Average Property Tax Rates and Homeowners’ Bills in McHenry County

Since our American Revolution was stimulate by taxation, how about looking at the average McHenry County real estate tax rate calculations that Algonquin Township Assessor Bob Kunz has prepared.  They can be enlarged by clicking on their images. A second … Continue reading

When Your Electric Bill Goes Up, Who’re Gonna Thank?

It won’t be Ghostbusters. The Senate roll call of override of Governor Pat Quinn’s Senate Bill 9. which overrides an Illinois Commerce Commission decision,  is below: Besides two of three State Senators representing McHenry County–Pam Althoff and Karen McConnaughay–potential candidates … Continue reading

Mike Tryon’s Electric Industry Contributions

Previously, McHenry County Blog has reported on the contributions from Commonwealth Edison, Ameren and others to State Senator Pam Althoff and State Rep. Jack Franks. Both voted to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto, Franks a last minute switch. State Senator … Continue reading

2011 Campaign Contributions from Those Interested in Allowing Com Ed & Ameren to Hike Electric Rates without ICC Approval

The Campaign for Political Reform has a spreadsheet that shows how much each state legislator has taken from companies like Commonwealth Edison, Ameren and other entities which it thinks has a stake in the so-called “Smart Grid” electricity rate hike … Continue reading

State Senator Dan Duffy Expresses Outrage at Electric Rate Hike Bill

State Senator Dan Duffy’s speech in opposition to the Com Ed/Ameren electric rate increase bill: Business side of bill: This “smart grid” technology does not prevent outages from Storms like we experienced in the recent past. It is not going … Continue reading

Smart Grid, aka, Com Ed Rate Hike Bill, Passes House without Debate, Roll Call

Each year for the next ten years, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, its Downstate counterpart will be increasing our electric rates, compliments of State Senator Pam Althoff and State Representatives The State Senate voted to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto this … Continue reading

Two of Three State Reps. Vote for Com Ed Rate Increase “Trailer” Bill, Roll Calls on HB 3036

Readers by now have figured out that I think Com Ed’s and Ameren’s electricity rate hike “Smart Grid” bill is dumb. Let me tell you why. The Illinois Commerce Commission has granted monopoly status to electric utilities. In return for … Continue reading

Althoff Goes with Com Ed, Duffy Doesn’t & Com Ed/Ameren Rate Hike “Trailer” Bill Senate Roll Call

Here’s the roll call for the so-called trailer bill that supposed to make the Com Ed/Ameren rate hike bill better. Governor Pat Quinn, who cut some of his community organizing teeth creating the Citizens Utility Board, doesn’t agree that it … Continue reading

Com Ed/Ameren Rate Hike Bill Passes House – Roll Call

Senate bill 1652, the legislation that Commonwealth Edison and Downstate electric utility Ameeen promotes as a “Smart Grid” bill, passed the Illinois House this Memorial Day 67-47-1. It previously passed the Senate, as you can see from the Senate roll … Continue reading