to the President.

“I am happy the Senate acted so quickly to pass this common-sense bill,” said Walsh. “It’s proof once again that when Members put aside partisan differences, they can act swiftly to ease the lives of Americans in matters of national security.”

Illinois pension crisis draws national media attention (video)

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Policy Institute's Kristina Rasmussen talked about Illinois' critical budget and $233 billion pension obligations on Varney & Company Friday.

Gutierrez and IL Dems oppose Republicans' immigration reform bill

WASHINGTON- A Republican effort to create a new green card category for immigrants who have received science, technology, engineering and math doctorates and masters degrees from U.S. universities was soundly rejected by one of the nation's most radical immigrant advocates Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-4) Friday. Joining Gutierrez in opposition to the STEM Jobs Act were five Illinois Democrats House members - Davis, Lipinski, Quigley, Rush and Schakowsky. Costello did not appear and Jackson Jr resigned his seat earlier this.

The Illinois Republican delegation voted as a bloc in support of the STEM Act, except Manzullo, who was not present for the vote. Delegation leader Congressman Peter Roskam said the STEM Visa reform would help create jobs.

The news ... illustrated

Chicago O'Hare union janitors picket "Job Killer" Emanuel

CHICAGO - Service Employees International Union Local 1 janitors working at O'Hare Airport are outraged because "job killer" and "union buster" Mayor Rahm Emanuel chose to award next year's contract to another provider, United Maintenance, a non-union firm. The SEIU members are expecting to be laid off 10 days before Christmas. A group of 40 of the 300 affected janitors protested in front of Emanuel's home Thursday night, as they have been also picketing at the airport.

2014 gubernatorial potentials Rutherford and Schock lead among GOP voters

CHICAGO - While most media is focused on Pat Quinn's poll numbers in Public Policy Polling's latest poll on Illinois' 2014 governor's race, conservative Republicans are zooming in on questions down at the bottom of the survey.  The questions were asked of self-identified Republicans, and there's a clear indication that voters are looking for new, fresh faces in the 2014 governor's race. 

PPP found the top two vote getters among Republican voters are State Treasurer Dan Rutherford (19%) and Congressman Aaron Schock (18%). Neither Rutherford or Schock have made formal announcements of their intentions.

Q4 Given the choices of Bill Brady, Kirk Dillard, Bruce Rauner, Dan Rutherford, Aaron Schock and Joe Walsh, who would you most like to see as the Republican candidate for Governor in 2014?

Bill Brady ..... 14%

Kirk Dillard .... 12%

Bruce Rauner ...  7%

Dan Rutherford .. 19%

Aaron Schock  .... 18%

Joe Walsh .... 8%

Someone else ... 7%

Not sure .... 15%

Q5 If the candidates for Governor in 2014 were just Kirk Dillard, Dan Rutherford or Aaron Schock, who would you vote for?

Kirk Dillard .... 17%

Dan Rutherford ... 27%

Aaron Schock .... 26%

Not sure ... 30%

AG Madigan says no to higher Fannie Mae mortgage fees

CHICAGO - The Federal Housing Finance Authority wants a fee attached to new mortgages sold in Illinois and three other states because it costs more to foreclose on those states' home mortgages. In a letter released this week to the media, Attorney General Lisa Madigan demanded that the FHFA not add the new penalty fee for Illinois home buyers. 

What's all the ruckus about? Illinois' foreclosure rates are some of the nation's highest, and Illinois -  a state with a legislature and Supreme Court bought and paid for by trial attorneys - is one of the few states in the nation wherein foreclosures must go through the court system.  The FHFA wants to be compensated for the extra costs Illinois foreclosures bring with them. 

Legal Newsline reports on an unexpected rift between AG Madigan and the Obama Administration:

Kelly: George Ryan and Why Illinois Can’t Be Trusted to Sell Illegal Driver’s Licenses

By Bill Kelly -

CHICAGO – Hey Illinois Republicans, don’t you remember that selling “illegal” driver’s licenses just doesn’t pay? The last time the Illinois GOP was involved in selling illegal driver’s licenses, a Republican governor went to prison.

But, apparently – despite what you’ve been told – some elephants do forget.

Thanks to Republican Leader Sen. Christine Radogno and Sen. Bill Brady, a new controversial bill to permit 250,000 illegal immigrants to receive Illinois driver’s licenses just cleared Senate Executive Committee by a 12-2 vote Thursday. A full Senate vote is expected next week. ...More HERE

A Threat to Illinois Transparency Law

By Adam Andrzejewski – 

Illinois citizens and the media have decent access to government information through our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  Because sunlight is the best disinfectant, politicians are now feeling the heat and as a result Illinois’ transparency law is now under attack.

Newly appointed Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Executive Director Roger Eddy recently showcased a model resolution designed to severely curtail citizen ability to access government information. Under the proposed changes, citizens would have to wait twice as long for government to even acknowledge a FOIA request. Secondly, expanding the “undue burden” exemption, government could reject more citizen requests. Thirdly, if rejected by government, citizens would have fewer options to enforce the laws in court.

What’s the most detrimental change? A steep fee hike before government would even approve a citizen request. 

Why are IASB and Director Roger Eddy trying to clamp down on “the public’s right to know”?  What are they hiding?

The news ... illustrated

Sen. Jones calls for DOC firings, hearings and prison closing moratorium

SPRINGFIELD - Frustrated with the Governor's office for ignoring concerns brought to him by a constituent, State Senator John O. Jones (R-Mt Vernon) introduced a resolution that takes matters into the state legislature's hands. 

In SR 1004, Jones calls for the Governor to fire the Department of Corrections' top officials, to put a stop on any scheduled prison closures and for the Senate Appropriations Committee to hold public hearings about prison overcrowding and correctional facilities' condition.

Durbin pushes to add online sales tax to Senate defense bill

From The Hill -

"Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is pushing to attach his online sales tax measure to the defense authorization bill the chamber is currently debating, Durbin’s office said Thursday.

The Senate has been voting on amendments to the defense authorization bill for much of Thursday. But with votes expected to go deep into Thursday night, it remains to be seen whether the online sales tax measure will get a vote."

The THOMAS website indicates Durbin's amendment wasn't introduced as of Thursday. However, since Durbin is second in command of the Democrat majority, it is likely the measure will be added per his request.

Kinzinger says "It's time to confront Iran"

WASHINGTON = This week during DC foreign policy conference. newly re-elected Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) told attendees it is time for nuclear-boasting Iran to be confronted, the Washington Free Beacon reports.

Iran should be warned that “You become a good actor in the region, or you face the consequences,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R., Ill.) said  during the discussion, which was organized by the Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI).

Iran is responsible for stoking hostilities across the Middle East and arming scores of anti-American militants, Kinzinger said.

Susan Rice’s Iranian oil connection? …And Canadian oil connection?

By Moe Lane -

Well, well, well. It turns out that UN Ambassador and prospective Secretary of State nominee Susan Rice (she’s a multimillionaire, by the way) has some rather interesting financial ties to numerous foreign energy companies that still do business with that oppressive, misogynistic, homophobic, and downright barking mad insane regime currently controlling Iran. The most interesting one of those is Royal Dutch Shell, which has about a billion dollars’ worth of interest (literally) in getting Iran’s sanctions lifted; Rice has also invested in at least two other companies that are operating in Iran against the wishes of pretty much most of the West.

Hmm. Let’s scroll through some of her other investments: HERE

Owner of firm with O’Hare contract has links to reputed mob figure

The owner of a company that recently won a $99.4 million janitorial contract from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration was the longtime business partner of a man accused of involvement in organized crime. United Maintenance Co. Inc., owned by Richard Simon, was chosen last month to clean O’Hare International Airport for five years starting on Dec. 15. Simon was involved in another company with alleged mob figure William Daddano Jr. from 1998 until that firm was officially disbanded on Dec. 17, 2011, according to state records. ...More HERE

Hutchinson, Kelly, Beale Join Race To Replace Jackson In Congress

CHICAGO (CBS) – Three more Chicago politicians have jumped into an increasingly crowded race to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2nd Congressional District: Illinois State Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields), Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), and Robin Kelly — a top aide to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Hutchinson formally announced in an email Thursday that she would run for the seat Jackson vacated last week. ...More HERE

Quinn's poll numbers not looking good for 2014

According to Public Policy Polling Gov. Pat Quinn is an underdog in hypothetical match-ups against potential Republican challengers in 2014. Moreover, his approval rating is terrible: 25 percent of voters approve of Quinn's job performance, while 64 disapprove. He doesn't even have a positive approval rating among Democratic voters (40/43).

In fact, potential Democratic primary challenger Lisa Madigan, the state's attorney general, has a 48 percent favorable rating among voters and fared better than Quinn in prospective match-ups. In the Public Policy Polling results, Madigan garnered more support against two candidates who outperformed Quinn.

"Lisa Madigan is the big X factor in this race," said Dean Debnam, president of Public Policy Polling. "If she decides to run she'll be a big favorite, but otherwise Republicans should have a decent chance in this contest." ...More HERE

Illinois high court upholds school funding system

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a decision to toss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's system of funding public school districts largely through property taxes.

The high court issued its unanimous opinion Thursday, agreeing with a lower court ruling.

Hundreds of public school districts are funded mostly through property taxes. The state sets minimum per student funding levels with specified tax rates for each district.

The 2010 lawsuit argued some residents in poorer districts whose property is worth less must pay a higher tax rate to reach funding levels of those in wealthier school districts. It called that unconstitutional and unfair.

Thursday's opinion says local communities themselves determine the tax rate. And it says any disparities that result aren't a direct result of the state's funding statute.

Citadel's Griffin buys most expensive condo in Chicago history

The buyer of the most expensive condominium in Chicago history is billionaire hedge fund manager Kenneth Griffin, who paid $15 million earlier this month for a full-floor penthouse in the Park Tower, county records show.

Mr. Griffin, founder of Citadel LLC, may aim to build an extravagant duplex atop the luxury high-rise at 800 N. Michigan Ave. Records show Mr. Griffin paid $6.9 million in 2000 for a 67th-floor condo directly above his new floor.

His new, 66th-floor unit includes 16-foot ceilings, panoramic views and a large terrace, according to a listing. ...More HERE

Illinois Offers Pills For Possible Nuclear Accident

CORDOVA, IL - On Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced plans to begin offering free Potassium Iodide (KI) pills to residents living within a 10-mile radius of the state’s six operating nuclear power plants. One of those plants includes Exelon’s Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova, Illinois.

“No one should be alarmed,” says Bill Stoermer, Communications Manager with the Quad Cities Generating Station. “That’s done as a precaution in the highly unlikely event that there would ever be any type of a significant radioactive release in the area, so it’s purely precautionary… not meant to alarm anyone, not meant to make anyone uncomfortable with having a nuclear power plant here in the Quad Cities.” ...More HERE

Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford indicted on federal bank fraud

(AP) — Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford (D) has been indicted on federal bank fraud and other charges.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for northern Illinois announced the charges Thursday. It accused the Chicago Democrat of fraudulently obtaining a $500,000 increase and a two-year extension on a line of credit from the failed ShoreBank.

Federal prosecutors allege he falsely stated that intended to use the funds for work related to his real-estate business. Instead, they allege, he put the money toward car loans, credit cards, payments to a casino, and for his 2006 campaign for Illinois State Representative.

His office said Thursday he was not immediately available to comment.

The Incestuous Bleeding of the Republican Party

By Erick Erickson -

If money is the root of all evil, for the Republican Party evil is located on the fifth floor of 66 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Strip away the candidate and coalition and it is on the fifth floor of 66 Canal Center Plaza where the seeds of Mitt Romney’s ruin and the RNC’s get out the vote (GOTV) effort collapsed — bled to death by charlatan consultants making millions off the party, its donors, and the grassroots.

66 Canal Center Plaza is also why Jeff Larson, the Chief of Staff of the Republican National Committee, should not be put in charge of the autopsy of the GOP’s defeat. Multiple sources confirm to me that RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has already put Larson in charge of the so called autopsy.

This is like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. The fifth floor of 66 Canal Center Plaza reveals a tangled web of incestuous relationships among Republican consultants who have made millions all while the GOP went down the tubes. Here the top party consultants waged war with conservative activists and here they waged war with the Democrats. On both fronts, they raked in millions along the way with a more fractured, minority party in their wake. And they show no signs of recognizing just how much a part of the problem they are. ...More HERE

Source: New York Times

Obama says no deal without tax hike; Conservatives threaten to walk with hike

The Hill reports this afternoon that the Obama Administration is demanding tax hikes for the wealthiest or no deal to avoid the fiscal cliff will take place ...

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Thursday there will be no deficit deal unless Republicans agree to raise tax rates on the wealthiest households.

“There can be no deal without rates on top earners going up,” said Carney, who reiterated that the president will not sign legislation that extends the Bush-era tax rates for the wealthy.

“This should not be news to anyone who was not in a coma during campaign season," Carney said of the president’s stance on taxes.

Read The Hill story here. And read how national conservative leader Brent Bozell is warning GOP Chairman Reince Priebus about Republican lawmakers folding on a tax hike:

Is Norquist's anti-tax pledge unraveling?

WASHINGTON - For years, American Tax Reform's Grover Norquist has worked to keep taxes from incessant, uncontrolled hikes. He's offered lawmakers at the state and federal level opportunities to sign anti-tax pledges that provides voters confidence in candidates' economic policy and attitudes concerning the size of government.

Those federal lawmakers who've signed Norquist's pledge over the years are now trying to find a way to squirm out of their commitment, especially approaching the dreaded fiscal cliff at the end of the year. The controversy is playing out on news and talk shows nationwide.  This collection of clips was put together by the National Journal. Is Norquist's anti-tax pledge unraveling?

Argonne wins federal funds to expand electric battery research

BATAVIA - Not deterred by Solyndra or any other expensive green energy debacles, Argonne National Laboratory will be one of the next green investments federal taxpayers will fund.  The Energy Department is giving Argonne the task of designing a smaller, more durable and dependable battery for hybrid vehicles.  Congress has already approved $20 million, with an additional $100 million promised over the next four years. The state of Illinois also is supposed to help financially. 

US Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk and US Rep Judy Biggert are credited with obtaining the funding, along with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and IL Governor Pat Quinn.

It's all about meeting America's energy goals, Durbin said this past summer.

The news ... illustrated

Come on, 'fess up, did you buy in?

Spending cuts? Fool me twice, shame on me

By Mark Rhoads -

How many times over 60 years can old Republican career incumbents in Congress fall for the new taxes now and spending cuts later scam that Democrats always con the people with?  Lucy will never hold the football for Charlie Brown and Democrats will NEVER make real spending cuts in return for GOP votes for higher tax rates. 

"Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me".  If old Republicans in Congress fall for this same old con game one more time, they should disband so a new conservative party can take on the job that so-called "Republicans" refuse to do.

Dold urges compromise and bi-partisanship in parting House message

WASHINGTON - Wednesday in a House floor speech, Congressman Bob Dold (IL-10) reviewed 10th CD accomplishments during his freshman term. Dold, who vigorously denied Democrat campaign attack ads accusing him of being pro-life and Tea Party-backed, lost to Democrat challenger Brad Schneider in November by 2500 votes. Dold also rejected Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge Dold signed in 2010.

Dold ended his House monologue by encouraging House colleagues to work together to find solutions to America's fiscal challenges.

"Governing and democracy is not easy. It requires compromise, it requires working together," he concluded. "As I've often said, putting people before politics and progress before partisanship is the only way to move this country forward and to have a better future."

Pro-family leader Richard Wilkins passes away

ROCKFORD, IL - International pro-family leader Richard G. Wilkins died on Monday after a short illness.

World Congress of Families Founder Dr. Allan C. Carlson, who worked closely with Wilkins in organizing World Congress of Families II in Geneva in 1999, observed: "Richard was one of the greatest and most energetic advocates of the natural family. He was particularly effective on legal matters involving the family and the United Nations."

Carlson added: "Richard was a vital partner in making the Geneva Congress the success that it was. World Congress of Families II set the stage and established standards for all of our future Congresses, including World Congress of Families VI, held in Madrid in May."

Wallace considering bid for JJJr seat

CHICAGO - One Republican is hinting publicly that he's considering a bid for Jesse Jackson Jr's vacant 2nd CD seat. A south suburban Flossmoor staunch conservative, Dr. Eric Wallace, who ran for State Senate in 2006 and Lieutenant Governor in 2010, announced Wednesday on Facebook that he's "thinking about it."

Mandatory catastrophic insurance for high school athletes averted in IL House

SPRINGFIELD - Wednesday, State Rep Will Davis (D-Chicago) failed to pass an unfunded mandate requiring public and non-public high schools to provide a minimum of $7.5 million catastophic health insurance for students participating in athletic programs. Davis told his colleagues on the House floor that when students are critically injured with life-threatening or life-changing injuries, their families are weighed down with the cost. Schools, he said, should be required to carry more insurance to provide for injured athletes' long term care.

Davis said that while he was unsure of the amount his additional insurance mandate would cost local schools, it was worthwhile.  A football player from Eisenhower High School lived in his district, and the legislative effort was on the family's behalf.

Chicago Teachers Union VP speechless when confronted about Marxist conference

CHICAGO - The Chicago Teachers Union is upset that Mayor Emanuel has a plan to shut down 100 Chicago Public Schools next year, promising a five-year moratorium therafter on school closings. School shutdowns mean loss of union members. The CTU says the schools should stay open although the CPS system is 100,000 students under operating capacity.

EAGNews caught on record a phone interview with Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey verbally squirming when WLS 890AM's Dan Proft and Bruce Wolf ask about Sharkey's attendance and participation in a recent Marxist conference at Northwestern University.

In U.S., Majority Now Against Gov't Healthcare Guarantee

PRINCETON, NJ - For the first time in Gallup trends since 2000, a majority of Americans say it is not the federal government's responsibility to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage. Prior to 2009, a majority always felt the government should ensure healthcare coverage for all, though Americans' views have become more divided in recent years.

The current results are based on Gallup's annual Health and Healthcare poll, conducted Nov. 15-18 this year.

The shift away from the view that the government should ensure healthcare coverage for all began shortly after President Barack Obama's election and has continued the past several years during the discussions and ultimate passage of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010. Americans are divided on that legislation today -- 48% approve and 45% disapprove -- as they have been over the last several years. ...More HERE

Berrios compares himself to JFK, plays race card

SPRINGFIELD — Do Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios and President John F. Kennedy have anything in common? The Cook County Democratic Party chairman thinks they do.

After a Sun-Times report on the 13+ Berrios family members who are on the public payroll and earning more than $1.05 million per year (plus benefits and pension), the Chicago boss compared himself Wednesday to JFK employing his brother Robert as Attorney General.

Berrios has refused to answer questions about the revelations. Instead he played the race card and issued a statement saying, “Family members working in government isn’t new in Chicago or any other large city in the United States. You are picking on the Puerto Rican kid from Cabrini-Green who’s sitting alone at the lunch table while all the Irish kids sit together, laughing and grateful he’s there.”

The Cook County ethics board called for him to fire three family members who are on his staff and fined him $10,000 for violating the county’s anti-nepotism ban by hiring two of them — his son and sister — as soon as he became assessor in 2010.

Berrios has ignored the ethics board ruling, and an outside lawyer has been appointed to represent him in the case at taxpayers’ expsense. He argues that the ethics ordinance doesn’t apply to him or to other elected county officials beside members of the Cook County Board. ...More HERE

Illinois senators approve higher license fees for working families

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois drivers would have to pay another $2 for their license plate stickers beginning next year under legislation the Senate passed today to help the state take better care of its parks.

The extra $2 would push the annual sticker cost for a regular license plate to $101. The fee applies to plates for motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans and passenger cars. It won’t be imposed on commercial or recreational vehicles, however.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago, and Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, passed the Senate overwhelmingly on Wednesday. The House approved it last spring. ...More HERE

UPDATE: The Senate vote on SB 1566 was 39 to 11, with Republican senators Althoff, Brady, Dillard, Christine Johnson, LaHood, McCann, Pankau, Radogno, Righter, Sandack and Syverson voting "No."  Six GOPers  - Bivins, Bomke, Duffy, Lauzen, McCarter and Murphy and two Democrats - Delgado and Emil Jones III - did not register a vote.  GOP Senators Cultra, Tom Johnson, Luechtefeld, Millner, Rezin and Schmidt supported the $2 license fee hike.

Family of criminals: Jackson Sr. Pleads Not Guilty To Trespassing

FREEPORT (CBS) — Jesse Jackson Senior and more than a dozen others were arrested on Sensata Plant property in Freeport, protesting the outsourcing of 175 jobs to China.

Jackson and the other defendants went before a judge today, making the decision to plead not guilty for trespassing and go to trial. Jackson and the others arrested will be back in Freeport for a trial sometime in the spring, according to the judge. ...More HERE

IL Senate GOP re-elects Radogno Minority Leader

SPRINGFIELD - Wednesday evening the 19 surviving members of the Illinois Senate GOP caucus chose to re-elect State Senator Chris Radogno (R-Lemont) to lead their legislative strategy in the session starting January 2013. The IL Senate GOP Facebook provided no details, only the outcome. Highland's Kyle McCarter offered himself as an alternative. 

UPDATE - Six GOP caucus members voted for Kyle McCarter - himself, Dan Duffy, Darin LaHood, and three Senate newcomers - Jim Oberweis, Mike Connelly, and Chapin Rose. "Stepped up to lead & stood by my principles but not enough Rep senators had the courage to break from the Radogno failing status quo," McCarter tweeted after the vote.

Here's a photo of the current IL Senate Republican caucus with an "X" marking the caucus members that won't be returning, from left to right: Carole Pankau, John Millner, Chris Lauzen, Shane Cultra, John O. Jones, Christine Johnson, Suzi Schmidt, Tom Johnson and Ron Sandack.  

New additions not pictured, but joining the new 19-member (five less than in 2010) IL Senate caucus will be Jason Barickman, Mike Connelly, Karen McConnaughay, Jim Oberweis and Chapin Rose. Senate Democrats will boast a super-majority once again.

‘Poverty’ like we’ve never seen it

By Robert Rector -

The federal government now considers a family of four in New York City to be poor if its pre-tax income is below $37,900.Even with full medical coverage.

The calculation helps explain why newly revised Census Bureau figures hike the number of poor Americans to 49 million as of last year, further widening an already yawning gap between ordinary perceptions of poverty and how the government sees it.

This breathtaking number begs the question: What does it mean to be “poor” in the United States? ...More HERE

40 More Years: Do the Democrats have a permanent majority?

By James Taranto -

Americans elect a president every four years, and part of the postelection ritual seems to involve the victorious side's convincing itself that future elections are superfluous--that their party has achieved what is supposed to be impossible in a democracy, a "permanent majority." Such proclamations were especially numerous and effusive after Barack Obama's 2008 victory.

You might think that 2010 would diminish such overconfidence in 2012, especially since Obama's campaign this year was uglier and his margin of victory narrower than in 2008. Then again, if an incumbent can get himself re-elected in this economy, maybe the other party really is in trouble. Thus New York magazine's Jonathan Chait can keep a straight face when he asks "How doomed are conservatives?" and answers "Pretty doomed."

Senate overrides Quinn's assault weapon ban maneuver

Wednesday, Governor Pat Quinn's attempt to pass an assault weapons ban via veto maneuvers was soundly rejected by the Illinois Senate with a 46 to 4 vote. State Senator Dave Luechtefeld led the successful effort to override the Governor's veto.  If passed in the House as well, SB 681 will become law as originally intended.

OKAWVILLE – In a win for gun owners and the sporting community in Illinois, State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) led an override of Governor Pat Quinn’s misguided attempt to ban
assault weapons.

“Today is a good day for the Second Amendment in Illinois. We have scored a victory against
short-sighted Chicago anti-gun policies,” Luechtefeld said. “The Governor overstepped his reach when he decided to rewrite this Senate bill and impose an assault weapons ban without the measure first being heard by the legislature.”

Senate Bill 681 allows FOID card holders to mail-order ammunition purchases from in-state licensed firearm dealers. Ammunition purchases from out-of-state dealers are already allowed under the law.

2nd CD election schedule could line up with 2013 consolidated elections

SPRINGFIELD - If Democratic House Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (Chicago) floor amendment is accepted by the Illinois Senate, not only will the 2013 Consolidated Primary and General Elections petition deadline change by two days, but so will the dates of the 2nd congressional district's special election change. Flynn Currie's legislation will combine consolidated elections with the 2nd CD special election.

With the passage of SB 3338, the combined primary election will be held on February 26, 2013, and the general election will be held on April 9, 2013.

The legislation will now return to the Senate for consideration, then to Governor.

Cross re-elected IL House Minority Leader

SPRINGFIELD - Despite a gruesome loss of eight Republican House seats in the 2012 election, GOP caucus members unanimously re-elected Tom Cross (R-Plainfield) to be House Republican Leader during the upcoming 98th General Assembly. Going into the 2012 election, Republicans were six seats short of attaining majority status for the first time since 1994. In January, House Democrats will hold a "super" majority, leaving House Republicans with 46 votes.

Among those current House members not returning in 2013 will be four of the House's most liberal-voting Republicans: Sandy Cole, Sid Mathias, Rosemary Mulligan and Cross' political lieutenant Skip Saviano. Three other Republican House members not returning were elected into the Senate: Jason Barickman, Mike Connelly and Chapin Rose. Senator Ron Sandack will move to the House. Other changes include Rep. Ken Gaffney will be replaced by David McSweeney of South Barrington. Jeanne Ives will represent a new western DuPage County district.

Liberty Counsel Files Free Speech Discrimination Suit Against Illinois Community Room

PLAINFIELD - Wednesday, Liberty Counsel filed a federal lawsuit against the Village of Plainfield for violating First Amendment rights. Liberty Counsel applied to rent the community room at The Plainfield Village Hall in Plainfield, Illinois, to educate citizens on the Founding Era and Founding Fathers. The presentation would also include a perspective from a Christian viewpoint. Although the policy of the Village is to make community rooms in the Village Hall available for “educational, cultural, civic, and informational events of organizations located outside of the Village’s immediate boundaries,” Liberty Counsel was denied because the policy prohibits any use for “religious services or other religious purposes.”

The Village expressly discriminates against religious speech and viewpoints. Whether it is the result of ignorance, religious hostility, or bigotry, religious viewpoint discrimination is unconstitutional.

Corporate tax-transparency plan a step toward progressive tax in Illinois?

From Illinois Watchdog - 

SPRINGFIELD – If you’re looking for evidence that Illinois is hostile to business, critics would ask you to consider Senate Bill 282, an effort to force the state’s publicly traded corporations to publish their income tax information.

Supporters say disclosure would help lawmakers and the public evaluate the state’s tax code and its handling of tax breaks and incentives for business. But critics say the bill presumes corporate wrongdoing and is an example of Illinois’ anti-business climate. One charged that it’s a tax grab dressed up as government reform.

Crowder answers marijuana myths (video)

SPRINGFIELD - Inspired by two states voting to legalize marijuana in the November elections, State Rep Lou Lang is actively lighting up another attempt to legalize medical marijuana in Illinois, possibly as soon as this week's veto session. Twice before, Rep. Lang failed to convince fellow lawmakers to support his effort. 

Conservative commentator Steven Crowder found the topic interesting, and decided to visit Ann Arbor Michigan, where medical marijuana is legal. He found an overwhelming number of those under the legal age for consumption that have tried marijuana. "It's not as bad as alcohol," those interviewed told Crowder. 

Mel Reynolds, convicted child molester, to run for Jackson Jr's seat

CHICAGO - A convicted felon that has served time in prison will announce his intention to run for Congress. Wednesday at noon, former Congressman Mel Reynolds will be yet another Democrat that wants to succeed Jesse Jackson Jr, whose resignation letter was read to his congressional colleagues Tuesday. Reynold's rap sheet includes the following:

• Assault Chicago 17-Aug-1989, charges dropped
• Solicitation Chicago 17-Aug-1989, charges dropped
• Obstruction of Justice convicted Aug-1995
• Statutory Rape convicted Aug-1995
• Child Pornography convicted Aug-1995
• Fraud (bank fraud) convicted 1997
• Wire Fraud convicted 1997
• Perjury convicted 1997

Evidence used in one of Reynolds' trials included wiretapped phone conversations. In one tape, Reynolds asked his 16 year old girlfriend Beverly Heard to describe sex with her lesbian lover, then asked if he could join Heard in bed with "Theresa." Heard had invented a fictitious 15-year-old Catholic-school girl to tempt Reynolds. At one point he begged Heard to provide lewd photos of the girl. "Jesus," Reynolds said on the tapes, "a Catholic. [...] Did I win the Lotto?"

What you need to know about Quinn and AFSCME

By Paul Kersey, Illinois Policy Institute - 

Q: I heard that Gov. Pat Quinn terminated the state's contract with AFSCME. What just happened?

A: The governor's office announced that it was not going to continue to extend the contract with AFSCME Leadership Council 31. About 40,000 state employees that AFSCME represents are now working without a contract.

Q: How did we get here?

A: The state’s contract with AFSCME originally expired June 30, 2012, but the governor and the union had agreed to extend the contract between negotiating sessions while they tried to put together a new contract. The two sides met with a mediator Tuesday afternoon and failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. AFSCME offered to extend the old contract again, but this time Quinn declined.

Read more HERE

When Work Is Punished: The Tragedy Of America's Welfare State

By Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge -

Exactly two years ago, some of the more politically biased progressive media outlets (who are quite adept at creating and taking down their own strawmen arguments, if not quite as adept at using an abacus, let alone a calculator) took offense at our article "In Entitlement America, The Head Of A Household Of Four Making Minimum Wage Has More Disposable Income Than A Family Making $60,000 A Year." In it we merely explained what has become the painful reality in America: for increasingly more it is now more lucrative - in the form of actual disposable income - to sit, do nothing, and collect various welfare entitlements, than to work. This is graphically, and very painfully confirmed, in the below chart from Gary Alexander, Secretary of Public Welfare, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (a state best known for its broke capital Harrisburg). As quantitied, and explained by Alexander, "the single mom is better off earnings gross income of $29,000 with $57,327 in net income & benefits than to earn gross income of $69,000 with net income and benefits of $57,045."

More HERE