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* Background is here if you need it. Subscribers know more. The governor’s office has yet to respond with a statement. Politico…
Nine House reps backpedaled on their request to freeze projects that Madigan had added as line items in the 2019 Rebuild Illinois budget.
In a letter to Gov. JB Pritzker, and obtained by Playbook, the lawmakers said they “now have a better understanding” of the process, are confident the budget items were vetted, and realize that the projects benefit communities of Latino Caucus members. “We stand behind their need to get these projects finished,” according to the letter headed by Rep. Ann Williams.
Questions about the budget arose when the Better Government Association referred to the budget process as being “largely shrouded in secrecy.” Line items are a regular part of the budget with each lawmaker, Democrat and Republican alike, including line-item projects. Leadership can include line-items, too, often to the benefit of members of their caucus.[…]
Amid concerns about the items, Williams and the eight other lawmakersdashed a letter to Pritzker on Monday calling on him to freeze the four development projects that Madigan had listed.
The governor responded in kind and stopped the projects, which made for a good headline — but the line items were programs important to Latino communities.
The backlash was fierce. Some Latino Caucus members sent letters to Pritzker and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, saying their communities depended on those projects.
The two sides spent much of Wednesday in meetings trying to resolve their concerns before emerging after 10 p.m. Williams’ team then asked Pritzker to take back the freeze.
* The withdrawal letter…
Dear Governor Pritzker,
We would first like to thank you for your quick response to the letter sent on March 7, 2022, regarding the release of funding for capital projects.
In the past few days, we have learned additional information about the process by which capital projects are released after being authorized and appropriated by the General Assembly. We now have a better understanding of how each project is scoped for viability to ensure that a funding recipient is ready and able to deliver a project in a way that complies with applicable statutory standards. We have confirmed that the projects referenced in our recent letter were run through this vetting process.
Most importantly, we have also had conversations with our colleagues, including those in the Latino Caucus who represent the areas impacted by these projects. They and other community leaders have been vocal advocates for these projects, and they remain vital investments in their communities. We stand behind their need to get these projects finished for their communities and we don’t want to place undue burdens on them.
As these projects were considered with the same scrutiny as any other capital project appropriated and authorized by the General Assembly, and remain of critical importance to the legislators who originally advocated for them as well as their communities, we would ask the Governor’s Office to release the remaining funds necessary to complete the projects.
Again, we appreciate your commitment to ensuring accountability and integrity in state government and we look forward to continuing to rebuild the trust Illinoisans have in their elected officials.
Thank you,
Rep. Ann M. Williams
Rep. Terra Costa Howard
Rep. Deb Conroy
Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
Rep. Kelly Cassidy
Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Rep. Jonathan Carroll
Rep. Kathy Willis
Rep. Anne Stava-Murray
*** UPDATE *** Jordan Abudayyeh…
The Governor appreciates that after sending their original letter, the lawmakers who requested the freeze worked to educate themselves on the extensive review process that precedes the release appropriated funds and rescinded their request. It is encouraging to hear that they are now comfortable with all the projects moving forward. Out of an abundance of caution, DCEO and IDOT are currently confirming that the funding process for these projects followed all requirements. It’s clear from community leaders’ feedback that these projects have broad support. The administration hopes to conclude that review and have a decision regarding next steps as soon as possible.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:30 am
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Signed, the Emily Litella caucus?
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:38 am
“The backlash was fierce.”
And now they can’t unburn the well-earned political capital powder they just burned.
What a waste.
It doesn’t help any that their follow-up letter sounds like they didn’t even do basic research into what they were asking for, before they asked for it. It was a poorly calculated knee-jerk reaction that might have made for good headlines for a day, but I’m not sure that makes it worth it.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:38 am
No good deed goes unpunished… communication is key when working in groups… wait to make decisions that you might need to reverse, and reverse again… when cats are not herded… sometimes “but Madigan” shouldn’t be the reason for things…
… appeasing a want to seem one way cuts in ways unforeseen by that blinded want.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:40 am
Well, that was quick.
Good projects make for… Good government.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:45 am
No one ever regretted saying, “wait a minute”.-
Sam Rayburn
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:49 am
If we’d known the Governor would listen and actually stop these projects, we would have never done this publicly.
Oops. Sorry.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:49 am
It’s fine. There was a pause, things were checked out, the pause will (hopefully) be withdrawn. That’s what should happen. It is also better that this happened in the open; it removes some of the stigma from those projects.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:54 am
Was “Whoops, we did not think this through.” too short for a formal letter?
Comment by JustAThought Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:55 am
[Since you like letters.]
Dear Legislators,
I know it’s customary to take kneejerk reactions to news articles, but next time look before you leap.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 9:56 am
The BGA wrote an iffy premised piece, the Nine saw a cheap press pop that went south in a hurry and the House Dems were forced to spend yet another week dealing with “internal strife” narratives. With friends like the Nine, ECW doesn’t need the GOP.
Comment by The Better Watchdog Association Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:00 am
They burned significant political capital
They put the Governor in a trick box and gave the GOP and the press a story to burn for months
And they did it all without talking to anyone first
Heckuva job there geniuses. Democrats all over thank you for your service /s
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:01 am
All for a line to use on the campaign trail. And, uh, not all of those people will even have real campaigns.
Comment by Torco Sign Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:04 am
When Arroyo was indited Madigan forced him to resign and froze his projects. What ever happened to those projects?
Comment by Asking Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:05 am
A real testament to the lack of political sophistication of these backbench lawmakers.
They are letting the BGA, which has recently revealed itself to be an appendage of Ken Griffin, Inc., set their agenda.
Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:11 am
Pritzker should continue on his originally stated course of action. Members of the legislature made the request and then changed their mind. The Govenor has the full authority to agree with the request regardless of them having changed their mind.
The Governor can simply say he’s fast tracking the review process. The specter of Madigan is he had his grubby little fingers in everything. It might be worth double checking and triple checking every pot he and his co-conspirators dipped their greedy little hands into.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:15 am
First we had no supportive votes in JCAR on the IDPH rule on masks, handing the republicans a victory on a public health issue of significant importance. Now you have these 9 breakout, then beat a hasty retreat. Where is the leadership in the General Assembly? Is there any?
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:17 am
I hope this moment teaches them the basic lesson that if the source is the BGA, take a couple beats before sending out a letter.
Comment by Montrose Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:18 am
=== these backbench lawmakers.===
These back benchers are the only reason why the Illinois House isn’t being run by a Speaker under indictment for pretty brazen political corruption. Perhaps their lack of experience with the culture of corruption in Springfield made them capable of taking a stand, but these back benchers have done more to shape the future of our State government than many hundreds of individual legislators before them.
Let’s not write them off because what they proposed is inconvenient for members of the Democratic caucus, especially when we’re not exactly forcing people to explain why they remained in lock step with Madigan when the writing was on the wall.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:20 am
=They burned significant political capital
They put the Governor in a trick box and gave the GOP and the press a story to burn for months
And they did it all without talking to anyone first
Heckuva job there geniuses. Democrats all over thank you for your service /s=
Agreed. They need to have their act together during what is looking like a tough election cycle.
Let Irvin and Bailey corner the market on clown-car communications.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:24 am
So despite the definite potential for Madigan-related impropriety, these projects should go forward because they are impactful to the Dem base. Got it.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:27 am
Maybe as a compromise all capitol projects, not just those connected to Madigan, that haven’t started yet need to be paused and re-reviewed? Not just the 16. Even if it delays further projects a year or so.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:29 am
- Candy Dogood -
“Pritzker should continue on his originally stated course of action. Members of the legislature made the request and then changed their mind. The Govenor has the full authority to agree with the request regardless of them having changed their mind.”
Amen.
“As these projects were considered with the same scrutiny as any other capital project appropriated and authorized by the General Assembly, and remain of critical importance to the legislators who originally advocated for them as well as their communities, we would ask the Governor’s Office to release the remaining funds necessary to complete the projects.”
But does the spending and projects make sense?
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:32 am
What I find hilarious is the House Dems thought this was an easy press pop and didn’t consult with the Speaker’s Office, but when other members of the caucus complained, the originators then asked the Speaker for help to diffuse the situation.
Comment by Just Me 2 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:35 am
- Candy Dogood -
Let me post your words again for those into trying to diminish those who are at least trying to foster accountability.
“These back benchers are the only reason why the Illinois House isn’t being run by a Speaker under indictment for pretty brazen political corruption. Perhaps their lack of experience with the culture of corruption in Springfield made them capable of taking a stand, but these back benchers have done more to shape the future of our State government than many hundreds of individual legislators before them.
Let’s not write them off because what they proposed is inconvenient for members of the Democratic caucus, especially when we’re not exactly forcing people to explain why they remained in lock step with Madigan when the writing was on the wall.”
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:42 am
I actually think that this shines well on the Speaker’s leadership. Leadership doesn’t mean producing a bunch of lemmings too scared to do their own thing (as was the reality under Madigan). Leadership is navigating people through the storms.
People disagreeing is totally fine. And people disagreeing about things that matter (like, what is worthwhile capital investment and allocation for equity) is a lot better than bickering about whatever eastern bloc fantasy is capturing social media.
Comment by Ok Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:43 am
- Lincoln Lad -
“Where is the leadership in the General Assembly? Is there any?”
Probably too compromised to be of any actual usefulness. We all have lived through what happens once a strong man is deposed, chaos and a lot of internal strife, disorganization, disunity, and power struggles. These Illinois Dems are foolishly allowing their energies to turn toward internal destruction, squandering of resources, energy; good thing our state GOP is dysfunctional and all out there somewhere.
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:52 am
So silly. If the BGA writing a story could hold back a capital project, there would never be any capital projects ever.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:54 am
Kind of like Poland’s Mig 29’s. Now what does JB do. If the projects were questionable on Tuesday- what changed. JB should order the review as he suggested was appropriate otherwise he looks like he is a John Kerry type of waffler
Comment by Sue Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 10:59 am
Heroes to Zeroes in one day. They aren’t either of those things. Naïve with good intentions at best. Even then, some just naïve. They need their mentors and room monitors more than ever.
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:10 am
==Naïve with good intentions at best.==
Nah, seeking publicity.
Backfired.
Learned anything? Again, nah.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:19 am
Candy Dogood showing again why they won that Golden Horseshoe.
There are a lot of voters in these members districts who don’t want much out of state government other than for it to work properly and on-the-level.
What does it say about the Pritzker administration and the Speaker’s budget staff that these nine legislators don’t feel like they have an honest broker they can go to to quickly get concerns like the one’s raised in the initial BGA piece addressed?
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:22 am
===They need their mentors and room monitors more than ever.===
They voted to remove their room monitor. Now the inmates are trying to run the asylum.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:29 am
The sound mitigation thing is still a question for me. It just smells a little, dose it not?
Comment by allknowingmasterofraccoondom Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:37 am
== they can go to to quickly ==
Lets not lose sight of what appears to be the fact that they didn’t seem to have gone to *anyone*. Quickly or slowly. The letter today is basically a litany of things they didn’t check into first.
Go to who you need to go to, if you get the cold shoulder, or if you get a response, save the receipts. *Then* come to the public with your requests and present your supporting information.
I’m certainly open to there being more to this than what is known publicly, but then isn’t something like this being done behind the scenes exactly what they are trying to stop? Is it now okay if they do it?
Some of the excuses I see here, while I’m sure are good intentioned, are actually painting them in an even worse light than what this latter has.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:42 am
Yikes. The outrage cannon needs constant fodder I get it but maybe do the vetting and then call for the freeze next time?
Yikes….
Comment by Embarrassing Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:43 am
With respect, the Nine just demonstrated what it is to have “white privilege”.
Comment by Chito Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:45 am
Very important advice
Measure twice. Cut once.
Comment by Galway Bay Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 11:48 am
I think what was made obvious this week is that these projects had merit, had been vetted, and were working. That Madigan had a hand in assigning the amounts granted is not disputed, but assuming that could automatically be so bad that you would freeze funds without a shred of in estivation or evidence— when doing so would endanger a school project in an underserved community— is tone deaf and lazy. At least do some homework and communicate before you try to throw accused baby out with said bathwater.
Comment by Boomerang Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:06 pm
“they didn’t seem to have gone to *anyone*.”
With respect, nine members of the caucus talked to each other. It’s not a huge bloc but it’s not insignificant.
My intent isn’t defend the clear errors the signatories of the first letter made. But hindsight is 20/20.
My point is that this speaks to a couple of problems. Friction in the caucus and, probably more importantly, a total lack of information out of the administration about the status of member capital requests.
Voters in Glen Ellyn or North Center waiting for a park fieldhouse or whatever will read and be infuriated if a Trib/BGA/BEZ/etc story comes out about a Madigan capital project getting built while they’re still twiddling their thumbs. If the governors office was more forthcoming with information, the anxieties that fueled a letter like this could be relieved.
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:13 pm
With respect to Chico, this isn’t white privilege. These legislators got over their skis by sending the letter without doing more due diligence, but their intentions were good, do an extra vetting of some of the projects tied to someone who was just indicted. Why wouldn’t all legislators want projects in their district with deep ties to Madigan be double vetted to ensure their is no corruption? Isn’t that being good stewards of the tax payer’s money who live in their districts? Many commentators here want to gloss over the fact that the Madigan corruption “enterprise” runs deep. I guess acknowledging that is not good for business.
Comment by South Loop Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:21 pm
Chito, really? Always the race card.
Comment by Game Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:27 pm
Hills - your comment about inconveniencing other caucus members is as tone deaf as it is wrong. I bet you wouldn’t tell the parents whose kids won’t have a decent school to attend they’re being inconvenient. You’re on the wrong side here.
Comment by BWA Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:36 pm
I mean once he says he agrees it needs to be reviewed he kind of has to allow that to happen. Backtracking in 48 hours would not be a good look at all.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:49 pm
Why wouldn’t every legislator want projects closely tied to the Madigan Enterprise doubly vetted, especially those in their district? One of their jobs is to be good stewards of taxpayer money, so they should all want to make sure projects with a whiff of suspicion are cleared to move forward without future stigma from being tied to Madigan.
Comment by South Loop Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:53 pm
Good for the Governor! If things pan out, it is all good. There is an issue of trust, the legislators should invite and welcome confirming.
“Out of an abundance of caution, DCEO and IDOT are currently confirming that the funding process for these projects followed all requirements.”
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:54 pm
It’s pathetic - the zeal to keep the prize of the pork at the trough cannot be broken. Also demonstrates the sad reality that power of the connected goes way beyond the clench of Madigan.
Comment by WesttownMatt Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:54 pm
–the lawmakers who requested the freeze worked to educate themselves on the extensive review process–
LOL. Smacked around by the governor, too, for their “ready, shoot, aim” approach.
Comment by King Louis XVI Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 12:55 pm
We are pleased to announce the creation of the Karen Caucus. Job one is sending strongly wooded letters to the manager.
Comment by Karen Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:03 pm
=== We are pleased to announce the creation of the Karen Caucus. Job one is sending strongly wooded letters to the manager. ===
OMG I just spit out my drink. The funniest thing I read all day.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:09 pm
- BWA -You are most likely correct about my being on the wrong side in this instance, and admittedly I have no clue the travails faced by parents desperately seeking a should be guaranteed decent school for their kids, but the cost, not asked for, is troubling, especially when what is reading as excess may have best been spread out throughout the CPS and other rural areas, especially since we get to read of CPS schools lacking access to basic sanitation attention. All Illinois’ kids deserve a decent school. And I would stand toe to toe with any parent and explain that all kids deserve the best possible campuses and resources.
” I bet you wouldn’t tell the parents whose kids won’t have a decent school to attend they’re being inconvenient. You’re on the wrong side here.”
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:13 pm
To the governor’s office update…
It’s the best, most prudent way to handle where this sits now.
There can’t be a written letter to “look into” something, especially if that look-see is due to a “corruption” element.
Right now, even if all 177 members of the seated GA said “we good, let it go”… can’t. Impossible. Not in these times, not with these crimes… now it’s due diligence, since campaign season is about perception far too many times, and letting a “couple two-tree” letters be the end if it? Nope. Not in this era.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:14 pm
== nine members of the caucus talked to each other. ==
I could be wrong, but I don’t think any of them were in control of any of the things they wanted to look into.
They all asked each other if anyone knew anything, and when none of them did their next step was to go public with it? That seems to be skipping quite a few steps.
== probably more importantly, a total lack of information out of the administration ==
That ‘probably’ is doing a lot of work. This is why I said it is important to come prepared with the receipts. Did they try to get this information and were stonewalled? Did they try to get this information and were given a run around? Did they try and do anything? Because they didn’t come forward with a single piece of evidence showing any of those things. The administration didn’t do that, they did.
Come prepared.
I’m not going to believe them *just* because they are in the democratic party. It may give them an edge, but to cross the finish line they still have to show their work. Hopefully it was a lesson learned.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:24 pm
=They voted to remove their room monitor. Now the inmates are trying to run the asylum.=
=this speaks to a couple of problems. Friction in the caucus =
Say what you want about MJM and I think a lot of us have, but this wouldn’t have happened with him at the helm. There was plenty of friction in the caucus going back to forever, but it only occasionally burst into the open like this.
=but their intentions were good=
The road to hell and all that…maybe they should think about their colleagues before their own egos once in a while
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:33 pm
===but this wouldn’t have happened with him at the helm===
What is this supposed to mean? Even if they didn’t boot him a year ago he’d be gone today. Remember the Arroyo Rule?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:35 pm
The best question to ask of the Hero/Zero set is: For what reason did you not ask these questions or review these allocations in the first place? At the time you voted for them, nary looking at here the money as being spent? And, how did you not notice in your first snit how overwhelmingly you wanted to deprive Latino districts. Too clever by half. wouldn’t expect a life boat from this group should you ever need it. Very, Not. Smart.
Then send the Gov a “disregard” follow up note after you already put him in the box. This is several shades of ignorance at once, with many.
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:52 pm
=== The best question to ask of the Hero/Zero set is: For what reason did you not ask these questions or review these allocations in the first place?===
Welp, for starters, when was the indictment?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 1:56 pm
==Welp, for starters, when was the indictment?==
No. Like the original bill. The original appropriations hearings, 1st Reading, 2nd Reading, 3rd Reading, etc.
They didn’t see an issue until a few days ago. Didn’t bother to string together these were all in Latino districts? Look at the list; they’re not all new.
Don’t hurt yourself on ne tools. Read the manual first. They embarrassed themselves, hurt the Governor and picked a fight with their Latino colleagues.
So, yeah Welp. (not sure I’d spend anytime defending this cluster if I were you)
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 2:23 pm
- South Loop - Thank YOU.
“Why wouldn’t every legislator want projects closely tied to the Madigan Enterprise doubly vetted, especially those in their district? One of their jobs is to be good stewards of taxpayer money, so they should all want to make sure projects with a whiff of suspicion are cleared to move forward without future stigma from being tied to Madigan.”
Thank you.
Comment by The Hills 60010 Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 2:57 pm
Give it a week, the review will give the all clear, and then this whole thing can be put behind us.
Well, this small part of the whole thing, really.
Comment by Nick Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 3:29 pm
=== No. Like the original bill. The original appropriations hearings, 1st Reading, 2nd Reading, 3rd Reading, etc.===
LOL
I know you’re the “Great Carnac” and folks should know things before they actually happen… then you should be furious at Rauner signing the ComEd bill.
Should Rauner have know better?
I mean, you are utterly ridiculous to your want, except when you can have partisan anger? lol
=== So, yeah Welp. (not sure I’d spend anytime defending this cluster if I were you)===
Oh no, I was not defending anyone, I was mocking your ask, your ridiculous idea that folks “should know”, like Rauner signing that ComEd bill.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 3:44 pm
Bravo to the Governor’s office.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 4:00 pm
Not a JB fan but once he decided to do the review he is absolutely correct to follow thru. Contrary to the claims made by several folks today- some of the projects stink to high heaven in terms of what transpired especially the 31 million assigned to the school which requested -.5 million through a former Madigan aid. Not like there aren’t well deserving projects which also need the assistance
Comment by Sue Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 4:19 pm
I think Candy wrote the Republican ad for them.
“Members of the legislature made the request and then changed their mind. The Govenor has the full authority to agree with the request regardless of them having changed their mind.”
With a voiceover also explaining that they are all not sure if they are still the puppets of the correct Madigan.
Comment by Lurker Thursday, Mar 10, 22 @ 6:38 pm