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Seven times more jobs have been created during the Biden Administration than the last three Republican presidents combined. Yes, that is true.

️ 47 million out of 49 million jobs created since Ronald Reagan left office were created by Democrats.

‍‍‍ California has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and as a result has a 43% lower gun death rate than the rest of the U.S. according to data from the CDC.

Middle class families in California pay LESS in taxes than in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

‍❤️‍ Support for same-sex marriage is now at a record 71% high.

They do ban books in Florida.

Blue states have longer life expectancy, higher minimum wage and lower gun death rates.

⚡ ️The Biden Administration has overseen the highest margin of net energy export in American history.

Republicans across the country are fanning the flames of culture wars to distract from the fact that on health, wealth, and economic outcomes they are failing.

️ When Democrats go on OFFENSE, we WIN.

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Stellantis-UAW Contract gives new life to Belvidere Plant

‘We Saved Belvidere’: Tentative Deal With Stellantis Would Bring New Vehicle And Battery Plant Here

October 28, 2023 at 6:33 pm Kevin Haas

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United Auto Workers Local 1268, with several others still inside the building, pose for a photo on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, during a rally at the Belvidere Assembly Plant. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — The United Auto Workers have reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis that will bring a new vehicle to the Belvidere Assembly Plant and a new electric battery plant that will add more than 1,000 jobs.

That’s according to a video statement released Saturday evening from UAW President Shawn Fain and UAW Vice President Rich Boyer.

“UAW members across the country just showed the entire world the power workers have when they go on strike,” Fain said. “They told us for years that the electric vehicle transition was a death sentence for good auto jobs in this country. … With this agreement we’re proving them all wrong. We’re bringing back both combustion vehicle and battery jobs to Belvidere.”

Boyer said the vehicle would be a mid-sized truck built on two shifts. In addition, Stellantis will add 1,000 jobs at a new battery plant to be built in Belvidere.

“We saved Belvidere,” Boyer said. “From the strength of our stand-up strike, we will bring back thousands of jobs to Belvidere.”

The agreement still needs to be ratified by union members. The next step is a meeting in Detroit on Thursday for elected union leadership.

“It’s a great day in the Stateline,” said state Rep. Dave Vella, a Democrat from Loves Park who worked on the incentive package to encourage Stellantis to stay here. “All the consternation and fear is gone. Belvidere is coming back.”

The timeline for reopening wasn’t specified Saturday night, nor was the location for the battery plant. However, Boyer said local workers will be able to return home if they took other jobs with the company elsewhere.

“Under our contract, members from Belivdere who have been scattered across the country will have the right to return to Belivdere,” he said.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant was idled at the end of February, leading to more than 1,200 workers being laid off.

“I’ve been in constant contact with auto workers, Stellantis executives, UAW representatives, and the White House as the bargaining has unfolded, and I am delighted we are now on the verge of getting this done,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “I look forward to finalizing the state’s economic package and not only reopening the shuttered assembly plant in Belvidere to manufacture electric vehicles, but also co-locating a new battery production facility. This will be thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and a huge win for Illinois.”

The tentative contract also calls for an immediate 11% wage increase on ratification, Fain said. He said workers also won back pre-2009 cost of living adjustments, killed tiers and got three-year wage progression.

“We truly believe that we got every penny possible out of this company,” Fain said. “We left nothing on the table.”

The announcement comes on Day 44 of the strike against the Big 3 automakers.

“Our union is again victorious. We’ve achieved what just weeks ago we were told was impossible,” Fain said. “Over the 44 days we were on strike, Stellantis more than doubled the total value of the proposals they had on the table.”

In 2021, Illinois lawmakers passed the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act, which offered tax credits and other incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles, batteries and other EV components. The state also approved a $400 million fund to allow Illinois to close the deal to bring more electric vehicle production here.

“This is what I’ve been working with state and local leaders toward for two years — securing the plant’s future and saving the thousands of jobs that support families across Boone and Winnebago counties,” said state Sen. Steve Stadelman, who sponsored the law approved in 2021.

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This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

Boone County Clerk faces 100 year prison sentence if convicted

Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges

Story by Rockford Register Star •2h

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss after she was accused of stealing funds from the county for personal expenses.

Raoul's office filed a 26-count indictment against Bliss, 53, of Belvidere.

The indictment alleges that, while serving as county clerk and recorder, Bliss stole money from the county and used a Boone County credit card to pay for personal expenses, including purchasing groceries and tires for her personal vehicle and paying off personal debt.

“Elected officials have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly,” Raoul said in a news release. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf will use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves.”

Here's a look at the charges Bliss faces:

• One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property, each punishable by up to seven years in prison.
• One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property by deception, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property by deception, each punishable by up to seven years in prison.
• Five counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud, each punishable by up to five years in prison.

  Recommended video: Rockford man wanted on charges of burglary, forgery (WQRF Rockford)

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In addition, Bliss faces 13 counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct, each punishable by up to five years in prison. These misconduct charges are related to her alleged acts of theft and wire fraud.

Illinois State Police began investigating Bliss for her alleged misconduct in April 2023 after an employee with the county clerk's office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.

Bliss was placed on administrative leave last month.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges

Above is from:  Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges (msn.com)

Apollo Theatre Reopens

Apollo Theatre In Belvidere Begins New Chapter After Family ‘Put Their Heart And Soul’ Into Repairs

September 15, 2023 at 9:09 pm Updated: September 18th, 2023 at 9:44 am Kevin Haas

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By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — The Apollo Theatre began a new chapter on Friday, and it started with owner Maria Martinez delivering an emotional statement from the event space where the roof collapsed during a tornado more than five months ago.

“First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest condolences to everyone who was at the Apollo on night of the tornado,” Martinez said, pausing several times during her prepared remarks to gather her emotions. “I would like to ask that we pause and take a moment of silence for those who were injured, namely for Fred Livingston Jr. who tragically passed away during the disaster.”

Martinez and her family marked the relaunch of The Apollo Theatre, 104 N. State St., during a private event Friday night. On Saturday, the 101-year-old theater will host its first public event since an EF-1 tornado struck during a heavy metal concert March 31, injuring dozens and killing Livingston Jr. He was 50 years old.

Martinez said the work was paid for through insurance and personal funds.

“My entire family, especially my husband, Jesus, has put their heart and soul into cleaning, repairing, and restoring this beautiful historical building so that our community may continue enjoying events and celebrations here for a long time,” she said.

Her speech was met with a standing ovation from family, friends and supporters gathered at the theater Friday while she stepped away to tearfully embrace her family.

“Maria and her family has put not only their personal resources to it, but they put their heart and soul. This is part of their community and their life,” said Pamela Lopez-Fettes, executive director of Growth Dimensions. “This is not a venue that she looks to make a lot of money on. … She does this because this is where her heart is, and this is what she wants to do for her community.”

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The reopening came after the family quietly worked on the building for months. They haven’t conducted interviews or offered many public statements, likely to be careful with their words after several lawsuits have been filed by people injured in the collapse.

For people at Friday’s event, the work spoke for itself.

“They changed the colors. They’ve brightened it up a bit,” Lopez-Fettes said. “They’ve improved the overall atmosphere.”

There was also some character added to the second-story archways that flank both sides of the space above the stage. Jesus Martinez crafted decorative doors that covered some of the damage in a way that fit into the existing archway.

State Sen. Steve Stadelman, a Democrat from Loves Park, said that when he saw the facility the day after the storm, there was speculation that too much damage had been done and it could be torn down.

“It’s incredible. As someone who was here the day after the tornado moved through, and saw what this place looked like to where it’s at now,” Stadelman said. “I never would’ve believed that several months later they’d be holding a gathering here tonight and entertainment will soon be here again.”

The first public event is a free musical celebration Saturday coinciding with Mexican Independence Day. There are four bands and a DJ, and the event begins at 8 p.m. There are also concerts on the schedule for Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.

“When news of the tornado broke there were messages of concern from all over the country, probably all over the world as well,” Stadelman said. “You had people in Texas, California, other parts of the world that expressed their sympathies and were concerned about the future of this building. That’s the type of attraction it’s become in this region.”

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Full statement

Here is the full statement Maria Martinez delivered during Friday’s private event.

“First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest condolences to everyone who was at the Apollo on night of the tornado. I would like to ask that we pause and take a moment of silence for those who were injured, namely for Fred Livingston Jr. who tragically passed away during the disaster.

“My entire family, especially my husband, Jesus, has put their heart and soul into cleaning, repairing, and restoring this beautiful Historical building so that our community may continue enjoying events and celebrations here for a long time!

“Thanks to Country Financial insurance we were able to quickly begin the long process of restoring the Apollo. Unfortunately, there have been no disaster relief funds available from the state or federal level. The remaining work was completed using personal funds and made possible thanks to the work done by my family and friends. I thank the community and the city of Belvidere for helping to facilitate these efforts.”

 

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This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

See the photos from this article by going to original at:  https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2023/09/15/apollo-theatre-in-belvidere-begins-new-chapter-after-family-put-their-heart-and-soul-into-repairs/

Day 1 Without Cash Bail

Day 1 Without Cash Bail: 27 Cases Heard, Including One Involving The Shooting Death Of A 10-Year-Old

September 18, 2023 at 10:31 pm Updated: September 19th, 2023 at 3:32 pm Kevin Haas

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By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Charges against a South Beloit man who police say left weapons unattended, leading to the death of a 10-year-old boy, were among the first that forced a judge to decide whether the defendant deserved to remain in jail while awaiting trial under the state’s new pretrial laws.

State’s Attorney J. Hanley argued that Jose Sandovaltenorio, a 30-year-old man who was charged with possession of weapons without a FOID card and child endangerment, should be held in jail before trial because he poses a potential danger to children and family members at home.

The defense countered that the fatal shooting was “an absolute tragedy,” but that there are no facts to suggest Sandovaltenorio would be a continued danger if released from jail given he has no criminal history, has lived in the area for more than a dozen years and is employed here.

The argument played out in a second-floor courtroom of the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center on Monday during a closely watched first day under the Pretrial Fairness Act in Illinois.

Sandovaltenorio’s case was among 27 called on the first day of the new initial appearance court, which replaces bond court after Illinois became the first state in the nation to end cash bail. His was among the first five cases called on Monday, and the second where prosecutors petitioned the court for the defendant to be held before trial.

Hanley told Judge Scott Paccagnini that Sandovaltenorio had two pistols and ammunition under a board in his bedroom. He and his wife had left two children, ages 9 and 10, alone at home while they went out to a festival in Beloit.

There were several realistic toy guns near the real guns, and it was easy to remove the board, Hanley said.

Under the old system, the judge would have set a bond and Sandovltenorio would have been released if he could post that amount — likely a couple thousand to a few thousand dollars given the charges.

In the new system, he could only be detained if he’s considered a danger to the public or at risk of fleeing before trial.

Paccagnini ultimately decided that while the shooting was tragic, it did not meet the standards for Sandovltenorio to be held in jail. He was released with the condition that he possesses no weapons. He’s due back in court Oct. 17.

Tracking Day 1

While the Rock River Current typically does not focus on crime or court proceedings, we observed the first day of initial appearance court in order to provide an understanding and a glimpse of how the new law is taking hold.

There were nine cases where prosecutors sought to detain the defendant before trial, the majority of which stemmed from domestic violence charges. Two of those cases were continued for hearings Tuesday morning after the first-day court call continued from 1:30 p.m. into the six o’clock hour.

In five cases, the judge denied the state’s motion to detain the defendant in jail. Paccagnini granted two motions to jail the defendant before trial, and both cases centered around domestic violence with a high risk-assessment score from pretrial services.

In four other cases, prosecutors moved to revoke a previously posted bond and detain the defendant in jail. Those cases are slated to be heard Tuesday morning.

The majority of the other 14 cases were not detainable offenses under the new law, including driving under the influence charges and Class B and C misdemeanors and petty offenses.

Zimmerman, the public defender, had argued in court that it is unconstitutional for defendants to be held in jail on probational offenses, such as Class A misdemeanors. Paccagnini ruled against that motion, but it could be appealed in the coming weeks.

“While feeling some uneasiness about the first day of initial appearance court, it generally went as expected and without any real surprises,” Hanley said. “The constitutionality question raised by defendants — particularly those charged with Class A misdemeanor domestic cases — will be revolved via appeal in the upcoming weeks, but that could have a significant impact on our ability to detain those charged with misdemeanor domestic cases.”

 

The courtroom was also filled Monday with volunteer court watchers, including local clergy and members of the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice.

That group rallied outside the courthouse on Monday before about 10 or so sat through portions or all of the first day of initial appearance court. They’ve argued that the new system restores the presumption of innocence and it’s more equitable because people won’t be held in jail simply because they can’t afford bail.

“We can do better than locking people up because they can’t pay their bills,” said the Rev. Matthew Johnson, senior minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford. “The influence of money in our system has eaten away at our ideals. What we’re doing today is bringing us back to a sense of putting people’s humanity here in the system.”

State Rep. Maurice West, who supported the passage of the law in Springfield, said that critics will look to blame the end of cash bail on any public safety issues in the state.

“Remember that monumental change is often met with push back, both good and bad,” West said. “I ask that each of us utilize the power that we all possess to decipher between the two.”

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This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

Above is from https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2023/09/18/day-1-without-cash-bail-27-cases-heard-including-one-involving-the-shooting-death-of-a-10-year-old/

Boone County Clerk now on administrative leave

Rockford Register Star

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Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges

Story by Rockford Register Star •5h

The Boone County Clerk's office will host a coin flip Friday afternoon to determine the winner of the primary election for Alderman of Ward 2.© PHOTO PROVIDED

A Boone County official has been placed on administrative leave after she allegedly stole from the government.

Julie Bliss, the county clerk and recorder, was charged with theft of government property and official misconduct last month.

More: Rockford-area official arrested, charged with theft of government property

An investigation into Bliss began in April 2023 after an employee with the county clerk's office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.

Related video: Illinois county clerk arrested, charged with theft of government property (WQRF Rockford)

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Bliss was arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The county has hired Sikich, LLP, an accounting firm, to assist the Illinois State Police in the investigation.

Bliss entered an agreement with the county on Sept. 5 to go on administrative leave.**

Theft of government property is a Class 2 felony while official misconduct is a Class 3 felony. Bliss faces up to 12 years in prison on the charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges

Above is from:  Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges (msn.com)

** BASEDS ON CHANNEL 13 NEWS this is paid administrative leave.

No Bail is almost here

Rockford Register Star

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The end of cash bail is coming. Here's how Rockford area court systems are preparing.

Story by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star •11h

The Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center is located at 650 W. State St. in Rockford.© MAX GERSH/ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR FILE

With a Sept. 18 deadline looming, the criminal justice system in the Rockford region and across Illinois is racing to prepare for the end of cash bail.

Illinois is the first state to legislate the elimination of cash bail as part of the Pretrial Fairness Act, upending a fundamental process of criminal courts and replacing it with something entirely new.

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The change means no more bond court. Instead, in Winnebago County there will be a courtroom reserved full time mornings and afternoons for initial court appearances and pretrial detention hearings. Similar measures are being made in Boone County where courts are adding a Monday morning court call for anyone arrested and held over the weekend.

There are other court calls being reserved for people cited with a "notice to appear," something that will become more common as more offenses aren't considered detainable.

Winnebago County Court Administrator Tom Jakeway said the result is that criminal courts and law enforcement are being forced to change how they operate.

"Come Sept. 18 we are still flying a plane, but the cockpit controls and preflight checklists are all different," Jakeway said. "The pilot and flight crew have new procedures to follow."

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More: Constitutional! Illinois Supreme Court's SAFE-T Act ruling ends cash bail for state

Big change coming

Money bonds will no longer be used to make sure defendants return to court for trial and hearings, a practice criminal justice reform advocates argued penalized anyone who couldn't afford bail. Instead, only those defendants arrested for detainable offenses including Class 3 felonies and above can be held in jail until trial.

Those accused of violent crimes, sex assaults, gun crimes and domestic battery among others are also considered detainable in jail before a trial. But to deny a defendant pretrial release, prosecutors must within 48 hours of their arrest show by clear and convincing evidence a defendant is a flight risk or a danger to specific people or the community.

Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley said the new law will take plenty of adjustment both in terms of staffing and approach.

In some cases, police will be asked to serve warrants, but instead of making an arrest they will issue a notice to appear in court. In other cases, they will have discretion on whether to issue a citation or make an arrest.

"That's a big change for law enforcement," Hanley said.

'That's frustrating'

There are also what Hanley said are frustrating aspects to the law.

Hanley said judges should have been given wider discretion over pretrial release.

"DUI is a non-detainable offense unless you pick up a second DUI while on pretrial release," Hanley said. "That’s frustrating to me. As we have been doing bond court, I am like 'how the heck can we not argue this person is a danger to the community?' This person has two or three prior DUIs. That to me is a hole in the law in that they have removed the judge’s discretion to detain someone pretrial in certain circumstances."

If a defendant is charged with injuring or killing someone while driving under the influence, they can be detained, Hanley said, but only if shown to be a danger to the community or a flight risk.

'Going to be a learning curve'

Although the new law will place a strain on his office because it will require more personnel, Winnebago County Public Defender Nick Zimmerman said he supports the changes.

"Right now, a person who could be the most violent person on Earth is charged with a crime and bond is set at $100,000, they can post that $10,000 and be released because they have money," Zimmerman said. "On the flip side, you can have someone who is not violent, but poor and is charged with something relatively minor, but doesn't have 100 bucks to get out. So they sit in custody even though they aren't violent. They are just poor."

It will mean plenty of changes for public defenders, Zimmerman said.

Public defenders usually meet their clients for the first time when they show up in bond court.

But the new rules means preparing an argument on why clients are not a flight risk or public safety danger.

Public defenders assigned to pretrial courts are going to spend much of their mornings meeting with those who were arrested the night before to get ready for a 1:30 p.m. first appearance and detention hearing.

"We hope the plan we have figured out will work and if it doesn’t, we will make adjustments as we go," Zimmerman said. "It's going to be a learning curve."

More: Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act on hold, but 'court watching' in full effect

Safety paramount

Boone County State's Attorney Tricia Smith said it's unclear how the new law will impact public safety. But she said the new system will upset work schedules and strain already short-handed staffs.

"Our main concern is public safety and the safety of victims," Smith said. "This is a new approach, and only time will tell whether we are able to maintain that safety."

Some prosecutors may have to rotate working Sundays or get a very early morning start to prepare for Monday morning detention hearings, Smith said.

"We are getting communications from the jail early in the morning — 4:30 or 5 o'clock in the morning. They are sending out emails so we can prepare for what the day is going to look like depending on what happened during the overnight hours," Smith said. "Because it's all new, we are going to see how it works for a few months and then make decisions."

Jeff Kolkey can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on Twitter @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: The end of cash bail is coming. Here's how Rockford area court systems are preparing.

Above is from:  The end of cash bail is coming. Here's how Rockford area court systems are preparing. (msn.com)