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* The House is sending a huge number of bills to the floor this spring and this is one of them…
A proposal that cleared a legislative committee in Springfield this week aims to fully legalize the delivery and possession of any amount of marijuana — a move that would also allow for the automatic expungement of more serious pot offenses and set free those who are currently incarcerated for those crimes.
State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, said she introduced the bill to further address the toll of the drug war and its disproportionate impact on people of color.
Pot firms are currently cashing in on the newly legalized drug and selling millions of dollars in weed each month. But Flowers noted that some Illinoisans are still languishing in prison for cannabis-related crimes, while others are dogged by their past records.
That bill has no co-sponsors.
* Another one…
In addition to the state’s existing stamp, Illinois lawmakers are working on adding another fee for those who want permission to fish in the state’s rivers and various water holes that would go toward fighting off the spread of invasive Asian carp.
Lawmakers in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee forwarded House Bill 2744 to the floor for consideration Monday after approving it along party lines. If enacted, it would implement the aquatic conservation stamp, a $5 stamp that fishermen must purchase before they’re able to legally fish in the state. It would be the same cost for in-state residents and those from elsewhere. It would become active in 2022.
Republicans in the committee rejected the plan because of the extra cost on fishermen.
“It is still a fee increase that everybody would pay,” said state Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport.
No co-sponsors on that one, either.
* Politico…
Former GOP Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti testified in favor of a Democratic-backed bill Wednesday, and a fellow Republican blew up.
HB 2775 calls for the Illinois Human Services Department to step in and help landlords when tenants can’t pay their rent. Sponsoring Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Democrat, calls it “a human rights bill” that helps prevent homelessness among veterans, those with disabilities, families and seniors.
Sanguinetti supports the bill in her position as executive director of HOPE Fair Housing Center, prompting fireworks from fellow Republicans and signaling the challenge of who and what issues define the GOP right now.
During her testimony before the Housing Committee’s virtual hearing, she noted her GOP credentials more than once — she was Bruce Rauner’s No. 2 after all, a governor that engaged in a bruising fight with Illinois Democrats.
When she finished speaking, GOP Rep. Andrew Chesney erupted, saying it was “repulsive” that an avowed Republican would support such a progressive “anti-business” bill at a time the state is losing jobs and population.
He also criticized the bill, saying it would require all landlords to accept Section 8 housing vouchers mandating that private citizens or companies accept federal and state subsidies.
* Related…
* Juneteenth could be state holiday
* Bill would let more Illinois renters keep pets in their residence
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 8:43 am
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Any amount of weed. I dont think people thi k this through. To me, an offense of a large amount of weed is for intent to distribute which is wholly different than a personal use conviction.
If there actually was public support for pardoning people for these sentences, how about a one-day legalization for the sale of any amount of Marijuana? Would that work in order to pardon people? Frankly, if we had the will, we could just pardon these folks without legalizing unlimited pot purchases.
Comment by Bothanspied Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 8:49 am
===Republicans in the committee rejected the plan because of the extra cost on fishermen.===
It wasn’t that long ago when republicans were proud of the fees on outdoor activities, and held it up as how much outdoorsmen contributed to preserving natural resources.
I guess that’s just another one of their planks thrown into the fire.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 8:52 am
Andrew Chesney: Pro-gun, pro-COVID, anti-human.
Comment by ChuckIL Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:00 am
Really disappointed that the Rep called the aquatic habitat stamp an Asian Carp Stamp in committee. Consequently now that’s how everyone is reporting it. Kind of reminiscent of the whole debacle with alligator gar being restored to eat Asian carp. (no that’s not why)
It’s actually an aquatic habitat stamp, very much like the habitat stamp purchased with a hunting license to fund habitat projects. The only way the bill specifically addresses Asian carp is that the language indicates it can be used to combat aquatic invasive species including but not limited to Asian Carp. It’s not a bad bill, but since DNR had no one on hand during the hearing to explain, and the Rep introducing it couldn’t answer some of the questions, it sort of got derailed, and folks got the wrong impression of the bill over all.
Comment by DownSouth Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:13 am
- Bothanspied - Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 8:49 am:
Pot doesn’t grow out of thin air. Someone’s gotta move it. Why are you so anti-entrepreneur?
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:14 am
===she noted her GOP credentials more than once — she was Bruce Rauner’s No. 2 after all===
Oh, you mean the Bruce Rauner who signed the most progressive abortion rights legislation in the nation? That Bruce Rauner?
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:19 am
When Slip and Sue was trying not to fall was she all cool with no budgets for an entire GA, putting stress on social services?
She was collecting a check, after all, as Rauner’s second banana.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:22 am
Thanks for the explanation DownSouth — it would have been pretty insane to require a stamp to go for the roughest of rough fish.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:28 am
Precinct Captain - I detect the smell of sarcasm, lol
Comment by Bothanspied Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:36 am
In regards to the Habitat fee for anglers, as an angler, I am fine with something modest. Something more reasonable than the 555% increase in fees for my boat trailer would be appreciated.
We were told that that increase was a mistake and yet the renewal has come and is still the same.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:38 am
Maybe they could make it so that your $5 gets refunded if you show proof that you caught one of those invasive species.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:45 am
Wait, you mean we don’t have a constitutional right to fish?
Comment by Still Waiting Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:50 am
Resident fishing license is 15.00, half that if you’re a senior.
Another 5.00? The horror.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:54 am
== Something more reasonable than the 555% increase in fees ==
Sorry you can’t afford five bucks.
—Pot - again, it’s no more dangerous than alcohol and probably much less so. If you don’t like it or this bill than you also should be for making booze or it’s large scale distribution. Illegal once more.
Let me know when you file that bill or get your congressman or Senator to do it on the federal level.
Housing / Section 8 - my understanding was that landlords love it because they know they will get each month. Please tell me if I am I incorrect.
Comment by low level Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:00 am
Formerparatrooper, I feel your pain regarding trailer registration fees (I have 3 trailers). There are currently multiple bills that will reduce the fee back to $18 but also offer a permanent plate (no ongoing registrations) for $118. What is not clear is if folks who have already paid the $118 will automatically get the permanent plate. Hopefully one of these bills passes this year.
Comment by 332bill Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:00 am
I will venture to guess that most of us that purchase licenses will have no problem with the increase to conserve fish habitat. Most contribute without even knowing, see Dingell-Johnson Act. What we have problems with is fund sweeps that seem to be popular amongst Administrations because of unfunded mandates…
Comment by 618er Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:03 am
So, where can I pick up my semi trailer load of weed? Do I need a CDL to drive it?
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:05 am
If all else fails, Slip and Sue could ask the Pritzker family abd their foundations for help, like Diana Tauner did to bail out The Ounce when they couldn’t get paid by the state. Lil different, sure, but touting Rauner credentials when the Pritzker family and the foundations saved Diana Rauner’s group, it’s kinda poetic.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:16 am
comment from the other human in my house….send the truck over here.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:19 am
On this fish thing, call me Captain Obvious.
To eradicate or reduce the demonstrable and irrefutable carp problem will require labor, materials, and equipment. It will cost money. If we do not raise new monies for this specific problem by charging a fee to either boaters or fishers, fine. It’s just a decision.
But to solve the problem will require we either raise new monies elsewhere (taxes?), redirect existing monies away from conservation and toward this issue, or abandon the idea of keeping these carp out of our rivers and Michigan.
It would seem the Republicans on the committee would prefer to keep these carp, as opposed to suggesting alternative means for raising money to eradicate them from our waterways. Perhaps the Illinois Republican elephant should be replaced by a carp logo.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:25 am
@TheInvisibleMan
The issue here isn’t one of pride, its one of trust. Over the past 2 decades, and possibly longer, DNR and conservation in IL has been hollowed out through repeated fund sweepa. If we had a lockbox amendment, like exists for transportation, I think sportsman across the state would be more than happy to pony up to help manage the State’s waterways. But we don’t have that lockbox and everyone knows that only a small portion of this increase will ultimately be spent on how its being portrayed.
Comment by Nameless Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:29 am
To the pot bill - I’m fine with it if the person in jail/prison is only in on marijuana convictions. Basically if it was pot and only pot (no harder drugs or weapons charges) then they need to be out no matter the weight they were moving.
I’d also support a basic halving of marijuana sentences. If your in for 8 now its 4… Get those people out of jail.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:36 am
Nameless-
Last week IDNR announced grants of 120,000 for Cedar lake for a new floating dock, and a smaller one for canoes and kayaks.
147,000 for upgrades to the Golconda dock.
You get what you give.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:39 am
When they oppose income and sales tax increases, the Republicans typically suggest increasing fees specific to users. But when a user fee is proposed…they oppose it.
==He also criticized the bill, saying it would require all landlords to accept Section 8 housing vouchers ==
The bill actually states that if the landlord has an income requirement, a voucher must be included in the calculation, and that income requirements cannot be applied only to tenants with vouchers. It’s a consistency requirement.
I would like Rep. Chesney to explain why helping people obtain and retain housing is “repulsive” and “anti-business.” Also, does he claim to be “pro-family” and how does his position on this bill align with that?
Final point…I thought the Republicans were no longer the Party of No…
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:43 am
==When Slip and Sue was trying not to fall..==
Still cool for you to make fun and light of someone fighting a neuro disease condition. You wonder why people leave.
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:15 am
=== Still cool …===
Still cool you think when someone says racist things that it’s not who they are?
Slip and Sue couldn’t show where the money went on her settlement.
How is that possible.
You be you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:18 am
== Oh, you mean the Bruce Rauner who signed the most progressive abortion rights legislation in the nation? That Bruce Rauner? ==
Former GOP Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti was publicly against it at the time.
Comment by Mr. Green Genes Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:24 am
== The bill actually states that if the landlord has an income requirement, a voucher must be included in the calculation, and that income requirements cannot be applied only to tenants with vouchers. It’s a consistency requirement.==
The bill also says that if a landlord wants to evict a tenant for failing to pay their rent, a tenant can use as a defense that they have applied for aid, including Section 8, and that a judge can then prevent the eviction based on that application. In other words, essentially forcing a property owner to convert their property into Section 8. Section 8 is a great program for many, but it should absolutely not be forced onto landlords.
Comment by fs Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:36 am
== In other words, essentially forcing a property owner to convert their property into Section 8. Section 8 is a great program for many, but it should absolutely not be forced onto landlords.==
Nothing is “converted.” The landlord gets a check signed by the government instead of by the tenant.
Comment by Mr. Green Genes Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:54 am
== The landlord gets a check signed by the government instead of by the tenant.==
They also get a lot of additional paperwork, government inspections, and placing their property under the supervision of the government. Proponents of this see no issue with that, because in their ideal world housing is owned and operated by the government. But, to their dismay, we’re still a nation that stands for private property rights.
Comment by fs Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:01 pm
Sorry you can’t afford five bucks.
Thats not what I said at all.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:24 pm
So helping landlords, who last I checked are mostly small businessmen, is anti-business.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:27 pm
I didn’t go read the entire bill,but as a former landlord, I can understand the concern if the landlord is forced into the Section 8 program in order to get the aid.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:29 pm
== Oh, you mean the Bruce Rauner who signed the most progressive abortion rights legislation in the nation? That Bruce Rauner? ==
Former GOP Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti was publicly against it at the time.
That’s beside the point. She’s using her former status as “Rauner’s number two” to demonstrate her GOP credentials. That only makes sense if you believe Rauner was truly a Republican.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:41 pm
== Proponents of this see no issue with that, because in their ideal world housing is owned and operated by the government. But, to their dismay, we’re still a nation that stands for private property rights.==
Wow what a ridiculous assumption.
We already have property rights. And zoning laws, and building codes.
Comment by 17% Solution Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:50 pm
===The issue here isn’t one of pride, its one of trust===
Then don’t buy a fishing license at all.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:51 pm
==The bill also says that if a landlord wants to evict a tenant for failing to pay their rent, a tenant can use as a defense that they have applied for aid, including Section 8, and that a judge can then prevent the eviction based on that application. ==
It’s not so much that the bill says you can use having applied for aid as a defense to an eviction. Instead it says, that a tenant has a defense against an eviction filed for non payment of rent, if and only if that same landlord refused to accept emergency rental assistance or similar types of rescue funds that could have cured the back rent the eviction was filed for. This is smart policy. We pay taxes to support these programs and to prevent our neighbors who fall on hard times from becoming homeless. All the bill says is that courts should not be burdened by landlords turning down money. This will benefit good landlords who need fast access to eviction court for say health and safety reasons. And to be clear, section 8, better referred to as Housing Choice Vouchers would not meet the definition of emergency assistance, and this provision will not result in the conversion of anything.
Comment by Just pass the bill Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:56 pm
===if you believe Rauner was truly a Republican===
He won two statewide Republican primaries. He was truly a Republican, as certified by Republican primary voters.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:05 pm
*Housing / Section 8*.
I don’t allow it and nor will I, people have no respect for something they don’t pay for.
Comment by Gravitationally Challenged Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:18 pm
The restriction on cannabis makes no sense, as others have pointed out. There’s no limit to how many guns someone can own, no limit to how many cigarettes they can own, no limit to how much alcohol they can own, etc.
Why place a limit on cannabis? No good reason, really.
Comment by Techie Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:24 pm
@Elvis
Not sure what your point proves. The fact remains that tens of millions in fees that were collected for the stated purpose of conservation projects have been diverted to fill holes in the State’s operating budget, rightly or wrongly.
Continuing this process fees and sweeps feels
like a dishonest bargain and some (not all) sportsmen are going to lobby against this solely for that reason. That should not be taken as if they don’t care about conservation or water ways.
Comment by Nameless Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:25 pm
===Former GOP Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti testified in favor of a Democratic-backed bill Wednesday, and a fellow Republican blew up.===
Thank you Ms. Sanguinetti for making sure I have one nice thing to say about you.
===Juneteenth could be state holiday===
I hope this bill comes to the floor for a vote just some that we can get the Illinois GOP reaction to it as a part of the record.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:33 pm
==Still cool you think when someone says racist things that it’s not who they are?==
Ignorance is bliss for you I guess. Chatty Cathy doll that you are and always have been.
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:38 pm
=== Ignorance is bliss for you===
So it *is* still cool with you. Good to know. Thanks.
Slip and Sue stated she sued to “teach a lesson” and after legal fees and medical bills anything left over, she donated to charity.
Still waiting to see that check.
But… “you know”
The irony of a Raunerite like Slip and Sue looking for the state to step in and help when she cheered a whole General Assembly that no budget existed, yeah, she can tout her closeness, ironically so.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 3:10 pm
Nameless-
Five. Dollars.
Comment by Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 3:45 pm
Bliss.
Comment by A Guy Friday, Mar 26, 21 @ 9:08 am
Oh - A Guy -
You told us who you are defending racist remarks.
You don’t like we believe you.
You get that check ole Slip and Sue wrote to charity. We’ve only been waiting 6 years.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 26, 21 @ 9:13 am
== They also get a lot of additional paperwork,==
Paperwork is the easiest chore in my experience as a landlord. No sweat, no dirt under my nails.
==government inspections,==
Private party rentals have government inspections too. The Village of Fox Lake won’t let you rent to someone without a government inspection and document. And you really want taxpayer money to go to a slum?
==and placing their property under the supervision of the government.==
Private property is already under the supervision of government. You can’t have a pet tiger. Your swimming pool needs to be fenced in, maybe your lawn can only be so high and your house can’t be painted shocking pink.
==Proponents of this see no issue with that, because in their ideal world housing is owned and operated by the government.==
Lol. Hyperbole much?
==But, to their dismay, we’re still a nation that stands for private property rights.==
If you sign a contract with a family you vetted and agreed to rent your home to, and the family breadwinner lost his or her job and you got money from the government to cover the rent instead(from the state or HUD) you still own the property. You haven’t lost any “rights.”
Comment by Mr. Green Genes Friday, Mar 26, 21 @ 11:06 am