Bio
Writer @CNET: Techpocalyptic privacy tools, weird science, civil unrest | rae.hodge@protonmail | Priors: @AP @BBC @NPR et al | @USUKFulbright | Hon. @KYColonels
SEP 20, 2017
- Following yesterday’s signing of the EDGE Tax Credit legislation, Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed a measure into law aimed at reforming civil asset forfeiture, sponsored by Sen. Dan Harmon (D-Oak Park). The move counters a federal-level rollback of reform efforts in July by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The move means probable cause is no longer sufficient reason to seize a suspect's possessions in Illinois, small sums of cash are exempt from seizure, and property owners no longer have to pay to have their possessions returned.
- Participants in the State Universities Retirement System are now allowed to rollover pension distributions into a simple IRA, after a recent decision by the SURS board. Details on the ruling can be found in the most recent Flinn Report.
- The state’s criminal DNA testing backlog totals 11,855 and is still increasing, according to the 2017 DNA Testing Accountability report. The cause for the backlog provided in the report: “forensic scientists are well-qualified and highly-trained, but… it takes more than two years from when a (forensic scientist) vacancy occurs until it is filled by a fully-trained new scientist.” Despite the backlog, the continued testing landed 1,513 hits for potential criminal matches, compared to 1,300 in FY2016.
- The Illinois Liquor Commission will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in room 2-025 of the Thompson Center in Chicago. Updated agenda.
Morning Brief: Forfeiture and Forensics
Following yesterday’s signing of the EDGE Tax Credit legislation, Gov. Bruce Rauner today sign...
SEP 18, 2017
Vocational shakeups across Springfield dominated the late-Friday news dump, cracking several state races wide open. If you missed anything, here’s your catch-up:
Morning Briefing: Empty Chambers And Musical Chairs
Vocational shakeups across Springfield dominated the late-Friday news dump, cracking several stat...
SEP 18, 2017
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a measure Friday which would allow downstate police and firefighters to transfer service credits between pension funds.
Rauner Roundup: Pension Credit Transfers Vetoed, School Bonds And Insurance Reforms Approved
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a measure Friday which would allow downstate police and firefighters to ...
SEP 07, 2017
Representatives of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association testify before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. From left to right: David Snyders, James Kruger, and Terry Lemming. Photo: Rae Hodge, The Daily LineOpponents of HB2353 were plentiful at a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees Wednesday. The measure is the latest shell bill for language regulating the recreational use of cannabis in the state, and was the focus of the lengthy subject matter hearing.
Subject Hearing Draws Familiar Opposition: Recreational Cannabis Still A Long Way Off
Representatives of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association testify before a joint hearing of the Hou...
SEP 06, 2017
House and Senate Appropriations committees will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in Capitol room 212 for a joint hearing on the tax and regulation of recreational cannabis. The bill at hand, while not expected to move, is HB2353. HFA1 carries the legislative language.
Morning Briefing: High Turnout Expected for Cannabis Joint Hearing
House and Senate Appropriations committees will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in Capitol room 212 for a...
SEP 05, 2017
Welcome back. After a too-brief reprieve, Petition Day is here again. Tuesday, Sept. 5 marks the first day 2018 campaigns can begin passing petitions, including: county clerk, treasurer, sheriff, assessor, commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, president of the Cook County Board, Cook County Board commissioners, and Cook County Board of Review commissioners. The first day to file nomination papers is Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.
Meanwhile, the wheels of government keep spinning. Even a day short, the week ahead is already packed with meetings. The following are some we’ll be keeping our eyes on.
Meanwhile, the wheels of government keep spinning. Even a day short, the week ahead is already packed with meetings. The following are some we’ll be keeping our eyes on.
Morning Briefing: Off To A Running Start
Welcome back. After a too-brief reprieve, Petition Day is here again. Tuesday, Sept. 5 marks the ...
AUG 30, 2017
Gov. Bruce Rauner. Credit: Rae HodgeGovernor Bruce Rauner needed a win. And the optics of yesterday’s long-awaited education reform success couldn’t have come at a better time.
Analysis: For A Governor On The Ropes, Education Bill Is A Win In The Nick of Time
Gov. Bruce Rauner. Credit: Rae HodgeGovernor Bruce Rauner needed a win. And the optics of yeste...
AUG 29, 2017
All committees have been cancelled this morning and the Senate is scheduled to convene at 11:00 a.m. for what’s expected to be an easy concurrence on education funding reform shell bill SB1947. The chamber’s Republican negotiator on SB1, Sen. Jason Barickman, of Bloomington said in a release, “I look forward to passing this bipartisan proposal in the Senate and sending it to the Governor as soon as possible.”
Morning Briefing: SB1 Is Dead, Long Live SB1
All committees have been cancelled this morning and the Senate is scheduled to convene at 11:00 a...
AUG 29, 2017
In a quiet moment on the Illinois House floor, Rep. Will Davis (right) shares his relief following the passage of SB1947. Photo: Rae Hodge, The Daily LineAfter a long day of closed-door caucus meetings and chamber speeches, Rep. Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest) leaned on the wooden lip of the Illinois House press pit and sighed with relief over a long-delayed win.
Education Funding At Last: SB1 Dies In Failed Override, but Shell Bill Expected to Pass Senate Today
In a quiet moment on the Illinois House floor, Rep. Will Davis (right) shares his relief follow...
AUG 28, 2017
Pension costs, private schools, and per-pupils–according to Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), it’s all going into one bill.
Build-A-Bill Workshop: Education Funding Elements Still Largely Unknown as Lawmakers Head Back to House
Pension costs, private schools, and per-pupils–according to Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady (R-...
AUG 28, 2017
Scattered thunderstorms and 75% humidity are expected across Springfield today. Things could get sticky with a chance of disarray as House members file back into the Capitol to iron out final negotiations on education funding.
Morning Briefing: A House Divided
Scattered thunderstorms and 75% humidity are expected across Springfield today. Things could get ...
AUG 27, 2017
The week is going to start off with a bang. Here’s what you need in your calendar:
The House chamber will convene at 11:00 a.m. And as Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Sycamore) noted last week, popcorn is no longer offered on the floor. You’ll need to bring your own.
- At 9:00 a.m. the House Revenue & Finance Committee will meet in Capitol room 122B for a subject matter hearing on bills that would ban the Sweetened Beverage Tax HB4082 and HB4083. The two are sponsored by Assistant Republican Leader Michael McAuliffe, of Chicago, and Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), respectively. A lengthy roster of witnesses taking a swing at Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s new tax are expected, although bill movement is unlikely. It essentially gives legislators a chance to say, “I’m against the tax!” for election time.
- Dueling committees will open at 10:00 a.m. In Capitol room 115 the Human Services Committee will take up House Floor Amendment 1 to SB1707 from Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago). HFA1 remakes a bill enacting more stringent regulation of cannabis sales into a measure protecting existing Medicare managed care agreements obtained by Cook County. This comes on the heels of a recent announcement of the Rauner Administration cutting in half the number of eligible Medicare managed care organizations.
- Meanwhile, the Executive Committee will meet in Capitol room 118 at 10:00 a.m. to take up SB482. The measure is carried by Senate President John Cullerton and House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and addresses 2017-2018 Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) restrictions in its Senate Amendment 1. The tax carve-outs were a late-added sticking point in Governor Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of SB1. The committee may run long; 11 other bills are on the agenda including a measure authorizing $10 billion in bonds.
- Some have speculated SB482 could ultimately be the vehicle to move newly negotiated school funding reform language, but keep an eye on HB3163. House Speaker Mike Madigan previously confirmed the House would advance the SB1 understudy in the event of a failed override of SB1’s veto.
The House chamber will convene at 11:00 a.m. And as Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Sycamore) noted last week, popcorn is no longer offered on the floor. You’ll need to bring your own.
Morning Briefing: Your Monday Calendar
The week is going to start off with a bang. Here’s what you need in your calendar:
At 9:00 a.m....
AUG 25, 2017
The good news finally broke Thursday afternoon that Republican and Democratic leadership reached a compromise on school funding.
While most details are still unknown, Mayor Rahm Emanuel suggested Chicago Public Schools will see a boost and a pension pick-up under the new agreement, though may face a property tax increase. Meanwhile, private schools could see a $75 million scholarship program. The Sun-Times reports the deal also includes mandate relief, but none of the collective bargaining requests offered by the Governor Bruce Rauner
From House and Senate GOP leaders: “This afternoon the four legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement in principle on historic school funding reform. Language will be drafted and details of the agreement released once the drafts have been reviewed.”
Full Agenda of the Board of Elections' Aug. 22 Meeting
While most details are still unknown, Mayor Rahm Emanuel suggested Chicago Public Schools will see a boost and a pension pick-up under the new agreement, though may face a property tax increase. Meanwhile, private schools could see a $75 million scholarship program. The Sun-Times reports the deal also includes mandate relief, but none of the collective bargaining requests offered by the Governor Bruce Rauner
From House and Senate GOP leaders: “This afternoon the four legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement in principle on historic school funding reform. Language will be drafted and details of the agreement released once the drafts have been reviewed.”
- Another staffing shakeup in Rauner’s office saw the departure of General Counsel Dennis Murashako and communications staffers Diana Rickert, Brittany Carl, and Laurel Patrick. Some are saying Chief of Staff Kristina Rasmussen could be out as well.
- The House Executive Committee will meet at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 in room 118 of the Capitol. Currently, there are 11 bills on the agenda, one of which authorizes $10 billion in bonds. Another addresses PTELL limits.
- The House is expected to convene Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Full Agenda of the Board of Elections' Aug. 22 Meeting
Morning Briefing: Monday, Fund Day
The good news finally broke Thursday afternoon that Republican and Democratic leadership reached ...
AUG 22, 2017
The House is scheduled to convene tomorrow for an anticipated override of Governor Bruce Rauner’s SB1 amendatory veto. The House Approp. Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will meet Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. in room 114, followed by floor session at 11:00 a.m.
New Education Laws Go Into Effect While Schools Await SB1
The House is scheduled to convene tomorrow for an anticipated override of Governor Bruce Rauner’s...
AUG 21, 2017
In a flood of ink, Governor Bruce Rauner addressed 133 pieces of legislation--94 House Bills and 39 Senate Bills--last Friday. With the legislature’s fall Veto Session just around the corner, here are the eight items he vetoed which we may see taken up for a vote in October.
Chopping Block: Workers’ Comp, Student SNAP, Debt Transparency Get Weekend Vetoes
In a flood of ink, Governor Bruce Rauner addressed 133 pieces of legislation--94 House Bills and ...
AUG 18, 2017
Illinois State Capitol, Rae HodgeOn this week’s Aldercast from The Daily Line, Springfield editor Rae Hodge interviews State Sen. Sam McCann, the sole Republican vote to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto on SB1, the school funding bill. McCann said while SB1 isn't perfect, Rauner's veto would send downstate schools off a cliff. During a sit-down, McCann called Rauner’s veto a fairytale and said the governor is being dishonest about what the state can afford.
McCann has a fairly independent reputation, and says he's getting tired of "bloodthirsty" partisanship and the ideological litmus tests which've taken over Republican politics.
Got comments, questions or suggestions? Send us an email: [email protected].
Lone Senate Republican on SB1 Discusses ‘Bloodthirsty’ Party Atmosphere
Illinois State Capitol, Rae Hodge On this week’s Aldercast from The Daily Line, Springfield edi...
AUG 17, 2017
Speaker Mike Madigan addresses the press following end of Wednesday's session.House action yesterday was broken into two segments: a protracted and bitter argument over the Democrats’ insincere offering of governor-inspired SB1947, and a unanimous denunciation of white supremacist political actions in Charlottesville, Va. last weekend. In other words, Wednesday was a day for floor speeches.
Morning Briefing: Come Back Next Week
Speaker Mike Madigan addresses the press following end of Wednesday's session.House action yest...
AUG 16, 2017
A Politico report Tuesday suggested today’s House activity would not include an SB1 veto override, and that one would be unlikely until next week as Democrats continue chasing Republican votes for the effort. The report said the House may take up Rauner’s amendatory veto language as its own bill, floating it in the chamber for the purposes of embarrassing the governor.
Morning Briefing: House Override Unlikely Today
A Politico report Tuesday suggested today’s House activity would not include an SB1 veto override...
AUG 14, 2017
Gov. Bruce Rauner and Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady call Sunday afternoon for the senate to support Rauner's amendatory veto of SB1 before the Senate meets. The Senate voted to override the veto.
Morning Briefing: SB1 Lives, House Convenes Wednesday
Gov. Bruce Rauner and Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady call Sunday afternoon for the senate t...
AUG 11, 2017
The stack of 533 bills currently waiting for action on Governor Bruce Rauner’s desk just shrank by 13. The following bills were sent to Rauner on June 13 and, having reached 60 days on the governor’s desk without either a veto or a signature, are automatically passed into law:
Round-Up: Bills Automatically Passed Into Law Today
The stack of 533 bills currently waiting for action on Governor Bruce Rauner’s desk just shrank b...
Bio
Writer @CNET: Techpocalyptic privacy tools, weird science, civil unrest | rae.hodge@protonmail | Priors: @AP @BBC @NPR et al | @USUKFulbright | Hon. @KYColonels
