Meet Karen Elyea Sunday Morning - Still time for Swedish Pancakes!

Join Karen Elyea

this Sunday morning (right now!) 9-11 AM

 for Swedish Pancakes, Sausage, Lingonberries

Orange Juice, Coffee, Milk

"Breakfast with the Alderman"

February 26, 9am - 11am

Lyran Society Club

1115 4th Ave

Rockford, IL

$6.00 to the club for breakfast

additional donation to Committee to Elect Karen Elyea will be appreciated but not necessary!

815-566-6957 for more info

Karen Elyea for Rockford Alderman

John Pruitt for Mayor (Loves Park) Fundraiser, TONIGHT, Saturday, Feb 25, 7 PM at Hope and Anchor

Aaron Tokarz for Alderman, Meet and Greet, Today, February 25, 2017, 10 AM

Senator Stadelman's Weekly Bulletin - February 23, 2017

No disagreement at forum: State needs to reform education funding

State Senator Steve Stadelman was joined by public school superintendents Ehren Jarrett of Rockford and Julie Morris of Harlem for a discussion of the outlook for education in Illinois' spring legislative session. 

 

Much of the conversation at the League of Women Voters forum centered on the longstanding need to reform the way the state funds schools in a way that reduces the reliance on local property taxes.

 

Stadelman told the crowd at the North Suburban Library in Loves Park that Illinois currently pays about a quarter of the cost of operating schools across the state, which puts an unfair burden on poorer communities where teachers need more resources but where low property values produce less tax revenue to cover the state funding gap.

 

"Wealthy suburbs of Chicago spend twice as much per student, but their tax rates are two times lower," Stadelman said. "That creates great inequity across the state. We probably have the most inequitable funding system in the country."

 

Stadelman said he is hopeful that the Illinois Senate passes a bipartisan 2017 budget compromise that includes education funding reform among one of 13 pieces of legislation. A vote to advance the so-called grand bargain to the Illinois House could come as soon as Feb. 28.

• WREX-13 report on League of Women Voters education forum

 

 

Pressure builds for Senate to bail out Rauner

G​ov. Bruce Rauner last week unveiled a budget at least $4.6 billion out of balance that relies on the success of a Senate grand bargain to save the state's finances. A deeper dive into the plan showed it actually may be unbalanced by more than $7 billion, according to analysts including the governor's own budget chief.

At a recent hearing, Senate Democrats asked the governor's budget chief to defend the unbalanced proposal. From the Chicago Tribune's report on that hearing:

"Meanwhile, at the Capitol, Senate Democrats spent hours dismantling Rauner's budget proposal, hammering administration officials about the exact size of the plan's multibillion-dollar deficit. By the end of the contentious hearing, Rauner budget director Scott Harry acknowledged the spending plan is $7.2 billion out of whack without various savings and revenues built into the proposal that rely on changes in law which are far from fruition."

Michael Laskonis for Rockford Alderman, Ward One

Michael Laskonis for Rockford Alderman, Ward One

RockfordONE.com

Aaron Tokarz for Alderman, Coffee, February 25, 2017

Karen Elyea Election Event this Sunday

Join Karen Elyea

 for Swedish Pancakes, Sausage, Lingonberries

Orange Juice, Coffee, Milk

"Breakfast with the Alderman"

February 26, 9am - 11am

Lyran Society Club

1115 4th Ave

Rockford, IL

$6.00 to the club for breakfast

additional donation to Committee to Elect Karen Elyea will be appreciated but not necessary!

815-566-6957 for more info

Dem Chairmen Blast Gov.; used trooper funds, spends $54 K in taxpayer money spent on luxury SUV

Dem Chairmen Blast Gov. Glass House spends $54 K in taxpayer money spent

on luxury Rauner Ride SUV
Money was supposed to go for State Troopers

 

Springfield, IL – Days after the Bruce Rauner-funded Republican Party attacked State Comptroller Susana Mendoza for buying an Illinois-made used car for appropriate state government use, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association slammed Rauner for his hypocrisy after failing to pass a state budget, spending 54K dollars on a luxury SUV from funds earmarked for State Troopers, and ignoring the outrageous fiscal mismanagement of Donald Trump.

 

"Rauner should end his petty political games and get to work passing a state budget to help Illinois families," said President Doug House of the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association.  "It's especially rich that he breathlessly attacked Comptroller Mendoza for purchasing a used vehicle for pool use when he bought a brand new $54,000 SUV for his own use out of funds earmarked for State Troopers," said House.

 

Pictures of the SUV parked outside the Thompson Center are included in this release.  Also included are purchasing and voucher records detailing the vehicle's intent and use.

 

Funds for the luxury SUV for Gov. Rauner's use came from a fund that is supposed to pay for the Illinois State Police. The starting salary for a State trooper is $57,000 – about the cost of the Governor's sweet new ride.

 

House continued to blast the Rauner-funded Republican Party for its hypocrisy on fiscal matters.

 

"Where was the Republican outrage when Governor Rauner hired Donna Arduin, a $30,000 a month budget consultant that couldn't pass a budget? What about giving his "wingman" Leslie Munger a new job as Deputy Governor that pays $135,000? And hiring her whole patronage army of nearly 30 people at a cost to taxpayers of $1.8 million? How about Donald Trump's weekly golf trips to Florida – an amount spent on his family in just one month that President Obama spent over an entire year?

 

"The Republican Party lead by Bruce Rauner is bankrupt of credibility when it comes to fiscal matters," said House.

 

Finally, House defended Comptroller Mendoza's service to Illinois to fix the mess she inherited.

 

"In her short time in office, Comptroller Mendoza has been working tirelessly to prioritize payments to the needy and to minimize the impact of Governor Rauner's inability to do his job and submit a balanced budget. His failure to propose a balanced budget has led to a $12.4 billion backlog for state taxpayers," said House.

 

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CHAIRMEN'S ASSOCIATION
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association is a state wide, grassroots Democratic political organization. It is made up of the elected Democratic County Chairmen in all 102 counties in Illinois. The mission of the IDCCA is to help elect Democrats in each county while continuing to grow the Democratic Party in the State of Illinois. Rock Island County Chairman Doug House is the President of the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association.

Learn more at www.ildcca.org, www.facebook.com/ILDCCA and www.twitter.com/ILDCCA

###

-- 

Dan Kovats

Executive Director

Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association

Check out the IDCCA online at www.ildcca.org

(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell

(217) 753 - 3380 - Office

Wallace Sponsors Resolution Opposing Potential Sugar Tax

NEWS …                 

From State Representative Litesa Wallace                         

For Immediate Release:                                                                                             

Feb. 24, 2017                                                                                                    

State Rep. Litesa Wallace

815-987-7433

 

Wallace Sponsors Resolution Opposing Potential Sugar Tax

                                                                                      

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Concerned about the impact on small businesses and working families, state Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, is sponsoring a resolution opposed to a tax on soda, juice, sports drinks and other sugary beverages. 

 

"I have heard from many residents who are tired of excessive taxes, and a new tax on something they enjoy would be burdensome and regressive," Wallace said. "Additionally, a sugar tax in the Stateline would likely lead to a loss of business to Wisconsin."

 

House Resolution 148 is a bipartisan initiative that states opposition to a proposed tax on sugary drinks. In addition to questioning the supposed health benefits of a sugar tax, it expresses concern about the economic impact of such a tax, and urges lawmakers to oppose any plan that taxes beverages by the ounce.

 

"Across our state and our region, jobs depend on the beverage industry," Wallace said. "Additionally, I do not believe that it is our place as lawmakers to force behavior changes on individuals. People should be able to drink soft drinks of their choosing without paying a fee."

 

For more information, please contact Wallace's constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or at litesa@staterepwallace.com.

 

 

###

 

Senate Democratic Caucus Events: Winter 2017

Hello everyone! Please see below for Senate Democrats upcoming events--new events added every week. Have a great day! Thursday, February 23rd, 8:30 am -- Just added Labor Breakfast supporting Senator Daniel Biss Local 881 UFCW, 1044 W. Higgins Road, Ste. 500, Rosemont, IL Committee Levels (write/raise): Chair $10,000  Co-Chair $5,000  Host $2,500  Co-Host $1,000 Sponsor: $500 Please make checks payable to Biss for Illinois, 372 W. Ontario St., Ste. 100, Chicago, IL 60654 RSVP: Liz or Olivia at rsvp@lbhchicago.com or 312-806-2743   Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Mattie Hunter & Senator Patricia Van Pelt Illinois Credit Union, 225 S. College St. Suite 105 Springfield, IL. 62704 Guest $150 | Friend $500 | Supporter $1,500 | Host $2,500 Please make checks payable to committee(s) of choice Friends of Senator Mattie Hunter, P.O. Box 439430, Chicago, IL 60643 or Friends of Senator Patrica Van Pelt, 2826 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60612 RSVP: Roslyn@ilsenatedems.org or (708) 369-0293   Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Bill Haine Illinois Petroleum Marketers, 112 W. Cook St., Springfield, IL Tickets: $150 Sponsorships: $5000, $2500, $1000, $500, $250 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Bill Haine, PO Box 67, Alton, IL 62002 RSVP: 312-630-7700   Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Michael E. Hastings Springfield Reception hosted by IL REALTORS, 522 South 5th Street, Springfield Tickets: $5,000 Sponsor | $2,500 Co-Chair| $1,000 Host | $500 Friend| $250 Guest Please make checks payable to: Citizens for Michael E. Hastings, c/o P2 Consulting, Inc., 22 W. Washington Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60602 RSVP: (312) 854-8018 or rsvp@p2consultinginc.com   Monday, March 3rd, 6:00-10:00 p.m. -- Just added Majority Caucus Whip Senator Iris Martinez Annual Birthday Celebration La Villa Banquets, 3638 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL Tickets: $150 Sponsorships: Gold $3000, Silver $1500, Bronze $500 Complimentary Beer, Wine, Buffett. DJ entertainment. Free parking available. Please make checks payable to Friends of Iris Y. Martinez, PO Box 47438, Chicago, IL 60647 RSVP: friendsofiris@um.att.com   Monday, March 6th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Toi Hutchinson Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $100 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $1500 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Toi Hutchinson, PO Box 101, Steger, IL 60475 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 6th, 5:00-7:00 pm Senator Tom Cullerton & Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Illinois Credit Union League, 225 S. College St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to: Committee to Elect Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, 900 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435 and/or Friends of Tom Cullerton, PO Box 7304, Villa Park, IL 60181 RSVP: Maggie@ilsenatedems.org   Friday, March 10th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Laura Murphy's Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration Harp & Fiddle, 110 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 60068 Ticket: $50 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to Citizens for Laura Murphy, PO Box 13, Des Plaines, IL 60016 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Friday, March 10th, 6:00pm- 8:00pm-- Just Added Senator John Mulroe Rivers Casino- The Cube, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL Individual Guest: $150 Sponsorships: Black Jack $500, Triple Sevens $1000, Jackpot $2500 Please make checks payable to: Friends for Mulroe, 6687 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 RSVP: Maureendm10@gmail.com or (847) 322-5217   Monday, March 13th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Terry Link & Senator Laura Murphy Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to Friends of Terry Link, 1280 Streamwood Lane, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 and/or Citizens for Laura Murphy, PO Box 13, Des Plaines, IL 60016 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 13th, 6:00-7:30 pm Senator Melinda Bush Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, 927 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62704 Tickets: $150, Sponsorships: $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Melinda Bush, 240 N Lake St, Grayslake, IL 60030 RSVP: Maggie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm -- updated Senator Scott Bennett  & Senator Cristina Castro Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Tickets: $100 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $1500 Please make checks payable to: Bennett for Senate, PO Box 1383, Champaign, IL 61824 and/or Citizens for Castro, PO Box 1506, Elgin, IL 60121 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 27th, 5:00-6:30 pm Senator Linda Holmes & Senator Pat McGuire Illinois Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Adams, Springfield, IL Tickets: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to:  Citizens for Linda Holmes, PO Box 6374, Aurora, IL 60598 and/or McGuire for Senate, PO Box 2185, Joliet, IL 60434 RSVP: Carly@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, May 1st, 7:30pm-9:00pm-- Just Added Senator Linda Holmes, Senator John Mulroe & Senator Kwame Raoul Illinois Association of Realtors, 522 S. 5th St, Springfield, IL 62701 Ticket: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to:  Friends of Linda Holmes, P.O. Box 6374, Aurora, IL 60598 and/or Friends for Mulroe, 6687 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 and/or Friends of Kwame Raoul, 1507 E. 53rd St, Suite 909, Chicago, IL 60615 RSVP: Carly@ilsenatedems.org     Save the Date   Monday, May 1st,  Senate President John J. Cullerton & the Democratic Senate Caucus Springfield, IL Questions: Liz@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, July 10th  Senator Toi Hutchinson's 8th Annual Olympia Fields Golf Outing Olympia Fields Country Club, Olympia Fields, IL Questions: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org Details forthcoming   Questions? Email Lexie@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.

Senate Democratic Caucus Events: Winter 2017

Hello everyone! Please see below for Senate Democrats upcoming events--new events added every week. Have a great day! Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Mattie Hunter & Senator Patricia Van Pelt Illinois Credit Union, 225 S. College St. Suite 105 Springfield, IL. 62704 Guest $150| Friend $500 | Supporter $1,500 | Host $2,500 Please make checks payable to committee(s) of choice Friends of Senator Mattie Hunter, P.O. Box 439430, Chicago, IL 60643 or Friends of Senator Patrica Van Pelt, 2826 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60612 RSVP: Roslyn@ilsenatedems.org or (708) 369-0293   Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm -- Just added Senator Bill Haine Illinois Petroleum Marketers, 112 W. Cook St., Springfield, IL Tickets: $150 Sponsorships: $5000, $2500, $1000, $500, $250 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Bill Haine, PO Box 67, Alton, IL 62002 RSVP: Brenna@ilsenatedems.org or 312-630-7700   Monday, February 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm -- Just added Senator Michael E. Hastings Springfield Reception hosted by IL REALTORS, 522 South 5th Street, Springfield Tickets: $5,000 Sponsor | $2,500 Co-Chair| $1,000 Host | $500 Friend| $250 Guest Please make checks payable to: Citizens for Michael E. Hastings, c/o P2 Consulting, Inc., 22 W. Washington Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60602 RSVP: (312) 854-8018 or rsvp@p2consultinginc.com   Monday, March 6th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Toi Hutchinson Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $100 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $1500 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Toi Hutchinson, PO Box 101, Steger, IL 60475 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 6th, 5:00-7:00 pm Senator Tom Cullerton & Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Illinois Credit Union League, 225 S. College St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to: Committee to Elect Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, 900 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435 and/or Friends of Tom Cullerton, PO Box 7304, Villa Park, IL 60181 RSVP: Claire@ilsenatedems.org   Friday, March 10th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Laura Murphy's Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration Harp & Fiddle, 110 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 60068 Ticket: $50 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to Citizens for Laura Murphy, PO Box 13, Des Plaines, IL 60016 RSVP: Claire@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 13th, 5:30-7:30 pm Senator Terry Link & Senator Laura Murphy Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Ticket: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to Friends of Terry Link, 1280 Streamwood Lane, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 and/or Citizens for Laura Murphy, PO Box 13, Des Plaines, IL 60016 RSVP: Claire@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 13th, 6:00-7:30 pm -- Just added  Senator Melinda Bush Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, 927 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62704 Tickets: $150, Sponsorships: $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Melinda Bush, 240 N Lake St, Grayslake, IL 60030 RSVP: Brenna@ilsenatedems.org or 312.630.7700   Monday, March 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm -- updated Senator Julie Morrison, Senator Scott Bennett,  & Senator Cristina Castro Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. Second St., Springfield, IL Tickets: $100 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $1500 Please make checks payable to:  Julie Morrison for State Senate, PO Box 646, Deerfield, IL 60015 and/or Bennett for Senate, PO Box 1383, Champaign, IL 61824 and/or Citizens for Castro, PO Box 1506, Elgin, IL 60121 RSVP: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org   Monday, March 27th, 5:00-6:30 pm Senator Linda Holmes & Senator Pat McGuire Illinois Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Adams, Springfield, IL Tickets: $150 Sponsorships: $250, $500, $1000, $2500 Please make checks payable to:  Citizens for Linda Holmes, PO Box 6374, Aurora, IL 60598 and/or McGuire for Senate, PO Box 2185, Joliet, IL 60434 RSVP: Claire@ilsenatedems.org   Save the Date   Monday, May 1st -- Just added  Senate President John J. Cullerton & the Democratic Senate Caucus Springfield, IL Questions: Liz@ilsenatedems.org Details forthcoming   Monday, July 10th  Senator Toi Hutchinson's 8th Annual Olympia Fields Golf Outing Olympia Fields Country Club, Olympia Fields, IL Questions: Lexie@ilsenatedems.org Details forthcoming

 

Karen Elyea for Rockford Alderman Fundraiser Brunch, Sunday, February 12

The Committee to Elect Karen Elyea

 is hosting a Brunch Buffet Fundraiser

 at the Irish Rose

519 E. State St, Rockford

10 AM until Noon

Enjoy conversation, comraderie and Mike's delicious cooked-from-scratch and preservative-free brunch buffet featuring scrambled Amish eggs, homefried potatoes, pork chops, smoked "Bernie Sanders" polish sausage, vegaterian biscuits with black-eyed pea and mushroom gravy and salmon mousse & little toasts.

Let's get Karen elected to her third term for the 11th Ward on Rockford's City Council!

Thanks Mike Leifheit for your very kind donation of this wonderful brunch!

Buy Tickets online or at the door. $20

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-buffet-for-karen-elyea-tickets-31695349644

Please join us!

Chris Kennedy, Democrat for Governor, Meet and Greet, Today, Friday, February 10, 2017 4:30 PM

Please join us for a Meet and Greet at the IBEW Hall for a Meet and Greet

 with newly announced Illinois Democratic gubernatorial candidate

Chris Kennedy

Today, Friday February 10^that 4:30 pm.

The IBEW Hall is located at 6820 Mill Road in Rockford.

 

Charlie Laskonis

 

Charles H. Laskonis

Chairman

Winnebago County Democratic Party