dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Suburban legislators' reactions to Pritzker's speech

RepublicansSen .
John Curran of Downers Grove : `` While the governor did a good job of highlighting some of our state 's positives and recent successes , the agenda he laid out moving forward is disappointing .
While the people of Illinois are overrun with news of indictments , investigations , and arrests of legislators , he narrowed his focus to reforms that do not address the Democratic culture of self-interest enabled by a legislative process wholly lacking in transparency .
`` The governor also completely avoided the topic of redistricting reform , which worries me that he may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veto a partisan map .
Taking the politics out of drawing legislative districts is the first step to ending the corruption that comes with entrenched power holders .
`` One of the biggest issues facing families in my district and across the state is the out-of-control property tax burden .
Governor Pritzker barely mentioned the issue and offered no real solutions at all .
Property tax relief has to be at the top of everyone 's agenda this spring if we want to stop the exodus of families and jobs out of Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal dealing with criminal justice does not address the alarming increase in violent crime , particularly carjackings , occurring in the suburbs , and is actually more likely to further this rising suburban epidemic .
`` Finally , I am thankful for his leadership on protecting public health and clean air in my district , but the process our community endured battling Sterigenics highlighted deficiencies in our state EPA .
I hope to work with the governor to ensure no other community has to endure what Willowbrook has been through these past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Charles : `` Property taxes always seem to be a main issue that is touted , but yet again there is a lack of specific proposals that would actually lower homeowners ' property tax bills . ''
`` As a member of the Property Tax Reform Task Force this past year , it was my hope that we would come out of that with a real opportunity to lessen the burden on Illinoisans .
Instead , the task force ended their meetings without a road map to relief and no real solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly without direction . ''
`` The public should be outraged by the recent headlines involving misconduct from state lawmakers . ''
`` It 's time to enact real ethics reforms and it is my hope that the Governor is serious about cracking down on government corruption .
`` As we enter a new legislative session , we have a fresh opportunity to change the status quo .
Instead of continuing to find new revenue streams that increase the tax burden on hardworking residents , we need to find ways to limit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to get on a path toward prosperity . ''
Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods : `` Lacking from today 's address was any mention of the need for redistricting reform , which an overwhelming majority of Illinoisans have called for in recent years .
How can we expect to have an ethical legislature when legislators continue to pick their constituents instead of the other way around ?
`` As corruption lurks among the Capitol and makes headlines across the state , the public trust has reached an all-time low .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ party or the Governor that we will take action this session on this issue , Illinoisans should take great concern that the status quo in Springfield will remain the same . ''
Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove : `` The governor gave his assessment of how Illinois is doing in the second year of his administration .
As I see it , we have a number of challenges like corruption , a need for property tax reform , and giving the people of Illinois -- not just the politicians -- a voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we can not rely on their worn-out ideas of more taxes and more spending , The time for talk is done .
Let 's get to work . ''
Rep. Brad Stephens of Rosemont : `` I appreciate the Governor 's bipartisan emphasis on reducing our state 's excessive property taxes and growing the economy .
Illinois is taxing people out of their homes .
These taxes hurt seniors and it is exacerbating the state 's out-migration problem .
`` The legislature needs to do everything in its power to lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and grow the economy , so everyone in our communities prosper .
If we work together , we can lower our state 's sky-high property taxes , create good-paying jobs , and provide long overdue relief for Illinois families and small businesses .
I look forward to working together to get the job done , and will continue to work with any elected official to lower property taxes and create jobs for the people of Illinois . ''
Rep. Dan Ugaste of Geneva : `` Today the Governor expressed his support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our caucus , and I am pleased to support that effort .
The culture of corruption has infiltrated our government and has impeded our progress for growth for far too long .
Only real ethics reform will steer us forward , restore the public trust in government and allow us to work through our state 's many fiscal challenges .
`` Last year we made one stride forward in helping our taxpayers with a pension consolidation effort .
This year we need to go further .
Our pension systems are complex and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution -- but it 's one that our taxpayers and businesses deserve .
We can not afford to lose any more of them . ''
Rep. Tom Morrison of Palatine : `` High property taxes and the burden they continue to place on our residents and businesses is a huge concern for me going into this legislative session .
The property tax relief task force did not deliver its report on time nor provide substantial reform proposals , however , I will continue to advocate for my constituents and the state 's taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in Cook County just received the first installment notice of our annual property tax bills , and unsurprisingly , most of us received another sizable increase .
This is especially aggravating as Governor Pritzker approved last year nearly two dozen tax increases , in part , to fund a tainted $ 45 Billion infrastructure bill .
When the Governor and the legislature fail to make spending reforms their first priority , taxpayers continue to get hit from one side to the next .
`` Furthermore , the public should n't be duped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax scheme will provide meaningful property tax relief .
Failure to produce real spending and policy reform and/or government consolidation will make taxpayers and all citizens -- regardless of income level -- suffer more in the end .
Illinois must grow its tax base of individuals at all income levels and businesses of all sizes .
It should n't try to pick winners and losers with misguided 'revenue enhancements ' that just end up driving more people and businesses to pick up stakes and relocate . ''
Rep. Keith Wheeler of Oswego : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are saddled by some of the highest property taxes in the nation .
Illinois continues to lag in job creation and economic growth , doing a disservice to families who want to live , work or retire in our great state .
We can do better .
`` If we work together in a bipartisan way and compromise -- just like we did last year to pass a balanced budget and job-creating reforms -- I know we can tackle our state 's sky-high property tax problem and create more Illinois jobs for Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work and find areas of common ground with the Governor so that we can make Illinois a more affordable place for families to live and for small businesses to grow and thrive . ''
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst : `` Illinois deserves a government they can be proud of .
While I 'm glad the Governor in his State of the State said he wants to extend his hand on key issues , those will be empty words if his own party keeps their iron grip on the House process to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can accomplish more together than we can apart , but true bipartisanship requires equal participation and equal effort , and equal respect for those voices you disagree with .
And to date , we 've seen a lot more support for political insiders and special interest groups and enabling the culture of corruption than honest tightening of belts , paying our bills , and doing our best for the people in Illinois .
`` Governor Pritzker said today it is no longer acceptable or tolerable to have our culture of corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resignation of the man who has been the enabler in chief for the last 40 years .
`` I continue to stand ready and willing to work with any lawmaker -- Republican or Democrat -- that is serious in their efforts to end corruption , lower property taxes , and put Illinois on a sound fiscal path .
Illinois government works best when it supports and is accountable to regular people working hard for their families , friends , faith , and communities . ''
Rep. Allen Skillicorn of East Dundee : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his support for a small number of Republican-sponsored ethics reform proposals , we believe there is more that needs to be done to root out corruption in state government once and for all .
`` There is a black cloud over Springfield , and it seems we learn of new developments regarding an ongoing federal investigation into corruption and self-dealing in state government on a weekly basis .
I have filed dozens of real and substantive ethics reform bills , pension reform legislation , and bills to provide property tax relief year after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Speaker to languish and die in his tightly controlled Rules Committee .
`` The Democratic majority thrives in the current corrupt status-quo that they have created over four decades .
They freeze out real reform bills and treat the taxpayers of Illinois as their personal piggy banks , choosing to protect a well-connected chosen few over doing what is best for the all the people of the State of Illinois .
`` It is time to finally deal with reality and focus on working together to address our unsustainable and massive pension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have proposed a five-step pension reform plan that will fix this disaster in an ethical and fair way , but to do this we need full bipartisan support for this reform to become a reality .
`` During this session , I plan to advocate for real solutions to the pension crisis .
I have a 5-step plan to address out of control property taxes , a proposal to create a 1 % percent hard cap , and end the unethical practice of letting legislators draw their own district boundaries and choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken remap process .
`` Two months ago , I called on the General Assembly to support legislation ending the practice of legislators moonlighting as lobbyists .
I applaud the Governor for joining me in this common sense reform .
`` With our state 's terrible out-migration problem , we need to do everything we can to lower our property tax burden and create jobs so our communities will thrive .
I will continue to work with any lawmaker -- Republican or Democrat -- who will work to end corruption , lower property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Illinois . ''
Rep. Amy Grant of Wheaton : `` Some of the highest property taxes in the nation have plagued Illinois families for years .
I appreciate that Governor Pritzker prioritized property tax relief and job creation in his speech today , but the Governor needs to work with Republicans to enact real reforms .
Our government can not afford another phony property tax relief task force .
If we work together in a bipartisan way and compromise , then we can tackle our sky-high property tax problem and provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
`` As the Governor referenced in his speech , an example of this bipartisan success was the recent consolidation of police and firefighter pensions to lower property taxes in Illinois , and while this is a great first step , we must go further .
We need to address the pension mess in Illinois by reforming the entire system .
`` I was also glad the governor concluded his speech by addressing the black cloud hanging over the Capitol since federal investigations began to unravel last year .
As a freshmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task force , I witnessed what little task forces actually accomplish .
I fear his commission on ethics will also fail to produce substantive results .
Real , lasting ethics reform must be a priority this legislative session . ''
DemocratsSenate President Don Harmon of Oak Park : `` I 've long been troubled by the appearance of someone serving as a member of the General Assembly on Friday and becoming a lobbyist on Monday .
That 's a problem and one we should tackle , '' Harmon said .
`` You should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lobbyist the next .
`` It 's refreshing to have a governor be the lead cheerleader for the state , '' Harmon said .
`` We need a governor telling the rest of the world what 's going right in Illinois . ''
Sen. Christina Castro of Elgin : `` I 'm optimistic that 2020 will be a very productive year .
I was thrilled to hear Governor Pritzker express a desire to prioritize ethics reform and work toward passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act .
I look forward to working closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals are achieved . ''
Castro is a member of the joint ethics commission and is the Senate sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act .
Sen. Linda Holmes of Aurora : `` I share his enthusiasm for taking on college affordability , health care , property tax and pension reform , and government consolidation . ''
`` And we must continue to fight against the culture of corruption at the Capitol .
We have to rebuild the public 's trust and I expect the governor and General Assembly to put together a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Holmes looks forward to her new role as assistant majority leader with Don Harmon 's team .
`` We have a diverse caucus with a wide range of priorities , representing a diverse state , and I feel confident we can work together to address those priorities .
I 'm working on a range of legislation for this session , from insurance reform to addressing affordable health care and pre-authorization practices , to helping farmers deal with problems controlling herbicides , to my continuing efforts in animal welfare .
It 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs : `` I was thrilled to hear that the governor shares my commitment to ending the culture of corruption in Springfield .
Strengthening our ethics laws so that politicians can no longer profit as a result of their public service remains a top priority for me , so I am glad to have an ally in Gov .
Pritzker .
`` With the bipartisan ethics commission set to issue their policy recommendations this March , I am committed to doing all I can in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to the governor 's desk .
Together we will demand an honest , transparent Springfield . ''
Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake : `` My constituents are on the front lines of the property tax crisis .
I hear stories every day about outrageously high property taxes and how they bring fiscal upheaval to families .
I will continue to fight for and pass legislation that consolidates and eliminates ineffective units of government to curb the flow of wasteful government spending , and am excited our governor shares those concerns .
Further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentivizing local governments to max out their levies .
It is an important step to empower both local governments and taxpayers to be more fiscally responsible and efficient .
`` I will work with the Pritzker administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight big utility companies from further profiting off families that are already being crushed by their high taxes .
We need to finally develop a comprehensive plan to bring property tax relief to the people of Illinois and show them that we are on their side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor 's efforts to end the days of corrupt self-serving politicians profiting off their positions .
Over the past several years I have made it a priority to hold elected officials in Illinois to the highest ethical standards , both via legislation and by calling out members of both parties for breaking their oath to Illinoisans .
Our state 's history of corruption is a stain that will not easily be wiped away .
Illinoisans deserve much better , and I will demand a more open and transparent state government and not stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights : `` Gov .
Pritzker 's emphasis on early childhood education and job creation sets the bar for legislators to build an economy that allows working people to succeed .
I am committed to doing all I can in the Senate to pass the initiatives needed to build that framework .
`` By investing in early education and job creation , Illinois is making a promise to working people that we will stand with them their entire lives and help them succeed .
`` I was heartened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform .
The bipartisan commission on ethics will make recommendations later this year and I am looking forward to working with them and the governor to clean up Springfield . ''
Sen. Laura Ellman of Naperville : `` This year , I plan to focus on a number of issues , from combating climate change to quality higher education .
I wish I had heard more specific proposals about the environment beyond clean energy , but after hearing him speak , I 'm confident that the he will be an ally in making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our natural resources and environment .
`` Additionally , as I listened to the governor speak , his comments about ethics reform really struck a chord .
We need a new level of transparency that surpasses any law we can implement .
Our job is to live up to the expectations of the people we represent , and that 's what I plan to do and what every elected official should also be doing . ''
Sen. Julie Morrison of Deerfield : `` Gov .
Pritzker 's call for action against the repellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great step toward ending unethical behavior . ''
`` I applaud the governor 's desire to fight corruption , and I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure we pass real , lasting ethics reform this legislative session . ''
`` It 's more important than ever for us to strive for more transparency , greater disclosure and a higher standard of conduct . ''
`` This common-sense legislation will call for lawmakers to work in the best interest of the people of Illinois by reporting if they have a conflict of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting on . ''
`` Every person who serves in elected office should serve the people of Illinois -- not themselves nor their wallets . ''
`` I will continue to work with my fellow lawmakers and the governor to ensure we are all held to the highest ethical standards . ''
House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago : `` I want to thank Governor Pritzker for offering a straightforward assessment of the state of our state .
For the first time in a long time , we come into a legislative session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last spring , we worked across the aisle to balance the budget ; we enacted reforms backed by the state 's leading business groups that will help small and medium-sized employers grow ; we created innovative new job training programs ; we fought to rein in the cost of health care and prescription drugs ; we took critical steps toward property tax relief ; and we began the process of replacing Illinois ' unfair tax system with one that provides relief for the middle class while making millionaires and billionaires pay their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to be done though .
Building on this progress means we must continue to make the tough decisions to balance the budget and pay down old bills , while ensuring critical services like our schools , senior care , career and vocational education , domestic violence shelters and breast cancer screenings are funded .
`` While we have seen major steps forward , we have also seen the good work of the many honest members of this Legislature be overshadowed too often by the wrongdoing of individuals who have sought to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must take significant steps within the coming weeks to restore confidence in state government .
But let 's be clear : bad actors will always try to game the system and break the law .
We must commit to sending the clearest sign the game is over and every step will be taken to prosecute .
`` House Democrats stand ready to work with Governor Pritzker and our Republican colleagues to balance our budgets , enact lobbying and ethics reforms , make health care more affordable , expand educational opportunities to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continue building a stronger Illinois . ''

Suburban legislators' reactions to Pritzker's speech
Republicans
Sen. John Curran of Downers Grove: "While the governor did a good job of highlighting some of our state's positives and recent successes, the agenda he laid out moving forward is disappointing. While the people of Illinois are overrun with news of indictments, investigations, and arrests of legislators, he narrowed his focus to reforms that do not address the Democratic culture of self-interest enabled by a legislative process wholly lacking in transparency.
"The governor also completely avoided the topic of redistricting reform, which worries me that he may be backing off his campaign promise to veto a partisan map. Taking the politics out of drawing legislative districts is the first step to ending the corruption that comes with entrenched power holders.
"One of the biggest issues facing families in my district and across the state is the out-of-control property tax burden. Governor Pritzker barely mentioned the issue and offered no real solutions at all. Property tax relief has to be at the top of everyone's agenda this spring if we want to stop the exodus of families and jobs out of Illinois.
"In addition, his only proposal dealing with criminal justice does not address the alarming increase in violent crime, particularly carjackings, occurring in the suburbs, and is actually more likely to further this rising suburban epidemic.
"Finally, I am thankful for his leadership on protecting public health and clean air in my district, but the process our community endured battling Sterigenics highlighted deficiencies in our state EPA. I hope to work with the governor to ensure no other community has to endure what Willowbrook has been through these past two years."
Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles: "Property taxes always seem to be a main issue that is touted, but yet again there is a lack of specific proposals that would actually lower homeowners' property tax bills." "As a member of the Property Tax Reform Task Force this past year, it was my hope that we would come out of that with a real opportunity to lessen the burden on Illinoisans. Instead, the task force ended their meetings without a road map to relief and no real solutions were presented today, leaving the General Assembly without direction."
"The public should be outraged by the recent headlines involving misconduct from state lawmakers." "It's time to enact real ethics reforms and it is my hope that the Governor is serious about cracking down on government corruption.
"As we enter a new legislative session, we have a fresh opportunity to change the status quo. Instead of continuing to find new revenue streams that increase the tax burden on hardworking residents, we need to find ways to limit the out-of-control spending. Only then will Illinois be able to get on a path toward prosperity."
Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods: "Lacking from today's address was any mention of the need for redistricting reform, which an overwhelming majority of Illinoisans have called for in recent years. How can we expect to have an ethical legislature when legislators continue to pick their constituents instead of the other way around?
"As corruption lurks among the Capitol and makes headlines across the state, the public trust has reached an all-time low. And with no indication from the majority party or the Governor that we will take action this session on this issue, Illinoisans should take great concern that the status quo in Springfield will remain the same."
Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove: "The governor gave his assessment of how Illinois is doing in the second year of his administration. As I see it, we have a number of challenges like corruption, a need for property tax reform, and giving the people of Illinois -- not just the politicians -- a voice in the process of drawing legislative maps. But we cannot rely on their worn-out ideas of more taxes and more spending, The time for talk is done. Let's get to work."
Rep. Brad Stephens of Rosemont: "I appreciate the Governor's bipartisan emphasis on reducing our state's excessive property taxes and growing the economy. Illinois is taxing people out of their homes. These taxes hurt seniors and it is exacerbating the state's out-migration problem.
"The legislature needs to do everything in its power to lower the property tax burden, create jobs, and grow the economy, so everyone in our communities prosper. If we work together, we can lower our state's sky-high property taxes, create good-paying jobs, and provide long overdue relief for Illinois families and small businesses. I look forward to working together to get the job done, and will continue to work with any elected official to lower property taxes and create jobs for the people of Illinois."
Rep. Dan Ugaste of Geneva: "Today the Governor expressed his support for the ethics reform proposals brought forward by our caucus, and I am pleased to support that effort. The culture of corruption has infiltrated our government and has impeded our progress for growth for far too long. Only real ethics reform will steer us forward, restore the public trust in government and allow us to work through our state's many fiscal challenges.
"Last year we made one stride forward in helping our taxpayers with a pension consolidation effort. This year we need to go further. Our pension systems are complex and will require bipartisan work to find the right solution -- but it's one that our taxpayers and businesses deserve. We cannot afford to lose any more of them."
Rep. Tom Morrison of Palatine: "High property taxes and the burden they continue to place on our residents and businesses is a huge concern for me going into this legislative session. The property tax relief task force did not deliver its report on time nor provide substantial reform proposals, however, I will continue to advocate for my constituents and the state's taxpayers as a whole.
"Those of us in Cook County just received the first installment notice of our annual property tax bills, and unsurprisingly, most of us received another sizable increase. This is especially aggravating as Governor Pritzker approved last year nearly two dozen tax increases, in part, to fund a tainted $45 Billion infrastructure bill. When the Governor and the legislature fail to make spending reforms their first priority, taxpayers continue to get hit from one side to the next.
"Furthermore, the public shouldn't be duped into thinking that a new graduated income tax scheme will provide meaningful property tax relief. Failure to produce real spending and policy reform and/or government consolidation will make taxpayers and all citizens -- regardless of income level -- suffer more in the end. Illinois must grow its tax base of individuals at all income levels and businesses of all sizes. It shouldn't try to pick winners and losers with misguided 'revenue enhancements' that just end up driving more people and businesses to pick up stakes and relocate."
Rep. Keith Wheeler of Oswego: "Families here in the Fox Valley are saddled by some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Illinois continues to lag in job creation and economic growth, doing a disservice to families who want to live, work or retire in our great state. We can do better.
"If we work together in a bipartisan way and compromise -- just like we did last year to pass a balanced budget and job-creating reforms -- I know we can tackle our state's sky-high property tax problem and create more Illinois jobs for Illinois families. I'm ready to get to work and find areas of common ground with the Governor so that we can make Illinois a more affordable place for families to live and for small businesses to grow and thrive."
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst: "Illinois deserves a government they can be proud of. While I'm glad the Governor in his State of the State said he wants to extend his hand on key issues, those will be empty words if his own party keeps their iron grip on the House process to stop reforms on property taxes and ethics. We can accomplish more together than we can apart, but true bipartisanship requires equal participation and equal effort, and equal respect for those voices you disagree with. And to date, we've seen a lot more support for political insiders and special interest groups and enabling the culture of corruption than honest tightening of belts, paying our bills, and doing our best for the people in Illinois. "Governor Pritzker said today it is no longer acceptable or tolerable to have our culture of corruption. He hasn't called for the resignation of the man who has been the enabler in chief for the last 40 years.
"I continue to stand ready and willing to work with any lawmaker -- Republican or Democrat -- that is serious in their efforts to end corruption, lower property taxes, and put Illinois on a sound fiscal path. Illinois government works best when it supports and is accountable to regular people working hard for their families, friends, faith, and communities."
Rep. Allen Skillicorn of East Dundee: "While we appreciate that Governor Pritzker signaled his support for a small number of Republican-sponsored ethics reform proposals, we believe there is more that needs to be done to root out corruption in state government once and for all.
"There is a black cloud over Springfield, and it seems we learn of new developments regarding an ongoing federal investigation into corruption and self-dealing in state government on a weekly basis. I have filed dozens of real and substantive ethics reform bills, pension reform legislation, and bills to provide property tax relief year after year that stay completely frozen out by the Speaker to languish and die in his tightly controlled Rules Committee.
"The Democratic majority thrives in the current corrupt status-quo that they have created over four decades. They freeze out real reform bills and treat the taxpayers of Illinois as their personal piggy banks, choosing to protect a well-connected chosen few over doing what is best for the all the people of the State of Illinois.
"It is time to finally deal with reality and focus on working together to address our unsustainable and massive pension disaster that grows larger every day. I have proposed a five-step pension reform plan that will fix this disaster in an ethical and fair way, but to do this we need full bipartisan support for this reform to become a reality.
"During this session, I plan to advocate for real solutions to the pension crisis. I have a 5-step plan to address out of control property taxes, a proposal to create a 1% percent hard cap, and end the unethical practice of letting legislators draw their own district boundaries and choose their constituents every ten years through a broken remap process.
"Two months ago, I called on the General Assembly to support legislation ending the practice of legislators moonlighting as lobbyists. I applaud the Governor for joining me in this common sense reform.
"With our state's terrible out-migration problem, we need to do everything we can to lower our property tax burden and create jobs so our communities will thrive. I will continue to work with any lawmaker -- Republican or Democrat -- who will work to end corruption, lower property taxes, and create jobs for the people of Illinois."
Rep. Amy Grant of Wheaton: "Some of the highest property taxes in the nation have plagued Illinois families for years. I appreciate that Governor Pritzker prioritized property tax relief and job creation in his speech today, but the Governor needs to work with Republicans to enact real reforms. Our government cannot afford another phony property tax relief task force. If we work together in a bipartisan way and compromise, then we can tackle our sky-high property tax problem and provide long-overdue relief for Illinois families and small businesses.
"As the Governor referenced in his speech, an example of this bipartisan success was the recent consolidation of police and firefighter pensions to lower property taxes in Illinois, and while this is a great first step, we must go further. We need to address the pension mess in Illinois by reforming the entire system.
"I was also glad the governor concluded his speech by addressing the black cloud hanging over the Capitol since federal investigations began to unravel last year. As a freshmen legislator who served on the property tax task force, I witnessed what little task forces actually accomplish. I fear his commission on ethics will also fail to produce substantive results. Real, lasting ethics reform must be a priority this legislative session."
Democrats
Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park: "I've long been troubled by the appearance of someone serving as a member of the General Assembly on Friday and becoming a lobbyist on Monday. That's a problem and one we should tackle," Harmon said. "You shouldn't be a lawmaker one day and a lobbyist the next.
"It's refreshing to have a governor be the lead cheerleader for the state," Harmon said. "We need a governor telling the rest of the world what's going right in Illinois."
Sen. Christina Castro of Elgin: "I'm optimistic that 2020 will be a very productive year. I was thrilled to hear Governor Pritzker express a desire to prioritize ethics reform and work toward passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act. I look forward to working closely with his office to ensure our mutual goals are achieved."
Castro is a member of the joint ethics commission and is the Senate sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act
Sen. Linda Holmes of Aurora: "I share his enthusiasm for taking on college affordability, health care, property tax and pension reform, and government consolidation." "And we must continue to fight against the culture of corruption at the Capitol. We have to rebuild the public's trust and I expect the governor and General Assembly to put together a strong ethics reform package this year."
Holmes looks forward to her new role as assistant majority leader with Don Harmon's team.
"We have a diverse caucus with a wide range of priorities, representing a diverse state, and I feel confident we can work together to address those priorities. I'm working on a range of legislation for this session, from insurance reform to addressing affordable health care and pre-authorization practices, to helping farmers deal with problems controlling herbicides, to my continuing efforts in animal welfare. It's going to be a busy and productive year."
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs: "I was thrilled to hear that the governor shares my commitment to ending the culture of corruption in Springfield. Strengthening our ethics laws so that politicians can no longer profit as a result of their public service remains a top priority for me, so I am glad to have an ally in Gov. Pritzker.
"With the bipartisan ethics commission set to issue their policy recommendations this March, I am committed to doing all I can in the Senate to make sure those bills get to the governor's desk. Together we will demand an honest, transparent Springfield."
Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake: "My constituents are on the front lines of the property tax crisis. I hear stories every day about outrageously high property taxes and how they bring fiscal upheaval to families. I will continue to fight for and pass legislation that consolidates and eliminates ineffective units of government to curb the flow of wasteful government spending, and am excited our governor shares those concerns. Further, we must end the practice of incentivizing local governments to max out their levies. It is an important step to empower both local governments and taxpayers to be more fiscally responsible and efficient.
"I will work with the Pritzker administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight big utility companies from further profiting off families that are already being crushed by their high taxes. We need to finally develop a comprehensive plan to bring property tax relief to the people of Illinois and show them that we are on their side.
"I also fully support the governor's efforts to end the days of corrupt self-serving politicians profiting off their positions. Over the past several years I have made it a priority to hold elected officials in Illinois to the highest ethical standards, both via legislation and by calling out members of both parties for breaking their oath to Illinoisans. Our state's history of corruption is a stain that will not easily be wiped away. Illinoisans deserve much better, and I will demand a more open and transparent state government and not stop until we have succeeded."
Sen. Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights: "Gov. Pritzker's emphasis on early childhood education and job creation sets the bar for legislators to build an economy that allows working people to succeed. I am committed to doing all I can in the Senate to pass the initiatives needed to build that framework.
"By investing in early education and job creation, Illinois is making a promise to working people that we will stand with them their entire lives and help them succeed.
"I was heartened to hear the governor call for meaningful ethics reform. The bipartisan commission on ethics will make recommendations later this year and I am looking forward to working with them and the governor to clean up Springfield."
Sen. Laura Ellman of Naperville: "This year, I plan to focus on a number of issues, from combating climate change to quality higher education. I wish I had heard more specific proposals about the environment beyond clean energy, but after hearing him speak, I'm confident that the he will be an ally in making the state a national leader in protecting our natural resources and environment.
"Additionally, as I listened to the governor speak, his comments about ethics reform really struck a chord. We need a new level of transparency that surpasses any law we can implement. Our job is to live up to the expectations of the people we represent, and that's what I plan to do and what every elected official should also be doing."
Sen. Julie Morrison of Deerfield: "Gov. Pritzker's call for action against the repellent actions committed by state lawmakers is a great step toward ending unethical behavior." "I applaud the governor's desire to fight corruption, and I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure we pass real, lasting ethics reform this legislative session."
"It's more important than ever for us to strive for more transparency, greater disclosure and a higher standard of conduct." "This common-sense legislation will call for lawmakers to work in the best interest of the people of Illinois by reporting if they have a conflict of interest on a legislative matter they are voting on."
"Every person who serves in elected office should serve the people of Illinois -- not themselves nor their wallets." "I will continue to work with my fellow lawmakers and the governor to ensure we are all held to the highest ethical standards."
House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago: "I want to thank Governor Pritzker for offering a straightforward assessment of the state of our state. For the first time in a long time, we come into a legislative session with the opportunity to build on success. Last spring, we worked across the aisle to balance the budget; we enacted reforms backed by the state's leading business groups that will help small and medium-sized employers grow; we created innovative new job training programs; we fought to rein in the cost of health care and prescription drugs; we took critical steps toward property tax relief; and we began the process of replacing Illinois' unfair tax system with one that provides relief for the middle class while making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share.
"There is more work to be done though. Building on this progress means we must continue to make the tough decisions to balance the budget and pay down old bills, while ensuring critical services like our schools, senior care, career and vocational education, domestic violence shelters and breast cancer screenings are funded.
"While we have seen major steps forward, we have also seen the good work of the many honest members of this Legislature be overshadowed too often by the wrongdoing of individuals who have sought to put themselves first. It's clear that we must take significant steps within the coming weeks to restore confidence in state government. But let's be clear: bad actors will always try to game the system and break the law. We must commit to sending the clearest sign the game is over and every step will be taken to prosecute.
"House Democrats stand ready to work with Governor Pritzker and our Republican colleagues to balance our budgets, enact lobbying and ethics reforms, make health care more affordable, expand educational opportunities to build an economy that works for all, and continue building a stronger Illinois."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Down goes some of former Haines Middle School as construction begins

Construction is underway at the former Haines Middle School , preparing the St. Charles facility for use by various community agencies and District 303 programs .
A nearly $ 4 million plan to repurpose the building at 305 S. Ninth St. was approved last fall by school board members , who spent more than a year discussing the property 's future .
The planned improvements call for general maintenance and infrastructure repairs , as well as tearing down and remodeling some sections of the facility , parts of which are 62 years old .
The razing of a two-story wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be completed no later than Feb. 14 , said John Baird , assistant superintendent of operations .
Neighbors and community members have been gathering around the construction site to take photos of the demolition , he told board members during a committee meeting this week .
Inside , two classrooms are being built in what soon will be the district 's transition center , where 18- to 22-year-old students with disabilities can gain life skills , Baird said .
Another area of the building is being renovated to accommodate the NorthEast Academy alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to begin using the gymnasium and adjacent classroom space Monday , as part of a four-year lease agreement with District 303 , he said .
Work to finalize the space and make the bathrooms accessible is wrapping up this week .
In a separate lease deal , the library plans to move into the Haines sixth-grade wing starting in mid-March and will operate there the first week of April , Baird said .
The space will serve as the library 's temporary home during the construction of a roughly $ 18.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 1 S. Sixth Ave. Additionally , District 303 plans to apply for a matching $ 50,000 school maintenance project grant from the state .
The funding would be used to install a new fire alarm system in the Haines building -- a project for which the district budgeted about $ 200,000 .
Contractors were able to secure a lower-than-expected price , bringing the district 's costs to $ 135,000 if the grant is awarded , Superintendent Jason Pearson said .
`` ( The state ) has a pretty narrow scope of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grant , but health/life safety systems is one of those things , '' Pearson said .
`` This is kind of a win-win-win . ''
The school board is expected to vote on the measure Feb. 10 , which would authorize the district to apply for the grant .

Down goes some of former Haines Middle School as construction begins
Construction is underway at the former Haines Middle School, preparing the St. Charles facility for use by various community agencies and District 303 programs.
A nearly $4 million plan to repurpose the building at 305 S. Ninth St. was approved last fall by school board members, who spent more than a year discussing the property's future. The planned improvements call for general maintenance and infrastructure repairs, as well as tearing down and remodeling some sections of the facility, parts of which are 62 years old.
The razing of a two-story wing began this month and is expected to be completed no later than Feb. 14, said John Baird, assistant superintendent of operations. Neighbors and community members have been gathering around the construction site to take photos of the demolition, he told board members during a committee meeting this week.
Inside, two classrooms are being built in what soon will be the district's transition center, where 18- to 22-year-old students with disabilities can gain life skills, Baird said. Another area of the building is being renovated to accommodate the NorthEast Academy alternative program.
The St. Charles Park District is expected to begin using the gymnasium and adjacent classroom space Monday, as part of a four-year lease agreement with District 303, he said. Work to finalize the space and make the bathrooms accessible is wrapping up this week.
In a separate lease deal, the library plans to move into the Haines sixth-grade wing starting in mid-March and will operate there the first week of April, Baird said. The space will serve as the library's temporary home during the construction of a roughly $18.6 million renovation and expansion of the facility at 1 S. Sixth Ave.
Additionally, District 303 plans to apply for a matching $50,000 school maintenance project grant from the state. The funding would be used to install a new fire alarm system in the Haines building -- a project for which the district budgeted about $200,000.
Contractors were able to secure a lower-than-expected price, bringing the district's costs to $135,000 if the grant is awarded, Superintendent Jason Pearson said.
"(The state) has a pretty narrow scope of the kinds of things you can fund through the grant, but health/life safety systems is one of those things," Pearson said. "This is kind of a win-win-win."
The school board is expected to vote on the measure Feb. 10, which would authorize the district to apply for the grant.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--DuPage health officials: We're monitoring people who were in contact with coronavirus patient

DuPage County public health officials say they are closely monitoring an unspecified number of people who may have been exposed to the dangerous new coronavirus through an infected Chicago woman .
The woman had traveled to China 's Wuhan region , the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak that has killed at least 132 people in the country 's mainland and sickened thousands .
The woman , in her 60s , has been kept in isolation at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates .
DuPage health officials say people who have come into contact with the woman and developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department is monitoring their symptoms daily , a spokesman said .
`` This is a new and rapidly changing situation , '' Executive Director Karen Ayala said at a news conference Wednesday .
`` We expect there may be more cases and more individuals to follow up with in the coming weeks . ''
Ayala would not reveal how many people have been potentially exposed and are currently being tested , saying only that `` it 's a very small number . ''
Those individuals are cooperating with efforts to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are currently and will continue to be in direct communication with individuals within DuPage County to monitor their health and have them quickly and safely evaluated by a health care provider if needed , '' Ayala said .
`` Rather than serve as a point of concern , I would hope that this provides residents and our partners with a sense of reassurance that we are actually taking active measures to control the spread of this novel disease . ''
While Ayala sought to tamp down fears over the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity within the county .
Six patients have died from flu-related illnesses and 32 people have been admitted to hospital intensive care units since September .
`` The same steps that will keep you safe and heathy from flu will keep you safe and reduce your risk for contracting this novel virus even further : proper hand hygiene , covering your cough and sneeze , staying home if you are sick and not feeling well , '' Ayala said .
Ayala would not say whether any of the Chicago woman 's contacts have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the patient and these individuals ' privacy , as well as the rapidly changing situation , we are not releasing the location or any identifying information at this time , '' Ayala said .
`` In the future , however , we would release locations where people may have been exposed if we needed help identifying individuals in those locations or if we were not able to quickly contact everyone who may have been exposed . ''
Officials are following contact monitoring protocols provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Unless they have symptoms , they do n't have any reason to change their activities , '' Ayala said .
`` And so we check with them daily on how they 're feeling and do a checklist of the symptoms that we would anticipate . ''
The Chicago woman is being treated at St. Alexius because her regular physician is on staff there and directed her to the emergency department after appropriate screening , an Amita Health spokeswoman said earlier this week .
When the case was confirmed late last Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time only the second person in the U.S. to be officially diagnosed with the dangerous viral infection .
As of Monday , there were five confirmed cases , with the others in California , Washington state and Arizona , according to the CDC .
The woman landed at O'Hare International Airport on Jan. 13 and started developing symptoms three to four days later , officials said .
Experts believe the incubation period for the coronavirus can be as long as 14 days .
The symptoms are similar to many other upper respiratory illnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughing .
`` At this point , our overriding message is that the general population is at low risk , we are monitoring the situation and we are coordinating and cooperating with our partner agencies very effectively , '' Ayala said .

DuPage health officials: We're monitoring people who were in contact with coronavirus patient
DuPage County public health officials say they are closely monitoring an unspecified number of people who may have been exposed to the dangerous new coronavirus through an infected Chicago woman.
The woman had traveled to China's Wuhan region, the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak that has killed at least 170 people in the country's mainland and sickened thousands. The woman, in her 60s, has been kept in isolation at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.
DuPage health officials say people who have come into contact with the woman and developed symptoms have voluntarily isolated themselves at home. The department is monitoring their symptoms daily, a spokesman said.
"This is a new and rapidly changing situation," Executive Director Karen Ayala said at a news conference Wednesday. "We expect there may be more cases and more individuals to follow up with in the coming weeks."
Ayala would not reveal how many people have been potentially exposed and are currently being tested, saying only that "it's a very small number." Those individuals are cooperating with efforts to contain the virus, Ayala said.
"We are currently and will continue to be in direct communication with individuals within DuPage County to monitor their health and have them quickly and safely evaluated by a health care provider if needed," Ayala said. "Rather than serve as a point of concern, I would hope that this provides residents and our partners with a sense of reassurance that we are actually taking active measures to control the spread of this novel disease."
While Ayala sought to tamp down fears over the spread of coronavirus, she did express concern over flu activity within the county. Six patients have died from flu-related illnesses and 32 people have been admitted to hospital intensive care units since September.
"The same steps that will keep you safe and heathy from flu will keep you safe and reduce your risk for contracting this novel virus even further: proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and sneeze, staying home if you are sick and not feeling well," Ayala said.
Ayala would not say whether any of the Chicago woman's contacts have been hospitalized.
"Out of respect for the patient and these individuals' privacy, as well as the rapidly changing situation, we are not releasing the location or any identifying information at this time," Ayala said. "In the future, however, we would release locations where people may have been exposed if we needed help identifying individuals in those locations or if we were not able to quickly contact everyone who may have been exposed."
Officials are following contact monitoring protocols provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state department of public health.
"Unless they have symptoms, they don't have any reason to change their activities," Ayala said. "And so we check with them daily on how they're feeling and do a checklist of the symptoms that we would anticipate."
The Chicago woman is being treated at St. Alexius because her regular physician is on staff there and directed her to the emergency department after appropriate screening, an Amita Health spokeswoman said earlier this week.
When the case was confirmed late last Thursday, the Chicago resident was at the time only the second person in the U.S. to be officially diagnosed with the dangerous viral infection. As of Monday, there were five confirmed cases, with the others in California, Washington state and Arizona, according to the CDC.
The woman landed at O'Hare International Airport on Jan. 13 and started developing symptoms three to four days later, officials said. Experts believe the incubation period for the coronavirus can be as long as 14 days.
The symptoms are similar to many other upper respiratory illnesses: fever, shortness of breath and coughing.
"At this point, our overriding message is that the general population is at low risk, we are monitoring the situation and we are coordinating and cooperating with our partner agencies very effectively," Ayala said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Rozner: Math a big factor in Kris Bryant losing Cubs grievance

Yes , after all of the discussion , seven remains more than six .
Seldom has there been a more shocking pronouncement .
Kris Bryant lost his grievance against the Cubs , it was revealed Wednesday , one in which he and his representatives challenged the Cubs ' legal ability to keep him in the minors for about two weeks in 2015 , thus delaying his free agency by a season .
So he will be here for seven seasons instead of six -- unless the Cubs trade him first .
Players earn free agency after six full years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it 's in the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement , the one players and the union sign and operate under each and every year .
It 's a not a `` loophole , '' as many have tried to suggest .
Bryant was held back for two weeks and fell short of the 172 days of service time necessary to collect a full season in the big leagues .
It 's right there in black and white .
It says 172 days .
That 's not a `` loophole . ''
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it each time the union signs a new CBA .
So those who argue in favor of the players , saying this `` loophole '' must be removed , have not yet explained how it will be removed in the next CBA .
The owners are n't going to agree to shorten free agency from six years to five , so that will remain the same .
Want to change it from 172 to days to 170 ?
To 160 ?
To 150 ?
Go ahead .
Management will simply wait to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look , I 'm a players ' guy .
Always have been .
I believe in the free market .
It 's a short career and here 's hoping players make giant piles of cash .
No one complains about actors getting $ 25 million for a movie , so the belief here is you should n't begrudge an entertaining athlete breaking the bank .
But using seven as more than six is the one chance owners have to maintain team control until players start pounding them in arbitration after three years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
And after six full seasons -- yes , full seasons -- they are free to shop their wares to the highest bidder , if they so choose .
It is simply smart business for management to take advantage of this opportunity for the extra season .
It 's been done in baseball for decades and it 's not going to stop .
It 's just that agents and experts are now complaining about it .
There 's not a single person in baseball who thought the Cubs were going to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cubs from moving along with their winter plans , which included shopping Bryant .
They could n't possibly deal him until the acquiring team knew whether they were getting one year or two of team control .
That 's not to say that Bryant will be dealt .
The Cubs are n't in a hurry to move him , but if they ca n't get him signed long term then this is the time to make that move , while they can maximize his value .
With every day that goes by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's value in a trade comes down , so this is something the Cubs need to do as soon as possible if they 're going to do it .
As far how much it hurt the Cubs this winter , no doubt it hurt as third basemen were shopped and free agents were signed .
So if that was the goal , the grievance did have an impact on how they planned for the 2020 season , and you might now see some movement on the North Side .
Is Bryant angry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If this is the reason he does n't re-sign in Chicago , so be it .
But he should know this tactic has been used against Cubs players -- and all players -- for decades and rarely do any cry about it .
It 's big business and that door swings both ways .
Welcome to the majors .
As for the Cubs possibly losing the grievance , it was never going to happen and everyone involved knew it from the time it was filed .
It was frivolous at best .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media crying about the `` loophole '' again and how it must be fixed .
And no one will have any idea how to do it , because the moment you move free agency from five years plus 172 days , to five years and , say , 160 days , teams are going to wait until Day 159 to bring up a monster prospect .
It 's not that complicated , unless math is a serious problem for you .
If you 've been visiting this space for the last couple decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain that -- say it with me now -- seven remains one more than six .

Rozner: Math a big factor in Kris Bryant losing Cubs grievance
Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant will remain under team control for two seasons after it was announced Wednesday he lost his grievance. Patrick Kunzer | Staff Photographer
Yes, after all of the discussion, seven remains more than six.
Seldom has there been a more shocking pronouncement.
Kris Bryant lost his grievance against the Cubs, it was revealed Wednesday, one in which he and his representatives challenged the Cubs' legal ability to keep him in the minors for about two weeks in 2015, thus delaying his free agency by a season.
So he will be here for seven seasons instead of six -- unless the Cubs trade him first.
Players earn free agency after six full years in the big leagues. We know this because it's in the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement, the one players and the union sign and operate under each and every year.
It's a not a "loophole," as many have tried to suggest. Bryant was held back for two weeks and fell short of the 172 days of service time necessary to collect a full season in the big leagues.
It's right there in black and white. It says 172 days. That's not a "loophole." That's collectively bargained.
The players agree to it each time the union signs a new CBA.
So those who argue in favor of the players, saying this "loophole" must be removed, have not yet explained how it will be removed in the next CBA.
The owners aren't going to agree to shorten free agency from six years to five, so that will remain the same.
Want to change it from 172 to days to 170? To 160? To 150?
Go ahead. Management will simply wait to bring a player to the big leagues.
Look, I'm a players' guy. Always have been. I believe in the free market. It's a short career and here's hoping players make giant piles of cash.
No one complains about actors getting $25 million for a movie, so the belief here is you shouldn't begrudge an entertaining athlete breaking the bank.
But using seven as more than six is the one chance owners have to maintain team control until players start pounding them in arbitration after three years, or slightly less if they reach Super-2 status.
And after six full seasons -- yes, full seasons -- they are free to shop their wares to the highest bidder, if they so choose.
It is simply smart business for management to take advantage of this opportunity for the extra season.
It's been done in baseball for decades and it's not going to stop. It's just that agents and experts are now complaining about it.
There's not a single person in baseball who thought the Cubs were going to lose this argument, but it did prevent the Cubs from moving along with their winter plans, which included shopping Bryant.
They couldn't possibly deal him until the acquiring team knew whether they were getting one year or two of team control.
That's not to say that Bryant will be dealt. The Cubs aren't in a hurry to move him, but if they can't get him signed long term then this is the time to make that move, while they can maximize his value.
With every day that goes by once the 2020 season begins, Bryant's value in a trade comes down, so this is something the Cubs need to do as soon as possible if they're going to do it.
As far how much it hurt the Cubs this winter, no doubt it hurt as third basemen were shopped and free agents were signed.
So if that was the goal, the grievance did have an impact on how they planned for the 2020 season, and you might now see some movement on the North Side.
Is Bryant angry about what the Cubs did? Perhaps. If this is the reason he doesn't re-sign in Chicago, so be it. But he should know this tactic has been used against Cubs players -- and all players -- for decades and rarely do any cry about it.
It's big business and that door swings both ways. Welcome to the majors.
As for the Cubs possibly losing the grievance, it was never going to happen and everyone involved knew it from the time it was filed.
It was frivolous at best.
So next you will hear the national baseball media crying about the "loophole" again and how it must be fixed.
And no one will have any idea how to do it, because the moment you move free agency from five years plus 172 days, to five years and, say, 160 days, teams are going to wait until Day 159 to bring up a monster prospect.
It's not that complicated, unless math is a serious problem for you.
If you've been visiting this space for the last couple decades, at least you already knew for certain that -- say it with me now -- seven remains one more than six.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Des Plaines man dies when car crashes into Niles police station garage

A 22-year-old Des Plaines man was killed early Wednesday morning when he crashed his car into the Niles Police Department @ @ @ @ @ Niles police said the crash happened just after midnight as the unidentified driver of a @ @ @ @ @ south on Waukegan Road approaching Milwaukee Avenue .
The driver was unable to make a @ @ @ @ @ , hit the curb , struck a ComEd utility pole , careened into fencing around @ @ @ @ @ crashed into the underground exit door for the police department garage , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ inside the garage and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police officials @ @ @ @ @ before the crash of a vehicle speeding through nearby Morton Grove and disregarding traffic lights @ @ @ @ @ of Milwaukee Avenue overnight as part of the investigation , but reopened all lanes before @ @ @

Des Plaines man dies when car crashes into Niles police station garage
A 22-year-old Des Plaines man was killed early Wednesday morning when he crashed his car into the Niles Police Department garage while driving fast.
Niles police said the crash happened just after midnight as the unidentified driver of a 2010 Hyundai sedan was speeding south on Waukegan Road approaching Milwaukee Avenue.
The driver was unable to make a slight left turn onto Milwaukee, hit the curb, struck a ComEd utility pole, careened into fencing around the police department campus then crashed into the underground exit door for the police department garage, authorities said.
The vehicle came to rest inside the garage and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police officials said there were multiple reports before the crash of a vehicle speeding through nearby Morton Grove and disregarding traffic lights.
The crash remains under investigation.
Police closed a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue overnight as part of the investigation, but reopened all lanes before 9 a.m.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Glendale Heights man pleads guilty to attempted murder for hammer attack

Joshua Miceli was angry about more than his parents ' efforts to thwart his plans to become a blacksmith when he recruited a friend to kill them with a hammer .
He also was mad that his mom and dad had given money to his brother for hockey instead of giving it to him so he could pay for his girlfriend to have male-to-female sex-change surgery , Michael Targo testified Wednesday .
Targo supplied the testimony as he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder for the Feb. 18 , 2018 , attack on Louis and Barbara Miceli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Targo , now 20 , was sentenced to 16 years in prison .
He will have to serve at least 85 % of the time and will receive credit for the 711 days he already has spent in the DuPage County jail since his arrest .
Miceli , meanwhile , is charged with attempted murder , solicitation of murder and aggravated battery .
The 25-year-old 's next court date is Thursday .
Assistant State 's Attorney Michael Fisher told DuPage Judge Jeffrey MacKay that Miceli 's mother suffered a torn earlobe , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hammer attack .
The fractures required surgery and for her mouth to be wired shut .
His father suffered lacerations to his head , face and neck .
Targo , of Glendale Heights , testified that he met Miceli through a mutual friend .
On Feb. 1 , 2018 , Miceli , asked if Targo would kill his parents .
The two planned the attack over the next several weeks , with Miceli drawing a diagram of the house he also lived in and telling Targo to wear clothing that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Targo not to use a gun because it would be too noisy , nor a knife because there would be too much blood .
Instead , Miceli gave him the hammer , Targo said .
Targo testified that Miceli told him to use the blunt end of the hammer , not the claw , to minimize blood mess .
Targo said he hid behind a couch waiting for the parents to return home while Miceli was in the kitchen making fondue .
Miceli was to give a signal by making a loud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents arrived .
The attack occurred around 1:30 a.m. Targo began by hitting Barbara Miceli with the hammer , and when she fell to the floor he hit her twice more .
`` He ( Miceli ) kept on asking me to hit her more , '' Targo said .
Then Miceli told him to `` go finish the job . ''
Targo found Louis upstairs and hit him with the hammer , but Louis fought back , kicking Targo away .
Targo ran off , hiding in the yard and then at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where police found him .
Five photographs of screenshots of text messages between Miceli and Targo on Feb. 17 and 18 were admitted to the record .
Targo confirmed what authorities had previously said -- that Miceli would pay him with proceeds from the sale of the Micelis ' belongings and a family car .

Glendale Heights man pleads guilty to attempted murder for hammer attack
Joshua Miceli was angry about more than his parents' efforts to thwart his plans to become a blacksmith when he recruited a friend to kill them with a hammer.
He also was mad that his mom and dad had given money to his brother for hockey instead of giving it to him so he could pay for his girlfriend to have male-to-female sex-change surgery, Michael Targo testified Wednesday.
Targo supplied the testimony as he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder for the Feb. 18, 2018, attack on Louis and Barbara Miceli in their home near Glen Ellyn.
Both parents survived.
Targo, now 20, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He will have to serve at least 85% of the time and will receive credit for the 711 days he already has spent in the DuPage County jail since his arrest.
Miceli, meanwhile, is charged with attempted murder, solicitation of murder and aggravated battery. The 25-year-old's next court date is Thursday.
Assistant State's Attorney Michael Fisher told DuPage Judge Jeffrey MacKay that Miceli's mother suffered a torn earlobe, a broken jaw and a broken facial bone in the hammer attack. The fractures required surgery and for her mouth to be wired shut. His father suffered lacerations to his head, face and neck.
Targo, of Glendale Heights, testified that he met Miceli through a mutual friend. On Feb. 1, 2018, Miceli, asked if Targo would kill his parents.
The two planned the attack over the next several weeks, with Miceli drawing a diagram of the house he also lived in and telling Targo to wear clothing that would be "easily disposable," Targo said.
He told Targo not to use a gun because it would be too noisy, nor a knife because there would be too much blood. Instead, Miceli gave him the hammer, Targo said.
Targo testified that Miceli told him to use the blunt end of the hammer, not the claw, to minimize blood mess.
Targo said he hid behind a couch waiting for the parents to return home while Miceli was in the kitchen making fondue, and Miceli was to give a signal by making a loud noise with a lazy Susan when his parents arrived.
The attack occurred around 1:30 a.m.
Targo began by hitting Barbara Miceli with the hammer, and when she fell to the floor he hit her twice more.
"He (Miceli) kept on asking me to hit her more," Targo said. Then Miceli told him to "go finish the job."
Targo found Louis upstairs and hit him with the hammer, but Louis fought back, kicking Targo away.
Targo ran off, hiding in the yard and then at a nearby gasoline station, which is where police found him.
Five photographs of screenshots of text messages between Miceli and Targo on Feb. 17 and 18 were admitted to the record.
Targo confirmed what authorities had previously said -- that Miceli would pay him with proceeds from the sale of the Micelis' belongings and a family car.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--O'Donnell: TNT 'wake,' fresh Super Bowl helping America mourn Kobe

SPORTS MASS AMERICA has never needed a fresher , more distracting Super Bowl than it does this week .
And Sports Mass America has seldom needed a very public video wake as much as it did Tuesday night on TNT .
With disbelieving sadness still enveloping the air , Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson , Kenny Smith , Charles Barkley and Dwyane Wade anchored three wraparound segments of tribute to the late Kobe Bryant .
The total content of approximately 140 minutes could not fail to move .
That included an hour live before a Boston-Miami game from southeast Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half and a concluding 60 minutes following the game .
All was done on high stools at center court of a barren Staples Center , an arena that was to have hosted a highly anticipated midseason match between the Lakers and the Clippers .
With a scheduled tip less than 60 hours after Bryant , 13-year-old daughter Gigi and seven others perished in a helicopter accident , the game was postponed .
Instead , on TNT , the empty seats and the silence between the words served only as mute accents to so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The TV memorial slowly gained traction and was much more genuine than perfect .
Contributors included Jerry West and Reggie Miller before the game , Candace Parker and Steve Nash at the half and Derek Fisher and Rick Fox in the concluding segment .
All were enhancing .
All were speaking so straight from the heart .
And all gave viewers so profound and rare a view of the bonds inside a professional athletic association that in truth , at its best , is simply a nomadic group of dedicated artists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myth , the man , the executive who traded for rights to 17-year-old Bryant for LAL on Draft Night 1996 -- fought for words .
`` He was like a son , '' said West , now 81 and long the model for the silhouetted player who has served as the NBA 's primary logo since 1980 .
`` He basically lived with me for his first two years in ( Los Angeles ) .
My son Ryan , who worked for the Lakers , was his first best friend out here and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also on the fringe of a different sort of emotional tidal wave .
In the days since the tragedy , a petition drive has gained close to three million signatures to have West 's NBA silhouette replaced by that of Bryant .
Ironically , more than five years ago , West himself publicly stated that a new figure was due and in his opinion , it should be Michael Jordan .
So even from `` the other side , '' the competitiveness of Kobe Bryant remains center air .
`` We are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , '' said Miller , the wonderfully insightful Naismith Hall of Famer .
`` We 're all shaken , just like you , and the emotions and those tears are all real . ''
No one who viewed the TNT effort could possibly question that .
And , for whatever reason , from the intelligence that calls the shots behind the universe , the NBA 's new normal was given a very public opportunity to take hold .
STREET-BEATIN ' : With challenging days ahead , the NBA placates its scheduled side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named ( TNT , 6 p.m. ) .
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler have solid shots ; Zach LaVine gets in only if the influence of Jerry Reinsdorf and LaVine 's standing as `` the new mill 's Reggie Theus '' matter .
... Good fortune continues to circle the No .
19 Fighting Illini men .
They host Minnesota Thursday and if Brad Underwood 's hoop hopers stay hot , `` home court '' Kofi Cockburn shows up .
( 6:30 p.m. ; FS1 , Jeff Levering , Steve Bardo ; AM-890 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
... Eastern Illinois will have even more than Tony Romo , Jimmy Garoppolo and Mike Shanahan -- father of SF coach Kyle Shanahan -- going for it at Super Bowl 54 .
Tom Brewer -- Romo 's CBS-paid spotter and editorial assistant -- is an old dorm chum from EIU .
... Four decades of Kansas City Chiefs radio play-by-play men : Wayne Larrivee ( 1978-84 ) , Kevin Harlan ( 1985-1993 ) and Mitch Holthus ( 1994-now ) .
Holthus will call SB 54 back to KC , Harlan will handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Larrivee almost made it to Miami with the Packers .
... CBS picks up the final two rounds of the `` colorful '' Waste Management Phoenix Open -- where the scores are as low as the tank tops -- Saturday and Sunday ( 2-5 p.m. ) Forget about Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama ; winning tri box could be Webb Simpson , Gary Woodland and bomber Mark Hubbard .
... And Jimmie Ward , the Forty-Niners safety who worked his way from Northern Illinois to Super Bowl 54 , on who his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're really nobody .
... Nobody until we earn it . ''
• Jim O'Donnell 's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday .
Reach him at jimodonnelldh @ yahoo.com .

O'Donnell: TNT 'wake,' fresh Super Bowl helping America mourn Kobe
Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant take a breather while their Lakers teammates take on the Denver Nuggets late in an April 2003 game at Staples Center. Associated Press
In this tweet, Shaquille O'Neal and the TNT crew talk about Kobe Bryant Tuesday night at center court in an empty Staples Center.
SPORTS MASS AMERICA has never needed a fresher, more distracting Super Bowl than it does this week.
And Sports Mass America has seldom needed a very public video wake as much as it did Tuesday night on TNT.
With disbelieving sadness still enveloping the air, Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Dwyane Wade anchored three wraparound segments of tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.
The total content of approximately 140 minutes could not fail to move.
That included an hour live before a Boston-Miami game from southeast Florida, close to 20 minutes at the half and a concluding 60 minutes following the game.
All was done on high stools at center court of a barren Staples Center, an arena that was to have hosted a highly anticipated midseason match between the Lakers and the Clippers.
With a scheduled tip less than 60 hours after Bryant, 13-year-old daughter Gigi and seven others perished in a helicopter accident, the game was postponed.
Instead, on TNT, the empty seats and the silence between the words served only as mute accents to so much of the organic emotion laid bare.
The TV memorial slowly gained traction and was much more genuine than perfect.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1222314192138428416
Contributors included Jerry West and Reggie Miller before the game, Candace Parker and Steve Nash at the half and Derek Fisher and Rick Fox in the concluding segment.
All were enhancing. All were speaking so straight from the heart.
And all gave viewers so profound and rare a view of the bonds inside a professional athletic association that in truth, at its best, is simply a nomadic group of dedicated artists and sky walking cowboys.
West -- the myth, the man, the executive who traded for rights to 17-year-old Bryant for LAL on Draft Night 1996 -- fought for words.
"He was like a son," said West, now 81 and long the model for the silhouetted player who has served as the NBA's primary logo since 1980.
"He basically lived with me for his first two years in (Los Angeles). My son Ryan, who worked for the Lakers, was his first best friend out here and drove him around."
West is also on the fringe of a different sort of emotional tidal wave.
In the days since the tragedy, a petition drive has gained close to three million signatures to have West's NBA silhouette replaced by that of Bryant.
Ironically, more than five years ago, West himself publicly stated that a new figure was due and in his opinion, it should be Michael Jordan.
So even from "the other side," the competitiveness of Kobe Bryant remains center air.
"We are all in the middle of a 'shake' moment," said Miller, the wonderfully insightful Naismith Hall of Famer.
"We're all shaken, just like you, and the emotions and those tears are all real."
No one who viewed the TNT effort could possibly question that.
And, for whatever reason, from the intelligence that calls the shots behind the universe, the NBA's new normal was given a very public opportunity to take hold.
STREET-BEATIN': With challenging days ahead, the NBA placates its scheduled side Thursday when the NBA All-Star reserves are named (TNT, 6 p.m.). Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler have solid shots; Zach LaVine gets in only if the influence of Jerry Reinsdorf and LaVine's standing as "the new mill's Reggie Theus" matter. ...
Good fortune continues to circle the No. 19 Fighting Illini men. They host Minnesota Thursday and if Brad Underwood's hoop hopers stay hot, "home court" Kofi Cockburn shows up. (6:30 p.m.; FS1, Jeff Levering, Steve Bardo; AM-890, Brian Barnhart, Deon Thomas). ...
Eastern Illinois will have even more than Tony Romo, Jimmy Garoppolo and Mike Shanahan -- father of SF coach Kyle Shanahan -- going for it at Super Bowl 54. Tom Brewer -- Romo's CBS-paid spotter and editorial assistant -- is an old dorm chum from EIU. ...
Four decades of Kansas City Chiefs radio play-by-play men: Wayne Larrivee (1978-84), Kevin Harlan (1985-1993) and Mitch Holthus (1994-now). Holthus will call SB 54 back to KC, Harlan will handle the national radio p-b-p for Westwood One and Larrivee almost made it to Miami with the Packers. ...
CBS picks up the final two rounds of the "colorful" Waste Management Phoenix Open -- where the scores are as low as the tank tops -- Saturday and Sunday (2-5 p.m.) Forget about Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama; winning tri box could be Webb Simpson, Gary Woodland and bomber Mark Hubbard. ...
And Jimmie Ward, the Forty-Niners safety who worked his way from Northern Illinois to Super Bowl 54, on who his team really is, deadpanned: "We're really nobody. ... Nobody until we earn it."
• Jim O'Donnell's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday. Reach him at jimodonnelldh@yahoo.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Lake Zurich could seek tax increase to help fund Paulus Park Barn rebuild

Lake Zurich residents could see a referendum on new taxes as part of the village 's plans to rebuild the Paulus Park Barn gutted by fire in early November .
The referendum , which would appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot at the earliest , likely would seek voter approval for a bond issue to help fund the reconstruction and possible expansion of the barn .
The amount and its impact on taxpayers would depend on potential state assistance and how village leaders choose to proceed with the barn 's rebuilding .
Fire broke out in the barn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51-year-old building unusable for parks department programming .
The cause of the blaze remains undetermined , Fire Chief John Malcolm said .
Village trustees voted Jan. 20 to apply for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant that would cover as much as 75 % of the costs , up to $ 2.5 million .
The village would be required to supply the rest .
Village trustees are considering four renovation options : • Rebuild the 7,600-square-foot barn using primarily insurance money , along with about $ 500,000 in village funds .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebuild the barn along with a one-story , 9,000-square-foot addition .
The addition would include a large multipurpose room with partitions , restrooms and an exterior patio .
Depending on grant funding , the project would cost the village an estimated $ 1.2 million to $ 3.7 million .
• Rebuild the barn with a two-story , 18,000-square-foot addition .
That would cost the village between $ 4 million and $ 6.5 million .
• Demolish the barn and build a new , 35,500-square-foot building that would cost the village up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village officials choose and how much state funding they obtain , a voter-approved proposal would raise annual property taxes anywhere between $ 12 and $ 141 for the owner of a $ 360,000 house , officials say .
`` Looking into the future and gazing into a slightly cloudy crystal ball , I slightly prefer option four , but I can see option two being favored , '' Mayor Tom Poynton said .
`` Yes , it could mean a potential tax increase .
But that would only occur after robust community engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trustees are divided on the matter , with Mary Beth Euker and Jonathan Sprawka favoring option two , while others are taking a wait-and-see approach .
`` Option four definitely provides the most opportunity for expansion , '' Trustee Greg Weider said .
`` The fire was a tragic accident , but at the same time , that facility was very limiting .
There 's a lot of things in flux right now . ''
Weider said village trustees will seek community input on which path to take .
Trustee Janice Gannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do n't think a big expense like that is something we can decide for ourselves , '' she said .
`` I 'd rather see it go to referendum .
Lake Zurich needs to take a real hard look at all the expenses we have looming . ''
The village last week announced it had received a different state grant of $ 400,000 to enhance Paulus Park .
The funding will be used to extend walking trails , add a new fishing pier , install a canoe/kayak launch and replace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Lake Zurich could seek tax increase to help fund Paulus Park Barn rebuild
Flames broke out at Lake Zurich's Paulus Park Barn on Nov. 2, gutting the building and leaving it unusable for parks department programming. Courtesy of Lake Zurich Fire Rescue
Lake Zurich residents could see a referendum on new taxes as part of the village's plans to rebuild the Paulus Park Barn gutted by fire in early November.
The referendum, which would appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot at the earliest, likely would seek voter approval for a bond issue to help fund the reconstruction and possible expansion of the barn.
The amount and its impact on taxpayers would depend on potential state assistance and how village leaders choose to proceed with the barn's rebuilding.
Fire broke out in the barn Nov. 2, 2019, leaving the 51-year-old building unusable for parks department programming. The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, Fire Chief John Malcolm said.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer, 2019 A fire gutted Lake Zurich's Paulus Park Barn in November, leaving the 51-year-old building unusable for parks department programming. Now, village leaders are weighing several options -- including a referendum seeking a tax hike -- to rebuild and possibly expand the facility.
Village trustees voted Jan. 20 to apply for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant that would cover as much as 75% of the costs, up to $2.5 million. The village would be required to supply the rest.
Village trustees are considering four renovation options:
• Rebuild the 7,600-square-foot barn using primarily insurance money, along with about $500,000 in village funds. No new taxes would be required.
• Rebuild the barn along with a one-story, 9,000-square-foot addition. The addition would include a large multipurpose room with partitions, restrooms and an exterior patio. Depending on grant funding, the project would cost the village an estimated $1.2 million to $3.7 million.
• Rebuild the barn with a two-story, 18,000-square-foot addition. That would cost the village between $4 million and $6.5 million.
• Demolish the barn and build a new, 35,500-square-foot building that would cost the village up to $14.2 million.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Signs of a November fire at the barn in Paulus Park are still visible.
Depending on which option village officials choose and how much state funding they obtain, a voter-approved proposal would raise annual property taxes anywhere between $12 and $141 for the owner of a $360,000 house, officials say.
"Looking into the future and gazing into a slightly cloudy crystal ball, I slightly prefer option four, but I can see option two being favored," Mayor Tom Poynton said. "Yes, it could mean a potential tax increase. But that would only occur after robust community engagement, which has only just begun."
Trustees are divided on the matter, with Mary Beth Euker and Jonathan Sprawka favoring option two, while others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
"Option four definitely provides the most opportunity for expansion," Trustee Greg Weider said. "The fire was a tragic accident, but at the same time, that facility was very limiting. There's a lot of things in flux right now."
Weider said village trustees will seek community input on which path to take.
Trustee Janice Gannon said she favors the first option.
"I don't think a big expense like that is something we can decide for ourselves," she said. "I'd rather see it go to referendum. Lake Zurich needs to take a real hard look at all the expenses we have looming."
The village last week announced it had received a different state grant of $400,000 to enhance Paulus Park. The funding will be used to extend walking trails, add a new fishing pier, install a canoe/kayak launch and replace the band shell, among other improvements.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Rep. Schneider endorses Biden for president

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Deerfield endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden 's bid for president Wednesday .
`` Our nation is at a crossroads and needs an experienced leader who will immediately restore America 's standing in the world , fight for working families , and bring our country together , '' Schneider said in a news release .
`` That leader is Joe Biden , which is why I am proud to endorse him for president of the United States . ''
Schneider said Biden is the only candidate `` who will defeat Donald Trump and step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the credibility to immediately begin repairing and rebuilding international alliances -- setting our nation on a path to again be a trusted and respected leader . ''
Biden visited Vernon Hills in 2014 to rally support for Schneider , who at the time was in a tight race for the 10th District seat .
In a telephone interview following the endorsement announcement , Schneider said he believes the 10th District remains a swing district and that voters want a president who will unite the country .
`` Joe Biden has a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Schneider said .
Schneider said he and Biden share views on health care , the dangers of climate change and the need to take `` aggressive steps '' to reduce gun violence , among other issues .
Acknowledging both he and Biden are more moderate than many vocal members of the Democratic Party and other presidential candidates , Schneider said moderates do n't `` let perfect be the enemy of good . ''
Schneider , a three-term incumbent , is running unopposed in the March 17 Democratic primary .
He 'll face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
Schneider said he 'll stump for Biden if the former vice president needs his help on the campaign trail .
He is n't the first member of the suburban U.S. House delegation to publicly back a candidate in the crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination .
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston has endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren .

Rep. Schneider endorses Biden for president
Then Vice President Joe Biden rallied support for U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, right, during a 2014 visit to the Sullivan Community Center in Vernon Hills. On Wednesday, Schneider announced he is endorsing Biden in his bid to become president. Daily Herald File Photo, 2014
Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Deerfield endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden's bid for president Wednesday.
"Our nation is at a crossroads and needs an experienced leader who will immediately restore America's standing in the world, fight for working families, and bring our country together," Schneider said in a news release. "That leader is Joe Biden, which is why I am proud to endorse him for president of the United States."
Schneider said Biden is the only candidate "who will defeat Donald Trump and step into the Oval Office on day one with the credibility to immediately begin repairing and rebuilding international alliances -- setting our nation on a path to again be a trusted and respected leader."
Biden visited Vernon Hills in 2014 to rally support for Schneider, who at the time was in a tight race for the 10th District seat.
In a telephone interview following the endorsement announcement, Schneider said he believes the 10th District remains a swing district and that voters want a president who will unite the country.
"Joe Biden has a record of success in bringing people together," Schneider said.
Schneider said he and Biden share views on health care, the dangers of climate change and the need to take "aggressive steps" to reduce gun violence, among other issues.
Acknowledging both he and Biden are more moderate than many vocal members of the Democratic Party and other presidential candidates, Schneider said moderates don't "let perfect be the enemy of good."
Schneider, a three-term incumbent, is running unopposed in the March 17 Democratic primary. He'll face Republican Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee of Winnetka in November.
Schneider said he'll stump for Biden if the former vice president needs his help on the campaign trail.
He isn't the first member of the suburban U.S. House delegation to publicly back a candidate in the crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston has endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren.