Uneducating Illinois | School District Budgets, Reductions, Layoffs, Pensions

It's important to note the most significant expense in education are not books, computers, classrooms, but are teachers, labor and PENSION costs.

And, just how much money are teachers making?  While some make moderate salaries, there are many making very high salaries.   Should teacher salaries at the higher levels be cut and pensions downsized?

See the salaries for your local school district

Fleecing of Illinois | Quinn Pushes Tax Increases, Education Cuts for Illinois Fiscal Crisis

Civic Federation Blasts Ponzi Scheme (Local Pension Funds) of Illinois

The Civic Federation has launched the latest blast on the Ponzi scheme of Illinois (aka "pension system").

Thanks to unfunded pension liabilities, the burden on the taxpayer has grown nearly 400 percent in the last nine years as the statewide deficit may be more than $100 billion.

"The status-quo of benefit enhancements and insufficient pension contributions must not continue.  The only responsible option for our local governments is to work with the General Assembly to take action immediately."

-Laurence Msall, President of the non-partisan Civic Federation

These comments echo other concerns by Aurora Alderman Rick Lawrence, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, DuPage County Chair Bob Schillerstrom, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Naperville Mayor George Pradel and virutally every independent fiscal expert.

The report also said while pension promises grew by 69 percent, the funding only grew by 26 percent.

Some have tried to defend incompetent pension funds like the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) by saying it's "not as bad as other funds" but the fact remains it's underfunded.

They also try to blame the economy for the problems, but the Civic Federation makes it clear "the economic downturn did not cause the local pension underfunding.  Many local pension funds have been routinely underfunded for years as benefit enhancements were granted without regard for their long-term cost."

The Ponzi scheme (pension funds) of Illinois rank "dead-last" in the nation.

Red-Light Cameras | Revenue at Public Safety Expense

Quinn Flip-Flops on Tax Revenue for Cities | Chicago Mayor Daley Slams Back

As Sen. Bill Brady emerges from the GOP primary for Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, the temp Gov, is getting blasted from Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.

Quinn is shifting income tax revenue from 10% to 7% for cities and municipalities, but Daley says he assured mayors before the primary he wouldn't do that.

Cities from Aurora to Chicago are under fiscal pressure, so even the slightest shift can significantly alter revenue projections and budgets.

Warning | Chicago Area Construction Ahead on Congress Parkway

Oscars | And the Winners are...The Hurt Locker, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges

Face the Nation | Evan Bayh, Lindsey Graham on Acting Like Americans, Not Democrats or Republicans

OK Go | This Too Shall Pass

Here we go again. Our friends at OK Go have made another creative video. Introducing "This Too Shall Pass."

Aurora's So-Called Corporation Counsel Latest Target: Pigeons

Aurora's so-called corporation counsel, Alayne Weingartz, who already has a well-earned reputation of hating various people, now is adding pigeons to her targets.  Yes, pigeons.  And, no, we aren't making this up.

She has drafted an ordinance to regulate pigeons and how they can be raised in Aurora.

Do we have a pigeon problem in Aurora?

Well, according to the Daily Herald, there's one person, Armando Munoz, who lives on Second Street in Aurora who has been raising pigeons in his garage with neighbors concerned about the noise, odor and droppings.

And, why is the city's so-called corporation counsel, who is paid over $100,000 per year, spending taxpayer time and resources on pigeon crap?

Other than apparently not having more important things to do, she says the new ordinance would "provide some basic requirements for the location of these birds, which is called a 'pigeon loft,' that they will be kept in compliance with the building code, property maintenance code and that they be kept in a clean and orderly condition at all times."

There is no word yet if pigeons will be required to appear before the city's kangaroo (aka "administrative") court and testify or what happens if pigeons are a nuisance on their own and belong to no specific owner.

Aurora spokesman Dan Ferrelli has not confirmed if the new $120 million Aurora Police Palace on Indian Trail was designed to accomodate pigeons that must be detained or taken into custody.

Weingartz, who appears to have some unusual interest in birds and animals based upon other ordinances she has pushed involving pets, has also not explained if pigeons will be forced to be licensed or have GPS chips embedded.

Some say the pigeon ordinance is unfair and does not provide equal protection under the law.  If pigeons must be regulated, what about other birds?  Who's regulating the gangs of birds that roam the city and deposit droppings randomly on cars, public sidewalks and people's heads?

In 2009, there were reports that even Weingartz's fairly large head was the target of a bird dropping.  Was it a pigeon?  Is that why she isn't targeting other birds with her ordinance?

However, despite all the taxpayer resources, time by city staff and the full attention of the Aurora City Council being devoted to pigeons, Armando Munoz says it's a waste of time to craft an ordinance to deal with his pigeons.

While he may have 40 pigeons in the past, he's down to 3 and is planning to send them to people in Mexico as a gift, so he will have none.

It appears if Aurora City Council goes along with the priority of dealing with pigeons, it won't matter because if any pigeon decides to make noise or drop this or that anywhere, Aurora will be ready to strike back.

Perhaps Weingartz should be transferred to the full-time pigeon inspector for the City of Aurora.

The Aurora City Council is expected to consider the urgent pigeon matter on March 9th at his next meeting.

Naperville Makes Pension Reform Top Priority | Mayor George Pradel Joins Rick Lawrence, Richard Daley, Bob Schillerstrom and Others in Expressing Concerns Over Unsustainable System

Since Aurora Alderman Rick Lawrence expressed concern over the City of Aurora's contributions to the state's pension system, others including Chicago Mayor Daley have talked about their concerns as well.

Now, the City of Naperville has joined the discussion by making pension reform not only it's top legislative priority this year, but it's ONLY legislative priority.

Naperville Mayor George Pradel, a former police officer, went to Springfield and in a news conference, told the Daily Herald:

"When I was a police officer, I thought the city had deep pockets.  But as the mayor, I know now the difficulty facing cities having to fund these pension systems."

Naperville has joined with a consortium of municipalities, villages, associations and legislators, including $10,000 toward the coalition to reform pension systems for public safety employees, including police officers and firefighters.

Pension Reform for Illinois Communities Coalition will push for changing the current system to protect the past employees, but create a new system that will be sustainable and require employees to match the contributions taxpayers are making.

We are not aware of Aurora joining the coalition for pension reform.

Mayor Pradel says Naperville has $126 million in unfunded liabilities this year.  Estimates by the Civic Federation say the pension crisis of Illinois may be close to $100 billion.

Aurora Alderman Rick Lawrence, who recently said bold action must be taken, said he welcomes Naperville and Mayor Pradel's voice to push action on the issue because the problem is not going to go away by ignoring it.

Chicago Mayor Daley has vocalized similar concerns and wants immediate action.

Other recent posts:

How to Save Illinois | Chicago Tribune Also Says to Stop Feeding Dysfunctional and Unsustainable Pension System of Illinois

Why Are Some Panicked at Discussing the Flops of the Underfunded Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and the Pension Schemes of Illinois?  Rick Lawrence, Richard Daley, Bob Schillerstrom and John Cullteron Express Concerns Some People Don't Want to Hear

Aurora, Second Largest City, Should Pull Out of Ponzi Scheme of Illinois

EPA Demands City of Aurora and Fox Metro Spend Hundreds of Millions on Sewer Project

The Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA), no stranger to forcing regulation and mandates upon the private sector regardless of the cost, is targeting the City of Aurora and demanding the city come up a plan by April 1, 2010 on a sewer project that would further separate sewage and stormwater, including creating a new massive underground retention tank, to insure zero sewage enters the Fox River.

The City of Aurora's plan estimates it will cost over $150 million, but that plan would have to be approved by the EPA.  At the same time, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District would be doing a similar plan and project that may cost over $200 million.

All costs would be paid by taxpayers, which could be as much as $1200 per year per household for the City of Aurora, if EPA estimates of potential impact are accurate.

In recent years, Aurora has been addressing aspects of its aging sewer system with separation projects that include creating pipes each for sewage and stormwater, but the EPA, as part of its clean water enforcement, wants the project to extend fully and insure zero sewage enters the river.

The city says the project would take a few years to construct.  The City of Aurora is one of several communities around the United States being required to do a similar project, so there does not appear to be any federal funding available at this time.  And, as we all know, the State of Illinois, is in a fiscal crisis.

Election 2010 US Senate Race of Illinois | Alexi Giannoulias Campaign Tries to Avoid Early Collapse As Family's Broadway Bank Gets Closer to Collapse...Democrats Were Warned and Should Have Elected David Hoffman as Nominee

You can take the following to the bank...Alexi Giannoulias is doing a public relations damage control blitz to confront what is likely coming soon...the collapse of his family's Broadway Bank, which can be traced to millions in bad loans Giannoulias oversaw before getting elected as Treasurer.

Some say if the bank collapses, Giannoulias would have a hard time getting elected as Illinois Treasurer, let alone U. S. Senator, but while all of this may be good news for Republican candidate Mark Kirk, the bigger question for Democrats should be...what were you thinking on February 5th?

The trouble ahead for Giannoulias and Broadway Bank were known to most while primary candidate David Hoffman articulated the concerns and role of Giannoulias in Broadway Bank's problems.  But, instead of electing the candidate known for integrity, Democrats elected Giannoulias and it appears they will have nobody to blame but themselves for allowing Giannoulias to squeak a win by Hoffman.

Many are encouraging David Hoffman to consider running for Mayor of Chicago.

Rod Blagojevich Wants to Be the Next Celebrity Apprentice | Coming Soon...

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's debut on Celebrity Apprentice starts March 14th.

For those who were quick to throw Blago under the Illinois political bus while everyone from King Richard Daley to Czar Mike Madigan continue to occupy their thrones, it appears Rod Blagojevich is not going to go down quietly as he insists he is innocent of the allegations against him.

Unlike 99% of the cases prosecuted in Northern Illinois by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office, the case against Blago may not be as clear.

What happens if Blago is not convicted?  Should he be able to seek public office again?

Task Force Pushes for Minorities and Unions to Have More Access and Tighten Control Over Who Gets to Bid for Aurora City Contracts

Do minorities or women-owned businesses have a disadvantage when it comes to bidding for city contracts in Aurora?

If you believe a task force, there appears to be a problem and they are encouraging various changes, procedures and "rules" to help certain minorities and union-backed businesses.

However, others say there is no problem that is specific to minorities or women.  As one business owner said:

"The city should take steps to make it easier, clearer and simpler for ANY business or individual to bid on city contracts or services, not just those that are African-American, Hispanic, women-owned or union-approved."

"Just like we shouldn't be discriminating against anyone due to race or ethnic background, we shouldn't think only minorities or women need a better process...what should be good for anyone should be good for everyone."

Sources say the task force has been floating ideas ranging from set-asides to creating a "diversity procurement officer" for the city to be paid a salary to find ways to work with minority contractors get bids.

"Why is this a racial issue in the first place?" said a business owner.  "Why aren't we focused on how to bring the best bids possible, regardless of who's who, so we get the bid that is in the best interest of taxpayers?"

Blago on Ethics

Who Actually Creates Jobs? Commentary By Peter Schiff

Peter Schiff is widely regarded as one of the most accurate financial analysts as he predicted much of the current economic crisis.  He is now running for U.S. Senate in Connecticut and was asked a question about job creation.

While many politicians pretend government has the answers on job creation, as illustrated by the unethical political lunch stunt held by wild spending Aurora Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, the truth is government is not the solution to job creation.

So, when you hear politicians talk about job creation, don't be fooled.

Illinois Senate Proposal to Repeal Red-Light Cameras Runs Into Yellow-Light Democrats Not Sure What To Do | Call and Urge Illinois Senators to Undo Red-Light Cameras

After a Illinois Senate committee hearing on State Sen. Dan Duffy's proposal to repeal red-light cameras, it's clear certain Illinois legislators realize there is overwhelming public opposition to the cameras, but they want to dilute the legislation so rules are "reformed" instead of eliminating the cameras.

We urge our viewers to contact your local state legislators, ask them to take a strong stand in support of Sen. Duffy's legislation to repeal red-light cameras in Illinois.

Illinois State Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Plainfield)

Tel 815-609-3711

Illinois State Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero)

Tel 217-782-5304

Senator Jim Bunning Objects to Wild Spending and Growing Deficits; Dick Durbin Says Spend Now, Ask Questions Later and Contradicts Obama Demand to Pay As You Go

Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning has been strongly objecting to the wild spending and growth of deficits, saying that further spending must be matched by revenue or spending cuts elsewhere instead of just adding to debt.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is among those leading effort to spend money now, ask questions later, under the logic that giving money away will help the economy.

However, President Barack Obama has been saying Congress should apply a "pay as you go" process where everything that is spent must be matched by taxdollars (see his weekly address below from February 2010).

So, which is it?  Let Congress continue to increase deficits or pay as you go?

Evan Lysacek's Top 10 Thoughts During Gold Medal Routine with David Letterman