OCT 13, 2017
Another challenger to Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios has emerged. Andrea Raila, a senior tax analyst for Raila PC, a real estate tax appeals firm founded in 2013, submitted a D-1 earlier this week.
Chicago And Cook County A-1 and D-1 Weekly Update
Another challenger to Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios has emerged. Andrea Raila, a senior tax an...
AUG 08, 2017
Chicago Public School officials delayed Monday’s planned release of the district’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget, and announced the regularly scheduled August Board of Education meeting would be moved to later in the month as well. Instead, the district announced a number of “staffing changes… based on enrollment changes, program adjustments and/or changes in students’ academic needs.”
No CPS Budget Pending Springfield Action
Chicago Public School officials delayed Monday’s planned release of the district’s Fiscal Year 20...
JUN 29, 2017
Aldermen bid farewell to two tenured city officials Wednesday, approved new rules allowing public comment at the monthly City Council meetings, a new homebuyer program for public safety employees, and a code change to authorize continued collection of the city’s tax on prepaid wireless services.
City Council Wrap: New Comment Rules, Mayor Comments on Ethics Findings
Aldermen bid farewell to two tenured city officials Wednesday, approved new rules allowing public...
JUN 22, 2017
Ald. Michael Scott (24) will chair the selection committee tasked with appointing a replacement for his mentor, Cook County Comm. Robert Steele, who passed away Monday morning. The district that he and his mother, former Cook County Board President and Commissioner Bobbie Steele, represented for decades spans both the city’s South and West Sides and covers 19 wards. Only two committeemen hold more than 10% of the weighted vote, which sources speculate could lead to a fraught nomination process.
Next Steps in County 2nd District: Michael Scott to Chair 19-Member Selection Committee
Ald. Michael Scott (24) will chair the selection committee tasked with appointing a replacement f...
APR 19, 2017
Familiar arguments over the appropriate use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds mixed with frustration over Chicago Public Schools’ alleged dodging of aldermanic requests for information about district finances during a Finance Committee hearing Wednesday. Aldermen briefly debated, but did not vote on, a proposal to create a mechanism to divert surplus TIF money to Chicago Public Schools during times of financial distress. While a district official was on hand, he did not testify–to the annoyance of several aldermen.
Finance Committee: CPS Should ‘Come Out of Hiding’, Aldermen Should Stop ‘Pimping’ TIFs
Familiar arguments over the appropriate use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds mixed with fru...
MAR 16, 2017
City Clerk Anna Valencia’s husband, Reyahd Kazmi, became a registered city lobbyist, and was awarded the first of four potentially lucrative contracts to lobby aldermen, the mayor, and city agencies four months after Valencia became director of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs Office, according to Kazmi’s disclosures to the city’s Ethics Board. His contracts include powerful city hall players like former mayoral ally Becky Carroll and a fuel and chemical provider for the city, Black Dog Corporation.
City Clerk’s Husband Obtained Lobbying Contracts While She Headed Mayor’s IGA Office
City Clerk Anna Valencia’s husband, Reyahd Kazmi, became a registered city lobbyist, and was awar...
NOV 10, 2016
The City Council’s Latino Caucus is sending a letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel formally requesting that he select one of five Latino aldermen vying to replace Susana Mendoza as City Clerk, following her win Tuesday night in the heated state Comptroller race.
For months, members of the Latino Caucus have been quietly discussing the issue of who should replace Mendoza as Clerk. Those discussions picked up again Wednesday.
Latino Caucus to Mayor Emanuel: Pick One Of Us For City Clerk
The City Council’s Latino Caucus is sending a letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel formally requesting th...
OCT 12, 2016
Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveils 2017 budget. Credit: Claudia Morell
Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled his $9.81 billion spending plan for 2017 Tuesday, providing details on his blueprint to boost hiring at the Chicago Police Department, modernize the city’s 311 system, and continue investments in blighted neighborhoods.
The $9.8 billion FY2017 budget includes about $3.72 billion is corporate fund expenditures, a 3.6% increase over FY2016, and $1.59 billion in grant funding.
Mayor Emanuel’s $9.81 Billion Budget for 2017
Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveils 2017 budget. Credit: Claudia Morell
Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled his...
AUG 25, 2016
In a marathon closed door briefing for aldermen in a 5th floor City Hall conference room Thursday afternoon, mayoral staff provided a basic outline, but no ordinance language, for police reform, including a more powerful agency to investigate the police’s use of force that would replace the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) and an inspector general with the power to audit the police department and the IPRA-replacement agency. Not included in the briefing were plans for a civilian police oversight board, which mayoral staff said would be taken up later, after the annual budget process is completed in October.
Mayoral Plan For Police Reform Includes More Powerful IPRA Replacement & Inspector General For Police, But Not Civilian Oversight...Yet
In a marathon closed door briefing for aldermen in a 5th floor City Hall conference room Thursday...
NOV 25, 2015
Dashcam video of a second October 2014 fatal police shooting is sitting in legal limbo. Two sources that work with the Chicago Police Department, as well as documents from a suit against the Department, and the Department’s response, confirm dash-cam video captured portions of the police shooting of 25-year old Ronald “Ronnieman” Johnson III in the Washington Park neighborhood just eight days before the shooting death of Laquan McDonald.
Dashcam Video Of Another Police Shooting Held In Court Proceedings
Dashcam video of a second October 2014 fatal police shooting is sitting in legal limbo. Two sourc...
APR 30, 2018
Dear Reader,
We are excited to announce new ownership and a bright future for The Daily Line. Our primary investors, Don and Jay Vincent, are taking the reins to ensure that TDL continues providing critical coverage to its subscribers while realizing the vision of its founders and investors.
We are thrilled to know that The Daily Line’s reporters will remain part of the team as the new leadership sees them as the cornerstone of the company and the fabric of TDL. Frankly, TDL’s reporting is best in class amongst its peers.
A special thanks to A.D. Quig, Rae Hodge and Heather Cherone along with all of those who have contributed so meaningfully to this publication since its early days as Aldertrack, especially our founding reporter, Claudia Morell, now at WBEZ.
Please know, as founders, we know this business is in great hands and we have prepared it well for it’s future. Chicago and Springfield need this publication. The new owners believe that too.
TDL’s reporters along with its new leadership leave us confident that Chicago and Springfield can count on The Daily Line to provide compelling and in-depth coverage of what will undoubtedly be the most expensive gubernatorial election in history and a competitive fight for the future of Chicago and Illinois well into the future.
Thank you for being our readers. The fact is, you all made this possible.
Sincerely,
Jimm, Mike and Ramsin
Announcing New Ownership
Dear Reader,We are excited to announce new ownership and a bright future for The Daily Line. Our ...
NOV 10, 2017
Hot on the heels of passage in the House Wednesday, the Senate wasted no time concurring with House’s passage of the 5G/Small Cell Wireless bill, SB1451 Floor Amendment #1, 41-7-2, sending it to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk for signature. The bill, which standardizes pricing and permitting for a new generation of wireless boxes on municipal-owned utility poles across the state, met some opposition in a Senate Telecommunications and Information Technology Committee hearing Wednesday morning. However, the committee did not vote on the measure, because the Senate Assignments committee had not met to assign the bill since it was sent over from the House.
Small Cell Wireless Bill Heads To Governor’s Desk, Following Quick Senate Concurrence
Hot on the heels of passage in the House Wednesday, the Senate wasted no time concurring with Hou...
NOV 09, 2017
House Republicans walked into a trick box set up for them in the form of a property tax freeze bill Wednesday, and they went into it knowing what it was.
House Passes Two Year Property Tax Freeze, Exemption Increases
House Republicans walked into a trick box set up for them in the form of a property tax freeze bi...
NOV 09, 2017
The official in charge of luring businesses to Illinois revealed in a House hearing Wednesday morning that not only was Illinois never actually in the running for a massive Foxconn manufacturing facility, there was never any official contact between the state and company leaders.
Illinois Never In Running For Foxconn or Toyota-Mazda Plants, Says DCEO Head
The official in charge of luring businesses to Illinois revealed in a House hearing Wednesday mor...
NOV 08, 2017
While it was the highest stakes bill to be called in the House, SB1451, the 5G/Small Cell Wireless bill, the debate was calm, as many legislators had already guessed the outcome the vote. Throughout the day, lobbyists counted votes for this must pass bill for this must pass legislation for wireless companies.
After Months of Waiting, Small Cell Bill Passes House Quickly; Review of Other Floor Action
While it was the highest stakes bill to be called in the House, SB1451, the 5G/Small Cell Wireles...
NOV 08, 2017
Over 150 people packed into a joint House-Senate committee hearing ostensibly to create a electricity purchasing organization for public utilities in Southern Illinois. But more accurately, the legislation under consideration in the subject matter hearing, Over 150 people packed into a joint House-Senate committee hearing ostensibly to create a electricity purchasing organization for public utilities in Southern Illinois.
Hearing on Proposed Generation Purchase System Goes Poorly For Dynergy
Over 150 people packed into a joint House-Senate committee hearing ostensibly to create a electri...
NOV 08, 2017
Prospects for passage of SB1657 in the House, a bill creating state gun dealer licenses, dimmed Tuesday with the absence of Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago). A key component of Rep. Kathleen Willis’ (D-Northlake) strategy to garner votes in the House includes passage of a trailer bill, SB333 FA1, which would limit license fees and give dealers a five year period to comply with new regulations.
Morning Briefing: Gun Dealer Regulation Showdown
Prospects for passage of SB1657 in the House, a bill creating state gun dealer licenses, dimmed T...
NOV 07, 2017
State Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Northlake) is counting votes this week with plans to call her gun dealer regulation bill, SB1657, on Wednesday if she has the votes. Following last weekend’s mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, gun control advocates are taking a different tack in the second week of veto session, after Rep. Marty Moylan’s (D-Des Plaines) bump stock and trigger modification bill failed in the House by a wide margin.
Gun Regulation Advocates To Try Again With Gun Dealer Regulations; Small Wireless Bill To Be Called In House
State Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Northlake) is counting votes this week with plans to call her gun d...
NOV 03, 2017
Cook County Democratic Party officials gather around Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) after announcing their endorsement of him for Illinois Attorney General. Credit: Mike Fourcher.Eight candidates trooped through the crowded conference room in downtown Chicago. Then the Cook County Democratic Party decided after two hours of speeches and about fifteen minutes of deliberation to endorse State Sen. Kwame Raoul for Illinois Attorney General. While candidates often trot out their resumes and tout their policy plans at slating meetings, the endorsements are usually as much about relationships than they are about qualifications.
Politician Raoul Worked The Room For Endorsement Long In Advance of Party Meeting
Cook County Democratic Party officials gather around Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) after announc...
NOV 03, 2017
A bipartisan Medicaid funding bill that keeps many of Illinois’ safety net and rural access hospitals open will be likely delayed until January, say members of a legislative panel tasked with crafting the legislation. The legislation, while free of partisan rancor, will likely lead to major changes in Illinois’ hospital system, possibly even hospital closures.
$3.5B Medicaid Spending Bill To Be Delayed From Veto Session Consideration
A bipartisan Medicaid funding bill that keeps many of Illinois’ safety net and rural access hospi...
NOV 02, 2017
Aldermen peppered David Reifman, Commissioner for the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) with a questions about development in their neighborhoods, tempered with a few concerns about overall policy.
Reifman Answers Rounds of Pointed Policy Questions, And Some Personnel Issues
Aldermen peppered David Reifman, Commissioner for the Department of Planning and Development (DPD...
OCT 27, 2017
While the House spent ninety minutes addressing minor bills and resolutions, observers were left to wonder, “If this is what they’re addressing, why is the House meeting at all?” But the a promise was made after Wednesday’s session, when Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) told The Daily Line that he would bring up his bump stock ban measure, HB4117, as soon as legislative counsel could draw up improved language on trigger locks.
Attempt To Ban Gun Bump Stocks Gets Bumped Off In House
While the House spent ninety minutes addressing minor bills and resolutions, observers were left ...
OCT 26, 2017
The House convened at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and stayed in session for five and half hours, plowing through a stack of veto overrides. While Democrats obtained overrides for 12 of the 14 items up for consideration, two of Gov. Rauner’s most politically important vetoes managed to stand. Three other bills were considered and passed as part of regular business, but as veto sessions go, the items were relatively popular with little opposition.
Rauner Goes 2 for 14 on House Overrides, But The Wins Are Big Ones
The House convened at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and stayed in session for five and half hours, plowing...
OCT 26, 2017
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Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) told The Daily Line Wednesday he plans to call his gun bill HB4117 Thursday morning. He says he is working on a floor amendment to improve the definition of “trigger modification device.”
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Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) gave a brief, powerful floor speech introducing her page, Karina Espinosa. What began as a run-of-the-mill brag about the graduate student drew the chamber to a hush as Hernandez explained that her page was a DACA student, first brought to the U.S. illegally as an 11-year-old by her mother. Now, because Espinosa has DACA status, she can complete graduate school. On Tuesday, speaking to the House Executive Committee, Hernandez said 40% of one of her district’s school districts, is made up of undocumented students.
- At 8:00 p.m. tonight Gov. Bruce Rauner will attend the Illinois Action for Children’s annual event, “A Night to Shine,” in the Grand Banking Hall of the Bridgeview Bank Building at 4753 N. Broadway, in Chicago.
- The House will reconvene at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Expectations are for a brief session so members can get home before the end of the day. The Senate has adjourned until Nov. 7.
Morning Briefing: 2 Out of 3 Ain’t Bad
Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) told The Daily Line Wednesday he plans to call his gun bill...
OCT 25, 2017
Two heavily anticipated anti-soda tax bills, HB4082 and HB4083 from suburban Chicago legislators, were not called in the House Revenue and Finance Committee Tuesday. Instead the Committee unanimously passed a measure creating a task force to investigate Cook County’s property tax assessment methods. It then passed a measure giving a state tax break to homeowners affected by natural disasters, and conducted a subject matter hearing on whether or not to collect an aviation fuels tax.
House Revenue Committee Skips Anti-Soda Tax Measures, Debates Reducing Aviation Fuels Tax
Two heavily anticipated anti-soda tax bills, HB4082 and HB4083 from suburban Chicago legislators,...
OCT 25, 2017
Day one of the Illinois General Assembly’s fall Veto Session saw bill traffic through committees all afternoon, but few items on the floor of either chamber.
Morning Briefing: One Down, Two to Go
Day one of the Illinois General Assembly’s fall Veto Session saw bill traffic through committees ...
OCT 24, 2017
With a light attendance, and committee members slipping out of the hearing room to attend the first day of budget hearings in the Council Chamber, the star of Monday’s Zoning Committee hearing was Council gadfly George Blakemore. Like a broken clock that’s right twice a day, Blakemore testified on every one of the hearing’s 25 items, repeatedly pointing out that with only three Aldermen in attendance for most of the hearing, there was no quorum, and the validity of the hearing’s proceedings was in question.
Zoning Cmte. Moves Major Projects Amidst Audience Member’s Call For Quorum
With a light attendance, and committee members slipping out of the hearing room to attend the fir...
OCT 23, 2017
Despite City Council’s first budget hearing beginning at the same time, the Zoning Committee is keeping a full agenda for its 10:00 a.m. Monday meeting. The committee’s agenda includes a West Loop mixed-use tower, a new Fulton Market hotel, and a new Uptown residential tower. Zoning Committee members may shuttle back and forth to Budget Committee hearings throughout the meeting.
Zoning Committee Takes on Full Agenda as Budget Hearings Begin
Despite City Council’s first budget hearing beginning at the same time, the Zoning Committee is k...
OCT 20, 2017
(L to R) Our guests Stacy Davis Gates (CTU), Matt Murphy (Mac Strategies), and Dan Shomon (Dan Shomon Inc.) preview the upcoming veto session at the Illinois General Assembly on The Daily Line's Aldercast. Credit: A.D. QuigThis week on The Daily Line’s Aldercast, publisher Mike Fourcher joins a panel of Springfield lobbyists to break down what might happen during next week’s veto session at the Illinois General Assembly. On Tuesday, the members reconvene to finish up the 2017 legislative agenda, all while they’re passing petitions for 2018 elections. So what’s being prioritized and what will be left behind?
Democrats are talking about passing a student loan forgiveness program. Conservatives want to pass a new law limiting abortions paid by taxpayer money. After the mass shooting in Las Vegas, momentum seems to be building for some kind of gun reform. What else is on the slate? And how much will actually get through that could be signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner? Our group of Springfield lobbyists sounds off:
- Matt Murphy, a former Republican state senator from the Northwest Suburbs, now a lobbyist with Mac Strategies
- Dan Shomon, a long time state senate Democratic staffer who later became the campaign manager for then-Senator Barack Obama. Dan is also a lobbyist who runs Dan Shomon Inc.
- Stacy Davis Gates, a one-time teacher, now the Chicago Teachers Union’s legislative director.
Questions, comments, or recommendations? Send us an email: [email protected].
What to Expect from the Veto Session in Springfield
(L to R) Our guests Stacy Davis Gates (CTU), Matt Murphy (Mac Strategies), and Dan Shomon (Dan ...
OCT 20, 2017
The wide, unpredictable distribution of renewable energy sources on the electricity grid was the topic of a pair of policy session panels before the Illinois Commerce Commission Thursday. Held in Chicago’s Bilandic Building, the first panel focused on the infrastructure needs of the interstate transmission system as the use of distributed energy resources (DER) increases. The second panel examined the market economics of renewables.
ICC Asks: Which Technical And Market Challenges Are Coming from Increased Renewables?
The wide, unpredictable distribution of renewable energy sources on the electricity grid was the ...
