Senate Week in Review: Senate and House Lawmakers Agree on Revenue Estimate
Please note: The Week in Review is written by a staff member of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus and approved by legislators. It is meant to provide constituents with information about legislative action and activities during the week.
Springfield, Ill. – Senate lawmakers spent much of their week in committees, advancing bills through the legislative process in anticipation of the March 9 committee approval deadline, while in other news, State Sen. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) said House and Senate lawmakers have come to an agreement on a revenue estimate for the coming year.
Additionally, if you did not have the opportunity to catch Sen. Sandack’s show “Capitol Agenda with Senator Sandack” on Feb. 26, it will re-air on Sunday, March 4, at 8 p.m. on Regional Public Access Channel 19. Sen. Sandack welcomed State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) to discuss the many issues facing Illinois. Look for a new episode in the coming weeks.
As a reminder, Sen. Sandack has moved his district office from Lombard to Downers Grove. His new office is located at 1121 Warren Avenue Suite 215, Downers Grove 60515. The phone number is now 630-737-0504, and the fax number is 630-737-0509.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed their heartfelt sympathy for Southern Illinois residents impacted by the deadly tornado system that swept the region in the early morning hours of Feb. 29. Senator Sandack said his thoughts and prayers were with the residents of Harrisburg, Ill., and the surrounding area, as they recover from the devastating F4 tornado that struck their community.
“My sincere thoughts and prayers go to the people that were affected by the severe weather this week in Southern Illinois,” Sen. Sandack said. “While the devastation to the area is daunting, it is encouraging to see so many individuals and organizations coming together to help the people of the Harrisburg area. It is my hope that with all the disaster relief efforts, Harrisburg will get back on its feet soon.”
Organizations throughout the state are doing what they can to bring relief to the area and help the people of Harrisburg begin to rebuild. The Southern Illinois Community Foundation has established a Harrisburg Disaster Relief Fund. For more information, call 618-997-3700 or visit www.sicf.org. More information on ways to support disaster relief efforts in the Harrisburg area can be found at www.senategop.state.il.us.
In legislative action during the week, lawmakers paved the way for budget discussions for the upcoming 2013 fiscal year, advancing $33.719 billion as the official revenue estimate. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) has said she will sponsor a bipartisan resolution to formally establish the state’s available estimated Fiscal Year 2013 general funds at $33.719 billion.
The resolution, House Joint Resolution 68, was adopted March 1 on a 95-11 vote in the Illinois House and now moves to the Senate. Senator Sandack said that the estimate was agreed upon after a serious bipartisan review and discussion of state fiscal experts’ reports and projections.
Agreement on the state’s available revenue is the first step in what will likely be a long and challenging road to developing a state budget for the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The most difficult task to developing a state budget will be reaching consensus between lawmakers on how much the state should spend, and where the revenue should be allocated.
“This is just the beginning for the budgeting process this year,” Sen. Sandack said. “The revenue estimate is $200 million less than what Gov. Quinn used with his budget proposal, and that’s a ton of money to be sure. But with Illinois having a backlog of approximately $8.5 billion in unpaid bills, unfunded pension liabilities exceeding $86 billion, and need to find $2.7 billion in Medicaid cost reductions, it is clear that there is far more to reduce than $200 million. The bottom line is state government needs to get small because it is now financially unsustainable.”
Both House and Senate Republican leaders emphasized that the revenue estimate cannot be viewed as a spending target, and are opposed to any budget plan that includes increased and unsustainable spending. The Senate Republican Caucus once again stressed their willingness to sit down and discuss the budget in a fair and open manner, noting that spending must be significantly reduced in the coming fiscal year.
Cuts and reforms will need to be made across the board, including the Medicaid program and public employee pensions and healthcare. Though reductions will be difficult, Republicans said that continuing to delay action on these issues will only exacerbate the state’s fiscal problems.
The revenue estimate is about $221 million below estimates from the Governor's office and $271 million below estimates from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Estimates were arrived at after extensive testimony from financial experts with the joint Revenue Committee usually opting for the more conservative estimates from experts.
In related news, lawmakers spent much of their time meeting in Senate and House Committees, considering and voting on legislation introduced by state senators and representatives.
Committee hearings begin the process of moving a bill through the legislature. The House and Senate lawmakers who sponsor a piece of legislation usher the bill through the committee process in hopes that it will eventually be approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Though many bills were considered this week, one measure of note to pass the Senate Criminal Law Committee will amend a controversial law passed in 2011. House Bill 2193 was advanced by lawmakers last spring, imposing restrictions intended to target the criminal use of industrial-grade cleaning products as a way to harm or disfigure victims.
House Bill 2193 required customers to provide identification and sign a log when purchasing these types of caustic materials. However, varying interpretations of the law led retailers to strictly apply the restrictions to many commonly-used household products, for fear of being found in non-compliance. This was overly burdensome for consumers, and lawmakers acknowledged it was not likely to prevent the type of harm the law sought to thwart.
Senate Bill 3655 narrows the scope of House Bill 2193, specifically exempting “household products” from the requirements and providing greater clarification for retailers as to what products are covered by the registry. Under the new measure, customers would not have to sign a log and show I.D. to purchase products customarily made or sold for home use. This includes cleaning agents, drain cleaners, pesticides, epoxy, paint, stain, and other similar substances.
Some other notable legislation approved by Senate Committees during the week includes:
Aiding Fugitives (SB 2520): Establishes that it is a Class 4 felony for anyone 18 or older to aid or assist an offender in fleeing the jurisdiction in order to prevent being apprehended.
Ag Fees (SB 3292): Requires all fees collected by the Department of Agriculture at an animal disease laboratory to be deposited into the Department’s Agriculture Laboratory Services Revolving Fund.
Ag Research (SB 3270): Appropriates funds for food and agriculture research among public and private universities, with the amounts determined by the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research Board of Directors.
DCFS Employees (SB 3517): Provides that no applicant may receive a license from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services or be employed by the Department or a child-care facility who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit certain financial crimes.
Development Districts (SB 3402): Allows municipalities to establish development districts that would offer certain tech upgrades that would allow municipalities to be more competitive and technologically inviting. Establishes how a municipality would create the districts, how they would be financed and the services they would provide.
Domestic Abuse History (SB 3510): States that evidence of prior domestic abuse offense is admissible in murder trials that involve domestic abuse.
Drop-out Age (SB 3259): Changes the compulsory age at which a student can drop out of school from 17 to 18.
Electronic Payment (SB 3257): Stipulates that any itemized voucher of less than $5 is to be paid out by the Comptroller through electronic funds transfer.
FOIA – Inmates (SB 2902): Places new restrictions on prison inmates with regard to what they are allowed to request under the Freedom of Information Act.
Foreclosures (SB 2534): Helps expedite the process for foreclosures of abandoned property.
Human Service and Support (SB 3404): Requires the Department of Human Services to ensure that developmentally disabled, mentally ill and those individuals with substance use dependencies are afforded the same array of services and supports, whether they are currently living in the community or transitioning into the community.
Inmate Records (SB 2873): Adds information that the Department of Corrections must maintain in an individual inmate’s “master record file,” including inmate grievances, criminal history and administrative tickets.
Nursing Home Representative (SB 3461): Allows facilities to request that a guardian designate a representative to act on the guardian’s behalf in the event the guardian cannot be located during an emergency, and allows the guardian to designate in writing what the representative can do during such emergencies.
Postal Worker Protection (SB 3665): Enhances to aggravated assault or aggravated battery the assault or battery of a letter carrier or postal worker while that individual is performing his or her duties delivering mail for the United States Postal Service.
Program Efficiency (SB 2574): Seeks to promote efficiencies within the medical assistance programs by cutting costs, streamlining healthcare payment processes, and eliminating duplicative services.
Prompt Payment (SB 3245): Limits the lapse-period spending under the Prompt Payment Act to FY2012 and FY2013 and states that an interest penalty voucher submitted against a future year appropriation must be submitted within 60 days after the issuance of the associated voucher, and requires the Comptroller to issue the interest payment within 60 days after acceptance of the interest voucher. Allows the Comptroller to make payments on bills that were received prior to the lapse-period spending deadline until all liabilities are paid.
Public Assistance Fund (SB 2820): Authorizes the Public Assistance Emergency Revolving Fund to be used for additional purposes/payments, including various state and local child support service fees.
Religious Observance (SB 2949): Provides for excused absence for students at institutes of higher learning who are unable to attend class, or participate in any exam, study, or work requirement, on a particular day due to religious beliefs. The students will be given an opportunity to make up the mixed exams or assignments, providing this does create an unreasonable burden on the institution.
Repo Company Licensure (SB 3249): Requires repossession companies to be licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Exempts auto rental companies, tow companies acting on their behalf and persons engaged in repossession of collateral that is incidental and within the scope of the person’s primary business, provided that it is not repossession.
Retired Teacher Pensions (SB 3597): Allows retired teachers to return to work for no more than 100 days per year, and stipulates that their pay cannot exceed the daily pay of a substitute teacher. Currently, the law simply states they cannot teach a full school year.
School Reporting Requirements (SB 3415): Requires school principals to file a police report on any firearms, violence, certain sexual acts, and drug-related incidents that occur on school property. Also requires school personnel to notify the principal if they observe any of these acts occurring.
Senior Homestead Exemption (SB 3366): Changes the annual application requirement in Cook County for the senior homestead exemption to bi-annual, and prohibits all other counties from requiring the senior homestead exemption application more than once every two years.
Service Benefits (SB 3287): Extends benefits to service members who are on active duty or members of the National Guard, who have been on a duty for more than 30 days. Benefits include the right to terminate a residential property lease; stay of administrative proceedings; default judgment protection; protection from property repossession on installment contracts; and court authorized adjustment to loan obligations in foreclosure proceedings.
State Government (SB 3671): Removes the annual requirement of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs to conduct a review that compares benefits received by Illinois veterans with the benefits received by veterans in all other states and U.S. territories. It was almost impossible to get the information from the Federal government that was needed to fulfill this requirement.
Veterans Homestead Exemption (SB 3389): Expands the disabled veterans’ homestead exemption to make it easier for disabled veterans to qualify.
Dan F.
10:05 am on Monday, March 5, 2012
Teamster Ron: Yes or No? Simple question no one seems to want to answer.
Time for that list confirming his insider status.
Jeffrey Crane
11:27 am on Monday, March 5, 2012
"Time for that list confirming his insider status."
It's sorta like Al Capone endorsing "Bugsy" Siegal, isn't it?
Don Jankowski
8:01 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Wrong mob Jeffrey -- Bugsy Siegal was with the NY mob -- I think you meant Bugsy Moran (he was local). I probably should not assume you have the wrong Bugsy. But I have no idea why you are "Bugsying" at all. Try to address issues. Quit the sophomoric ametuer historian humor attempts. Please...
Dan F.
12:15 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Oh her, let me help. They've been so timid. Let's see....politicians, lobbyists, Springfield PAC's...yep, that's got them all.
Here is what bothers me Mr. Crane. I read the Sun Times article, teh one that chides him for being the biggest twit:
"Sandack stepped aside in the newly drawn 41st Senate District, where he would have faced a (ahem) daunting primary challenge from Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont. His decision will likely earn him the tacit — if not overt — support of state party leaders."
Radogno, Cross etc. . . are giving Sandack tepid support at best, but Springfield seems to be keeping the deal they made with themselves.
Where is the enthusiastic Republican support from regular Joe Republicans? Why the cult of Teamster Ron? Especially when he has such a poor record on everything he says he stands for?
Lee
7:53 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Dan F - I've never heard you comment on Debbie Boyle SUING District 99 and costing the tax payers tens of thousands of dollars. Is that conservative?
Scott C.
3:34 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Dan and Jeff,
Maybe you guys can help me get an answer to a single simple question I'm trying to ask of Debbie. It is sincere and honest in every respect and comes directly from me, a non-partisan independent who she will represent if elected. I appreciate any help you can provide in getting an answer from Debbie. Thanks.
My question for Debbie:
How do you reconcile your pledges to be hyperpartisan and to represent the interests of the extreme of one party (your own words invoke the Tea Party) with the indisputable fact that your obligation, if elected, is to represent ALL of your constituents in all of their political and ideological diversity (the vast majority of which are not hyperpartisans of any sort) and the reality that compromise is essential to solving Illinois' very real and very dangerous imminent problems?
Thanks again.
Lee
7:34 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Hi Scott,
I don't get it. Boyle and her supporters say "Ron's not Republican enough". Then Ron gets endorsed by all the state and local Republicans and Republican organizations (save two) and then it's "he's too much of a Republican insider."
Why the duplicity? Ron's a great conservative leader who has brought together all different kinds of Republicans and he's constantly attacked by Debbie and her ilk...
Dan F - Ron was endorsed by the Teamsters in 2007 like, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush and George Bush. He didn't seek the endorsement but was happy to receive it.
I've answered your question. Now please answer mine:
Why wouldn't Debbie Boyle:
-Respond to The Chicago Sun Times and The Daily Herald questionnaires?
-Taken part in ANY candidiate forums to be questioned with Ron Sandack?
-Allowed herself to be interviewed by ANY newspaper editorial boards?
-Offered a day and time to debate Senator Sandack?
-Explain any of her positions without reading a script?
Again, I'll do my best to answer on these blogs on behalf of Ron, but please do the same...
Jeffrey Crane
7:56 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Dear Scott:
Debbie is thoughtful and consistent. She bridges the gap of contentiousness. She gets things done because she has the ability to bring people together instead of dividing them. She accepts criticism and doesn't shy away from it. She holds her head high with confidence even when being viciously attacked. I admire her fortitude and also her compassion. She has experienced it all. She has been popular and unpopular. You want experience in dealing with all kinds of people in every situation, she has it. She is calm and yet firm in her desire and beliefs. Never underestimate Debbie Boyle, she will always rise to the occasion. She is devoted and dedicated in her personal and professional life. If you want character, consistency and strength, Debbie Boyle fits the bill. I remember her insisting before accepting PAC money that she would be free to run her campaign with the values that she espouses without any interference, period. That is when I knew I made the right choice in supporting her candidacy. That was her unwavering condition. It is a testimonial that she will not be coerced into assimilating to the elite establishment of Springfield should she win election. That is how you can be assured that Debbie Boyle differs greatly from her opponent as a leader and that she will rise to the occasion as a legislator.
Scott C.
8:14 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Jeff,
That's really nice. It is. But that isn't what she is saying. She is saying that she is the more partisan alternative to her more independent ("less Republican" or "not Republican at all" depending on the message).
So my question remains (unanswered).
Simple question. Need a simple answer.
Jeffrey Crane
8:42 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
That is the answer. They are both running on the Republican ticket. She is clear that she would not have voted the way Ron did for instance on the Dream Act, Smart Grid, Amazon Tax and Death Penalty. That clearly states the difference between the two candidates. That clearly shows she is more willing to hold the line in her conservative beliefs. It is that simple. Cutting deals with the Democratic majority is code for giving in to get nothing in return. It is so fashionable today to consider yourself independent and the Dem's are loving it. I have never heard of a Democrat suggesting they lean toward the middle. This is why the Republican party is so divided and most likely will not return to the White House in this election cycle. That's the shame. If my comments don't help, sorry, I tried. I appreciated your candid question.
Lee
7:47 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Since you're in the mood to answer questions...
Why wouldn't Debbie Boyle:
-Respond to The Chicago Sun Times and The Daily Herald questionnaires?
-Taken part in ANY candidiate forums to be questioned with Ron Sandack?
-Allowed herself to be interviewed by ANY newspaper editorial boards?
-Offered a day and time to debate Senator Sandack?
-Explain any of her positions without reading a script?
Don Jankowski
9:06 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Jeffrey
In every thread on this subject, you have called people names, lied about their motives (mine, for instance) and never found the decency to retract false accusations or (i am being charitable here) acknowledge mistakes that you have made. You have no credibility when you discuss Bugsy Siegel in one post and then pontificate about the attributes about your candidate. That does not resonate well with reasonable people. Ron is not Al Capone (your actions are akin to that, Jeffrey) and Debbie is not Ma Barker. Quit the name calling, bashing and lying. Apologize and retract rash and false statements. I entered this "conversation" last Thursday and you demonstrated nothing but disrespect for me or anyone with a different experience or point of view. As a result, I don't believe much of what you say on this blog. Please try to be civil.
Joseph Sharp
9:27 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Don,
Perhaps you haven't noticed that the name calling, bashing, and lying are not just one sided. To point at Jeffrey only makes you look like a self-righteous and arrogant individual. You speak about being "craned" , f'ed and c'ed. Then you talk about jeffrey playing the victim or at least agreeing with others on this. I think it is very hypocritical of you. Some might say that you to are "playing a victim". Get off your preaching down on others horse and call out ALL people who are acting with ill intent. Tell them to apologize and retract their rash and false statements. Then, and only then, will you be close to not being a hypocrite! Frankly, I might associate Senator Ron with Al Capone. The email to Ms. Bowen and her 70 year old "cohort" was very sick! What type of person would send an email like that to two citizens of this town who were concerned with a water retention area? Seriously, trying to intimidate a senior citizen with legal action and demanding a written apology is pure BULLY tactics, in my opinion anyway.
Don Jankowski
10:43 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Joseph
Thank you for calling me self righteous and arrogant -- I guess that must be a standard operating procedure for your campaign. I apologize for using the "Craning" moniker suggested by another post yesterday. It seemed appropriate given Mr Crane's lies regarding me. His minions Paul C and Dan F played the same name-calling bash game with me - hence the "f" and "c" descriptors. I apologize to them for using their anonymous initials to express frustration over their name calling tactics. I promise to refrain from being baited again. I would challenge Messer's Crane, F and C to apologize for their earlier inaccuracies and name calling directed specifically at me since last Thursday. Nobody else has done that to me on this blog other than these people (other than you just now). Feels like bullying.
Lee
7:45 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Don - Joseph Sharp is Melanie Crane, Jeffrey's wife. Hold your head high as you have been Craned as so many others in this town have and will be.
Keep talking about the issues and don't expect an apology from any of them. It will all be over in 2 weeks.
Melanie C
9:10 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lee,
Get a life and leave me alone!! I am not engaging you or anyone for that matter. You keep saying everyone is me. I will not and have not posted as anyone else. I think I have made it clear that I will say what I need to and I will own it. You name call, bash and tell lies. You have told someone they have bad breath, you have called someone a nerd and told them to beat it. You have spoken of things you know nothing about. You think you now everything and you don't care who you hurt. You claim to know so much about me and my family even though we have met only once!! Stop talking about me and uttering my name!! As for Don, the sentence from Joseph says that his comments make him LOOK like a self-righteous and arrogant individual. Great job trying to make it appear as something entirely different. Don has yet to mention your name or Sara toga, or George W or Sara or uofcdoc or others for doing the same things he accuses Jeff and all my aliases of. Just saying! So to wrap this up, Lee, please stop dragging me into this. I have stayed out of it and will continue to do so unless I see a real need to join. I am not my husband, mother, uncle, brother, child, or anything else!!!!
Lee
9:35 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Melanie C - Who's Joseph Sharp? He says he knows you and your husband and posts like you.
Don Jankowski
9:40 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Melanie:
Your husband, Paul C., Dan F. and now Joseph Sharp have lied about me and/or engaged in calling me names on this blog -- the others have not. I entered this discussion intent on a discussion of issues, and these 4 people chose to respond to me in a manner that I find uncivil. Can we agree to the following principals going forward as posted by D.G. Caribou yesterday?
Does anyone disagree with these principals? Can we all give it a try?
Don Jankowski
9:41 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
This is what was posted for your easy reference"
1. Pretend you are writing for an audience that has not made up their mind for a candidate.
2. Leave a COMMENT if you want to comment on the original post.
3. Use the REPLY button to reply to the comment you read.
4. If there is a question asked of you, it is a civil courtesy to hit the REPLY BUTTON and answer the question.
5. Refer to people by their name, preferably with a Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Title in front of their name. No name calling.
6. If you are referencing a vote, an incident, activity or a fact, spell it out. It is incumbent on you to enlighten us all with your wisdom. Back up your fact with a link to the government organization or news agency.
7. Do not insult the readers by pointing us to a biased website. The only exception is a link to the candidates own website (by definition a candidates web site is biased) to identify or clarify a statement or a position.
8. If you are going to reference a news story, post the link to that story so we can all keep up.
9. Stick to the facts. “A friend of mine told me about a soccer game that his sister was at…”, type of references are rumors, not facts.
10. Parents are a reflection of their children and candidates are a reflection of their followers. The better you look on your postings the better your candidate looks.
Melanie C
9:51 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Please show me where this Joseph Sharp says he knows us.
D.G.Caribou
11:24 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mr. Jankowski,
I am flattered.
Lee
11:27 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Melanie - Please just make up a new name and we'll all be fine again.
PAUL C.
5:22 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
One question for Lee the historian: Did President Nixon, Reagan and both Bush's bury the fact that were endorsed by unions only to be discovered years later? I and many others get the anology but can you enlighten us all?
Lee
7:51 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Is Debbie Boyle proud of the fact that she pushed for a deal with Woodridge that could have cost tax payers millions of dollars?
Real conservative.
Dan Slayden
8:22 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lee- please show me where Debbie ever pushed for a deal with Woodridge. She did not run on a "green space" ticket with Woodridge candidates. Her signs where hers only, fund raisers where hers only. Some members of that group may have given her money but, I never saw any endorsement by here to accept the low bid made by Woodridge.
Also, she did take the stand that the jury verdict in the eminent domain case should be accepted and not appealed. A position I took and, unfortunately, I was right. That appeal cost the district approx. $150,000. The Scool Board lost. The School Board was out lawyered by the village of Woodridge at every turn. Debbie did not get elected to the Board until after the appeal was filed.
Lee
9:33 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Was her school board candiacy supported by Mayor Murphy as well as Green Space folks? It was. These are same people who screwed District 99 and supported Debbie run.
Jeffrey Crane
5:25 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The DuPage Tea Party Announces First Endorsement for the March 20th Primary Election
DuPage County. IL. The DuPage Tea Party is pleased to announce the decision to endorse Debbie Boyle as our choice for State Representative in the 81st district. The decision was made as a result of widespread fiscal irresponsibility that has plagued our state. Debbie is a true Conservative candidate who reflects fiscal values as well as other beliefs and values of the DuPage Tea Party such as the opposition to the Dream Act, Amazon Tax, and the Smart Grid. We encourage all voters to vote for Debbie Boyle.
Lee
7:57 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Some Tea Party...
They support Debbie Boyle who never met a tax increase she didn't vote for (literally). Combine that with her wasteful lawsuit against District 99 costing tax payers tens of thousands of dollars (literally) and her support for the Woodridge eminent domain lawsuit which would have cost tax payers millions of dollars and I'd say the "Tea Party" just lost it's meaning.
Debbie Boyle fighting for privilege, nepotism and tax increases since 2007...
Scott C.
8:20 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My question for Debbie remains unanswered.
Debbie, please...this should not be at all difficult and should be among the most important questions you answer in this campaign.
How do you reconcile your pledges to be hyperpartisan and to represent the interests of the extreme of one party (your own words invoke the Tea Party) with the indisputable fact that your obligation, if elected, is to represent ALL of your constituents in all of their political and ideological diversity (the vast majority of which are not hyperpartisans of any sort) and the reality that compromise is essential to solving Illinois' very real and very dangerous imminent problems?
Dan Slayden
8:25 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
All- I used to enjoy the Patch. Not so much anymore. No one stays on topic, no one cares about facts. No one understands the Law, but, seems to want to just make up stuff. Good bye.
Alice M. Dornan
8:46 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
And I thought "Sound-Off in the DG Reporter was bad. Two to three people have completely dominated Patch in this election cycle. All they do is snipe at each other.
Tony Cesare
9:44 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Sad isn't it? If I had such a vendetta against a particular candidate I might start my own website to promote my agenda and spare everyone here the constant vitriol. Oh wait..
Joseph Sharp
10:40 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tony,
If you look at the inception of the DGGAB website you will notice that there is no mention of Senator Sandack. I don't think that this website was created for that sole purpose. I imagine that you can make that claim after the election IF the DGGAB is no longer available to us. I hope that this website helps keep our local officials in check. It seems like the purpose of the dggab is to provide true transparency. Hence, the video of the "retreat" and the coffee with the council which would not have been available to the residents, otherwise. Alas, Tony, perhaps you have not seen the Ron Sandack faces popping up all over THIS site. Everywhere I click ...a MY five to revive or Ron4Illinois is blinking in my face. So I can only assume that you are highlighting BOTH websites promotions of specific agendas.
Lee
10:54 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Melanie/Jeffrey - Please don't argue dggab is not a "vendetta site" against a particular candidate. Please.
Jeffrey Crane
8:29 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Had they endorsed Ronny you would be playing a diferent tune. Ron was at their meeting begging for their enforcement. Talking about suing people, Ron threatens to sue residents for voicing village concerns that do not agree with his philosophy. Ron voted for every tax increase in this village.
Lee
10:52 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
lol. He was not. It was another Debbie Boyle staged event where she read from a script. You post to it on you web site. They wouldn't even let Ron speak...
UoCDoc
11:48 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Jeffery,
We may not agree on some things but I will fervently support your right to voice an opposing view. What I am uncomfortable with is your statement about "begging for their enforcement”. I assume you intended to write “endorsement”, which would be a bald face lie.
I was with Ron at that meeting from start to finish. He was invited by the Tea Party to speak that evening as a member of the candidate panel. When we arrived, he and I were told that due to a “clerical error” he had been removed from the agenda. I witnessed Mr. Thoman, Mr. Krajewski , and Mr. Boltz snickering and grinning over what I can only assume was their knowledge of what just transpired.
You referenced Ron’s email to a pair of individuals who he believed had libeled him. The Constitution protects his right to avail himself of the legal system as he sees fit. Just as it protects the rights of all others to do the same. I’m not going to threaten you with legal action Jeff but I sincerely hope that in the future you think of the potential repercussions and consequences prior to posting something you do not know to be certain. As men we should be subject to our families and one another. The “political season” in Downers Grove has always been ardent and engaging of passionate residents. The free debate of ideas is crucial to operating a republic democracy and I hope that it continues, and that it does so in a respectful, responsible manner.
Don Jankowski
1:51 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
UofCDoc-
I would think all Tea Party organizations would encourage free speech, yet this one denied Senator Sandack that right based on a "clerical error." Wow! Sounds to me like someone has hijacked this organization. Conservative does not come to mind. How about un-American?
Lee
2:20 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
UoCDoc-
You mentioned "Mr. Thoman, Mr. Krajewski , and Mr. Boltz" in your last post about not letting Ron speak at the Tea Party rally... Is this the same Mr. Thoman crying about now being appointed by "The Block"?
So it's ok for Mr. Thoman to engage in political sabbotage, but expects others to not take notice and respond?
Paul C, Jeffrey Crane and Dan you all look like fools right about now.
D.G.Caribou
9:27 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Dear Mr. Crane
Mr. Sandack threatened to sue. I repeat threatened to sue after the resident made false comments and lies with an intent to hurt Mr. Sandack’s reputation.
However,…
Deborah Boyle did sue the tax paying citizens of district 99. Mrs. Boyle sued district 99 to allow her child to attend Downers Grove North when the family lived in the boundaries of Downers Grove South. The judge agreed with district 99. The cost of defending a lawsuit, even a frivolous one, is not a small matter.
Lee
9:41 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Debbie Boyles endorsements:
Libert PAC - Brian Krajewski's friend
DGTRO - Led by Brian Krajewski
The DuPage Tea Party - Set up by Brian Krajewski
Is there any group independent of Brian Krajewski that supports Debbie Boyle? The answer is no.
Ron Sandack's endorsements:
•Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford
•House Minority Leader Tom Cross
•Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno
•Government reformer Adam Andrzejewski
•DuPage County Board Chair Dan Cronin
•State Senator Kirk Dillard
•State Senator John Millner
•State Rep Jim Durkin
•State Rep Michael Connelly
•Stand For Children
•For the Good of Illinois PAC
•Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce PAC
•DuPage Conservatives
For a complete list of Ron's endorsements, please visit:
http://www.ron4illinois.com/support.html
It also includes local mayors, local board members, local trustees and hundreds of citizens...
Dan F.
10:29 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
http://oakpark.suntimes.com/news/10860524-418/oak-park-parking-manager-named-interim-village-manager.html
You bet. Sandack cost the Village $73,000. Fact.
Next.
Lee
10:50 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wasn't this around the same time Debbie Boyle was SUING District 99?
"Pavlicek’s departure from Downers Grove in May 2008 was acrimonious, involving a UNANIMOUS village council vote to fire her. That vote followed a public hearing in April that resulted in her being placed on administrative leave."
Nice try Dan F. What else ya got?
Did Cara Pavlicek endorsed Debbie Boyle since they're both LAWSUIT happy???
Max Gruppy
10:17 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Did Senator Sandack vote for or against Illinois Public Act 97-632, which steals tax refunds owed to citizens beginning this year? If he voted against it, what are his ideas about repealing it?
Dan F.
3:30 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/97/senate/09700HB0384_11102011_011000T.pdf
Appointed Senator Sandack courageously voted with Springfield. He believes in stealing along with the rest of Springfield. The only NO in either House or Senate was Chris Nybo.
UoCDoc
5:54 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Max - The bill, now an amendment to the existing law, simply provides the State the authority to withhold all or part of your refund if you default on your student loans and saddle Illinois with more debt. Please help me understand how you regard that with stealing. As a person who has A LOT of student loans, I appreciate the State proactively attempting to recover from those who are stealing from the state by defaulting. The law, as it always did, let the State withhold your refund if you owe child support. I'm genuinely interested to learn if you feel that is also stealing.
Jeffrey Crane
6:07 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
Actually the bill goes way beyond just student loans and can be applied to any debt owed the state by an individual: tickets, student loans, fines etc, practically anything. They want to recover lost revenue which amounts to millions of dollars since 2009. It could be he was referring to the excessiveness of using fines as a source of revenue and basically confiscating income from individuals. The purpose of these fines is no longer to change behavior but actually to pad the coffers of government. Some peoples ability to pay is highly diminished. I think it certainly fair to say that the system is hugely regressive affecting the poor exponentially more.
UoCDoc
7:41 am on Friday, March 9, 2012
HUGE ENDORSEMENT for Senator Sandack today by the Chicago Tribune.
Notables:
"Few public officials walk the walk like Republican Sen. Ron Sandack"
"He gets high marks for his work ethic"
"he's famous for actually reading the bills"
"he's not afraid to take the heat for an unpopular vote"
"He's endorsed over Deborah Boyle, a registered nurse"
Congratulation Ron!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-house3-20120309,0,4118500.story
Lee
11:23 am on Friday, March 9, 2012
Congrats Senator Sandack!!!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-house3-20120309,0,4118500.story
PAUL C.
6:03 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
PAUL C.
5:58 pm on Friday, March 9, 2012
Wow! So much for Ron taking the high road! Just got my mail and Rino Teamster Ron has really unleashed a sack of more propaganda! I guess the Five to Revive wasn't working on enough voters outside the neighborhood. Real class act Ron for an appointed senator who is supposed to be the FAVORITE. Ron must really be worried that he ordered the unleashing of this barrage that I've been predicting 10 days out. Candidates make desperate claims when they are worried. This mailer looks like Lee and Thomas designed it. Definitely not Don's design or even Uofcdoc's style! I enjoyed it. Ron likes to put that FACE of his everywhere. Even befor the Streaming Ron Patch Ads came along we had to see his Senate reports that he were written for him. The Heat is On! The next 10 days should be interesting. I found this mailer hilarious but couldn't find anything about his YES votr for the DREAM ACT. I guess that isn't part of this comedy. I think most of the voters don't find it too funny that ILLINOIS is only 1of 11 states in the USA with a version of the Dream Act. Independent Ron is...the other 39 states don't know as much as him!
PAUL C.
4:17 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012
http://www.electboyle.com/2012/03/18/just-the-facts/
I think you'll enjoy this little article boys! We are tweeting, emailing, FBooking and texting it all over the district. Is Ron's face getting red?
UoCDoc
5:08 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012
OK Morons,
Since you can't seem to figure out even a simple legal document, permit me to help you. (I know I will be accused of being Ron again for talking about a legal document). I don't care any more.
You document shows Ron Sandack and three other Board members as a Plaintiff in those cases.
He was a private pension fund Trustee / Board member in those cases.
The Counsel for the Boards are the Plaintiffs in these suits. Under law are required to list all board members. (basic business knowledge)
The pension board is made up of management trustees like Ron and the others listed)
The pension board is also made up of union trustees, in this case the Teamsters.
When a company stops paying the benefits it owes, the Board's counsel brings a collection case. Hence the documents you people keep pointing at. This happens in nearly every corporate bankruptcy case.
You should at the least, feel embarrassed by this gaff. Any 1st year law student can confirm the information I have stated by simply examining the document you have.
Please, don't take my word for it. Take your document to an attorney and ask him or her to describe the filing to you.
But we all know that you won't do that! You will just continue to pretend that it show's Ron in bed with the IBT. Even after you not know it to be incorrect. At a minimum it shows that you are very dishonest.
What does that say about your candidate's values?