Wal-Mart Backs Drive to Make Companies Pay for Health Coverage - WSJ.com

 

The support of Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, could give momentum to one of the most-contentious aspects of legislation taking shape in Congress to fix the health system.

Wal-Mart now supports requiring employers to provide health insurance to employees.

employers provide insurance for workers or help pay for it.

As a company, we believe the present health-care system is unsustainable and making the country's businesses less competitive in the global economy

 

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Wal-Mart Backs Drive to Make Companies Pay for Health Coverage - WSJ.com

GOP fortunes rise in state's fiscal crisis - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

June 1, when new legislative rules kicked in. Now, it will take a three-fifths vote, rather than a simple majority, to pass a budget. Democrats can no longer do it alone.

Republicans refuse to talk taxes until getting concrete action on pensions and health care

“Before we look at an income-tax increase, we ought to reduce the spending and get rid of waste of bureaucracy. One example is Medicaid; we should go to managed care. That could save a tremendous amount of money. This is a golden opportunity to downsize government and to clean up things.”
Rep. Ron Wait of Belvidere

GOP fortunes rise in state's fiscal crisis - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

House advances pension borrowing plan - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

House voted 101-7 today for Senate Bill 415, which frees up more than $2.2 billion in state money by borrowing against pension payments

state will cut the more than $4 billion payment it was supposed to make next year by about in half through borrowing money, then will pay off that borrowed money over five years. The freed-up cash would then be used to reduce major cuts facing social service providers

House advances pension borrowing plan - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

House removes hold on capital bills, adjourns - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

A long-sought capital construction program is finally headed to the governor's desk, a month after lawmakers approved

House removes hold on capital bills, adjourns - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

Fiat 500 may be built in Belvidere - - BusinessRockford.com

 

The cars will be badged as Fiats and are expected in showrooms by 2011.

Fiat 500 may be built in Belvidere - - BusinessRockford.com

DeKalb County unemployment tops 10 percent | Daily Chronicle

Mr Kevin wrote on June 25, 2009 7:32 p.m.

"10.6 percent on unemployment, how many more are out of work and their benefits have run out? How many more are working part time just to try and get by? How many are working at a lesser job because it is all they can find? A person who used to make 15 per hour, got laid off and is now making 9 is employed, but I would argue they count. So what percentage are we at? I would put it at 18-20%. We are in trouble because 9 dollar per hour jobs do nothing. We need higher paying jobs

DeKalb County unemployment tops 10 percent | Daily Chronicle

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Taxpayers group to hold meetings

BCTA will be holding a steering committee meeting Tuesday, June 30 at the IDA Public Library from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and everyone is invited and welcome to attend.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Taxpayers group to hold meetings

Budget cuts threaten RMTD Belvidere plans - - BusinessRockford.com

 

news release they fear they’ll have less operating money after lawmakers take steps to balance the state budget in the coming weeks. Cuts could delay Belvidere service and threaten other routes.

Budget cuts threaten RMTD Belvidere plans - - BusinessRockford.com

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone County board vetoes candidate in controversial vote

Here is the Belvidere Republican’s take on the Mace Appointment controversy. 

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone County board vetoes candidate in controversial vote

Boone County seeks bids on 36 acres of land for development

The following bid notification has recently been publish on the Boone County Government web site:  http://www.boonecountyil.org/  The property is at Illinois Rte 76 and Woodstock Roads, an area immediately adjacent to the southern boundary of Poplar Grove.

As of yet I have seen no advertizing of the property in the papers.  If someone see it,  please advise me.

 

Chrysler’s Belvidere crew officially employed by Fiat - - BusinessRockford.com

 

The Boone County recorder’s office recorded a sale June 12 of the 280 acres at 3000 W. Chrysler Drive in Belvidere from Chrysler LLC to New CarCo Acquisition LLC for $45.4 million

Chrysler’s Belvidere crew officially employed by Fiat - - BusinessRockford.com

Rockford seeks $2M in concessions from fire, police unions - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The slumping economy is fueling much of the city’s budget woes. Sales, use, income and other “elastic” taxes that swing up or down with the economy are expected to miss the mark this year by $2.2 million, or 4.2 percent of general fund revenues

police and fire unions to help close a $2 million budget gap.
“The exempt employees have taken furlough days and been subject to other cuts,”

Rockford seeks $2M in concessions from fire, police unions - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Northwest Herald | County, Chemtool near deal

The savior of employment for Boone County continues negotiations with McHenry County States Attorney Office.

County prosecutors are working with Chemtool outside of court to get the rural Crystal Lake manufacturer to cease sewage and chemical spills.

The county’s lawsuit asks for Chemtool to pay $500 and $750 a day for each day it has continued to violate county health and stormwater ordinances. The lawsuit also asks for a fine of $500 for every week it occupies the building without the permit.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Northwest Herald | County, Chemtool near deal

UAW sues Boone state's attorney - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The United Auto Workers filed three unfair-labor practice suits against Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier this week alleging that she fired a former employee for political reasons, among other alleged infractions.

UAW sues Boone state's attorney - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Sunlight Foundation Blog: Criticizes Baker-Dole-Daschle Plan for Health REFORM

 

The actual reform proposal is available at: http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/10782  The major point of criticism is that the law/lobbying firm which Dole-Daschle work for receives half of its revenue from medical corporations.

 

Today, former senators Tom Daschle and Bob Dole released a plan for health care reform that is being hailed a bipartisan way forward. Headlines blare about the Daschle/Dole plan for health care. But were these two to not have had illustrious careers in the Senate, the headlines would tell a far different story: “Health Care Lobbyists Release Health Care Plan.”

Both Daschle and Dole work for a major Washington, DC lobbying firm, Alston & Bird. Many of Alston & Bird’s major clients are from the health care sector including the American Hospital Association, HealthSouth Corp, and pharmaceutical companies Abbott Laboratories, Bayer, Celgene, and Mylan Laboratories. In total, Alston & Bird is currently representing 31 clients from the health care sector. Of the $2,730,000 reported income received from clients, nearly 50% of that, $1,070,000, comes from these 31 health care clients.

This looks like another benefit of the revolving door. You can release a legislative proposal from outside of Congress and the first thing anyone thinks of is your previous job and not your current one.

The following 31 companies and organizations are listed as health care sector clients of Alston & Bird:

Abbott Laboratories
$30,000.00

Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care
$40,000.00

American Assn of Nurse
Anesthetists
$30,000.00

American Clinical Laboratory Assn
$10,000.00

American College of
Gastroenterology
$50,000.00

American Hospital Assn
$20,000.00

American Orthotic & Prosthetic
Assn
$30,000.00

Anthem Inc
$0.00

Bayer AG
$30,000.00

Celgene
Corp
$90,000.00

Cltn of Full Service Community Hospitals
$40,000.00

Covenant Health System
>$10,000.00

CSL Behring
$30,000.00

CVS/Caremark Corp
$20,000.00

Endo
Pharmaceuticals
$0.00

Fresenius Medical Care
$40,000.00

Fundamental Health
>$0.00

Generic Pharmaceutical Assn
$50,000.00

Giner Inc
$20,000.00

Health
Management Assoc
$30,000.00

HealthSouth Corp
$110,000.00

Humana Inc
$0.00

Kidney Care Council
$90,000.00

Lifescan
$30,000.00

Mylan Laboratories
>$50,000.00

National Assn for Home Care
$50,000.00

National Assn of Behavioral Health
>$20,000.00

Roche Group
$30,000.00

Roho Group
$50,000.00

Tennessee
Hospital Assn
$20,000.00

Vision Service Plan
$50,000.00

Click on the following to read the rest of the story:  Sunlight Foundation Blog

Health Care Reform’s Moment Arrives — Again - NYTimes.com

 

Any package that emerges will preserve the country’s private insurance system, at least for now. But it could nonetheless bring sweeping changes, requiring that everyone be insured, creating a government health plan to compete with commercial carriers, and perhaps taxing employer-provided health benefits.

the influential Finance Committee — delayed the release of its proposal until after the Fourth of July because of emerging concerns about its cost. In the House, hearings on a draft proposal are scheduled for next week.

Health Care Reform’s Moment Arrives — Again - NYTimes.com

Unpaid furlough no longer needed for Chrysler salaried workers | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

 

About 10,000 salaried Chrysler workers no longer face the threat of taking a two-week unpaid furlough this summer because the company’s expenses throughout its 41-day Chapter 11 bankruptcy were less than anticipated.

Unpaid furlough no longer needed for Chrysler salaried workers | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Belvidere to stay closed as 7 Chrysler plants reopen - - BusinessRockford.com

The update from this morning maybe saying that the status of Belvidere plant is still be up in the air.

All Chrysler plants will be on summer shutdown the weeks of July 13 and 20; Gates said more information will be available afterward on Belvidere’s production status.

Click on the following to read the entire story:  Belvidere to stay closed as 7 Chrysler plants reopen - - BusinessRockford.com

Northwest Herald | County gets $45.8M in bonding power

So what are the elected officials in Boone County or Growth Dimensions doing regarding this “recovery program” ?

All 102 Illinois counties and eight cities divided up $1.67 billion in federal bonding power. McHenry County received the sixth largest chunk, behind Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties, according to IRS figures. Cities and counties nationwide have until Dec. 31, 2010, to issue the bonds.

The Internal Revenue Service informed [McHenry] county last week that it could issue up to $18.3 million for government projects and $27.5 million for private projects. The bonds can be used for capital projects or equipment purchases, Munaretto said.

Click on the following for more details:  Northwest Herald | County gets $45.8M in bonding power

Daily Herald | Push begins to extended tax incentives to all home buyers

This maybe the answer to the current housing crisis. 

later this year, you can bank on it: There will be a significant push to extend the housing tax credit - and maybe even open it up to everybody.

Click  on the following for the rest of the story:  Daily Herald | Push begins to extended tax incentives to all home buyers

Illinois suspends funerals for poor :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Lifestyles

Illinois is one of a handful of states that offers funding for funerals for the indigent

Illinois pays about $15 million a year for about 10,000 funerals for the poor.

That money -- $1,103 that goes to the funeral home, $552 for the cemetery -- can make the difference between a modest service and a burial in a potter's field,….A funeral home makes "maybe 50 bucks" on these burials,  "by the time you pay the transportation to pick up the body, transportation out to the cemetery, the embalming, plus the casket."

payment for funerals held after July 1 will be pushed to the budget year that begins July 1, 2010.

Funeral directors predicted bodies will begin piling up at medical examiner's offices.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Illinois suspends funerals for poor :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Lifestyles

Illinois lawmakers likely back next week to re-think tax hike | Political Fix | STLtoday

 

Quinn’s office is still being coy about whether he will officially call them back next week — though, again, it’s difficult to see how he won’t, given the looming July 1 start of the new fiscal year

Scuttlebutt all over Springfield today is that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will call state legislators back to town next week to take one more attempt at passing his proposed state income tax to address a massive budget deficit.

Illinois lawmakers likely back next week to re-think tax hike | Political Fix | STLtoday

Northwest Herald | Local agencies bracing for cuts

Some of the cuts anticipated in social services in McHenry County.

On July 1, the Illinois Federation of Families might have to close its doors. And the Pioneer Center for Human Services might have to stop serving about 300 clients.

The state Department of Human Services, one agency that funds the agencies, faces $2.24 billion in cuts.

Northwest Herald | Local agencies bracing for cuts

Hope and experience -- chicagotribune.com

It is obvious that the fight regarding changing health care is going to be long and hard.  Read where the Tribune currently stands on the issue.

 

a government-run health plan? Experience says that cure would be worse than the illness.

As many as 119 million of the 172 million Americans who are privately insured would switch from private to public coverage if the public plan were similar to Medicare

Hope and experience -- chicagotribune.com

Northwest Herald | 10,000 state employees could lose jobs

That's the number Gov. Pat Quinn's administration is talking about as officials try to pressure lawmakers to pass an income tax increase to prevent billions of dollars in service cuts.

Northwest Herald | 10,000 state employees could lose jobs

In Mexican City, Drug War Ills Slip Into Shadows - Series - NYTimes.com

a brutal, long-running turf war between rival cartels came to an end when one side, the Gulf Cartel, came out on top. The added presence of government troops made it harder for the rival Sinaloa Cartel to continue its quest to take over

Organized crime has gone underground in Nuevo Laredo, still feared, still thriving, but no longer in charge.

Read the whole story by clicking on the following:  In Mexican City, Drug War Ills Slip Into Shadows - Series - NYTimes.com

Daily Herald | Stimulus cash for Wauconda water work

 

the funds come in the form of a 20-year loan to be repaid at no interest. One quarter of the amount will be forgiven by state and federal authorities, meaning it will not have to be repaid.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Daily Herald | Stimulus cash for Wauconda water work

The Healthcare War is Now Official

The following is from Robert Reich’s Blog at:  http://www.robertreich.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Healthcare War is Now Official

Yesterday the American Medical Association came out against a public option for health care. And yesterday the President reaffirmed his support for it. The next weeks will show what Obama is made of -- whether he's willing and able to take on the most formidable lobbying coalition he has faced so far on an issue that will define his presidency.
And make no mistake: A public option large enough to have bargaining leverage to drive down drug prices and private-insurance premiums is the defining issue of universal health care. It's the only way to make health care affordable. It's the only way to prevent Medicare and Medicaid from eating up future federal budgets. An ersatz public option -- whether Kent Conrad's non-profit cooperatives, Olympia Snowe's "trigger," or regulated state-run plans -- won't do squat.
The last president to successfully take on the giant health care lobbies was LBJ. He got Medicare and Medicaid enacted because he weighed into the details, twisted congressional arms, threatened and cajoled, drew lines in the sand, and went to war against the AMA and the other giant lobbyists standing in the way. The question now is how much LBJ is in Barack Obama.
The big guns are out and they're firing. All major lobbying firms in Washington -- many of them brimming with ex-members of Congress -- are now crawling all over the Hill. Lots of money is on the table. AMA's political action committee has contributed $9.8 million to congressional candidates since 2000, and its lobbying arm is one of the most formidable on the Hill. Meanwhile, Big Insurance and Big Pharma are increasing their firepower. The five largest private insurers and their trade group America's Health Insurance Plans spent a total of $6.4 million on lobbying in the first quarter of this year, up more than $1 million from the first quarter last year, and are spending even more now. United Health Group spent $1.5 million in the first quarter, up 34 percent from the $1.1 million it spent in the first quarter last year. Aetna spent $809,793 between January and the end of March, up 41 percent from last year. Pfizer, the world's biggest drugmaker, spent more than $6.1 million on lobbying between January and March, more than double what it spent last year. It also spent nearly $3.3 million lobbying in the fourth quarter of 2008. Every one of them is upping their spending.
Some congressional Democrats are willing and able to stand up to this barrage. Many are not. They need cover from the White House.
The President can't do this alone. You must weigh in and get everyone you know to weigh in, too. Bombard your senators and representatives. Organize and mobilize others. And let the White House know how strongly you feel. This is one of those battles that define a presidency. But more importantly, it's one of those battles that define the state of American democracy.

Boone County Journal: Possible County Investigation of Ethics Violations

The following is taken from Page 1 and 3 of the June 12, 2009, Boone County Journal and is available on line at:  http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/

Possible County
Investigation of
Ethics Violations
By Rebecca Osterberg
Health and Human Services Committee members
redressed the issue of a possible ethics violation by certain
members of the Boone County Board of Public Health
during recent job interviews, at their regular June meeting.
The interviews in question were conducted by officials
of the board of health, during the selection process in
an attempt to find a new director for the Boone County
Department of Public Health.
Boone County Board Representative Kenny Freeman
(District 3) asked about filing a report with the county’s
Ethics Committee to investigate a possible violation.
According to receipts obtained from the BCBPH,
interviews conducted at a Rockford restaurant included
several meals accompanied by numerous alcoholic
beverages. That information, along with other practices
employed for the eventual hiring of Stephanie Seaworth,
RN, who was later determined by rules of the State of
Illinois Department of Public Health to be unqualified, led
to an inquiry by county officials in committee and at the
board level.
As a result of negligence concerning qualifications
and certifications needed to hold the job, the BCBPH was
advised by state officials to hire a mentor for Seaworth,
who, after being tenured as assistant administrator for the
Boone County Department of Public Health for two years,
could be hired as administrator.
At last month’s meeting of the committee, Boone County
Board Representative Cathy Ward (District 2) offered
BCBPH Chairman Allen Sisson an opportunity to respond
to public comment demanding an explanation of spending
approximately $600 for the food and beverage tab.
“The members of the county board of health are not
employees of the county,” said Sisson. “We supply a load
of wealth and experience. There was a certain amount of
alcohol purchased. We were bringing the corporate setting
into play. In no way shape or form were we trying to slight
anyone in the county. We will be discussing this but not
publicly, but we will discuss it internally first.”
County Representative Pat Mattison (District 3)
responded to the explanation. “It’s not a matter of money or
who’s in charge,” Mattison said. “It’s a matter of, if one can
do it so can others.”
“We are not employees of the county,” said Sisson. “I
think there is truly a distinction there. We are volunteers.”
During the June meeting County Representative
Freeman asked if the health department has a policy about
the [consumption of] alcohol. “If not, does the county have
any policy?” asked Freeman.
Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni replied
that “the county policy is absolutely no alcohol.” He also
explained that anyone can file an ethics violation report. “I
think to clear the air...this committee needs to address it,”
said Terrinoni. “Then whatever is is.”
“I don’t want to see it happen again,” said County Board
Representative Peggy Malone (District 3).
Mattison shared his concern that a member of the
BCBPH is also a member of the county’s Ethics Committee.
Terrinoni explained that the individual on that committee
was not one of those involved in the interviews.
County Representative Anthony Dini (District 2) said,
“Your complaint would be about the individuals, not the
board of health.”
Terrinoni agreed that was an excellent point and
suggested the committee see a written complaint before
When Enough is too Much
It seems that almost every day, a new crisis is disclosed
asking if a state, a county or a municipality can meet
payroll, manage a deficit or provide governance. Some
municipalities have filed for bankruptcy protection
and some states might need to be managed by a federal
government bailout.
Vallejo, Calif., filed for federal bankruptcy protection
because, according to the mayor, the city supports three
police departments. The first force is patrolling the
streets, the second lives on disability, and the third lives
in retirement.
The delicate balance needed to satisfy public service
needs, the collection of sufficient tax revenue, and the
ability to provide an increase in public salaries is difficult
when revenue streams are uncertain. This community,
this state and this nation stand at this point as negotiators
represent workers seeking rewards that reflect what
had previously been provided to other public employee
groups. No one asks what to do if the municipality cannot
afford the salary increase. The answer is to file for federal
bankruptcy protection.
Most government work builds upon prior precedent
and moves forward in response to future projections. Such
is the case with labor negotiations; an agreement that was
previously accepted forms the basis for what will come
ahead. This is what is occurring now for Belvidere, Boone
County and both school districts with no taxing body able
to afford what lies ahead.
Many municipalities have reached a point beyond
which they can go. As we moved into the 21st Century,
many corporations divested entitlement plans because
these are unsustainable. States and municipalities are the
next groups that will divest these obligations. The problem
is the plethora of “Baby Boomers” reaching retirement age
when they will ask for what has been promised to them for
decades.
However, with the entitlements and the expanding
governmental services from the 1970s and 1980s, we
also have municipal salaries that continue to rise even
though revenues have diminished under reduced income
tax collections and diminished sales tax revenue resulting
from the recession and lost jobs.
This is a “perfect storm” that has been decades in the
making.
The old policy with inflation at 3 to 4 percent every year
led to salaries increasing at a similar rate. Municipalities
watched revenue streams increase that provided for
workers to win ever-higher contracts. However, this all
must change.
In the private sector, salaries do not now escalate at the
same rate as in municipalities because municipalities can
raise taxes but corporations cannot. Therefore, because of
the uninterrupted stream of revenues that municipalities
enjoy, negotiators build upon prior agreements to escalate
salaries ever higher.
In this community the recently arbitrated labor contract
for county sheriff’s deputies and sergeants will form
the basis of all future municipal salary negotiations. In
addition to the three-percent-plus salary increases, there
was also a cumulative impact from prior agreements still
in effect that advanced three-to-five percent and higher
salary increases.
One area of concern is that District #100 is projecting
a deficit in the next school year while negotiating a new
teachers’ union contract. Belvidere had to shift revenue
from the Utility Tax Fund to pay for street worker salaries
and avoid a deficit in Fiscal 2009. Boone County is under
a hiring freeze and trying to pay increased salaries for
deputies and sergeants and that does not include another
similar salary increase likely for dispatchers. And, there
are more waiting to negotiate their ever-escalating piece
of the public pie.
We (The Journal) have suggested that salary
increases must be tied to the Consumer Price Index.
Public tax increases are tied to the CPI under tax caps and
taxing bodies may not increase taxation beyond either 5
percent annually or the CPI, whichever is the lowest. It
is estimated that the CPI in 2009 will reach .01 percent.
That means taxes to community taxing bodies may not
increase by more than .01 percent. Yet, sheriff’s deputies
and sergeants in Boone County will realize a cumulative
salary increase of 5 percent.
Municipal negotiators must be clear that they have
a reduced ability to raise revenue and cannot afford
significant salary increases. Further, negotiators
representing workers must narrow their vision of what
is a “reasonable” salary increase, within the context of
restrictions on a municipality to raise taxes by a mere .01
percent in this current year.
Sanity must enter into the negotiation process but,
remember, in the arbitrated settlement between deputies
and Boone County, the county proposal was accepted
and not the counter offer from the deputies. That means
that the county offer of 3.5 percent and 3 percent for the
following years was accepted and the demand from the
union of 4.5, 4.25 and 4 percent was not accepted.
Negotiators representing local municipalities must
argue that, because the body is restricted by the CPI,
so should employee salaries be. A salary increase of 1
percent or less above the CPI seems appropriate when the
municipality will be restricted to a .01 percent increase in
taxation.
This idea will probably be laughed at by labor
negotiators but uncontrolled salary and employee benefits
are what many have criticized about excessive executive
pay. Now the federal government is seeking a mechanism
to manage and control executive compensation. If
executive compensation can be restricted, why should
employees be exempt?

Ethics Committee, for a
thorough review.
The consensus of
committee members was to
have the complaint ready
by the next meeting of the
Health and Human Services
Committee. In a voice vote
on the matter, Dini voted
against the issuance

Northwest Herald | Invasive creatures spread to Fox River, Chain O’ Lakes

 

T 

The mussels can be hard to remove from boats or equipment, usually requiring a high-pressure wash or even a manual scraping to get them off.  One way to prevent their spread is for boaters to clean out their watercraft and let them dry for five days when transferring between bodies of water

Zebra mussels, which are spreading throughout the Chain O’ Lakes and the Fox River,

Northwest Herald | Invasive creatures spread to Fox River, Chain O’ Lakes

Northwest Herald | Recovery bonds clear committee hurdle

I don’t know if this is a good or bad program—but where is Boone County’s application for this part of the Recovery Act?

The new bonds authorized in the massive $789 billion American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will allow the county to issue bonds for capital projects for itself and the county’s municipalities, or economic development facility bonds for businesses that want to locate in the county or expand.

But the county first must designate itself as a “recovery zone” to be allowed to allocate the funds, said chairman Marc Munaretto, R-Algonquin.

Investors are entitled to receive a 45 percent refund of the federal taxes payable on them

Internal Revenue Service still is working out the formula to determine how much each recovery zone will get

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Northwest Herald | Recovery bonds clear committee hurdle

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone health department funds down; animal bites on the rise

This may be the “real news” in the article—a County Board sub-committee is researching whether the reimbursement of alcoholic beverages by the Board of Health may have violated  county policy.

“The committee also addressed that some members [of the Board of Health] went to Giovanni’s and submitted a request for reimbursement and were paid back.

The committee felt since this meal included alcoholic beverages, this reimbursement is a violation of policy and the parties involved should be disciplined. The committee looked for direction from Terrinoni on how to word a formal ethics complaint.

The committee agreed to look into the process and finalize its complaint next meeting. It was also brought up that the ethics board consists of three people, but at this time there are only two members and one opening.

This, in itself is not a problem, because two members make a quorum. However, one of the two members on this board is also on the Board of Health, which is the body that the complaint will be directed toward….They asked Terrinoni if he could ask for advice from the State’s Attorney Michelle Courier on this matter.”

Click on the following for more of the story:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone health department funds down; animal bites on the rise

Fiat Completes Takeover of Chrysler - NYTimes.com

 

Under the plan, the carmaker would emerge from bankruptcy with a union retiree trust owning 55 percent, Fiat owning a 20 percent share that could eventually grow to 35 percent, and the United States and Canadian governments holding minority stakes.

Fiat Completes Takeover of Chrysler - NYTimes.com

Why the Economic Recovery Won't Feel Like One - Rick Newman (usnews.com)

bad news that's less bad than it was a few months ago. An economic recovery has to start somewhere, and before things start to get better, they have to stop getting worse.

Home prices have fallen about 30 percent nationwide since they peaked in 2006. Isn't that enough? Surely they have to stop falling soon, right? Maybe not. The Federal Reserve has projected a total home price decline of somewhere between 41 and 48 percent, with a bottom in 2010. After that, the "rebound" is likely to be muted, with slow price gains at best.

unemployment rate will keep rising through 2009 and into 2010, topping out somewhere between 10 and 12 percent….won't return to "normal" levels of 5 percent or less until 2016.

If we're going to have the usual kind of recovery—where jobs generate income that consumers spend—then it's still winter

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Why the Economic Recovery Won't Feel Like One - Rick Newman (usnews.com)

Boone County administrator: Look past current budget - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Well—the real question:  is the current budget really “balanced” as promised?  Do the departments’ cut backs really  match the fall in revenues?   What do we really know about this current budget?  I believe revenues are falling perhaps even more than projected because of the state’s share still being up in the air but what about the expenditures cuts?  Public Safety items are nearly 50% of the budget “can” and “will” these expenditures be trimmed?

Terrinoni anticipates he will have a clearer projection to deliver to the board about the county’s budget status. He said as of Tuesday, it looked like the county was operating under a deficit based on “guesswork looking forward.”

Click on the following for the complete story:  Boone County administrator: Look past current budget - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Manzullo wants to Reverse closures of Auto Dealers and voted for the Clunker Bill

 

June 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rich Carter
(815)356-9800

Manzullo Cosponsors Bill to Reverse Forced Closures of GM and Chrysler Dealers, Save Thousands of American Jobs

[WASHINGTON]  As the deadline nears for Chrysler and GM to strip thousands of auto dealers of their franchises and put tens of thousands of Americans on the unemployment lines, U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) has cosponsored a bill that would reinstate the franchise agreements for those dealers that would like to stay in business.

The legislation, “The Automobile Dealer Economic Restoration Act (HR 2743),” was introduced late Monday and would restore the economic rights GM and Chrysler dealers enjoyed before the auto manufacturers’ bankruptcies. Because the forced closures of more than 2,000 Chrysler and GM dealers will not save the manufacturers significant amounts of money, reinstatement of the franchises will not affect their planned emergence from bankruptcies. The forced closures of the dealers was agreed to by GM, Chrysler and the President’s auto task force prior to bankruptcies as part of the Administration’s decision to fund the automakers’ debts with more than $60 billion in taxpayer funds.

“The misguided decision of GM, Chrysler and the President’s auto task force to close more than 2,000 dealerships in the United States will do nothing to improve the finances of the automakers because the dealers pay their own costs and actually purchase cars from the automakers. Many of these dealers represent several generations of hard-working small business owners who have given so much to their employees and their communities over decades of service only to be stripped of their franchises and forced to shutter their businesses in a matter of weeks,” Manzullo said. “This legislation will bring some common sense back to the industry and restore the franchise agreements to the dealers who want to keep operating without threatening the plans for both GM and Chrysler to emerge stronger from their bankruptcies.”

Manzullo, who has been working with several local auto dealers scheduled for closure, sent previous letters to the President and the automakers seeking a reconsideration of the forced closures as well as a delay and more transparency in their decisions. Many of the dealers slated for closure are profitable and have no idea why they are targeted for closure.

In addition, Manzullo will vote later today for a “cash for clunkers” bill that will bolster auto manufacturing and sales by providing vouchers up to $4,500 to anyone who trades in a vehicle made after 1984 that gets less than 18 mpg and purchases a new vehicle, costing less than $45,000, that gets at least 4 mpg more. The legislation is expected to bolster auto sales by 1 million vehicles.

Manzullo authored alternative legislation (HR 1606) that would have provided a $5,000 voucher to anyone who purchases a vehicle – no strings attached – that would have covered the sale of 15 million new cars. While the “cash for clunkers” bill will not have nearly the boost to auto manufacturing and sales as Manzullo’s bill, Manzullo still supports the cash for clunkers bill because it will help the industry. He will continue to push for his bill that would have a much greater impact on American manufacturing.

Every one million in new vehicle sales has the following impact on the economy:

·        Creates 60,000 jobs (10,000 at vehicle assembly plants; 50,000 at suppliers, auto dealers, and other businesses).

·        Provides $750 million in tax revenue to the federal government.

·        Provides $1.4 billion in sales tax revenue to states.

·        Saves federal government over $1.8 billion in unemployment payments, COBRA health care subsidies, job retraining assistance, and food stamps.

The automobile industry and its suppliers account for 13 million American jobs, 20 percent of all U.S. retail sales, and billions of dollars in state and local sales taxes. The drop in U.S. vehicle sales from 16 million in 2007 to 13 million in 2008 to a projected 9 million in 2009 has been one of the leading causes of America’s economic downturn and huge job losses.

House passes 'cash for clunkers' plan aimed at boosting car sales, helping the environment -- chicagotribune.com

 

Car owners could get a voucher worth $3,500 if they traded in a vehicle getting 18 miles per gallon or less for one getting at least 22 miles per gallon. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car is 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle. The miles per gallon figures are listed on the window sticker.
Owners of sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks or minivans that get 18 mpg or less could receive a voucher for $3,500 if their new truck or SUV is at least 2 mpg higher than their old vehicle. The voucher would increase to $4,500 if the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle.

House passes 'cash for clunkers' plan aimed at boosting car sales, helping the environment -- chicagotribune.com

Old chicago post office: Old post office to be auctioned -- chicagotribune.com

The U.S. Postal Service postal service announced Tuesday that, after more than a decade of trying to sell the 3-million-square-foot former Chicago facility through conventional channels, it has decided to auction it to the highest bidder

Old chicago post office: Old post office to be auctioned -- chicagotribune.com

Northwest Herald | Marengo amends comprehensive plan

Train planning in other would be parts of a Metra expansion of service.

Although the city [Marengo] was awarded a $100,000 grant in 2007 from the Regional Transportation Authority to study a possible mass-transit station, the authority has yet to decide what mode might come to Marengo.

The new [comprehensive] plan includes a higher density of land use for transit-oriented development

Click on the following for the rest of the story: Northwest Herald | Marengo amends comprehensive plan

Northwest Herald | County Board to OK 1 union contract; 2 others in waiting

Here is what is happening with labor negotiations in neighboring McHenry County.

Illinois Fraternal Order of Police unit that represents 74 non-sworn employees of the sheriff’s office.

The FOP contract approved in committee Monday, retroactive to Dec. 1, offers 3 percent raises through 2010, and a 3.25 percent raise in 2011. It goes before the board Finance and Audit Committee today, and then will move to the full County Board next Tuesday.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Northwest Herald | County Board to OK 1 union contract; 2 others in waiting

Public works bill includes lawmakers' pet projects :: The SouthtownStar :: News

Looks like the Southtown Star and the Sun-Times would also like some comment from Mr. Wait regarding his “donation” of $50,000 to Candlewick Lake Association.  Perhaps the better question is where is our local media in regards to Mr. Wait’s soliciting Candlewick Lake Association (CLA) as a would-be recipient of this grant without CLA even asking for it.

The Candlewick Lake Association, a gated community near Rockford with nearly 7,000 people enjoying a 220-acre lake and a 9-hole golf course, stands to get $50,000.

The community did not ask for the money, said Candlewick general manager Tracy Carter. Instead, Rep. Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) contacted them. "We certainly will find a good use for it," Carter said.

Wait did not return a call seeking comment Friday.

Click on the following for the whole story: Public works bill includes lawmakers' pet projects :: The SouthtownStar :: News

Northwest Herald | Public works bill includes lawmakers' pet projects

 

The Candlewick Lake Association, a gated community near Rockford with nearly 7,000 people enjoying a 220-acre lake and a 9-hole golf course, stands to get $50,000.

The community did not ask for the money, said Candlewick general manager Tracy Carter. Instead, Rep. Ron Wait, R-Belvidere, contacted them. “We certainly will find a good use for it,” Carter said.

Wait did not return a call seeking comment Friday.

Democrats, who have a strong majority in both chambers, got most of the money

Click on the following to read the whole story:  Northwest Herald | Public works bill includes lawmakers' pet projects

Paper Industry: Don't Kill Fuel Credit : NPR

Update of a previous report on the green power credit that is so far from green.  Click the following for the old story: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/04/pulp-nonfiction.html

by adding one-tenth of 1 percent of diesel fuel to the black liquor mix, they could qualify for the "alternative fuel mixture credit."

 

The credit is due to sunset at the end of the year. Snowe and other representatives from papermaking states want it to continue. But last month, ambassadors from Brazil, Chile, Canada and the head of the European commission delegation wrote a letter to Congress, complaining that the tax credit is the equivalent of a subsidy. They say it's disrupting international paper markets and decreasing prices. And they warn that failure to do away with it quickly could spark a trade war.

Paper Industry: Don't Kill Fuel Credit : NPR

Investors ask Supreme Court to delay Chrysler sale | U.S. | Reuters

 

The appeals court late on Friday stayed the closing of the sale until Monday afternoon, giving the pension funds time over the weekend to ask the Supreme Court to block the sale while they appeal.

Indiana pension funds asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Sunday to immediately delay the sale of bankrupt automaker Chrysler LLC

argued the sale unlawfully rewarded unsecured creditors such as the union ahead of secured lenders and that Chrysler was pursuing an illegal reorganization plan through a sham sale

Ginsburg could act on her own or could refer the matter to the full court. A stay from the full court would require the votes of five of the nine Supreme Court members

Investors ask Supreme Court to delay Chrysler sale | U.S. | Reuters

Daily Herald | Who won or lost at the Illinois statehouse

Winners and losers in the new six month state budget :

Without a new deal, Quinn says not-for-profit agencies that get state money to help the developmentally disabled, provide home care for seniors and treat the addicted will likely be cut off in July

Daily Herald | Who won or lost at the Illinois statehouse

Private insurance companies push for 'individual mandate' -- chicagotribune.com

industry's real trouble begins in 2011, when 79 million baby boomers begin turning 65. Health insurers stand to lose a huge slice of their commercially insured enrollment (estimated at 162 million to 172 million people) over the next two decades to Medicare, the government-funded health insurance program for seniors.

Private insurers lost an estimated 9 million customers between 2000 and 2007.

Private insurance companies push for 'individual mandate' -- chicagotribune.com

Banks wade deeper into troubled loan waters - - BusinessRockford.com

 

AMCORE and Rock River also are the two banks that saw marked drops in capital reserves.

Banks wade deeper into troubled loan waters - - BusinessRockford.com

Carmakers’ bankruptcies face skeptics - - BusinessRockford.com

 

Congress had no opportunity to review the Obama administration’s decision to take 60 percent ownership of GM and a smaller stake in Chrysler

Carmakers’ bankruptcies face skeptics - - BusinessRockford.com

New rites of passage debut at US Borders

As of yesterday, U.S. citizens returning through land or sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean must present a passport or one of a handful of accepted documents: a passport card, a “trusted traveler” card such as a SENTRI pass or a driver's license enhanced with radio-frequency technology, issued in some states

And beginning yesterday, state-issued driver's licenses, identification cards and birth certificates are no longer acceptable documents for travelers 16 and older, although birth and naturalization certificates are still acceptable for minors under 16

Click on the following for the rest of the story:   New rites of passage debut

Obama’s speech in Cairo: full text | csmonitor.com

Obama’s speech in Cairo: full text

The president, speaking at Cairo University, called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.'

Click on the following, for the full text:  Obama’s speech in Cairo: full text | csmonitor.com

Northwest Herald | New FOIA means more work for governments

• Limits copying fees that public bodies can charge, and requires that the first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are free to the requester.

• Requires all public bodies to appoint FOIA officers who must receive annual training on compliance with the act

• Requires governments citing the personal privacy or preliminary draft exemptions to first get approval from the Attorney General public access counselor’s office.

The new FOIA will take effect Jan. 1 if Quinn signs it into law.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Northwest Herald | New FOIA means more work for governments

In Overhaul, G.M. May Look to Its Far-Flung Arms - NYTimes.com

 

Unlike G.M.’s United States business, these operations have been growing. Sales increased 10 percent last year in Brazil, 9 percent in India and 6 percent in China. Recent numbers in some areas are even better — G.M.’s sales in the Asia Pacific region were up 44 percent in May compared with the year before.

In Overhaul, G.M. May Look to Its Far-Flung Arms - NYTimes.com

Groups still waiting on capital plan funding - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Here is Boone County’s projects in the $29 billion state plan for capital improvement.  Remember  Governor Quinn has promised not to sign this legislation until a balanced budget is passed .  And of course that budget will have to detail how the interest and principle on all of the $29 billion will be repaid.

Boone County
Belvidere — $310,000 for land acquisition for a downtown transportation center and $150,000 for a street sweeper and capital improvements.
Boone County — $200,000 for county administration center renovation and $150,000 for capital improvements.
Poplar Grove — $100,000 for construction of low flow channels and $100,000 for capital improvements.
Capron — $100,000 for a new well and well house and $40,000 for capital improvements.
Belvidere Park District — $100,000 for capital improvements.
Boone County Council on Aging — $50,000 for capital improvements.
Candlewick Lake Association — $50,000 for capital improvements.
Spring Township — $50,000 for capital improvements.
Belvidere Township — $40,000 for highway improvements.
Caledonia — $30,000 for capital improvements.
Timberlane — $30,000 for capital improvements.
Bonus Township — $30,000 for capital improvements.
Boone Township — $30,000 for capital improvements.
Leroy Township — $30,000 for capital improvements.
Poplar Grove Township — $30,000 for capital improvements

Click on the following to find the other details affecting our area:  Groups still waiting on capital plan funding - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

What’s next? McHenry County’s Treasurer pays to advertize that real estate taxes are due.

If you think things are crazy in Boone County—paying this kind of money for advertizing a tax due date in McHenry County is really crazy.  I’m sure it is only a sign of the times—but does it make financial sense?

An acknowledgement and thank you to Cal Skinner at:  www.mchenrycountyblog.com    Another most interesting article.  The graphics are wonderful. 

 

LeFew Pays for Stickers on Northwest Herald

As you can see, McHenry County Treasurer paid the Northwest Herald to put a

Don't Forget
REAL ESTATE
TAXES DUE
JUNE 4TH
Got Questions?
Call 815-335-4260
McHenry County Treasurer
William LeFew

Wonder how much it cost?
This appeared before the robo calls from Washington, D.C., that people received last Saturday—The taxman calleth

The Taxman Calleth

A Crystal Laker got a phone call from McHenry County Treasurer (and Tax Collector) Bill LaFew today.

It was a robo call from Washington, D.C., caller ID said. The number was 202-495-7118.
LeFew wanted to remind my friend that property taxes are due on June 4th.
There are two ways to look at this.
Cynic that I am, I'll look at the political side first.
It's another way to try to convince people that he is helpful less than a year before what could be a hard-fought GOP primary campaign, if McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi's supporters and financiers are in a vindictive mood for what LeFew did to oust him.
The other way of looking at it is that LeFew was being helpful.
In any event, this is the first time I have seen this technique used.
I wonder what it cost and who paid for it.

Why taxpayers won’t get return on GM investment | csmonitor.com

 

America will own a majority of GM, but for now it may be more accurate to say that GM owns a piece of every American taxpayer.

Why taxpayers won’t get return on GM investment | csmonitor.com

Brace yourself: Interest rates likely to climb higher | csmonitor.com

 

The interest rate on a 10-year Treasury note has gone from 2.93 percent in April to 3.68 percent Monday. That’s an extraordinary surge in just a few weeks.

Mr. Cosgrove forecasts that the Treasury’s borrowing cost on 10-year notes will rise over the next 12 months to 4.5 percent.

two main reasons for the recent jump in interest rates:  fear factor is starting to fade form the global economy; huge supply of Treasury debt coming on the market

Read more by clicking on the following:  Brace yourself: Interest rates likely to climb higher | csmonitor.com

AP source: GM to sell Hummer to Chinese company - Yahoo! News

 

GM has an agreement to sell its Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. of China, said a person briefed on the deal.

GM's Shreveport, La., assembly plant would continue to contract to assemble the H3 and H3T through at least 2010,

AP source: GM to sell Hummer to Chinese company - Yahoo! News

Lawmakers take home $500 million for districts - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

$28.3 billion public works plan approved in the closing weeks of the General Assembly. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he won't sign the capital construction bill until a balanced budget is passed.

Lawmakers take home $500 million for districts - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Wait continues to open office to citizens across district

 

Wait can be contacted at his district office Monday through Friday by calling 815-577-7771 or by visiting 411 S. State St. in Belvidere.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Wait continues to open office to citizens across district

General Motors in tentative deal to sell Hummer - Yahoo! News

 

The Detroit-based company did not name the proposed buyer or the price, but said the sale will likely save more than 3,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at various Hummer dealerships.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  General Motors in tentative deal to sell Hummer - Yahoo! News

Bailed-Out Bank Tries Golden Parachute Loophole - ProPublica

This bank holding company has seven branches in the Rockford area. 

When is a golden parachute not a golden parachute? Associated Banc-Corp [1] of Wisconsin, which received $525 million in TARP money last year, seems to have found an answer to the riddle.

Lisa Binder, Associated Banc-Corp [1]’s president and chief operating officer, resigned. But she didn’t leave empty-handed: The bank agreed to pay her $1.65 million.

Binder’s severance agreement [3], filed last week with the Securities and Exchange Commission,  acknowledges the ban on golden parachutes. But Binder’s payment isn’t a golden parachute according to the agreement: It’s compensation for “services rendered.”  Those services? Not competing with the bank.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Bailed-Out Bank Tries Golden Parachute Loophole - ProPublica

ProPublica | Eye on the Bailout: New Bank Regulator in Trial Balloon Stage

only one[agency] to directly oversee banks -- a completely new agency. Two of the four existing agencies would disappear. The FDIC and the Federal Reserve would cease to regulate banks as they do now, but they would gain other powers. The FDIC would be able to put any institution, no matter how big, into receivership. The Fed would be charged with watching and controlling risk across the system. There would also be a new agency with the primary mission of protecting consumers.

ProPublica | Eye on the Bailout

The Future of Manufacturing, GM, and American Workers—Robert Reich

 What is the real purpose of the GM Bailout?

The bail-out is designed to give the economy time to reduce the social costs of the blow

The answer is not to bail out GM. It is to smooth the way to a new, post-manufacturing economy.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Robert Reich's Blog

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Group for the unemployed offers support, job-skills tips

 

the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church has begun to run an Unemployed Support Group, which began May 7 and has continued on each Thursday since then

The meetings use helpful resources for individuals, including software to help make cover letters and resumes, as well as helping with interview skills and techniques.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Group for the unemployed offers support, job-skills tips

Manzullo's Vehicle Voucher Bill Would Strengthen U.S. Auto Industry, End Need for Taxpayer Funding - Inbox - Yahoo! Mail

 

Click on the following for Mr. Manzullo’s news release:  Manzullo's Vehicle Voucher Bill Would Strengthen U.S. Auto Industry, End Need for Taxpayer Funding - Inbox - Yahoo! Mail

Janesville in running to produce small cars - - BusinessRockford.com

 

GM spokesman Chris Lee said today that Janesville is one of three plants designated as “standby” locations that will be considered for small-car production. The other plants are in Orion, Mich., and Spring Hill, Tenn

Janesville in running to produce small cars - - BusinessRockford.com

Daily Herald | Kane County having trouble giving away free money

 

Illinois will receive about $53 million in federal stimulus money to create jobs for those 14- to 24-year-olds from now until Sept. 30. Illinois workNet centers in suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties will dole out about $8.7 million of that total to area employers looking for temporary summer help. The stimulus dollars will pay all the wages for the workers, including the July 1 minimum wage increase to $8 per hour

The summer jobs cannot be used to replace a full-time slot with cheaper labor, that may include filling openings created by layoffs

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Daily Herald | Kane County having trouble giving away free money

GM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- chicagotribune.com

beginning the wave of court filings expected in Manhattan bankruptcy court as the automaker starts a complex reorganization that the government insists can be completed within three months.

GM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- chicagotribune.com