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* Tribune…
A pair of bills backed by the Cook County Treasurer’s Office aims to reduce the burden on taxpayers who have fallen behind on their property taxes and crack down on private investors who profit from the sale of delinquent taxes.
Legislation introduced Friday by state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, would reduce the amount of interest charged on late property tax payments and close a loophole in the state tax code that leads to local governments losing millions of dollars each year to private investors. […]
The “sale in error” process was created to reverse tax sales that should never have occurred, such as those in which the property owner already paid the taxes before the sale.
But according to the treasurer’s office, investors have used the provision to argue that sales should be void because of discrepancies in the county assessor’s description of the property, such as saying a home had no air conditioning when it did, or a house had stucco when it was made of brick. […]
The other bill crafted by the treasurer’s office, Senate Bill 2395, aims to help residents who are behind on their property taxes by cutting interest rates on the payments from 1.5% to 0.75% per month starting this year.
* Chicago FOP…
This week, Senate bill 1631 was introduced to give @FOP7Chicago members a pension benefit comparable to members of @CFDLocal2.
Click below for additional details from President John Catanzara or click the link to see the current status of SB1631: https://t.co/uKqHRPr4UB pic.twitter.com/7AHUj8FePc
— Fraternal Order of Police - Chicago Lodge #7 (@FOP7Chicago) February 11, 2023
* Rep. Scherer…
Rep. Sue Scherer has introduced legislation that would expand access to food assistance for foster families. This bill would make all foster families eligible for SNAP benefits. Currently, foster children cannot qualify for any SNAP benefits. #BuildingBackBetter pic.twitter.com/p7HFRFOtmf
— Democrats for the Illinois House (@DemsforILHouse) February 10, 2023
* Center Square…
Proposed measures at the Illinois statehouse could require electric vehicle charging stations in the garage of new homes, a change one builder says would increase costs.
House Bill 2206 and Senate Bill 40 require a new single-family residence or a small multifamily residence to have at least one electric vehicle charging station for each residential unit with dedicated parking.
Dean Graven of the Home Builders Association of Illinois said neither measure considers the added costs.
“This is a mandate with no funding behind it, a mandate that every new house, single-family duplex, then it gets into the multi-family, would have to have electric car charging stations,” Graven told WMAY. “For every $1,000 price increase on a home, you knock out 6,000 buyers.”
* Illinois Family Institute…
With the beginning of a new Illinois General Assembly, it is imperative that each of us reach out to our state lawmakers to let them know that we are paying attention to their votes and actions.
Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) has introduced HB 1591 in an attempt to make Illinois a destination for same-sex couples to get a government “marriage” certificate. She and her like-minded friends are fearful that the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodgesdecision which struck down state bans on same-sex “marriage.” In that case, many states could opt to ban same-sex “marriage” in their state.
That is why Cassidy is repealing three specific statutes in the Illinois Marriage Act. These sections are the obstacles for same-sex couples residing in another state who want to “marry” and then go back to their state with a valid marriage license.
The reason Rep. Cassidy wants to repeal 750 ILCS 5/217 is because if a gay couple wants to get “married” here but live in another state that no longer recognizes same-sex “marriage,” their “marriage” would be null and void.
The reason Rep. Cassidy wants to repeal 750 ILCS 5/218 is because currently a judge or pastor has to ask the gay couple residing in another state to provide papers that their state does not ban same-sex marriage.
The reason Rep. Cassidy wants to repeal 750 ILCS 5/219 is because if a judge or pastor marries a same-sex couple knowing they are not supposed to be marrying them, liability for the judge or pastor exists. The repeal of Sec. 219 removes liability for a judge or pastor.
They may have just passed that bill /s
* SGOPs…
Several downstate Republican legislators joined together at the Capitol Tuesday calling for action to address the rising cost of energy impacting Illinois families and businesses.
“Do we pay our power bills or buy food to eat? That’s the question that far too many families are asking themselves,” said State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). “This is an emergency situation, the Legislature needs to act quickly, and the Governor needs to step up.”
Gathering a day before the Governor’s 2023 Budget and State of the State Address, the legislators said providing long-term relief for Illinois families should be one of Gov. JB Pritzker’s top budget priorities, and have introduced a number of proposals for short-term relief.
Citing energy rate increases that have almost doubled some families’ power bills since May 2022, lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 2200, filed by freshman State Sen. Erica Harriss, which would allocate $200 million in rebates to affected consumers. The Legislature approved an Ameren rate relief package during last month’s lame-duck session that would provide the average household with $170 in rate relief. The rate relief would be broken up into monthly bill credits likely occurring from April through October. The program is subject to appropriation, and it has not been funded.
“There are far too many families in our community being forced to choose between paying for utilities and paying for groceries,” said State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). “This is a choice our people should never have to make. While I recognize this rebate won’t be enough to conquer the long-term energy increases, it’s something we can do right now, today, to bring immediate relief. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this legislation and working for more comprehensive solutions to solving this energy crisis.
State Senator Jil Tracy said she hopes the Governor’s budget proposal on Wednesday will include long-term solutions, but she is taking matters into her own hands now by sponsoring a pair of bills to address the need for greater energy capacity and supply.
Senate Bill 1548 would cut burdensome regulatory “red tape” at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which has prevented new power plants from coming online in a timely manner. And Senate Bill 1547 would create the Power Grid Task Force, which requires the General Assembly to look at the impacts that energy policies are having on Illinois’ ability to produce the required amount of energy to meet Illinois’ needs.
“We have to start addressing this issue right now,” said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “We need more energy investments in the Governor’s budget, and we also need to look at ways we can fill the demand of the grid so that consumer prices naturally go down.”
State Representative Dave Severin, who serves as the House Energy & Environment Committee Minority Spokesperson, is filing similar legislation in the House of Representatives and said it’s imperative that Illinois utilizes all forms of energy to adequately fulfill the state’s needs.
“State and national policies on energy production have shifted from independence to dependence, from using our vast reserves of clean, cheap, reliable, and efficient resources to prioritizing renewable technologies that just aren’t ready to fulfill our needs,” said State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton). “Make no mistake, I am for an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach on energy production, but an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach is not what we have.”
While Illinoisans await action on legislative measures to address energy costs and grid supply, legislators will be sending a letter to Gov. Pritzker requesting the filing of emergency rulemaking procedures to dump more power into the grid markets and revised permit procedures to fast-track the development of natural gas plants.
“We have more than 2,000 megawatts of clean, gas-generated power that Gov. Pritzker can instantly infuse onto the grid with one decision to increase capacity and help lower costs for families and businesses,” said State Senator and Senate Energy Minority Spokesperson Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “Adjusting these energy caps is something we can do right now to ease the financial burden crippling our downstate communities. It is vital that we take these actions to set us up for success while we continue to build our diversified energy portfolio.”
* Media advisory…
Date and Time:
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Location:
Blue Room (room 010), Illinois State Capitol Building, 401 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62706 | BlueRoomStream.com will also be providing video coverage.Who:
Eric Larson, Illinois State Dental Society Executive Director
State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
State Senator Laura Fine
Dr. Lawrence White
Dr. Cheryl Watson-Lowry
Dr. Maggie Schaefer GilpinWhat:
Legislative package seeks to protect patients by increasing transparency and accountability for dental insurers while ensuring more patient dollars go to patient care.Why:
Legislation responds to patient calls for more accessible and transparent dental care and has demonstrated wide-spread public support. As much as 40-percent of dental patient premiums go toward administrative costs like bonuses, profits and marketing instead of being directed toward patient care. Meanwhile, More than 1 in 2 Americans report delaying care or avoiding it altogether because of costs, and the most frequently skipped form is dental work. This legislation will mean more Illinois families will be empowered to seek the dental care they need.
* Center Square…
Illinois is one of the top sports betting states in the country, and a gambling insider says online casino gambling would be even bigger.
A bill has been introduced at the statehouse that would legalize internet gaming. State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, filed Senate Bill 1656, which proposes the initial cost of an internet gaming license would be $250,000 with applications limited to Illinois casinos and racetracks. Licensed operators would be taxed at 15% of adjusted gross gaming revenue that would be directed to the State Gaming Fund.
* More trolling via Rep. Amy Elik’s HB2342…
Amends the General Assembly Organization Act. Provides that, beginning in 2023, each member of the General Assembly shall, during each term of office, complete a training program and examination on the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the Commission may contract with the Illinois Community College Board to use the Illinois Constitution Module for this purpose. Provides that, upon completion of the training program and successful passage of the examination, each member of the General Assembly must certify in writing that the member has completed the training program and examination. Provides that each member of the General Assembly must provide to his or her ethics officer a signed copy of the certification. Requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to develop and administer the training program and examination. Effective July 1, 2023.
From a pal in my favorite group chat…
If you’re gonna file this bill, why not have some fun with it? Require the test to be taken publicly. Or make everyone play a Jeopardy game!
…Adding… Yeah, this has a chance…
State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) on Tuesday filed new legislation that would reinstate the death penalty in Illinois.
If passed, the death penalty would be allowed if a police officer or fireman are killed in the line of duty; a person is convicted of murdering two or more people; the victim of a murder is under the age of 12; or if the murder takes place at a religious institution.
The death penalty was abolished in Illinois in 2011, by Gov. Pat Quinn.
Twelve people were executed by the state between 1976 and 2011.
Cabello’s public safety package of bills would also repeal the SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail.
Also included in the legislation are provisions for municipalities to provide health insurance to police and fire personnel after their retirement.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:33 pm
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==government “marriage” certificate==
It’s not a “marriage” certificate. It’s a marriage certificate. Just because you are a hate group and don’t like that gay people can marry doesn’t make it any less of a marriage certificate. But haters are going to hate I guess
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:40 pm
Gotta be honest, I forgot all about Amy Elik being in the General Assembly.
Huh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:46 pm
Every time I see marriage in quotes I get a little more furious. My future marriage and my love is just as legitimate as those trying to push their faith and morals on me.
Comment by Shibboleth Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:46 pm
== Or make everyone play a Jeopardy game! ==
Maybe have Steve Harvey host it Family Feud style
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:53 pm
There’s no money in tolerance. The real money is ginning up hate.
If we’ve learned nothing else from the on-going grift of Trump and his acolytes, let this be the lesson.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:56 pm
==Provides that, beginning in 2023, each member of the General Assembly shall, during each term of office, complete a training program and examination on the Illinois Constitution.==
And after that, it will probably be a matter of time before state employees in all agencies and all job titles will be granted the constitution test too. Perhaps added to the annual ethics test.
Comment by Stuck in Celliniland Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:56 pm
I think it would be reasonable and responsible to require new houses be wired to enable the addition of charging capabilities should the homeowner want it. To do otherwise would likely increase the cost installing chargers later. Remember, we’re rightly heading to EV or EV/hybrid car ownership.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:56 pm
Not sure about requiring new homes to have an EV charger but maybe requiring builders to gave them as an option. I think requiring all public buildings might be good and all new commercial buildings to have a percent on parking lots like the percentage they do for handicap parking
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 1:58 pm
Perhaps require that wiring be completed so an EV charging station can easily be added. I think requiring the installation of a charging unit that may not be used is an overreach.
Comment by Central Ill Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:03 pm
I am not an electrician but have done some wiring around the house. Running a 220 line to a garage while the house is being built would be cheap and easy.
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:09 pm
I don’t understand the Illinois Family Institute and their obsession with people who are born attracted to someone of the same sex, but overlook “heterosexual lifestyle” couples who get “married” and divorced regularly. Leaving destroyed children in their wake.
You’d think a “family” institute would want to work those people.
Comment by Jerry Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:11 pm
==Running a 220 line to a garage while the house is being built would be cheap and easy.==
That’s what I was thinking. The cost should be relatively minor. It would be much more expensive to retrofit.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:17 pm
==member of the General Assembly shall, during each term of office, complete a training program and examination on the Illinois Constitution==
Who is Rep. Elik trolling? Deas she hope her party (the GOP) will stop trying to violate provisions sch as these:
“Neither the General Assembly nor any county, city, town, township, school district, or other public corporation, shall ever make any appropriation or pay from any public fund whatever, anything in aid of any church or sectarian purpose, or to help support or sustain any school, academy, seminary, college, university, or other literary or scientific institution, controlled by any church or sectarian denomination whatever…” (Article X, Section 3)
“Membership in any pension or retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.” (Article XIII, Section 5)
I could go on…
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:27 pm
The Home Builders Assoc. argument is disingenuous. No one is going to refuse to buy a home or build a home over a $1,000 EV charger.
Comment by Politistage Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:29 pm
=To do otherwise would likely increase the cost installing chargers later. Remember, we’re rightly heading to EV or EV/hybrid car ownership.=
All true, but require?
I am not sure we should require it for private homes. Just does not feel right. I have no issue with EV’s btw.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:32 pm
If I ever go full EV from my current hybrid, any charging station will be outside of my home and garage. While fires may be a rare event with EVs and charging stations, they do happen. And because of the chemistry involved, those types of fires can become runaways not put out with common fire fighting means. So, no I don’t think this is a good idea to require it for private homes. If a compromise is needed for such a bill, then require the 220 to be run, but leave the decision to the homeowner how they want to configure a charging station in their own home.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:40 pm
wait. my head hurts. whiplash. Cantanzara thanking Martwick…
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:48 pm
So a newly constructed Amish home is gonna be required to have an EV outlet installed?
Seriously though . . . to Anon221 at 2:40 comment - totally agree with the comment that these are not safe.
Comment by Blues Fan Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:50 pm
Let’s make sure those constitution test results are published in local papers and on the GA’s website as well. Perhaps we can establish a rating system too, where 100% equals “exemplary,” 95-99% is “commendable,” and anything below that is deemed some form of unacceptable or failing. Then let’s require a remediation plan and have hearings where we threaten to pull office funding from any politician who doesn’t immediately get an exemplary score. Oh, and this test can only be given once a year, and the legislators won’t see their scores until the following year, a few weeks before the next shot at passing. /s
Comment by Lagertha's Shield Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 2:59 pm
==Seriously though . . . to Anon221 at 2:40 comment - totally agree with the comment that these are not safe.==
What about an alternative. Require all gas stations presently doing business throughout the state to install the equivalent number of charging stations to number of fuel pumps. For example, for a Qik n EZ that has 10 fuel pumps (regardless if it’s gas or diesel or biofuel), require 10 charging stations. Not just at the big truck stops, but also at the corner stations alike.
Comment by Stuck in Celliniland Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:01 pm
All private homes in Illinois are required to have many things, including smoke detectors with a 10-year battery. It would not make sense to install vehicle-specific stations just the 220V outlet which is the equivalent of a dryer plug. BTW Tesla says you can use a dryer outlet with the right adapter–extension cord not recommended.
Once 220 is to the garage you could mount an outside box to plug in your EV
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:15 pm
…crack down on private predators who profit from the sale of delinquent taxes.
Comment by Dotnonymous Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:15 pm
To Vern and Pot’s comments, I agree that running it before construction would be easier and not too costly. However, this also requires the builder to install a charging station. I think that’s too far. And to Celliniland, so who’s gonna pay the electricity at those gas stations? The gas station owner?
Comment by Central Ill Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:16 pm
=== What about an alternative===
What, an unfunded mandate not driven by the free market or incentivized?
Yeah. No. And no.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:22 pm
BTW. Less than $100 in supplies to install a 220v outlet in my garage.
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:26 pm
=== Not just at the big truck stops, but also at the corner stations alike.
This is the next big fight. Do we go with chargers on public streets in parking garages, etc or do we continue to use gas stations. Without the need for large storage of gas, the gas part of the station becomes useless.
I think running the 220 is a good idea. If nothing else, we might see changes in the type of power station. Make it easy to put in though.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:29 pm
The EV issue might not be so simple. This gets into 3-phase vs single phase wiring, as well as the issue if 3-phase service is even offered to the house/apartment from the utility company. In many situations, 3-phase is not even an option due to the service provider.
As with a lot of things, the politicians need to SLLLOOOOWWWW DDDDOOOOOOWWWNNN on their quickness to mandate such things.
Comment by Blues Fan Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:33 pm
===This is the next big fight===
Lots and lots of people who live in cities don’t have garages (or their garages are full of stuff). Getting juice to them is an issue that isn’t talked about nearly enough.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 3:41 pm
==who’s gonna pay the electricity at those gas stations? The gas station owner?==
Yes, the owners or the entire chain in general.
Comment by Stuck in Celliniland Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:07 pm
While I don’t have an EV, like a lot of automotive hobbyists, I do have a sub-box with 240 volt in my garage. If needed, I could wire an outlet on the outside of the garage for about $40.
Running the wiring for 240V at time of construction makes sense; minimal cost. Actually putting in a charger with that cost doesn’t.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:08 pm
To;
Eric Larson, Illinois State Dental Society Executive Director
State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
State Senator Laura Fine
Dr. Lawrence White
Dr. Cheryl Watson-Lowry
Dr. Maggie Schaefer Gilpin.
Speaking of dental insurance, get the state’s share of the SURS retiree dental insurance paid up. Dentists are waiting to be paid a year and a half or more late. Thank-You in advance for your attention and prompt action on this matter.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:09 pm
=== Yes, the owners or the entire chain in general.===
That’s a national thing, not like your “Springfield Patch” take to things.
A national “incentivication” towards changing the “mom and pop” stand alone stations or those owned by global giants, that’s how this type of huge turn will need to roll, and you can try to begin “here”, but as an unfunded mandate to do business here, there’s likely no stomach for 60/30 or even a signature for “required” without incentives.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:12 pm
They can just use solar panels that the state will require them to install,/s
Comment by very old soil Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:20 pm
=== Getting juice to them is an issue that isn’t talked about nearly enough.
They started a program of putting them downtown in Saint Paul in conjunction with the power company, but there is some push back from the gas stations as they don’t want to compete with the power company directly for some obvious reasons. Their point isn’t absurd as having an electric company with a monopoly on charging isn’t great, but I don’t know the solution yet.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:22 pm
My opinions regarding the IL Family Institute cannot be expressed in public and certainly not in writing in Capitolfax. My thanks to Representative Cassidy for proposing HB1591. I sincerely hope it passes.
Comment by Manchester Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 4:59 pm
===Proposed measures at the Illinois statehouse could require electric vehicle charging stations in the garage of new homes, a change one builder says would increase costs.
House Bill 2206 and Senate Bill 40 require a new single-family residence or a small multifamily residence to have at least one electric vehicle charging station for each residential unit with dedicated parking.
Dean Graven of the Home Builders Association of Illinois said neither measure considers the added costs.===
Give the builder or homeowner a tax rebate or a grant to cover the costs. The state could fund this by closing down the obsolete car emission test stations. They were needed in the 1980s and 1990s, now, not so much.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 5:09 pm
Foster families qualify for SNAP. You either count your foster child(ren) and your foster stipend(s) in your application, or you can exclude both if including the stipend is enough to disqualify you for something you would have otherwise qualified for.
Comment by Foster mom Tuesday, Feb 14, 23 @ 5:40 pm
“Proposed measures at the Illinois statehouse could require electric vehicle charging stations in the garage of new homes, a change one builder says would increase costs.”
I assume that you posted this to have us mock it, because it is nonsense.
As others have noted, a 220v outlet is good enough. There is no need to require additional hardware beyond that.
Comment by Odysseus Wednesday, Feb 15, 23 @ 1:02 am