McSweeney Introduces Bill to Give Jack Franks Tremendously More Power, Abolish Independently-Elected Auditor’s Office, Power of County Board Pretty Much Disappears

This article was published late Friday. I am putting it back on top because it represents the most audacious grab for virtually absolute power in county government that I can imagine. He could only make himself more powerful by having … Continue reading

Daily Herald Puts Pressure on County Board Members Getting Health Insurance

In an editorial today, the Daily Herald calls for an end to health benefits for suburban county board members. Kane County Democratic Board member Mo Iqbal brought up the subject two years after Republican Chairman Chris Lauzen got no positive … Continue reading

New Kane County Board Member Attacks Health Benefits for Part-Time Colleagues

New Kane County Board member Mohammad Iqbal, a new Democrat, is pushing to end health care benefits for his part-time colleagues. That was one of his campaign issues. “Several members have boosted their salary with health and dental insurance benefit packages … Continue reading

Jack Franks Hypocrisy re Double-Dipping: Bad for Thee, OK for Me

It can be dangerous to put something on the internet. Why? Because it never disappears. Consider the email that then-State Representative Jack Franks sent to constituents on December 24, 2013. Here is how it begins: Fighting Against Sweetheart Deals ‘Double-dipping’ … Continue reading

Focus on Public Pension Shortfall Overlooks Future Public Employee Health Insurance Costs

From Wirepoints: Wirepoints Report: The real cost of pension and public retiree health insurance equals half of Illinois’ budget Illinois owes $73 billion in retiree health insurance benefits for state workers, yet doesn’t have any money set aside to pay for … Continue reading

Keeping County Health Insurance While Drawing State Pension Gets Jack Franks $150 a Month

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog reported that former State Rep. Jack Franks began drawing his legislative pension of $4,885.19 a month. At age 55, retired legislators are allowed to start drawing their retirement benefits. A second state retiree benefit is health … Continue reading

District 155 Board Meeting Approves $1 Million Cheaper Health Insurance, Raises Question of How to Pay for $50 Million in Capital Needs, District 47 Backdoor Referendum Possibility

Went to the Crystal Lake High School Board’s meetings Tuesday night. The Finance Committee spent most of its time listening to a presentation from its insurance consultant Wendy Williams. A new high deductible option is being introduced this year and … Continue reading

Hultgren Goes After Single Payer Health Plan Supported by Opponent Underwood

From Congressman Randy Hultgren: Hultgren Airs Second Ad of 2018 Election Geneva, IL – Randy Hultgren, who is running for re-election this November as Representative for the 14th Congressional District, has aired his second television ad of this campaign season. … Continue reading

District 1 Democrat Michael Vijuk Follows David Stieper and Andrew Gasser on Getting Rid of Health Insurance for Board Members

Trying to straighten my office up a little, I found this piece of literature from District 1 McHenry County Board candidate Michael Vijuk : The platform points are pretty general. I see only one of four statements for which he could … Continue reading

Obamacare 23% More Expensive in Woodstock Than Chicago

Here’s what Woodstock resident Susan Handelsman found: Healthcare.gov premiums 23%+ higher in 60098 (Woodstock) than in Chicago 60602 Male age 50 median income $58,000 earner, CHEAPEST BRONZE PLAN, minimum $6000 deductible: ZIP CODE: 60602 (Chicago) vs. 60098 (Woodstock) SEX: Male … Continue reading

Health Services for Kids without Private Health Insurance Thursday at First Church in Crystal Lake

Concurrent with its Rummage Sale, the First United Methodist Church is hosting the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile this Thursday at the corner of West Crystal Lake and Dole Avenues. From 9-4, kids without private health insurance will be provided free … Continue reading

County Board Considering Health Coverage Changes

Almost two hours was spent by the McHenry County Human Services and Finance & Audit Committees discussing proposals for next year’s health coverage for non-union employees. At issue was about a $20 million budget item. Under proposals outlined by Cheryl … Continue reading

Obamacare Monopoly in McHenry County

Three GOP officials comment on Obamacare shrinking coverage. First Governor Bruce Rauner: Statement on Health Care Rate Fillings Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement on today’s health care rate filings: “It’s very unfortunate that the major structural flaws in … Continue reading

Proposed Changes in County Employee Health Care Plans

Here’s are the changes in health plans being proposed to the McHenry County Board’s Human Services Committee on Thursday: 2017 Changes to Medical Plans, Cost Sharing Percentages, and Incentives Changes to Current Plans BCBS HMOBA Increase Office Copays (Primary and … Continue reading

The Next Attack on the McHenry County Board

The McHenry County Board’s Management Services Committee is on deck today to follow in the footsteps of Human Resources Committee. On June 2nd, all Human Resources Committee members voted in favor of abolishing pensions for County Board members. Now it … Continue reading