dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Watch: Trump impeachment trial gets more pointed with Bolton book at the center

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial shifted to sharply pointed , back-and-forth questioning Wednesday as Republicans strained to contain the fallout over John Bolton 's forthcoming book , which threatens their hopes of ending the trial with a quick acquittal .
The day started simply enough .
Three Republican senators asked Trump 's legal team : If there was more than one motive for Trump 's conduct in Ukraine , as he pushed for political investigations of Joe Biden , should the Senate still consider the Biden pressure an abuse of power ?
White House lawyer Pat Philbin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president acting on a personal as well as national interest .
He declared the charge against Trump `` absurd . ''
But Democrats quickly interjected the Bolton question that has been hanging over the trial after the contention by Trump 's former national security adviser that he personally heard the president say he wanted military aid withheld from Ukraine until it agreed to investigate Biden , his son and a debunked theory that Ukraine , not Russia , interfered in the 2016 U.S. election .
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer asked whether the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling Bolton or acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to testify .
`` There 's no way to have a fair trial without witnesses , '' responded Rep. Adam Schiff , the Democrat leading the prosecution for the House .
`` Do n't wait for the book .
Do n't wait 'til March 17 , when it is in black and white to find out the answer to your question , '' Schiff told the Senate .
That publication date is now in doubt .
The White House on Wednesday released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` significant amounts of classified information '' in the manuscript , including at the top secret level .
The former national security adviser and his attorney have insisted that the book does not contain any classified information .
The White House action could delay the book 's publication if Bolton is forced to revise his draft .
Bolton left the White House last September and says he resigned .
Trump says he was fired .
Wednesday 's questions were expected to ping-pong in an hourslong debate , a last gasp at closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's defense ahead of critical voting this week .
Fielding the written questions , Chief Justice John Roberts asked them of Trump 's accusers and defenders .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell privately told senators he does n't yet have the votes to brush back Democratic demands for witnesses now that revelations from Bolton have roiled the trial .
Republican ideas for dealing with Bolton and his book were fizzling almost as soon as they arose -- among them , a witness `` swap '' with Democrats or issuing a subpoena for Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned by party leaders that calling Bolton as a witness could entangle the trial in lengthy legal battles and delay Trump 's expected acquittal .
Philbin made exactly that case in his response to Democrats ' first question : `` This institution will effectively be paralyzed for months on end , '' he said .
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Main tried to give fresh momentum to a one-for-one witness deal saying it 's `` very important that there be fairness , that each side be able to select a witness or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially as Republicans want to draw Joe Biden 's son , Hunter , deeper into the proceedings .
`` It 's irrelevant .
It 's a distraction , '' said Schumer .
Bolton writes in a forthcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to withhold military aid from Ukraine until it helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden .
That assertion , if true , would undercut a key defense argument and go to the heart of one of the two articles of impeachment against the president .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , '' said Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska .
She met privately Wednesday with McConnell .
Trump disagreed in a tweet Wednesday in which he complained that Bolton , after he left the White House , `` goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book .
All Classified National Security . ''
The uncertainty about witnesses arises days before crucial votes on the issue .
In a Senate split 53-47 in favor of Republicans , at least four GOP senators must join all Democrats to reach the 51 votes required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call or do nearly anything else in the trial .
Several Republicans apparently are ready to join Democrats in calling witnesses .
One Democrat , the centrist Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia , said he would n't have a problem hearing from Hunter Biden , who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company , but doubted it will happen .
Most Republican senators do n't want to call Bolton and most Democrats would rather avoid dragging the Bidens further into the impeachment proceedings .
The Bidens were a focus of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has emerged .
One person watching from the sidelines Wednesday was Lev Parnas , the indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani , who arrived at the Capitol saying , `` I want to testify . ''
Parnas , who has turned over evidence for the proceedings , can not enter the Senate with his court-ordered electronic-tracking device .
The two days set aside for questions , Wednesday and Thursday , also allow each side more time to win over any undecided senators pondering the witness issue .
In the meantime , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Democrats prosecuting the case and the Republican president 's defense team .
Trump faces charges from Democrats that he abused his power like no other president , jeopardizing Ukraine and U.S.-Ukraine relations by using the military aid as leverage while the vulnerable ally battled Russia .
The second article of impeachment says Trump then obstructed the House probe in a way that threatened the nation 's three-branch system of checks and balances .
The president 's legal team tried to lock up its case Tuesday and convince GOP senators that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigations of Biden and his son Hunter and was well within his power to block the aid .
They said he was not bound to abide by the congressional investigation .
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow addressed the Bolton controversy head-on in closing arguments by dismissing the former national security adviser 's manuscript as `` inadmissible . ''
Attorney Alan Dershowitz , the Harvard scholar , said earlier that even if Bolton 's story is true the actions do n't rise to an impeachable offense .
Senate Republicans spent considerable time in private discussing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without extending the proceedings or jeopardizing the president 's expected acquittal .
They were set to meet privately again Wednesday .
Some Republicans including Sen. Pat Toomey want reciprocity -- bringing in Bolton or another Democratic witness in exchange for one from the GOP side .
It 's an idea initially pushed by conservative Sens .
Ted Cruz and Mike Braun , separate from the centrists whose votes are in doubt .
Some Republicans want to hear from Biden and his son , who was on the board of the Ukrainian gas company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his lawyers have argued repeatedly that Democrats are using impeachment to try to undo the results of the last presidential election and drive Trump from office .
Democrats , meanwhile , say Trump 's refusal to allow administration officials to testify only reinforces that the White House is hiding evidence .
The White House has had Bolton 's manuscript for about a month , according to a letter from Bolton 's attorney .
Associated Press writers Alan Fram , Mary Clare Jalonick , Andrew Taylor , Matthew Daly , Laurie Kellman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Watch: Trump impeachment trial gets more pointed with Bolton book at the center
House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, answers a question Wednesday during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Associated Press
Alan Dershowitz, an attorney for President Donald Trump, answers a question Wednesday during the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's impeachment trial shifted to sharply pointed, back-and-forth questioning Wednesday as Republicans strained to contain the fallout over John Bolton's forthcoming book, which threatens their hopes of ending the trial with a quick acquittal.
The day started simply enough. Three Republican senators asked Trump's legal team: If there was more than one motive for Trump's conduct in Ukraine, as he pushed for political investigations of Joe Biden, should the Senate still consider the Biden pressure an abuse of power?
White House lawyer Pat Philbin responded there's nothing wrong with the president acting on a personal as well as national interest. He declared the charge against Trump "absurd."
But Democrats quickly interjected the Bolton question that has been hanging over the trial after the contention by Trump's former national security adviser that he personally heard the president say he wanted military aid withheld from Ukraine until it agreed to investigate Biden, his son and a debunked theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer asked whether the Senate could really render a fair verdict without calling Bolton or acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to testify.
"There's no way to have a fair trial without witnesses," responded Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democrat leading the prosecution for the House.
"Don't wait for the book. Don't wait 'til March 17, when it is in black and white to find out the answer to your question," Schiff told the Senate.
That publication date is now in doubt. The White House on Wednesday released a letter to Bolton's attorney objecting to "significant amounts of classified information" in the manuscript, including at the top secret level. The former national security adviser and his attorney have insisted that the book does not contain any classified information.
The White House action could delay the book's publication if Bolton is forced to revise his draft.
Bolton left the White House last September and says he resigned. Trump says he was fired.
Wednesday's questions were expected to ping-pong in an hourslong debate, a last gasp at closing arguments from the House prosecutors and Trump's defense ahead of critical voting this week.
Fielding the written questions, Chief Justice John Roberts asked them of Trump's accusers and defenders.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell privately told senators he doesn't yet have the votes to brush back Democratic demands for witnesses now that revelations from Bolton have roiled the trial.
Republican ideas for dealing with Bolton and his book were fizzling almost as soon as they arose -- among them, a witness "swap" with Democrats or issuing a subpoena for Bolton's manuscript.
GOP senators are sternly warned by party leaders that calling Bolton as a witness could entangle the trial in lengthy legal battles and delay Trump's expected acquittal.
Philbin made exactly that case in his response to Democrats' first question: "This institution will effectively be paralyzed for months on end," he said.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Main tried to give fresh momentum to a one-for-one witness deal saying it's "very important that there be fairness, that each side be able to select a witness or two." But Democrats dismissed those offers, especially as Republicans want to draw Joe Biden's son, Hunter, deeper into the proceedings.
"It's irrelevant. It's a distraction," said Schumer.
Bolton writes in a forthcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to withhold military aid from Ukraine until it helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden. That assertion, if true, would undercut a key defense argument and go to the heart of one of the two articles of impeachment against the president.
"I think Bolton probably has something to offer us," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. She met privately Wednesday with McConnell.
Trump disagreed in a tweet Wednesday in which he complained that Bolton, after he left the White House, "goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security."
The uncertainty about witnesses arises days before crucial votes on the issue. In a Senate split 53-47 in favor of Republicans, at least four GOP senators must join all Democrats to reach the 51 votes required to call witnesses, decide whom to call or do nearly anything else in the trial. Several Republicans apparently are ready to join Democrats in calling witnesses.
One Democrat, the centrist Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, said he wouldn't have a problem hearing from Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, but doubted it will happen.
Most Republican senators don't want to call Bolton and most Democrats would rather avoid dragging the Bidens further into the impeachment proceedings. The Bidens were a focus of defense arguments though no evidence of wrongdoing has emerged.
One person watching from the sidelines Wednesday was Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who arrived at the Capitol saying, "I want to testify." Parnas, who has turned over evidence for the proceedings, cannot enter the Senate with his court-ordered electronic-tracking device.
The two days set aside for questions, Wednesday and Thursday, also allow each side more time to win over any undecided senators pondering the witness issue. In the meantime, all will have the opportunity to grill both the House Democrats prosecuting the case and the Republican president's defense team.
Trump faces charges from Democrats that he abused his power like no other president, jeopardizing Ukraine and U.S.-Ukraine relations by using the military aid as leverage while the vulnerable ally battled Russia. The second article of impeachment says Trump then obstructed the House probe in a way that threatened the nation's three-branch system of checks and balances.
The president's legal team tried to lock up its case Tuesday and convince GOP senators that the president was right to ask Ukraine for investigations of Biden and his son Hunter and was well within his power to block the aid. They said he was not bound to abide by the congressional investigation.
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow addressed the Bolton controversy head-on in closing arguments by dismissing the former national security adviser's manuscript as "inadmissible." Attorney Alan Dershowitz, the Harvard scholar, said earlier that even if Bolton's story is true the actions don't rise to an impeachable offense.
Senate Republicans spent considerable time in private discussing how to deal with Bolton's manuscript without extending the proceedings or jeopardizing the president's expected acquittal. They were set to meet privately again Wednesday.
Some Republicans including Sen. Pat Toomey want reciprocity -- bringing in Bolton or another Democratic witness in exchange for one from the GOP side. It's an idea initially pushed by conservative Sens. Ted Cruz and Mike Braun, separate from the centrists whose votes are in doubt. Some Republicans want to hear from Biden and his son, who was on the board of the Ukrainian gas company when his father was vice president.
Trump and his lawyers have argued repeatedly that Democrats are using impeachment to try to undo the results of the last presidential election and drive Trump from office.
Democrats, meanwhile, say Trump's refusal to allow administration officials to testify only reinforces that the White House is hiding evidence. The White House has had Bolton's manuscript for about a month, according to a letter from Bolton's attorney.
Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly, Laurie Kellman and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Chicago man gets 20 years in Wheaton carjacking

A Chicago man accused of following a Wheaton couple on their way home and stealing their car at gunpoint was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison .
Phillip Smith , 28 , pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking .
DuPage County Judge John Kinsella handed down the sentence .
One of Smith 's accomplices , Carlos Moore , 28 , also of Chicago , was sentenced to 21 years last May after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated robbery with a firearm .
Both men must serve half their sentences before being eligible for parole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large .
Authorities said the crime began around 10:10 p.m. on Feb. 22 , 2017 , when Moore , Smith and a third person followed the couple until they pulled into their garage .
At that point , the three men pulled their vehicle into the driveway .
Moore and Smith got out of their vehicle wearing masks , pointed a gun at the wife and demanded her keys .
The woman gave her purse to Moore and the men took the vehicle .
Police spotted the vehicle a short time later but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chase .
It later was found abandoned in a Chicago parking lot .
An investigation by Wheaton police led to Moore and Smith .
`` This afternoon , Mr. Smith learned that he will be joining his partner behind bars for his role in the hijacking of an innocent couple 's car , '' DuPage State 's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement .
`` While we are very grateful that no one was injured that evening , I 'm sure the entire incident was very traumatic for the victims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith and Mr. Moore will send the message to any would-be carjackers that this type of violent crime will not be tolerated in DuPage County . ''

Chicago man gets 20 years in Wheaton carjacking
A Chicago man accused of following a Wheaton couple on their way home and stealing their car at gunpoint was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison.
Phillip Smith, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking. DuPage County Judge John Kinsella handed down the sentence.
One of Smith's accomplices, Carlos Moore, 28, also of Chicago, was sentenced to 21 years last May after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated robbery with a firearm.
Both men must serve half their sentences before being eligible for parole.
A third suspect is still at large.
Authorities said the crime began around 10:10 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2017, when Moore, Smith and a third person followed the couple until they pulled into their garage. At that point, the three men pulled their vehicle into the driveway.
Moore and Smith got out of their vehicle wearing masks, pointed a gun at the wife and demanded her keys. The woman gave her purse to Moore and the men took the vehicle.
Police spotted the vehicle a short time later but lost sight of it during a high-speed chase. It later was found abandoned in a Chicago parking lot.
An investigation by Wheaton police led to Moore and Smith.
"This afternoon, Mr. Smith learned that he will be joining his partner behind bars for his role in the hijacking of an innocent couple's car," DuPage State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement. "While we are very grateful that no one was injured that evening, I'm sure the entire incident was very traumatic for the victims.
"The sentences handed down to Mr. Smith and Mr. Moore will send the message to any would-be carjackers that this type of violent crime will not be tolerated in DuPage County."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Full text of Pritzker's State of the State address

The following are the governor 's remarks as prepared for delivery : Speaker Madigan , President Harmon , Leader Durkin , Leader Brady , Lt. Gov .
Stratton , my fellow constitutional officers , members of the General Assembly , distinguished guests and people of Illinois -- I want to begin by thanking the First Lady of Illinois , my wife , MK -- With quiet strength and with little fanfare , you 've worked hard over the last year to make this state more inclusive and welcoming to all , from DuQuoin to Springfield to Chicago , caring about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's most vulnerable people .
I want to say thank you for making some important aspects of Illinois shine once again .
To now former Senate President John Cullerton : I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your many years of service to our state .
You have always fought for your constituents and for all the people of Illinois with a clear devotion , with a vision to advance this state as a national leader in health care , education and civil rights , and with a willingness to listen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John , you 've brought kindness and humor in even the toughest days in the General Assembly , and everyone on both sides of the aisle in this chamber will miss you as you embark on a new chapter of your life with your beloved wife , Pam , who has made so many personal sacrifices over the last 41 years , as many unsung heroic spouses do .
On behalf of a grateful state , we thank you both .
And in turn , I look forward to working with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally for more than a quarter century and a longtime champion of the Fair Tax amendment , Don Harmon .
My friends , it has been a little over a year since I was inaugurated Governor .
I have a real abiding love for the work I do every day ... and a deep respect for how fundamentally humbling it is to serve in this office .
Illinois is a state with a grand history of profound impact on our nation and our world .
We 've sent four transformative Presidents to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to ratify two of the most important amendments to the U.S. Constitution , one abolishing slavery and another granting women the right to vote .
The first cellphone was invented here .
So was the first television remote control and the first widely used internet browser .
What all these things have in common is that they were the product of the talented and forward-thinking people of our state .
Illinois is great because our people are great .
That 's why it 's been important to me as governor to listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our state who come with passion and perspective that 's different than my own .
Keeping an open-door policy means that I 've been rewarded with a wealth of constructive feedback , advice and help from Democrats and Republicans alike -- an indication that perhaps , here in Illinois , we are not as divided in our values and goals as some would have you believe .
Our state has challenges .
We inherited a mess that was years in the making , and it had bipartisan roots .
On day one it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a government infrastructure that had withered from neglect and a lack of public trust .
At times , it seemed like even the most basic things -- like getting a government-issued iPad to work -- were hard to do .
But one thing I know in life is that if you want to make profound change in a broken system , you have to do the next good thing that needs to get done .
Big problems become big problems when you let small problems sit .
Let me share one small example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flags .
Sometime last summer , a watchful Twitter citizen noticed that the flags flying outside the state government building in Chicago , the James R. Thompson Center , were hanging a bit haphazardly from their rods , dangling by their last threads .
I have to admit , I did n't notice it .
In fact no one among the 2,000 people working there seemed to notice it -- maybe because you could spend all day noticing things dangling by their last threads in the Thompson Center if you tried .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the flags used to be serviced by a small , fourth generation family-owned business in Chicago that has tended Illinois ' flags for a century 's worth of parades , state visits , and sports championships .
But during the last few years -- you guessed it -- the flag company stopped getting paid .
Like so many other small businesses in Illinois that were caught up in the budget impasse , this company did their best , but the Thompson Center flags ended up falling into disrepair .
Once the dangling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we contacted the company and heard their story .
We immediately paid them what they were owed , and the next weekend they came with a huge ladder truck and fixed it so our state 's flags flew straight once again .
As it turns out , fixing those flags made people really happy .
In fact it 's the most pleased Twitter has ever been with me .
I think it 's because this simple story about a flag at the Thompson Center is a metaphor for where state government has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it reminded me that -- we have a choice about how we tell our story .
We could spend our time reliving every past failure , every bygone insult and fight -- or we could fix things and be ardent voices on behalf of an agenda of opportunity in the years ahead .
The last year has shown what we can do when we roll up our sleeves and work together to restore stability to our state .
Those who would shout doom and gloom might be loud -- using social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false notions -- but they are not many .
You see , we 're wresting the public conversation in Illinois back from people concerned with one thing and one thing only -- predicting total disaster , spending hundreds of millions of dollars promoting it , and then doing everything in their power to make it happen .
I 'm here to tell the carnival barkers , the doomsayers , the paid professional critics -- the State of our State is growing stronger each day .
Do n't believe me ?
Consider these facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million jobs .
This is the most jobs on record for our state , and we now have the lowest unemployment rate in history .
Last year , for the first time in nearly 20 years , every major region in our state was growing simultaneously -- and even more remarkably , communities in southern Illinois like Carbondale have led that growth .
Over the past year , Illinois has reduced its unemployment rate more than ALL of the top twenty most populated states in the nation -- and more than our Midwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the state made Inc Magazine 's List of Fastest Growing Businesses in the Nation , including companies in Columbia and Rock Island , St. Charles and O'Fallon , Taylorville and Chicago .
Student applications to Illinois ' public universities increased last fall for the first time in many years .
Illinois is the second-largest producer of computer science degrees in the nation , accounting for nearly 10 percent of all computer science degrees awarded in the entire United States .
Our great state has an awful lot that 's going right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year can make .
We passed a bipartisan , truly balanced budget on time , with renewed investments in job creation , cradle to career education , and physical and mental health care .
Even the credit rating agencies and financial analysts described a `` distinct improvement '' in our fiscal stability , and investors took notice and lowered our state 's borrowing rate .
A balanced budget is an important accomplishment , but it 's more than just about fiscal discipline .
It 's a moral document that reflects our values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bonnie Brackett and her family opened the doors on a new family business : Heartland Kids Early Learning Center in Marion , Illinois .
Over the years , hundreds of Williamson County 's babies and toddlers have gone through her program , which is one of the top-ranked in the state .
But as with hundreds of child-care providers across Illinois and more than ten thousand parents , the budget crisis became Bonnie 's crisis and disrupted families across the area .
At one point , Bonnie 's staff dropped to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 21 .
Bonnie , one of only three child-care centers in Marion , almost had to close her doors .
But this year , with the increase in state funding for child-care that we announced in December , Bonnie is not only able to stay in business but has a plan for teacher training , rebuilding enrollment , classroom improvements , and even beginning the process of hiring more staff .
Now , thanks to our bipartisan investments , dozens more parents in Marion can go to work , and Bonnie can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most to her : caring for the children of Southern Illinois .
Bonnie Brackett is here today , and we want to thank her for all she does for her community , for our kids , and for our state .
For the first time in a decade , we passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill .
Rebuild Illinois will create and support 500,000 jobs in the state as we fix our aging and crumbling roads and bridges , bring broadband to parts of the state that are internet deserts , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our state police facilities , our universities and colleges -- all of the things that keep us going and growing .
Over the last several months I 've had the pleasure of attending many local events celebrating the jobs and projects that Rebuild Illinois is bringing to our communities .
Most times those events are attended by legislators and mayors and local officials of both political parties , and it 's clear that when we stand together in front of the public and talk about what we are doing together to literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and schools -- we restore a little bit of the public 's trust that has been lost in government institutions at all levels in the past few decades .
Rebuild Illinois is about more than just roads , bridges and universities ; it 's about jobs : middle class careers with wages and benefits , the kind of jobs that help you raise a family .
And together , we did more to make these jobs more inclusive and diverse , by investing in the Illinois Works program to recruit new construction apprentices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works projects to include diverse employees .
With me today is Reggie Marizetts Junior , a first-year apprentice with Laborers ' Local 165 in Peoria .
Reggie fell in love with hands-on work early in his life , and it 's his apprenticeship where he is learning all the skills to succeed not just now , but for decades to come .
Reggie intends to become a full-time journeyman and later to pursue his lifelong dream : opening a father-son construction company with his dad .
Reggie , please stand so we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright future .
Over the next six years , in addition to our expansion of apprenticeships , Rebuild Illinois will transform our infrastructure -- even as we create a lot more opportunities for Reggie and thousands of young people just like him , with steady work that will help make sure that our economy works for everyone .
Last year we made enormous strides toward equality and opportunity when Democrats and Republicans came together to legalize adult-use cannabis with the most equity-centric legislation in the nation which will result in 63,000 new jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially those from communities that have been left behind .
It gives us a chance to collect tax revenue from the residents of Wisconsin , Missouri , Iowa and Indiana , and most importantly , we 're giving a second chance to hundreds of thousands of people who had a low level cannabis conviction or arrest on their record .
The bipartisan License to Work Act that I signed two weeks ago ended the practice of revoking driver 's licenses for unpaid parking tickets and fines -- because often the only way someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can travel to work .
We restored driving privileges to more than 50,000 people .
When public policy makes it a crime to be poor , it ends up costing us all .
The situation you may be born into , the struggles you may be born with -- even the struggles you never expected to be your own -- should not be allowed to write your entire future .
We 've also begun the long work of tackling our pension problems .
In addition to expanding our state pension buyout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we accomplished something that eluded governors and General Assemblies for almost 75 years by consolidating 650 downstate and suburban first responder pension systems -- which will alleviate local property tax burdens and strengthen the funds that offer a decent retirement to our police and firefighters .
Maybe more significantly -- the bill we passed was supported by both a leading progressive Rep. , Will Guzzardi , AND an outspoken conservative Sen. , Dan McConchie .
All I can say is , anything is possible .
We did big things to help people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day .
We raised the minimum wage , advanced equal pay for women and minorities , provided millions of Illinoisans relief from high interest on consumer debt , and expanded health care to tens of thousands more people across the state .
We are reaffirming that our most important commitments are to our children and their education .
Mark my words , Illinois will be the best state in the nation to raise a young family .
Today , 20,000 more kids are getting child-care , and thousands more are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortage of teachers , we raised the minimum teacher salary so we can retain educators in Illinois , and we made it more attractive for out-of-state teachers to move here .
We made it easier for high school graduates to get a skilled wage by expanding vocational training and career and technical education for the first time in a decade .
And after years of decline , we are turning around university student enrollment by making college more affordable , expanding scholarships to an additional 10,000 college-bound students -- and this fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our state will be eligible for free tuition at the University of Illinois .
We made health care more available -- and more affordable .
Working with Sen. Andy Manar , we capped out-of-pocket insulin costs at $ 100 for a 30-day supply so that no one in Illinois has to decide between buying food and paying for the medicine they need to stay alive .
We expanded insurance coverage for mammograms and reproductive health .
And we protected people who need treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions .
Overall , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminished dependence on opioids by reforming the medical cannabis program to cover chronic pain conditions , and we 're focused on using evidence-based practices to reduce racial disparities as we continue to battle the opioid crisis .
In the face of the resurgences of measles , mumps and other diseases , we restored federal funding of our state immunization program -- which was shut down under the previous administration .
We raised the age to buy cigarettes and vaping products to 21 , so we can reduce youth tobacco use .
We stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we put Donald Trump on notice that Illinois will not be complicit in his shameful and draconian immigration policies .
We opted in -- to welcoming refugees to Illinois -- continuing a proud tradition in this state that stretches back to my great grandparents , welcomed here a century ago after fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe .
We invested in public safety by expanding the number of new Illinois State Troopers .
And we 're building a new state police forensics lab so we can solve crimes faster and address the backlog of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime victims should n't have to wait for justice .
We stopped bad-mouthing the state and started passing laws that make Illinois more attractive for businesses and jobs .
Working across the aisle , we brought tax relief for 300,000 small businesses through the phase out of the corporate franchise tax .
And we laid the groundwork for new high-paying tech jobs by opening new business incubators , by incentivizing the building of new data centers , and by investing $ 100 million in a University of Illinois and University of Chicago partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital of the world .
Jobs and businesses are coming to this state because we are investing in the things that have always made us great : a skilled workforce , modern infrastructure , great public schools , top research universities , a robust agricultural sector , and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship literally built into the steel frames of our skyscrapers -- themselves a symbol of Illinois ' ambition and belief in the future .
By almost every measure , over the past year we 've improved the financial well-being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of Illinois -- and we did it working together .
And now we have to work together to confront a scourge that has been plaguing our political system for far too long .
We must root out the purveyors of greed and corruption -- in both parties -- whose presence infects the bloodstream of government .
It 's no longer enough to sit idle while under-the-table deals , extortion , or bribery persist .
Protecting that culture or tolerating it is no longer acceptable .
We must take urgent action to restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's why we need to pass real , lasting ethics reform this legislative session .
Honest members of the General Assembly from both sides of the aisle have some good ideas , and so do I .
It 's time to end the practice of legislators serving as paid lobbyists .
In fact it 's time to end the for-profit influence peddling among all elected officials at every level of government in Illinois .
Disclosure of conflicts of interest and punishment for breaching them must be included in any ethics package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most states have a revolving door provision for legislators , and it 's time for Illinois to join them .
Elected officials should n't be allowed to retire and immediately start lobbying their former colleagues .
It 's wrong , and it 's got to stop .
There are many more ethics reforms that must be addressed this spring , and I expect the legislature 's bipartisan ethics commission to issue its report in the next 8 weeks .
Restoring the public 's trust is of paramount importance .
Let 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system while the interests of ordinary citizens are forgotten .
There is too much that needs to be accomplished to lift up all the people of Illinois .
The overwhelming majority of people involved with government and public policy and politics here in Illinois truly just want what is best for this state .
From legislators to citizen activists to reporters -- they chisel away at intractable problems and put their shoulders into making real , lasting institutional change .
They do n't get distracted or dejected -- whether they are battling poverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or fixing the unglamorous but essential problems of our state 's IT infrastructure .
Illinois is full of people who love our state and are willing to work earnestly every day to fight for her .
Which is why we have to be committed to the hard work of changing another aspect of the political culture in this state that has too often rewarded a go-along-to-get-along attitude at the expense of truly ethical conduct .
When I took office a year ago , I hired people who came from all walks of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse in gender , race , ethnicity , sexual orientation , geography and life experience and whose only loyalty is to good ideas and good results .
And I took heat for it from some who had been here a very long time .
Many were incredulous that I was n't just automatically hiring the same old faces that get jobs year in and year out .
A commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a talking point for me , and I hope that the past year has proved that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like the state we represent than any that has come before it .
I have elevated talented people who have been overlooked for far too long , and our state is doing better because of it .
Change needs to happen .
And much of this change needs to happen outside of the scope of legislation .
It 's about how we , as public officials , conduct ourselves in private that also matters .
Common sense and basic decency need to prevail in the everyday interactions that make government work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgust .
The old patronage system needs to die ... finally and completely .
The input of women and people of color need to be treated as essential to decision making -- not as some token show of diversity .
Bit by bit , inch by inch , I am working hard to reverse the harm that has been done to people and communities that have been left behind over many generations by government policies and elected officials who were content to simply ignore them .
I remind myself every day that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Illinois , but to the many people who preceded us who were discriminated against , harmed , treated as lesser , and forgotten -- lasting damage that echoes through too many communities today .
We are obligated to make our future more equitable and fair .
I came into this office with the message that I am committed to doing things differently in my administration .
A lot of folks did n't believe me a year ago .
Now you can see how far we can come in a year -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's time for us to recommit ourselves to the hard work of bringing prosperity and opportunity to all communities in Illinois through a fairer tax system , job creation , education and job training programs , child care and preschool , and a focus on building essential tools of success such as high-speed internet in all corners of our state .
This spring , working with legislators , we will begin the long path toward a fairer criminal justice system .
That starts with phasing out cash bail and following many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform commission created by my predecessor , most of whose ideas were never adopted because of the rancor and dysfunction .
Our spring agenda must also address the pressing issue of adopting new clean energy legislation that reduces carbon pollution , promotes renewable energy , and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector .
We saw the effects of climate change right here in Illinois last year with a polar vortex , devastating floods , record lake levels , and emergency declarations in more than a third of Illinois ' counties .
Urgent action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear , the old ways of negotiating energy legislation are over .
It 's time to put consumers and climate first .
I 'm not going to sign an energy bill written by the utility companies .
Property taxes in Illinois are simply too high .
That 's why it 's time to put the best ideas to work from both sides of the aisle .
Local governments continue to max out their levies even when they do n't need to .
There are perverse incentives in state law that encourage that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments and lower property taxes .
And with nearly 7,000 units of government in Illinois , it 's time to empower local taxpayers to consolidate or eliminate them .
These changes , along with our landmark pension reform that consolidated police and firefighter pensions , can make a serious dent in property taxes .
Today in Illinois we are governing with our heads and our hearts .
In a time when cynicism has too often become the rule rather than the exception , we 're proving that we really can make progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation what pragmatic progressive leadership looks like -- and putting our state back on the side of working families .
A year ago , I shared a story at my Inauguration .
It was also about flags -- about how a couple in Barrington , Illinois , had their Pride flag stolen from their backyard and replaced with an American flag .
Bigots wrapping themselves in a veil of patriotism are an increasingly familiar sight these days , and it 's a dangerous trend .
But the community fought back .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the incident , put a Pride flag in her yard in solidarity .
And then suddenly lots of people were asking for them , and she was giving out Pride flags to everyone in Barrington -- they were popping up in yards all over the neighborhood .
Kim told the news at the time : `` Frankly , I 've grown weary of this , of all this hate .
And I got ta say , it just seemed like there was one thing that I could do that I had control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot about that story this past year .
It reminds me of the fundamental goodness and decency of the people who live here in Illinois and about how hard they will fight for each other .
It reminds me that we all ought to think a little like Kim Filian every day -- to remember the things we have control of .
So this past June , I asked Secretary of State Jesse White to fly a Pride flag over the Illinois state capitol for the first time in our history .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we tell our story , and I want our Illinois story to be one of hope , inclusion , opportunity and kindness .
I want it to be inspired every day by the fundamental goodness of the people who live and work here and who struggle so hard for a fair shot .
Those are good ideals to live by .
Those are good ideals to govern by .
Let 's all try to remember them in the year ahead .

Full text of Pritzker's State of the State address
Courtesy of Heartland Kids Early Learning CenterGov. J.B. Pritzker visited the Heartland Kids Early Learning Center in Marion on Jan. 24. He mentioned the day care center in his State of the State address on Wednesday.
The following are the governor's remarks as prepared for delivery:
Speaker Madigan, President Harmon, Leader Durkin, Leader Brady, Lt. Gov. Stratton, my fellow constitutional officers, members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests and people of Illinois --
I want to begin by thanking the First Lady of Illinois, my wife, MK -- With quiet strength and with little fanfare, you've worked hard over the last year to make this state more inclusive and welcoming to all, from DuQuoin to Springfield to Chicago, caring about and advocating for some of our state's most vulnerable people. I want to say thank you for making some important aspects of Illinois shine once again.
To now former Senate President John Cullerton: I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your many years of service to our state. You have always fought for your constituents and for all the people of Illinois with a clear devotion, with a vision to advance this state as a national leader in health care, education and civil rights, and with a willingness to listen and seek compromise at just the right moments. John, you've brought kindness and humor in even the toughest days in the General Assembly, and everyone on both sides of the aisle in this chamber will miss you as you embark on a new chapter of your life with your beloved wife, Pam, who has made so many personal sacrifices over the last 41 years, as many unsung heroic spouses do. On behalf of a grateful state, we thank you both.
And in turn, I look forward to working with our new Senate President, a friend and ally for more than a quarter century and a longtime champion of the Fair Tax amendment, Don Harmon.
My friends, it has been a little over a year since I was inaugurated Governor. I have a real abiding love for the work I do every day ... and a deep respect for how fundamentally humbling it is to serve in this office.
Illinois is a state with a grand history of profound impact on our nation and our world. We've sent four transformative Presidents to the White House. We were the first state to ratify two of the most important amendments to the U.S. Constitution, one abolishing slavery and another granting women the right to vote. The first cellphone was invented here. So was the first television remote control and the first widely used internet browser.
What all these things have in common is that they were the product of the talented and forward-thinking people of our state.
Illinois is great because our people are great.
That's why it's been important to me as governor to listen -- truly to hear people from across our state who come with passion and perspective that's different than my own. Keeping an open-door policy means that I've been rewarded with a wealth of constructive feedback, advice and help from Democrats and Republicans alike -- an indication that perhaps, here in Illinois, we are not as divided in our values and goals as some would have you believe.
Our state has challenges. We inherited a mess that was years in the making, and it had bipartisan roots. On day one it was clear to me that we had a government infrastructure that had withered from neglect and a lack of public trust. At times, it seemed like even the most basic things -- like getting a government-issued iPad to work -- were hard to do.
But one thing I know in life is that if you want to make profound change in a broken system, you have to do the next good thing that needs to get done. Big problems become big problems when you let small problems sit.
Let me share one small example: The story of the Thompson Center flags.
Sometime last summer, a watchful Twitter citizen noticed that the flags flying outside the state government building in Chicago, the James R. Thompson Center, were hanging a bit haphazardly from their rods, dangling by their last threads.
I have to admit, I didn't notice it. In fact no one among the 2,000 people working there seemed to notice it -- maybe because you could spend all day noticing things dangling by their last threads in the Thompson Center if you tried.
So we did a little research and found that the flags used to be serviced by a small, fourth generation family-owned business in Chicago that has tended Illinois' flags for a century's worth of parades, state visits, and sports championships.
But during the last few years -- you guessed it -- the flag company stopped getting paid. Like so many other small businesses in Illinois that were caught up in the budget impasse, this company did their best, but the Thompson Center flags ended up falling into disrepair.
Once the dangling flags were brought to my attention, we contacted the company and heard their story. We immediately paid them what they were owed, and the next weekend they came with a huge ladder truck and fixed it so our state's flags flew straight once again.
As it turns out, fixing those flags made people really happy. In fact it's the most pleased Twitter has ever been with me. I think it's because this simple story about a flag at the Thompson Center is a metaphor for where state government has been -- and where it's going. And it reminded me that -- we have a choice about how we tell our story. We could spend our time reliving every past failure, every bygone insult and fight -- or we could fix things and be ardent voices on behalf of an agenda of opportunity in the years ahead. The last year has shown what we can do when we roll up our sleeves and work together to restore stability to our state.
Those who would shout doom and gloom might be loud -- using social media bots and paid hacks to advance their false notions -- but they are not many. You see, we're wresting the public conversation in Illinois back from people concerned with one thing and one thing only -- predicting total disaster, spending hundreds of millions of dollars promoting it, and then doing everything in their power to make it happen.
I'm here to tell the carnival barkers, the doomsayers, the paid professional critics -- the State of our State is growing stronger each day.
Don't believe me? Consider these facts ...
Today the Illinois economy supports 6.2 million jobs. This is the most jobs on record for our state, and we now have the lowest unemployment rate in history. Last year, for the first time in nearly 20 years, every major region in our state was growing simultaneously -- and even more remarkably, communities in southern Illinois like Carbondale have led that growth. Over the past year, Illinois has reduced its unemployment rate more than ALL of the top twenty most populated states in the nation -- and more than our Midwestern peers.
237 Illinois businesses from all over the state made Inc Magazine's List of Fastest Growing Businesses in the Nation, including companies in Columbia and Rock Island, St. Charles and O'Fallon, Taylorville and Chicago.
Student applications to Illinois' public universities increased last fall for the first time in many years. Illinois is the second-largest producer of computer science degrees in the nation, accounting for nearly 10 percent of all computer science degrees awarded in the entire United States.
Our great state has an awful lot that's going right.
And just look at what a difference a year can make.
We passed a bipartisan, truly balanced budget on time, with renewed investments in job creation, cradle to career education, and physical and mental health care. Even the credit rating agencies and financial analysts described a "distinct improvement" in our fiscal stability, and investors took notice and lowered our state's borrowing rate.
A balanced budget is an important accomplishment, but it's more than just about fiscal discipline. It's a moral document that reflects our values as a state.
Thirteen years ago, Bonnie Brackett and her family opened the doors on a new family business: Heartland Kids Early Learning Center in Marion, Illinois. Over the years, hundreds of Williamson County's babies and toddlers have gone through her program, which is one of the top-ranked in the state.
But as with hundreds of child-care providers across Illinois and more than ten thousand parents, the budget crisis became Bonnie's crisis and disrupted families across the area. At one point, Bonnie's staff dropped to a low of 14 teachers from a high of 21.
Bonnie, one of only three child-care centers in Marion, almost had to close her doors.
But this year, with the increase in state funding for child-care that we announced in December, Bonnie is not only able to stay in business but has a plan for teacher training, rebuilding enrollment, classroom improvements, and even beginning the process of hiring more staff. Now, thanks to our bipartisan investments, dozens more parents in Marion can go to work, and Bonnie can get back to the business that matters most to her: caring for the children of Southern Illinois.
Bonnie Brackett is here today, and we want to thank her for all she does for her community, for our kids, and for our state.
For the first time in a decade, we passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Rebuild Illinois will create and support 500,000 jobs in the state as we fix our aging and crumbling roads and bridges, bring broadband to parts of the state that are internet deserts, as well as modernize our hospitals, our community centers, our state police facilities, our universities and colleges -- all of the things that keep us going and growing.
Over the last several months I've had the pleasure of attending many local events celebrating the jobs and projects that Rebuild Illinois is bringing to our communities. Most times those events are attended by legislators and mayors and local officials of both political parties, and it's clear that when we stand together in front of the public and talk about what we are doing together to literally rebuild bridges and roads and child-care centers and schools -- we restore a little bit of the public's trust that has been lost in government institutions at all levels in the past few decades.
Rebuild Illinois is about more than just roads, bridges and universities; it's about jobs: middle class careers with wages and benefits, the kind of jobs that help you raise a family. And together, we did more to make these jobs more inclusive and diverse, by investing in the Illinois Works program to recruit new construction apprentices and set strong goals for our public works projects to include diverse employees.
With me today is Reggie Marizetts Junior, a first-year apprentice with Laborers' Local 165 in Peoria. Reggie fell in love with hands-on work early in his life, and it's his apprenticeship where he is learning all the skills to succeed not just now, but for decades to come. Reggie intends to become a full-time journeyman and later to pursue his lifelong dream: opening a father-son construction company with his dad. Reggie, please stand so we can cheer for your hard work and your bright future.
Over the next six years, in addition to our expansion of apprenticeships, Rebuild Illinois will transform our infrastructure -- even as we create a lot more opportunities for Reggie and thousands of young people just like him, with steady work that will help make sure that our economy works for everyone.
Last year we made enormous strides toward equality and opportunity when Democrats and Republicans came together to legalize adult-use cannabis with the most equity-centric legislation in the nation which will result in 63,000 new jobs, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially those from communities that have been left behind. It gives us a chance to collect tax revenue from the residents of Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana, and most importantly, we're giving a second chance to hundreds of thousands of people who had a low level cannabis conviction or arrest on their record.
The bipartisan License to Work Act that I signed two weeks ago ended the practice of revoking driver's licenses for unpaid parking tickets and fines -- because often the only way someone has to pay their parking ticket is if they can travel to work. We restored driving privileges to more than 50,000 people.
When public policy makes it a crime to be poor, it ends up costing us all. The situation you may be born into, the struggles you may be born with -- even the struggles you never expected to be your own -- should not be allowed to write your entire future.
We've also begun the long work of tackling our pension problems. In addition to expanding our state pension buyout program, in the fall veto session we accomplished something that eluded governors and General Assemblies for almost 75 years by consolidating 650 downstate and suburban first responder pension systems -- which will alleviate local property tax burdens and strengthen the funds that offer a decent retirement to our police and firefighters.
Maybe more significantly -- the bill we passed was supported by both a leading progressive Rep., Will Guzzardi, AND an outspoken conservative Sen., Dan McConchie.
All I can say is, anything is possible.
We did big things to help people. Real people who live and work here every day. We raised the minimum wage, advanced equal pay for women and minorities, provided millions of Illinoisans relief from high interest on consumer debt, and expanded health care to tens of thousands more people across the state.
We are reaffirming that our most important commitments are to our children and their education. Mark my words, Illinois will be the best state in the nation to raise a young family. Today, 20,000 more kids are getting child-care, and thousands more are going to preschool. To address our state's shortage of teachers, we raised the minimum teacher salary so we can retain educators in Illinois, and we made it more attractive for out-of-state teachers to move here. We made it easier for high school graduates to get a skilled wage by expanding vocational training and career and technical education for the first time in a decade. And after years of decline, we are turning around university student enrollment by making college more affordable, expanding scholarships to an additional 10,000 college-bound students -- and this fall, more than half of the families in our state will be eligible for free tuition at the University of Illinois.
We made health care more available -- and more affordable.
Working with Sen. Andy Manar, we capped out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 for a 30-day supply so that no one in Illinois has to decide between buying food and paying for the medicine they need to stay alive.
We expanded insurance coverage for mammograms and reproductive health. And we protected people who need treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions.
Overall, the number of opioid related deaths are declining.
We diminished dependence on opioids by reforming the medical cannabis program to cover chronic pain conditions, and we're focused on using evidence-based practices to reduce racial disparities as we continue to battle the opioid crisis.
In the face of the resurgences of measles, mumps and other diseases, we restored federal funding of our state immunization program -- which was shut down under the previous administration.
We raised the age to buy cigarettes and vaping products to 21, so we can reduce youth tobacco use.
We stood up for human rights and civil rights when we put Donald Trump on notice that Illinois will not be complicit in his shameful and draconian immigration policies.
We opted in -- to welcoming refugees to Illinois -- continuing a proud tradition in this state that stretches back to my great grandparents, welcomed here a century ago after fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe.
We invested in public safety by expanding the number of new Illinois State Troopers. And we're building a new state police forensics lab so we can solve crimes faster and address the backlog of DNA testing of rape evidence -- because crime victims shouldn't have to wait for justice.
We stopped bad-mouthing the state and started passing laws that make Illinois more attractive for businesses and jobs. Working across the aisle, we brought tax relief for 300,000 small businesses through the phase out of the corporate franchise tax. And we laid the groundwork for new high-paying tech jobs by opening new business incubators, by incentivizing the building of new data centers, and by investing $100 million in a University of Illinois and University of Chicago partnership that will make Illinois the quantum computing capital of the world.
Jobs and businesses are coming to this state because we are investing in the things that have always made us great: a skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, great public schools, top research universities, a robust agricultural sector, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship literally built into the steel frames of our skyscrapers -- themselves a symbol of Illinois' ambition and belief in the future.
By almost every measure, over the past year we've improved the financial well-being, health, education and safety of the residents of Illinois -- and we did it working together.
And now we have to work together to confront a scourge that has been plaguing our political system for far too long. We must root out the purveyors of greed and corruption -- in both parties -- whose presence infects the bloodstream of government. It's no longer enough to sit idle while under-the-table deals, extortion, or bribery persist. Protecting that culture or tolerating it is no longer acceptable. We must take urgent action to restore the public's trust in our government. That's why we need to pass real, lasting ethics reform this legislative session.
Honest members of the General Assembly from both sides of the aisle have some good ideas, and so do I.
It's time to end the practice of legislators serving as paid lobbyists. In fact it's time to end the for-profit influence peddling among all elected officials at every level of government in Illinois. Disclosure of conflicts of interest and punishment for breaching them must be included in any ethics package for us to truly clean up government. Most states have a revolving door provision for legislators, and it's time for Illinois to join them. Elected officials shouldn't be allowed to retire and immediately start lobbying their former colleagues. It's wrong, and it's got to stop.
There are many more ethics reforms that must be addressed this spring, and I expect the legislature's bipartisan ethics commission to issue its report in the next 8 weeks. Restoring the public's trust is of paramount importance. Let's not let the well-connected and well-protected work the system while the interests of ordinary citizens are forgotten. There is too much that needs to be accomplished to lift up all the people of Illinois.
The overwhelming majority of people involved with government and public policy and politics here in Illinois truly just want what is best for this state. From legislators to citizen activists to reporters -- they chisel away at intractable problems and put their shoulders into making real, lasting institutional change. They don't get distracted or dejected -- whether they are battling poverty, fighting for increased education funding, or fixing the unglamorous but essential problems of our state's IT infrastructure. Illinois is full of people who love our state and are willing to work earnestly every day to fight for her.
Which is why we have to be committed to the hard work of changing another aspect of the political culture in this state that has too often rewarded a go-along-to-get-along attitude at the expense of truly ethical conduct.
When I took office a year ago, I hired people who came from all walks of life, all different backgrounds -- who were diverse in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, geography and life experience and whose only loyalty is to good ideas and good results. And I took heat for it from some who had been here a very long time. Many were incredulous that I wasn't just automatically hiring the same old faces that get jobs year in and year out.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a talking point for me, and I hope that the past year has proved that. I have an administration that looks far more like the state we represent than any that has come before it. I have elevated talented people who have been overlooked for far too long, and our state is doing better because of it.
Change needs to happen. And much of this change needs to happen outside of the scope of legislation. It's about how we, as public officials, conduct ourselves in private that also matters. Common sense and basic decency need to prevail in the everyday interactions that make government work. People need to treat disgusting suggestions with disgust. The old patronage system needs to die ... finally and completely. The input of women and people of color need to be treated as essential to decision making -- not as some token show of diversity.
Bit by bit, inch by inch, I am working hard to reverse the harm that has been done to people and communities that have been left behind over many generations by government policies and elected officials who were content to simply ignore them. I remind myself every day that I have obligations not just to the current people of Illinois, but to the many people who preceded us who were discriminated against, harmed, treated as lesser, and forgotten -- lasting damage that echoes through too many communities today. We are obligated to make our future more equitable and fair.
I came into this office with the message that I am committed to doing things differently in my administration. A lot of folks didn't believe me a year ago. Now you can see how far we can come in a year -- even when work still remains.
It's time for us to recommit ourselves to the hard work of bringing prosperity and opportunity to all communities in Illinois through a fairer tax system, job creation, education and job training programs, child care and preschool, and a focus on building essential tools of success such as high-speed internet in all corners of our state.
This spring, working with legislators, we will begin the long path toward a fairer criminal justice system. That starts with phasing out cash bail and following many of the recommendations made by the bipartisan criminal justice reform commission created by my predecessor, most of whose ideas were never adopted because of the rancor and dysfunction.
Our spring agenda must also address the pressing issue of adopting new clean energy legislation that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector. We saw the effects of climate change right here in Illinois last year with a polar vortex, devastating floods, record lake levels, and emergency declarations in more than a third of Illinois' counties.
Urgent action is needed -- but let me be clear, the old ways of negotiating energy legislation are over. It's time to put consumers and climate first. I'm not going to sign an energy bill written by the utility companies.
Property taxes in Illinois are simply too high. That's why it's time to put the best ideas to work from both sides of the aisle. Local governments continue to max out their levies even when they don't need to. There are perverse incentives in state law that encourage that. We can change the law to support local governments and lower property taxes. And with nearly 7,000 units of government in Illinois, it's time to empower local taxpayers to consolidate or eliminate them. These changes, along with our landmark pension reform that consolidated police and firefighter pensions, can make a serious dent in property taxes.
Today in Illinois we are governing with our heads and our hearts. In a time when cynicism has too often become the rule rather than the exception, we're proving that we really can make progress. We're showing the rest of the nation what pragmatic progressive leadership looks like -- and putting our state back on the side of working families.
A year ago, I shared a story at my Inauguration. It was also about flags -- about how a couple in Barrington, Illinois, had their Pride flag stolen from their backyard and replaced with an American flag.
Bigots wrapping themselves in a veil of patriotism are an increasingly familiar sight these days, and it's a dangerous trend.
But the community fought back. A neighbor, Kim Filian, upon hearing about the incident, put a Pride flag in her yard in solidarity. And then suddenly lots of people were asking for them, and she was giving out Pride flags to everyone in Barrington -- they were popping up in yards all over the neighborhood.
Kim told the news at the time: "Frankly, I've grown weary of this, of all this hate. And I gotta say, it just seemed like there was one thing that I could do that I had control of."
I've thought a lot about that story this past year. It reminds me of the fundamental goodness and decency of the people who live here in Illinois and about how hard they will fight for each other.
It reminds me that we all ought to think a little like Kim Filian every day -- to remember the things we have control of.
So this past June, I asked Secretary of State Jesse White to fly a Pride flag over the Illinois state capitol for the first time in our history. After all, we have a choice about how we tell our story, and I want our Illinois story to be one of hope, inclusion, opportunity and kindness. I want it to be inspired every day by the fundamental goodness of the people who live and work here and who struggle so hard for a fair shot.
Those are good ideals to live by. Those are good ideals to govern by. Let's all try to remember them in the year ahead.
Thank you.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Riot Fest announces My Chemical Romance, early-bird passes

My Chemical Romance is coming to Chicago 's Riot Fest , organizers announced Wednesday morning .
The New Jersey rock @ @ @ @ @ for the platinum hits `` Welcome to the Black Parade '' and `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ ) '' -- will perform at the three-day summer music celebration as part of its @ @ @ @ @ years following December 2019 's reunion show .
Limited early-bird passes for the festival , @ @ @ @ @ , Sept. 11-13 , at Chicago 's Douglas Park , are on sale now for @ @ @ @ @ riotfest.org .
VIP , deluxe and ultimate packages are also available .
Further lineup announcements @ @ @ @ @

Riot Fest announces My Chemical Romance, early-bird passes
Riot Fest announced Wednesday My Chemical Romance will join the summer music festival's lineup. Early-bird passes are on sale now. Associated Press, 2011
My Chemical Romance is coming to Chicago's Riot Fest, organizers announced Wednesday morning.
The New Jersey rock band -- most widely known for the platinum hits "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" -- will perform at the three-day summer music celebration as part of its first U.S. tour in nine years following December 2019's reunion show.
Limited early-bird passes for the festival, set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13, at Chicago's Douglas Park, are on sale now for $139.98 plus fees at riotfest.org.
VIP, deluxe and ultimate packages are also available. Further lineup announcements will come this spring.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--'Enough is enough': Amid anonymous mailers, robocalls, Elk Grove mayor starts 'naming names'

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday lashed out at a local developer and other political opponents , accusing them of being behind a series of anonymous robocalls and campaign-style mailers ahead of a March 17 term limits referendum that could remove him from office .
It 's not the first time the mayor has spoken from the village board dais about Mario Gullo of George Gullo Development Corp. , but his public statements during a board meeting Tuesday night were his most direct and extensive about Gullo and others to date .
`` Enough is enough , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received over the weekend .
`` Tonight , I 'm gon na start naming names .
This is gon na stop .
This is not Elk Grove Village .
This is not our community . ''
Johnson then launched into a half-hour speech contesting a recent robocall about his political consultant , Kitty Weiner , and her Entertainment Management Group , which books the village 's summer concerts , and mailers that question campaign contributions and village contracts .
But perhaps his most pointed remarks were reserved for Gullo , whom the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
Gullo , through his attorney Kim Walberg , has previously denied the charge .
Late Tuesday night , she said she was n't in a position to respond to the mayor 's comments point by point , not having seen video of the meeting .
But she did provide a copy of a Jan. 15 cease-and-desist letter sent to village officials in which she threatened legal action should the mayor `` continue to defame ... Mr. Gullo by falsely asserting that he is responsible for mailers , robocalls , the term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
By the end of the verbal onslaught , Johnson took inspiration from `` It 's a Wonderful Life , '' comparing himself to main character George Bailey and Gullo to antagonist Henry Potter .
`` It did n't become Pottersville .
It stayed Bedford Falls , '' Johnson said .
`` I 'm waiting for Clarence to come down .
It 's not gon na become Gulloville .
It 's gon na stay Elk Grove Village . ''
`` Elk Grove Village , keep the faith .
We 're gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit against the village nearly a year ago to block a forcible annexation of unincorporated properties he owns along Higgins Avenue .
Johnson on Tuesday insinuated that the developer 's motivations were financial , because Gullo 's gravel lots -- which would be against village codes -- are used for leased truck parking .
`` Truck parking is a cash business , '' Johnson said .
`` It must be a hell of a lot of cash . ''
The mayor claims Gullo put up Jeff Ziemann to run for village board in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign workers of printing and paying for anti-Johnson mailers .
Johnson on Tuesday also took aim at Ziemann himself , mentioning Ziemann 's recent Jan. 14 arrest in Elk Grove on a charge of battery of a woman , and a Dec. 3 arrest in Mount Prospect on a charge of obstructing/resisting a peace officer .
The mayor 's remarks came a day after a Cook County judge ordered the village clerk to certify resident Tim Burns ' term limits question , which will ask voters whether the mayor and trustees should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive 4-year terms .
Johnson is finishing his sixth straight term .

'Enough is enough': Amid anonymous mailers, robocalls, Elk Grove mayor starts 'naming names'
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday lashed out at a local developer and other political opponents, accusing them of being behind a series of anonymous robocalls and campaign-style mailers ahead of a March 17 term limits referendum that could remove him from office.
It's not the first time the mayor has spoken from the village board dais about Mario Gullo of George Gullo Development Corp., but his public statements during a board meeting Tuesday night were his most direct and extensive about Gullo and others to date.
"Enough is enough," Johnson said about a mailer attacking him received over the weekend. "Tonight, I'm gonna start naming names. This is gonna stop. This is not Elk Grove Village. This is not our community."
Johnson then launched into a half-hour speech contesting a recent robocall about his political consultant, Kitty Weiner, and her Entertainment Management Group, which books the village's summer concerts, and mailers that question campaign contributions and village contracts.
But perhaps his most pointed remarks were reserved for Gullo, whom the mayor accused of being behind the anonymous smear campaign.
Gullo, through his attorney Kim Walberg, has previously denied the charge.
Late Tuesday night, she said she wasn't in a position to respond to the mayor's comments point by point, not having seen video of the meeting. But she did provide a copy of a Jan. 15 cease-and-desist letter sent to village officials in which she threatened legal action should the mayor "continue to defame ... Mr. Gullo by falsely asserting that he is responsible for mailers, robocalls, the term limits referendum, or other similar activities."
By the end of the verbal onslaught, Johnson took inspiration from "It's a Wonderful Life," comparing himself to main character George Bailey and Gullo to antagonist Henry Potter.
"It didn't become Pottersville. It stayed Bedford Falls," Johnson said. "I'm waiting for Clarence to come down. It's not gonna become Gulloville. It's gonna stay Elk Grove Village."
"Elk Grove Village, keep the faith. We're gonna get through this."
Gullo filed suit against the village nearly a year ago to block a forcible annexation of unincorporated properties he owns along Higgins Avenue. Johnson on Tuesday insinuated that the developer's motivations were financial, because Gullo's gravel lots -- which would be against village codes -- are used for leased truck parking.
"Truck parking is a cash business," Johnson said. "It must be a hell of a lot of cash."
The mayor claims Gullo put up Jeff Ziemann to run for village board in 2019 and accused one of Ziemann's campaign workers of printing and paying for anti-Johnson mailers.
Johnson on Tuesday also took aim at Ziemann himself, mentioning Ziemann's recent Jan. 14 arrest in Elk Grove on a charge of battery of a woman, and a Dec. 3 arrest in Mount Prospect on a charge of obstructing/resisting a peace officer.
Ziemann didn't respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
The mayor's remarks came a day after a Cook County judge ordered the village clerk to certify resident Tim Burns' term limits question, which will ask voters whether the mayor and trustees should be able to serve no more than two consecutive 4-year terms. Johnson is finishing his sixth straight term.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Dining out: Free hot chocolate Friday at Stan's Donuts

If you 're a fan of hot chocolate ( raises hand high ) , get to a Stan 's Donuts & Coffee on Friday , Jan. 31 , for a free 12-ounce hot chocolate with any purchase to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day .
The special includes the new Mexican hot chocolate , made with cinnamon , nutmeg and cayenne .
Pair your free drink with the new Mexican Hot Chocolate Donut , which is a chocolate glazed cake doughnut dusted with a spice-infused hot chocolate blend for $ 2.79 .
Stan 's Donuts & Coffee is located at 529 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 630 ) 590-1060 ; 17W615 Butterfield Road , Oakbrook Terrace , ( 630 ) 317-7044 ; 5 Woodfield Mall , Schaumburg , ( 224 ) 353-6092 ; and locations in Chicago .
stansdonuts.com/ .
Jeni 's Splendid Ice Creams is releasing the new Skillet Cinnamon Roll ice cream flavor on National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Saturday .
Ice cream for breakfast Yes , National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is a real thing .
This year it 's Saturday , Feb. 1 .
And Jeni 's Splendid Ice Creams is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cream flavor starting at 8 a.m. Saturday .
The breakfast-inspired flavor Skillet Cinnamon Roll features cream cheese ice cream studded with dark caramel sauce , pastry bits and cinnamon .
Also on Saturday , select Jeni 's locations will be serving Coffee Floats -- hot coffee with a scoop of ice cream served in a limited-edition , souvenir ICFB Day mug -- for $ 10 .
What 's even better is that all profits from Jeni 's scoop shop sales from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday will be donated to DoSomething.org , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward social change .
Jeni 's Splendid Ice Creams is located at 521 Oakbrook Center , Oak Brook , ( 630 ) 822-7996 , and other locations in Chicago .
jenis.com/ .
Beerhead Bar & Eatery has joined up with 36 breweries to create 50 new brews for its Collab AF event during February .
Beer , beer , beer Like craft beer ?
Then head to Beerhead Bar & Eatery in February to sample some new Beerhead-exclusive brews as part of the restaurants ' Collab AF ( all February ) event .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 breweries across four states to come up with 50 unique brews .
You 'll be able to sample beers from Old Irving Brewing Co. , Pollyanna Brewing Co. , Crystal Lake Brewing Co. , Ravinia Brewing Company , Wild Onion Brewing , Temperance Brew Co. , Twisted Hippo Brewing Co. and many more .
Beerhead Bar & Eatery is at 100 N. York St. , Elmhurst , ( 630 ) 433-2337 ; 888 N. Meacham , Schaumburg , ( 847 ) 517-8300 ; and 1270 S. Milwaukee Ave. , Vernon Hills , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How sweet it is : Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein recently partnered with the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort to craft the new limited-edition Five Eyes Honey Ale made with honey from the resort 's on-site bees .
The beer , which got its name from the fact that bees have five eyes , is a cream ale brewed with raw honey that can be tasted at Wright 's Brew and Bistro at the resort .
Wright 's Brew and Bistro is located at 10 Marriott Drive , Lincolnshire , ( 847 ) 634-0100 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnered with the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort to craft the new limited-edition Five Eyes Honey Ale , which is on tap at Wright 's Brew & Bistro .
Princess Brunch Score some extra points with your little princess or prince Sunday , Feb. 2 , by taking them to Shaw 's Princess Brunch .
Kids will love meeting and singing with four princesses during the brunch , which offers reservations from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As a sweet treat , there will be a special Hot Chocolate and Sweets table featuring themed candies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a tiara or crown to take home .
Brunch is $ 69 for adults , $ 20 for kids 5-12 , and free for kids 4 and younger ( two children max per adult ) .
If you have n't tried an Impossible burger yet , City Works is offering 50 % off all Impossible burgers Monday through Friday , Feb. 3-7 .
The burger comes topped with shredded iceberg lettuce , tomatoes , red onion and vegan roasted garlic horseradish aioli .
City Works is at 1850 E. Golf Road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 929 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Vernon Hills , ( 847 ) 984-3571 ; and 365 W. Dundee Road , Wheeling , ( 847 ) 941-0990 ; cityworksrestaurant.com/ .

Dining out: Free hot chocolate Friday at Stan's Donuts
Free hot chocolate!
If you're a fan of hot chocolate (raises hand high), get to a Stan's Donuts & Coffee on Friday, Jan. 31, for a free 12-ounce hot chocolate with any purchase to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day. The special includes the new Mexican hot chocolate, made with cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne. Pair your free drink with the new Mexican Hot Chocolate Donut, which is a chocolate glazed cake doughnut dusted with a spice-infused hot chocolate blend for $2.79.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee is located at 529 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 590-1060; 17W615 Butterfield Road, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 317-7044; 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, (224) 353-6092; and locations in Chicago. stansdonuts.com/.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is releasing the new Skillet Cinnamon Roll ice cream flavor on National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Saturday. - Courtesy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Yes, National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is a real thing. This year it's Saturday, Feb. 1. And Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is celebrating by rolling out a new ice cream flavor starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. The breakfast-inspired flavor Skillet Cinnamon Roll features cream cheese ice cream studded with dark caramel sauce, pastry bits and cinnamon. Also on Saturday, select Jeni's locations will be serving Coffee Floats -- hot coffee with a scoop of ice cream served in a limited-edition, souvenir ICFB Day mug -- for $10. What's even better is that all profits from Jeni's scoop shop sales from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday will be donated to DoSomething.org, a not-for-profit for young people who are working toward social change.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is located at 521 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 822-7996, and other locations in Chicago. jenis.com/.
Beerhead Bar & Eatery has joined up with 36 breweries to create 50 new brews for its Collab AF event during February. - Courtesy of Beerhead Bar & Eatery
Like craft beer? Then head to Beerhead Bar & Eatery in February to sample some new Beerhead-exclusive brews as part of the restaurants' Collab AF (all February) event. For the collaboration, Beerhead partnered with 36 breweries across four states to come up with 50 unique brews. You'll be able to sample beers from Old Irving Brewing Co., Pollyanna Brewing Co., Crystal Lake Brewing Co., Ravinia Brewing Company, Wild Onion Brewing, Temperance Brew Co., Twisted Hippo Brewing Co. and many more.
Beerhead Bar & Eatery is at 100 N. York St., Elmhurst, (630) 433-2337; 888 N. Meacham, Schaumburg, (847) 517-8300; and 1270 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (847) 955-1900; beerheadbar.com/.
Bees and beer
How sweet it is: Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein recently partnered with the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort to craft the new limited-edition Five Eyes Honey Ale made with honey from the resort's on-site bees. The beer, which got its name from the fact that bees have five eyes, is a cream ale brewed with raw honey that can be tasted at Wright's Brew and Bistro at the resort.
Wright's Brew and Bistro is located at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 634-0100, threeembersrestaurant.com/reservations.php.
Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein partnered with the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort to craft the new limited-edition Five Eyes Honey Ale, which is on tap at Wright's Brew & Bistro. - Courtesy of Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Score some extra points with your little princess or prince Sunday, Feb. 2, by taking them to Shaw's Princess Brunch. Kids will love meeting and singing with four princesses during the brunch, which offers reservations from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As a sweet treat, there will be a special Hot Chocolate and Sweets table featuring themed candies and desserts. And each child will receive a tiara or crown to take home. Brunch is $69 for adults, $20 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger (two children max per adult).
Shaw's Crab House Schaumburg is at 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com/schaumburg/.
Impossible, it's half-price
If you haven't tried an Impossible burger yet, City Works is offering 50% off all Impossible burgers Monday through Friday, Feb. 3-7. The burger comes topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and vegan roasted garlic horseradish aioli. Good for dine-in only.
City Works is at 1850 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 584-2500; 929 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (847) 984-3571; and 365 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling, (847) 941-0990; cityworksrestaurant.com/.
• Email clinden@dailyherald.com with dining and night life events.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Pit bull attacks, kills corgi in Arlington Heights

A Welsh corgi dog out for a walk with its owner this week in Arlington Heights was mauled to death by a pit bull that escaped from its house .
`` It was the worst thing I have ever experienced , '' said Alice Sylvester Stepanek , who was walking her 2-year-old female corgi after noon Monday near Walnut and Chestnut avenues when the attack occurred .
`` This whole thing from start to finish could have been 10 minutes .
Ten minutes is a lifetime when someone 's chewing and mauling your dog . ''
Stepanek said she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their regular afternoon walk when the pit bull came racing down the block and attacked .
She picked up Yo-Yo as the female pit bull bit at the smaller dog 's legs .
The pitbull 's owner soon arrived to put a leash on her dog , according to a police report .
Yo-Yo was injured but OK at that point , Stepanek said .
Then , as the pit bull owner was walking her dog back home , she lost control of the leash and the dog returned to resume its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , Stepanek said , she lost Yo-Yo from her arms .
`` I ( was ) screaming so much .
The dog was relentless .
It was not getting away from us at all , '' Stepanek said .
`` The pit bull was so determined . ''
A neighbor who heard the commotion ran over and was able to kick the 60-pound pit bull off the 23-pound corgi , then got a leash around the pitbull 's legs .
Police said the neighbor gave the leash to the pit bull owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pit bull continued its attack .
Eventually , she was able to pull her dog away and secured the animal in a crate .
Yo-Yo was dead from severe injuries by the time an animal control officer arrived to the scene , police said .
Arlington Heights police Sgt .
Rick Sjodin said the department takes reports of dog bites and similar incidents , but it 's not often that an animal dies from an attack .
Stepanek credits the heroic actions of her neighbor and is thankful no one else was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog died quickly so its pain was not prolonged .
`` It was horrific .
This was the most vicious attack .
It was completely unprovoked , '' she said .
The pit bull owner was issued a village ordinance citation for an uncontrolled animal .
She did n't respond to a request for comment but , according to a police report , she told police she was carrying a box from her house to the garbage when the pit bull escaped out of the front door .
She yelled at the dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't listen , the police report states .
The dog has a valid rabies tag and village pet license .
The owner is due at the Rolling Meadows courthouse Feb. 28 to face the charge , which is punishable by a fine of up to $ 750 .
The pit bull could be euthanized .

Pit bull attacks, kills corgi in Arlington Heights
A 2-year-old Welsh corgi named Yo-Yo died Monday after it was attacked by a pit bull in Arlington Heights, authorities said. Courtesy of Alice Sylvester Stepanek
A Welsh corgi dog out for a walk with its owner this week in Arlington Heights was mauled to death by a pit bull that escaped from its house.
"It was the worst thing I have ever experienced," said Alice Sylvester Stepanek, who was walking her 2-year-old female corgi after noon Monday near north Walnut and Chestnut avenues when the attack occurred. "This whole thing from start to finish could have been 10 minutes. Ten minutes is a lifetime when someone's chewing and mauling your dog."
Stepanek said she and her family pet, Yo-Yo, were on their regular afternoon walk when the pit bull came racing down the block and attacked. She picked up Yo-Yo as the female pit bull bit at the smaller dog's legs. The pitbull's owner soon arrived to put a leash on her dog, according to a police report.
Yo-Yo was injured but OK at that point, Stepanek said.
Then, as the pit bull owner was walking her dog back home, she lost control of the leash and the dog returned to resume its attack, police said.
At some point, Stepanek said, she lost Yo-Yo from her arms.
"I (was) screaming so much. The dog was relentless. It was not getting away from us at all," Stepanek said. "The pit bull was so determined."
A neighbor who heard the commotion ran over and was able to kick the 60-pound pit bull off the 23-pound corgi, then got a leash around the pitbull's legs.
Police said the neighbor gave the leash to the pit bull owner, but she again lost control and the pit bull continued its attack. Eventually, she was able to pull her dog away and secured the animal in a crate.
Yo-Yo was dead from severe injuries by the time an animal control officer arrived, police said.
Arlington Heights police Sgt. Rick Sjodin said the department takes reports of dog bites and similar incidents, but it's not often that an animal dies from an attack.
Stepanek credits the heroic actions of her neighbor and is thankful no one else was hurt. She's also grateful her dog died quickly so its pain was not prolonged.
"It was horrific. This was the most vicious attack. It was completely unprovoked," she said.
The pit bull owner was issued a village ordinance citation for an uncontrolled animal.
She didn't respond to a request for comment, but according to a police report, she told police she was carrying a box from her house to the garbage when the pit bull escaped out of the front door. She yelled at the dog to come back, but it didn't listen, the police report states.
The dog has a valid rabies tag and village pet license.
The owner is due at the Rolling Meadows courthouse Feb. 28 to face the charge, which is punishable by a fine of up to $750. The pit bull could be euthanized.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-30--Vernon Hills adding skate park designed and built by skateboarders

Skateboarders will be able to hone their skills and up their games at a new facility coming this summer to Vernon Hills .
The Vernon Hills Park District this week hired Evergreen Skateparks , a design/build firm from Portland , Oregon , to replace the existing skate park east of the Sullivan Community Center , 635 N. Aspen Drive .
Evergreen previously was hired from among several firms to design the skate park .
At $ 304,653 , the firm 's bid was the lowest of six companies vying to build the park .
Park district patrons in early November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The result , approved by the park board Nov. 21 , incorporates features such as a radiuses pocket with pumpable hips , tight radius quarter pipe and pump bumps -- in essence a variety of bowls , dips , curves and jumps .
Evergreen has built hundreds of parks and is lauded in testimonials for its designs and features , including a shoutout from Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament .
`` We 've seen this vendor 's work ( and ) they do a good job , '' said Jeff Fougerousse , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The owner and employees are skateboarders . ''
Added motivation is that one of the owners is originally from Chicago and his sister and three kids live in Vernon Hills , according to the company .
It is said to be the first 100 % skateboarder design/build project in the Chicago area .
The new park will be made of concrete , an upgrade from the existing wood and steel features .
An upgrade with new equipment had been planned for 2024 .
But that was accelerated with the construction by Hawthorn Elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawthorn School for Young Learners , which will be connected to the Sullivan Center .
The area is a center of public activities including District 73 schools , park district facilities and the Aspen Drive Library , which is on property donated by the village .
The village agreed to waive the 2019 installment of a loan to the park district as an $ 84,000 contribution to the skate park .
District 73 is contributing $ 80,000 .
Work is expected to start in March and take about three months , Fougerousse said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 skaters at a time , compared to about a dozen now .
It 's also designed to be used by scooters .
About 10 concrete barriers around the facility will become a community art project to be painted by members of the Vernon Hills High School art club .
The art should depict movement or park-related activities , but each will be one of a kind , Fougerousse added .
`` They can just go to town , '' he said of the artists .

Vernon Hills adding skate park designed and built by skateboarders
A new skate park will be built east of the Sullivan Center in Vernon Hills. Construction is scheduled to begin in March, and the work is expected to take about three months. Courtesy of Vernon Hills Park District
A new skate park will be built east of the Sullivan Center in Vernon Hills. Construction is scheduled to begin in March, and the work is expected to take about three months. Courtesy of Vernon Hills Park District
Skateboarders will be able to hone their skills and up their games at a new facility coming this summer to Vernon Hills.
The Vernon Hills Park District this week hired Evergreen Skateparks, a design/build firm from Portland, Oregon, to replace the existing skate park east of the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive.
Evergreen previously was hired from among several firms to design the skate park. At $304,653, the firm's bid was the lowest of six companies vying to build the park.
Park district patrons in early November viewed conceptual designs and offered suggestions. The result, approved by the park board Nov. 21, incorporates features such as a radiuses pocket with pumpable hips, tight radius quarter pipe and pump bumps -- in essence a variety of bowls, dips, curves and jumps.
Evergreen has built hundreds of parks and is lauded in testimonials for its designs and features, including a shoutout from Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament.
"We've seen this vendor's work (and) they do a good job," said Jeff Fougerousse, the park district's executive director. "The owner and employees are skateboarders."
Added motivation is that one of the owners is originally from Chicago and his sister and three kids live in Vernon Hills, according to the company. It is said to be the first 100% skateboarder design/build project in the Chicago area.
The new park will be made of concrete, an upgrade from the existing wood and steel features. An upgrade with new equipment had been planned for 2024.
But that was accelerated with the construction by Hawthorn Elementary District 73 of the $13.5 million Hawthorn School for Young Learners, which will be connected to the Sullivan Center.
The area is a center of public activities including District 73 schools, park district facilities and the Aspen Drive Library, which is on property donated by the village.
The village agreed to waive the 2019 installment of a loan to the park district as an $84,000 contribution to the skate park. District 73 is contributing $80,000.
Work is expected to start in March and take about three months, Fougerousse said. The new facility will allow for 20 skaters at a time, compared to about a dozen now. It's also designed to be used by scooters.
About 10 concrete barriers around the facility will become a community art project to be painted by members of the Vernon Hills High School art club.
The art should depict movement or park-related activities, but each will be one of a kind, Fougerousse added.
"They can just go to town," he said of the artists.