McHenry County Blog

Well, of course, we live in a nanny state.

And, if I gave it some thought I probably could come up with some examples of Governor Pat Quinn’s showing he is in step with the concept of thinking government is better able

• to handle our money (now that I verbalize that concept, the Democrats’ 67% income tax hike comes to mind–surely Springfield knows how to spend our money better than we do; if you think of other Nanny State laws, please share them in the comment section) and
• directing our behavior than we can

As one who has driven across the state twice while running for State Comptroller on the Republican ticket in 1982 and Governor on the Libertarian ticket in 2002, I can tell you that hardly anyone drives the current 65 miles per hour speed limit.

Just last weekend, we drove to Springfield for the Old Capitol Art Fair and observed the same on Interstates 39 and 55.

So now State Senator Jim Oberwies’ bill to raise the speed limit to 70 MPH has passed and the Chicago Tribune rightly puts the story on its front page.

On its jump page, the Tribune asks,

Is Illinois geared up to go 70 MPH?

The real question is will Governor Quinn, who flies over Interstate highways most of the time, be able to relate to the common folk who have to drive.

Then, again, maybe it won’t matter anymore than Quinn’s veto of the Com Ed/Ameren rate hike bill…which both houses of the Illinois General Assembly overrode this week.

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See House and Senate roll calls here.

The following handout from Governor Pat Quinn’s legislative lobbying operation has been distributed by the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems.

OPPOSE HB 996

(Proposed Charitable Games Act Amendments)

Would undermine the original intent of the Charitable Games Act to allow charities to conduct modest gaming events as a fundraising activity.

Would allow charities to conduct high stakes gambling:

• The bill would allow the bet size to double for many games, from $10 to $20, and would allow the cash winnings to double as well, from $250 to $500. The bill would also allow unlimited non cash prizes.
• For non house backed games like Texas Hold ’em, the bill would allow unlimited amounts to be wagered.

Would allow charities to operate casino-like environments:

The bill would allow video gaming terminals to be operated at the same time a charitable games event is conducted. Current law prohibits simultaneous operation of slot machines and similar devices for this very reason.

Would allow more charitable gaming events in the facilities that host such events, increasing the burden on the neighborhoods where these facilities are located.

• Would change the formula for the amount to be paid to the State by the charity from the event receipts:  rather than 3% of the gross proceeds, the amount would be 5% of the net proceeds could make it more difficult to ascertain whether the correct amount was remitted.

Would allow charities to compete more directly with other forms of legalized gambling:

• The sum total of the changes made by the bill would enable charities to conduct gaming on a level that legitimately rivals
  other gaming interests, such as riverboats.
  More events with higher betting levels and higher value winnings (cash and non-cash) would increase the challenges of policing these events and enforcing the limitations.

A press release from the polling firm We Ask America:
Struggling

IL-Quinn

We Ask America Polls™ kicks off our 2013 public poll offering with a series of surveys focusing on governors who will be up for re-election next year.

It’s important to note that this series of polls asks only one main question:

Do you approve or disapprove of the job [governor's name] is doing?

To be fair, governors are often viewed by the public as the main symbol of state government, and these polls do not measure or predict how well a particular politician will do against any given opponent. The proof of that may be found in our first offering in our home state of Illinois: Democrat Pat Quinn.

We’ve profiled Gov. Quinn before (Tenacious Gadfly), and not much has changed since then.

Illinois continues to struggle under oppressive ($100 billion) public pension debt and multi-billion dollar budget deficits despite a sizable “temporary” state income tax now pumping more into state coffers.

Quinn is often portrayed in press and the political blogosphere in terms of being hapless–not a great portrait for someone seeking re-election in tough times.

Indeed, rumors continue to swirl of the possibility of fellow Democrats trying to take him out in next year’s Primary.

But political coroners have tagged Quinn’s toe a number of times in the past only to be confounded.

Will that be the case in 2014? Perhaps, but these approval numbers simply cannot be dismissed easily:

It’s problematic for Gov. Quinn that support among Independent voters continues to erode for him. Again, let’s be clear that these approval numbers can’t be viewed as a predictor of doom. Quinn’s dismal approval rating didn’t stop him from winning in 2010.

But we’re sure that some will look at these results and assume that Quinn can best be described as the Walking Dead.

The two roll calls on the Com Ed/Ameren electric rate hike bill have appeared here before.

Some might wonder why I feel so strongly about this legislation that will ad $6 a month to most homeowners’ electric bills.

The reason is that I was told on a train ride to Springfield in the 1970′s that by Samuel Insull‘s secretary that he got the Illinois General Assembly to create the agency because he was tired of having to pay off legislators. Insull figured, it seems, that buying off a majority of the ICC would be cheaper (probably easier, too).

Now that the Commerce Commission is not acting like the electric industries handmaiden, electric utilities seem to have reverted to the original way of doing business.

And, as far as the money being needed to upgrade the electric grid, I’d ask, “Wasn’t keeping the infrastructure in top shape part of the deal with Com Ed and Ameren were given their monopolies?”

State Representatives voting for the Senate Bill 9 who represent part of McHenry County are Republicans

• David McSweeney
• Mike Tryon
• Barb Wheeler
• Tim Schmitz

Democrat Jack Franks voted, “No.”

In the State Senate those voting in favor were

• Pam Althoff
• Karen McConnaughay

Dan Duffy voted against the bill.

Below is a press release from Governor Pat Quinn.  It was issued the day after the election when a referendum failed about 2-1 to create a 377 Board to distribute $9 million of newly-levied property taxes in McHenry County.

I heard this story on the radio, but have not seen it in print.  Considering the discussion prior to election day, I think its contents should be more widely know in McHenry County.

Talking to state officials I learned that this initiative is partially a result of a class action law suit won in which Woodstock’s Stanley Lelgas was the lead plaintiff.   You can read the story here, but I’m going to republish the 2011 piece so those interested in the adequacy of service to the developmentally disabled can have the background close at hand.

Besides the court-ordered mandate to change the way that the State of Illinois treats the developmentally disabled, I certainly am willing to give Governor Quinn for continuing the efforts of former Pioneer Center Director Ann Patla, who served as Governor George Ryan’s Department Director for Mental Health and Developmentally Disabled.  For the first time, she put more money into community services than into institutions.  (You can find the current difference in cost in the press release below, not to mention the humane arguments for not having the developmentally disabled institutionalized.)

Governor Quinn Addresses “Going Home” Rally

Governor’s Rebalancing Initiative is Increasing Community Care and Reducing the Number of Outdated, Expensive Institutions

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Quinn today addressed the “Going Home” rally, hosted by several disability advocacy groups, and emphasized his commitment to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and mental challenges in Illinois.

As part of his agenda to ensure all people have the opportunity to follow their dreams and reach their full potential, Governor Quinn launched his Rebalancing Initiative in 2011 to increase community care and reduce the number of outdated, expensive institutions.

In the last several years, the governor has closed two State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs), and increased community care options in Illinois which are proven to provide

• a higher quality
• more independent life

according to numerous studies. A third institution – the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center – is slated for closure later this year.

“This is a historic time for Illinois as we continue our commitment to change the status quo and improve life for people with disabilities and mental health challenges in Illinois,” Governor Quinn said.

“Moving from outdated institutions to community care is improving Illinois’ quality of care and allowing people to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.”

Hundreds of supporters and advocates gathered today in support of the governor’s Rebalancing Initiative.

Numerous studies show that individuals living in the community have a better quality of life than those living in large institutions.

Community settings allow individuals to receive the care they need, including 24-hour care.

In addition, community care is also significantly less costly than institution-based care.

The average cost for Murray Center is $239,000 per year per resident, while the average cost for a Murray resident living in the community while receiving the supports they need is estimated at $120,000 per year.

The governor’s proposed fiscal year 2014 budget will move 1,150 individuals into community living, home-based services including 500 individuals off of the waiting list.

The Quinn Administration has developed a comprehensive, person-centered plan to transition residents safely into the community, ensuring that each individual’s new home meets their specific needs.

The plan is being implemented carefully and responsibly over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition for residents.

“We are working closely with families and guardians using a person-centered planning process to ensure safe transitions for residents of Murray Center,” Kevin Casey, director of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities said.

“We developed a comprehensive, well thought out plan to transition Murray residents safely into the community and ensure that each individual’s new home will meet their specific needs.”

I rarely watch politicians on YouTube, but this one from State Rep. Barb Wheeler probably is an indication that the House Republican staff is going to use the communication tool to try to reach constituents:

A press release from State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

McConnaughay Calls for Leadership after Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor Pat Quinn’s budget address State Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) emphasized the importance of leadership in these tough times for the state, she stated,

“While the Governor may have improved his rhetoric, Illinois has severe leadership and spending problems. And the two are linked, as the first intensifies the second.”

The Governor’s budget shows record high state General Revenue Fund spending at $35.6 billion dollars, which includes an increase of $1.2 billion in spending.

Senator McConnaughay noted,

“We were promised when they passed the temporary 67% income tax increase in 2011, that they would cut spending, reduce the pension liability and decrease the bill backlog.

“Since then, we have seen increases in spending, our backlog of bills and our deficit—and don’t forget about the multiple credit rating downgrades, making it increasingly costly to borrow money.”

When addressing pension reform Governor Quinn called on the General Assembly to put a bill before him to sign.

Senator McConnaughay stressed the need for the Governor to be an active participant in the process.

“The Governor needs to collaborate and identify opportunities to build consensus in both chambers.

“This is an all hands on deck effort that starts at the top. Leadership is sorely needed in this state and until we have that Illinois will continue on this unsustainable path.”

While the price of natural gas has decreased enough as a result of fracking, the Illinois Green Party is opposing expansion in Illinois. While this is a Southern Illinois issue, I thought those of us in Northern Illinois who have benefited economically from the process might be interested in this viewpoint of the fight.

ILGP TO QUINN: YOU CAN’T FRACK YOUR WAY OUT OF A BUDGET CRISIS

Greens to participate in March 12 lobby day to support fracking moratorium bill (SB1418)

Green Party leaders blasted Gov. Quinn’s claim, in his annual budget address, that hydraulic fracturing — or fracking — “is coming to Illinois,” as if it were inevitable, disrespecting the efforts of thousands of activists and concerned citizens struggling to prevent fracking operations here.

Quinn repeated the falsehood that a fracking bill now before the General Assembly (HB 2615) would create “the strongest environmental regulations in the nation,” and touted it as a jobs bill and source of revenue, with “the potential to create thousands of jobs in Downstate Illinois.”

“Illinois officials are promoting fracking as a solution to the state’s financial crisis, but this type of short-term thinking is what got us into the mess to start with,” said Illinois Green Party Secretary Vito Mastrangelo, one of a number of Green Party members in SAFE (Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment).

“The government is desperate for the fracking revenue but does not account for all the costs:

• the increased medical costs from the adverse health effects – both short-term and long-term – that will result from the pollution of our air, water, and soil
• the extraordinary wear and tear on infrastructure
• the increased cost for scarce water in periods of drought
• the costs to clean up the soil and water contamination when (not if) it happens.

And to frack in disregard of geologists’ warning of an overdue major earthquake in Southern Illinois is downright reckless.”

“Quinn sometimes likes to posture as being a ‘green’ governor, claiming to be supportive of environmental measures and clean energy,” added Illinois Green Party Vice Chair Gini Lester.

“But in coming out in favor of fracking, and supposing that regulations can adequately protect our air, water and land, Quinn is ‘green’ only in the sense of ‘naive.’

‘With current technology, fracking is inherently unpredictable and unsafe.

“The only responsible course is to ban the practice, or at least enact a moratorium unless and until the energy corporations can demonstrate that all serious risks have been eliminated.”

While Quinn touts the proposed regulations as adequate to protect public and environmental health, his new budget cuts appropriations for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Along with SAFE, Illinois Greens support a moratorium in Illinois rather than the seriously flawed regulatory bill, and will be participating in a lobby day at the State Capitol on March 12th in support of a moratorium bill (SB 1418).

Illinois Greens also blasted Quinn’s budget proposal as a whole.

Despite prior claims to be “the education governor,” his proposal imposes huge cuts in appropriations to public education, including every public university in the state.

The basic theme of Quinn’s address was that the State’s ongoing pension crisis makes regrettable sacrifices necessary, and that, until pension reform is enacted, the best that can be done is to save some programs and accept painful cuts in others.

Illinois Greens challenge this premise.

“Governor Quinn is correct in recognizing that the unfunded pension crisis is a millstone around the neck of our State government,” stated Illinois Green Party Chairperson Rich Whitney.

“He even correctly acknowledged that one cause of the problem was the bi-partisan failure of past governors and General Assemblies to adequately fund the system.

“But now his only ‘solution’ – other than illusory gimmicks like more gambling – is to make educators, other public sector workers, retirees, students and all of us who depend on public services bear all the painful consequences.

“Short of outright union-busting, Quinn is the Democratic version of Scott Walker.”

“Quinn’s proposals are utterly reprehensible when you consider that there are common-sense public policy solutions to both the budget crisis and the pension crisis that neither the Democratic nor the Republican leadership see fit to mention.

“For example, another major cause of the pension crisis is Wall Street speculation, which led to a collapse in the trust funds in 2008. Yet we don’t make the big financial speculators pay their fair share of tax revenues. Working people pay sales taxes of 6 percent or more on necessary consumer goods. A much smaller tax on speculative trading could play a major role in restoring fiscal health to our state government.”

Whitney pointed out that a Speculation Sales Tax on trades at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board Options Exchange, of just $1 on every contract traded, would generate over $6 billion for the Illinois budget, based on trading volume in 2010 and 2011.

The Illinois Green Party advocates other policies that could help balance the State’s budget and adequately fund its pension system, education and social services without imposing austerity on the people.

These include instituting a fee-and-dividend system on greenhouse gas emissions, the creation of a state-administered public bank, and measures to make the Illinois tax system more progressive.

A press release from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Rep. Tryon Responds to Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD…..Governor Pat Quinn presented a Fiscal Year 2014 budget address on Wednesday which calls for an increase in spending that is almost double the amount of additional revenue that is expected to come in next year.

On Tuesday, members of the House approved resolutions that set the spending ceiling for Fiscal Year 2014 at $35.081 billion.

The revenue estimate is used during the House’ budget process as a maximum spending limit.

It was stated as the resolutions were discussed that any spending number the Governor presented that was above $35.081 billion would put him in direct conflict with the House.

“Governor Quinn has presented a spending plan that exceeds our resolved spending limit by $500 million dollars,” said State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake).

“He should know by now that once we set that revenue estimate we will not change course and give in to his threats and political pressures.”

Quinn has proposed cutting K-12 Education by $300 million and Higher Education by $50 million.

Specifically, he has proposed a regular and vocational transportation reduction of $145.6 million and a General State Aid reduction of $150.4 million.

He has proposed keeping funding for early childhood education programs level.

“Once again, Governor Quinn is trying to pressure lawmakers into approving higher spending by proposing painful cuts to our state’s schools,” Tryon said.

According to Tryon, the proposed education cuts target transportation funding and state aid primarily for downstate and suburban school districts.

Tryon said he was especially disappointed Wednesday to hear about the Governor’s plans for a massive expansion of Medicaid, an optional component of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

“Governor Quinn wants to implement a massive Medicaid expansion one year after legislators worked very hard to downsize our Medicaid program to rein in out-of-control costs,” he said.

“His administration has yet to fully implement the reforms the General Assembly approved last year, and now it appears he is charging ahead with an expansion that is not required and that we simply cannot afford.”

The Governor’s budget address is a suggested spending plan.

Legislators in the House and Senate set the appropriation levels for the different parts of the budget in bills that go to the Governor for ultimate approval.

Part of a press release from Governor Pat Quinn:

Governor Quinn Announces $2.8 Million to Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – February 20, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced acquisition of 547 acres of public land in four Illinois counties to boost public access for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

The $2.8 million in land purchases includes

• 410 acres in Pike County, a hallowed deer hunting region, and
• 71 acres in Hackmatack, the nation’s newest National Wildlife Refuge.

This acquisition is part of Governor Quinn’s ongoing commitment to expand and preserve Illinois’ natural resources and boost the economy.

The properties were acquired through the Illinois Open Lands Trust (OLT), which is funded by Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and allocated for public recreation and conservation purposes.

“Preservation of open space for future generations is a worthy goal, and hunting, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation generate billions of dollars a year in Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “Continuing to expand outdoor recreation areas and natural habitats such as Hackmatack are not only good for our economy, but also ensure that Illinois children can enjoy nature and lead a healthy lifestyle. Let’s leave no child inside!’”

Today’s announcement includes acquisition of three other properties to expand public lands:

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, McHenry County, 71.8 acres ($511,000) – The parcel was acquired to formally establish the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, the first refuge established in northern Illinois.

The core areas of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge are rich in important natural resources, including rare and diverse natural communities, endangered and threatened species, wetlands, diverse aquatic systems and migratory birds.

Eventually, the Hackmatack Refuge will improve or restore 11,000 acres of wetlands, prairie and forest, and will conserve habitat corridors between protected parcels to ensure sustainability of local ecological systems.

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The Fish and Wildlife Service web site for Hackmatack states,

“The first parcel of land acquired will officially establish the Refuge.”