THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
David Ormsby
Where is Rahm Emanuel Collecting $50 Million More than Expected in Chicago Taxes?
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the release of the first-ever City of Chicago quarterly budget report, noting that city tax collection is running about $50 million higher than originally estimated. “For the first time ever, the City is providing the public with regular progress reports on where the City … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Dedicates Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail Honoring Black History Month
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn, a relentless supporter of Illinois veterans, today dedicated the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail in Chicago. Continue reading
AG Lisa Madigan Hits NDK Crystal with $39,000 Fine for 2009 Plant Explosion that Killed One Person
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier on Friday announced a settlement with crystal manufacturer NDK Crystal Co., fining the company $39,000 and shuttering the plant until the facility is certified by state regulators as safe for operation following the 2009 explosion at the facility … Continue reading
What Are the Prospects for Illinois Strip Club Tax Pushed by Senator Toi Hutchinson?
(Springfield, IL) – February 19, 2012. Legislation has been filed in the Illinois legislature placing a $5 tax on each person that enters an Illinois strip club, raising the question: what are the bill’s prospects in Springfield? Continue reading
THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER Gets a Subscriber Password …
Dear iLLINOIS OBSERVER Reader: Some changes are happening at THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER. For starters, this publication will begin to publish some “subscriber only” content for which you will need a password. The password for the remainder of February is: … . To get a password, please enter your e-mail address at the upper right of … Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Finds Additional Chicago Residents, Wants U.S. Census Bureau Redo
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Whattya know. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has uncovered additional Chicago residents. And the mayor now wants the U. S. Census Bureau to revise Chicago’s 2010 Census count. Continue reading
Our View: Paula Basta’s Ethics Plan is Hypocritical, Costly to Taxpayers
Our View: All candidates for elected office should follow two golden rules when they propose reforms: one, avoid exposing yourself to the charge of hypocrisy; and two, avoid costing taxpayers more money. Illinois Democratic state representative candidate Paula Basta recently violated both. On Valentine’s Day, Basta, who is challenging appointed State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints Ex-State Rep. Bob Flider Illinois Agriculture Department Director
(Springfield, IL) – February 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today named Bob Flider director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “It is important that our Agriculture agency is led by someone who understands the key role of agri-business in our economy,” Quinn said. Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011, … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Delivers Mars Candy Valentines to Kids at Shriners Hospital for Children
(Chicago, IL) – February 14, 2012. On Valentine’s Day, Governor Pat Quinn visited the Chicago Mars candy factory to announce new data on the company’s recent Illinois growth and to pick up bags of candy for hospitalized kids. “Right here in Illinois, Mars is manufacturing Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers and it is only … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, Senator Annazette Collins Push Illinois Ethics Referendum Amendment
(Chicago, IL) – February 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow state voters to enact ethics reforms through popular initiative and referendum. “Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical,” said Quinn. Sponsored by State Senator Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), the … Continue reading
NBC Chicago Blogger Satire Stings Illinois Gay Rights Group
(Chicago, IL) – Despite the wacky, Onion-like satirical content of a post by an NBC Chicago TV blogger on a recently introduced same-sex marriage bill in Springfield, a Chicago-based gay rights group suspended disbelief to issue a stream of press releases condemning the “Lonesome No More Act,” which prompted the author to add an up-front … Continue reading
Is Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Springfield Winning Streak Over?
(Chicago, IL) – In Springfield Rahm was on roll. He won approval for his school plan to extend the school day and school year. He won approval for the DREAM act to help enable privately-funded scholarship for undocumented students. He won approval of his speed camera plan to fine speeding drivers in school zones. He … Continue reading
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Pushes to Add Transgender, Immigrant, and Military to Punishable Hate Crimes
(Chicago, IL) – February 10, 2012. An Illinois House lawmaker last week introduced legislation that would add “gender identity, military status and immigration status” to Illinois’ list of punishable hate crimes. “This amendment to the hate crimes bill will create a truly inclusive act that will give law enforcement the tools they need to protect … Continue reading
Despite Capitol Fax Publisher Plea, Governor Pat Quinn Makes a Big Announcement
(Chicago, IL) – December 23, 2011. Despite Capital Fax Publisher Rich Miller’s public plea to Governor Pat Quinn to refrain from any big announcements while Miller went on holiday, Quinn refused to oblige. Continue reading
Illinois-Backed Disabled Children Housing Closes; Gov. Pat Quinn Announces New Illinois-Backed Disabled Housing Program
(Chicago, IL) – December 19, 2011. Here’s an example Illinois state government dysfunction at its worst. Continue reading
Video: Next Year’s Illinois Budget Faces Turbulence, Says Top House Budget Lawmaker
(Chicago, IL) – December 16, 2011. The chair of a key Illinois House budget panel this week warned that next year’s state budget will be as “challenging” as the one lawmakers crafted earlier this year. “Next year’s budget is going to be as much of a challenge as last year’s,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz … Continue reading
Democratic Primary Opponent Hits State Rep. Toni Berrios on CME, Sears Tax Break Vote
(Chicago, IL) – December 14, 2011. The tax break legislation for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group and Sears approved by the Illinois House on Monday was already causing political headaches for one House Democrat by Tuesday. Journalist Will Guzzardi, who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Toni Berrios (D-Chicago), in the March 2012 Democratic primary, slammed … Continue reading
Senator Jeff Schoenberg Backs Rep. Daniel Biss for Illinois Senate
(Evanston, IL) – December 7, 2011. State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) today endorsed first-term State Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) for the north shore state Senate seat that Schoenberg is vacating. Continue reading
Illinois Lawmakers Send Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Bill to Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) – December 1, 2011. What is one of the most important steps that could be taken to save the life of teenager in the throes of a drug overdose? Telephone for medical help. Continue reading
World AIDS Day 2011: Illinois Has 7th Highest Number of AIDS Cases in Nation
(Chicago, IL) – More than two decades after the first observance of World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS, Illinois finds itself with the 7th highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, according to Illinois’ public health agency. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that … Continue reading
Mayor Emanuel Praises Feigenholtz, Steans for Illinois Homeless Shelter Funding Restoration
(Springfield, IL) – November 29, 2011. The Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday approved legislation that would restore $4.3 million to emergency shelter services for homeless Illinois citizens, drawing warm praise from Chicago’s mayor. “I applaud the Illinois General Assembly for restoring critical funding to the Emergency and Transitional Housing program that supports homeless services and shelters,” … Continue reading
Senate President John Cullerton Gets New Chief of Staff
(Springfield, IL) – November 29, 2011. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton today announced key changes to the Senate Democratic staff. Ex-Senate staffer David Gross will succeed Andrew Manar as Chief of Staff. Manar is running for an Illinois Senate seat located in Springfield. “I especially want to acknowledge the contribution of Andy Manar, who has … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps New DCFS Director
(Springfield, IL) – November 23, 2011. In the wake of the resignation of the scandal tarred and feather ex-Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in September, Governor Pat Quinn today Quinn today announced a replacement for Erwin McEwen. Continue reading
Illinois Ranks 2nd in Nation for Thanksgiving Day Home Cooking Fires, Illinois Fire Marshal Says
(Springfield, IL) – November 23, 2011. Thanksgiving Day continues to be the leading day for home cooking fires in Illinois and U.S., more than any other day in the calendar, according to the Illinois State Fire Marshall. Continue reading
Mayor Emanuel, Speaker Madigan, Fund-Raising Boost Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s Election Campaign against Paula Basta
(Chicago, IL) – November 19, 2011. In a significant boost to Chicago Democratic State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s election chances, Chicago’s newly minted mayor and the state’s powerful House Speaker have rolled out their backing for the first-term North Side lawmaker. Continue reading
Kenny Johnson Leads Christian Mitchell in Illinois State House Race, Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) – November 17, 2011. In the campaign to capture the Illinois state house seat recently held by current Chicago 4th Ward Alderman Will Burns, Kenny Johnson (D-Chicago) has a 13 point lead over Democratic primary opponent Christian Mitchell of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, while the bulk of voters remain undecided in the contest, according to a new poll. Continue reading
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Pushes Texting, Talking While Biking Ban
(Chicago, IL) – November 7, 2011. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation to ban the use of handheld electronic devices–mobile phones, computers, iPads, etc–by bicyclists. Continue reading
Toni Preckwinkle-Backed State Rep Candidate Draws Opponent
(Chicago, IL) – November 7, 2011. During an interview on WVON radio last week, small business owner Kenny Johnson announced his candidacy in the Democratic primary for 26th district state representative in Chicago’s south shore, south side neighborhoods. Continue reading
Chicago’s CTA Red Line, Purple Line Get Billion Dollar Boost from Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(Chicago, IL) – November 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are officially guy-pals. Continue reading
Illinois “Budgeting for Results” Initiative Praised, Panned
(Chicago, IL) — November 2, 2011. The Illinois Budgeting for Results Commission today issued their first report to Governor Pat Quinn and the state legislature detailing their recommendations on how to restore state’s fiscal health, bringing praise from Quinn and ridicule from some state vendors. Continue reading
Illinois House, Senate Override Gov. Pat Quinn’s ComEd “Smart Grid” Veto
(Springfield, IL) – October 26, 2011. A veto by Governor Pat Quinn of a bill to upgrade the Illinois’ electric grid, the so-called “Smart Grid” plan– has been overridden by both the Illinois House and Senate. Continue reading
State Rep. Tom Holbrook Tapped as Illinois Pollution Control Board Chief, Boosting Salary $50,000
(Chicago, IL) – October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named State Rep.Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) to head the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Holbrook will resign his House seat on Tuesday. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Names Illinois Gaming, Racing Board Members
(Chicago, IL) October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today rolled-out numerous appointments to the state’s more than 320 boards and commissions, including the Illinois Gaming Board and the Illinois Racing Board. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Taps Illinois Transportation, Aging, Agriculture, Insurance, Environment Agency Chiefs
(Chicago, IL) -– October 24, 2011. The deck chairs are on the move. Governor Pat Quinn today announced Ann Schneider, who has been the Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation for several months will get the post permanently and John Holton will take over as the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Slams ComEd “Smart Grid” Follow-Up Bill Targeted to Mollify Critics
(Chicago, IL) — October 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today blasted the legislative initiative of Illinois lawmakers to gussy up ComEd’s “Smart Grid” legislation, Senate Bill 1652, with a follow-up bill to address the concerns of legislative critics and others with the aim to override Quinn’s earlier veto of the bill. Continue reading
Does McCormick Place Agreement Mark the High-Point of the Quinn-Emanuel Chum-Fest?
(Chicago, IL) – October 21, 2011. Despite—or because of—their growing and testy rivalry, Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today appeared with together for a press conference—where they could keep an eye on each other–to announce agreements with two McCormick Place labor unions to re-patch earlier legislated labor reforms that a court had earlier overturned stemming from a union lawsuit. Continue reading
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Rolls Out Advisory Committees, Senior Tax Relief, Political Reform Initiatives
(Chicago, IL) – October 21, 2011. In an ongoing burst of legislative activity since her appointment to a state house seat, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) announced this week the rollout of multiple “Citizen Advisory Committees” to be populated by community residents. “My biggest priority as a Representative is to be accessible to people and … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Kills Illinois Gaming Bill; Offers Counter Plan Likely to Sink New Casinos
(Chicago, IL) — October 17, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that would not sign the gaming expansion passed by the Illinois legislature in May. Instead, Quinn offered a proposal that, among other things, would prohibit the installation of slot machines at horse race tracks, a proposition that likely dooms any gaming expansion in Illinois. … Continue reading
Rep. Lang Says Gov. Quinn’s Office Unwilling to Negotiate on Illinois Gaming Bill
(Springfield, IL) – October 14, 2011. A plan to add five casinos throughout the state, expand the number of places where people can make bets at each casino, and allow video gambling at horse tracks eked out of the Legislature this spring but stalled in the face of opposition from Governor Pat Quinn. Continue reading
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Hosts Environmental Forum
(Chicago, IL) – October 13, 2011. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) this week brought academics, environmental activists, and business leaders to a forum at Loyola University to tackle environmental initiatives. Continue reading
Will the Occupy Wall Street Movement and its Chicago Offshoot Bolster Gov. Pat Quinn ComEd “Smart Grid” Veto?
(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2011. The thinking among Springfield insiders up until a few weeks had been that the legislature was likely to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto of Commonwealth Edison’s “Smart Grid” bill, a measure that guaranteed the electric giant a rate increase of 6 percentage points over the 30-year Treasury rate to … Continue reading
Quinn, LaHood and Durbin Break Ground on Englewood Rail Crossing Project
(Chicago, IL) – October 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and other officials, broke ground today on the Englewood Flyover, a rail crossing project that will eliminate one of the region’s worst rail bottlenecks. Continue reading
Illinois Public Health Department Gets $24 Million Federal Grant to Fight Chronic Diseases
(Chicago, IL) – September 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Illinois a $24 million grant to support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities and control health care spending. The Illinois Department of Public Health was one … Continue reading
Quinn Announces $345 Million Plan to Help 15,000 Illinois Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure
(Chicago, IL) – September 15, 2011. Before heading out the door tomorrow to China for an eight-day trade mission, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $345 million program to help approximately 15,000 Illinois homeowners threatened by foreclosure. “The economic downturn has left too many Illinois families at risk of losing their homes,” Quinn said. “The … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Goes to China
(Chicago, IL) — September 15, 2011. Coming on the heels of an excursion to China by Illinois Treasurer and 2014 GOP governor hopeful Dan Rutherford, Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he too will travel to the People’s Republic of China on a trade mission, starting tomorrow. The Governor will arrive in China on September 17 … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Seeks Out Superman
(Chicago, IL) – September 14, 2011. After thrashing energy giant ComEd on Monday, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday went looking for Superman. Quinn zoomed over to the Chicago production set of the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” to flex some gubernatorial muscle and to highlight the Illinois film industry’s record $161 million in spending in … Continue reading
With Backing from A.G. Lisa Madigan, Gov. Pat Quinn Vetoes ComEd Smart Grid Bill
(Chicago, IL) – September 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan to witness his veto of a bill that would have allowed ComEd to develop an electricity producing “Smart Grid” financed by a guaranteed consumer and business rate hike. “More than 1.5 million people and businesses have had to … Continue reading
Pushing Back on Emanuel, Gov. Pat Quinn Announces Rail Construction Project for Chicago’s South Side
(Chicago, IL) — August 23, 2011. As a part of the growing spat with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over the fate of a tax revenue-rich casino for Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn today went out of his way to highlight his efforts to create jobs in Chicago by announcing the start of construction for a railroad … Continue reading
Chicago Sues Kankakee and Others over Illinois Sales Tax Scam
(Chicago, IL) — August 23, 2011. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today had the City of Chicago file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County seeking damages from the City of Kankakee, Village of Channahon and three brokers over a sales tax kickback scheme that is diverting sales tax revenue from Chicago. “Companies are gaming … Continue reading
Our View: Illinois Behavioral Health Care Gets a Cynical Embrace from Gov. Pat Quinn
If Governor Pat Quinn ever wonders why the public, the press and the legislature find his approach to governing to be incoherent and frustrating, and at times cynical, he needs only to consider his recent whip-lash-inducing turn on behavioral health care policy. Last week Quinn held a bill-signing ceremony at the Alexian Brothers Center for … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Gov. Pat Quinn: Student Reporter The Huffington Post News Editors
- Gov. Pat Quinn: Student reporter | WBEZ unknown
- Detective Shaved Longcock: Gov. Pat Quinn on pension mess ... Det. Shaved Longcock
- Illinois Gov Pat Quinn says state's Medicaid system is 'on the brink of ... unknown
- More: Illinois Gov Pat Quinn formally announces plan to close 14 ... unknown
- Chicago Daily Observer » Blog Archive » Gov. Pat Quinn on pension ... Chicago Current News Feed
- . . . With Both Hands: Governor Ramblin' Pat Quinn and Lt. Governor ... pathickey
- Chicago Daily Observer » Blog Archive » Gov. Pat Quinn: Close ... Chicago Current News Feed
- Rosecrance responds to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address bkulpa
- Quinn On State Pension Reform: Everyone Will Get A 'Haircut,' No ... Mike Ramsey
IL General Assembly
- Gov. Quinn delivers budget address to General Assembly - The State Journal-Register February 22, 2012
- Illinois General Assembly introduces marriage equality bill - Daily Northwestern February 15, 2012
- Illinois promises to make $5.2B pension contribution - Business Insurance February 23, 2012
- Quinn's Budget Proposal Delivers Deep Cuts - Chicagoist February 23, 2012
- Quinn's speech vague on major Illinois budget problems - Galesburg Register-Mail February 23, 2012
- Wheaton ranked fourth in state for energy saving program - Suburban Life Publications February 24, 2012
- For the US House - Chicago Tribune February 24, 2012
- Press Release IL Governor Budget Address - FOX2now.com February 22, 2012
- U.S. Rep. Schakowsky endorses Miller for state Senate in 15th - nwitimes.com February 24, 2012
- Gaffney to Quinn: “Stop the Spending and Reduce Taxes" - Patch.com February 22, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- This just in… Commissioner Beavers indicted - Says he refused to “wear a wire on John Daley” February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Real Time Election Coverage February 23, 2012 Advertising Department
- Budget speech react: Democrats February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Nationally, Illinois is an unpopular, polarizing state February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Budget speech react: Republicans February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: *** UPDATED *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: ALL CHARITY ROAST TICKETS WERE SOLD IN 13 MINUTES - WAITING LIST ESTABLISHED February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Budget speech react: Editorial boards February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** LIVE SESSION COVERAGE *** February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a campaign roundup February 23, 2012 Rich Miller
