Last week, I – along with 271 of my House colleagues – voted to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits through November. This retroactively restores benefits to an estimated 2.5 million Americans, including 137,600 Illinoisans, who started losing their benefits as early as June 2. According to the bi-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the extension of unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy.

• A database of healthcare options, including information on public, private and community insurance plans available to you. All you have to do is enter basic information about yourself and the site will direct you to a list of care options tailored to your needs;
• Resources for Seniors on Medicare, low income individuals on Medicaid, and the low-cost health insurance coverage for children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program;
• Information for Small Business Owners on the Insurance Exchange (which will open in 2014) and the tax credits they will receive under the new legislation, helping small employers save money and provide better coverage to their employees.

For the 12,800 uninsured individuals in the 2nd Congressional District who are unable to find affordable health coverage due to a pre-existing condition, the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan will provide immediate relief, bridging the gap to 2014 when private insurers will no longer be able to use a pre-existing medical condition to deny any America coverage.

Please make sure you visit HealthCare.gov to find out what options are available to you! If you have any questions about the new health coverage or Congress’ recent extension of unemployment benefits, please contact my office at (202) 225-0773.

Sincerely,
 

 Cook County prosecutors have secured a 100-year prison sentence against a man charged in connection with the brutal assault of a Chicago woman in 2006, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Keith Nelson, 27, of Chicago, was convicted of sexual assault and kidnapping after a jury trial in June for the brazen attack of an 18-year-old female victim on the city’s south side.

According to prosecutors, on May 25, 2006, the victim was waiting near 72nd & Wabash when she was approached by the defendant. Nelson attempted to talk to the victim, before he grabbed her and punched her during a physical struggle. Nelson then choked the victim and dragged her to a nearby alley and into a backyard, where he repeatedly raped and continued to choke the victim during the attack.

After the attack, Nelson left the victim in the backyard, naked from the waist down. The victim called for help and was taken to the hospital where she received treatment for multiple injuries and a sexual assault kit was collected. Nelson was arrested in 2008, after he was identified as the offender in two other sexual assaults. DNA analysts from the 2006 attack matched the defendant.

Nelson was sentenced by Cook County Judge William Lacy on July 27, 2010 to 25 years each for three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated kidnapping to be served consecutively for a total of 100 years, citing that the defendant is a danger to the public.

State’s Attorney Alvarez thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Michelle Papa and Marina Para for their handling of the case.

Author – Minister Gerald Palmer

Kansas City, MO (BlackNews.com) - Minister Gerald Palmer, MSW, licensed minister, radio talk show host and respected social worker, looks at religious based heterosexism and religiosity and their impact over such issues as sexuality and sexual orientation in the African American community. The book, The Church Has AIDS: Essays on Sexuality, Sexual Orientation, Taboos, targets churches, HIV/AIDS activists, social workers, public health experts, policy and the general public. The book was released by Word 4 The Soul Communications and is available through Amazon.com

    Bipartisan Bill Reduces Crack-Powder Sentencing Disparity to 18-to-1                                                                                                                                                          

Chicago, IL – An historic, bipartisan bill to curtail the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine was passed by the House of Representatives this afternoon (July 28), sending it to President Obama for his signature. The Fair Sentencing Act, authored by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), will reduce the current 100:1 sentencing disparity to 18:1. The bill is cosponsored by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions.  The Senate unanimously passed the measure this March.                               

“We have talked about the need to address the crack -powder sentencing disparity for far too long. Today’s passage of the Fair Sentencing Act finally addresses one of the greatest injustices in our war on drugs,” Durbin said. “Drug use is still a serious problem in America and we need tough legislation to combat it. But in addition to being tough, our drug laws must be smart and fair. This bipartisan bill is both. 

Under current law, possession of five grams of crack cocaine (roughly the weight of two sugar cubes) triggers a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence, while trafficking 500 grams (approximately one pound) of powder cocaine triggers the same sentence.  The so-called 100:1 ratio has been in place since 1986.

 The dramatically higher penalties for crack have disproportionately affected the African American community:  more than 80 percent of those convicted for federal crack offenses. 

Law enforcement experts say this racial disparity undermines trust in our criminal justice system and has a corrosive effect on the relationship between law enforcement and minority communities.  Former Bush Administration DEA head Asa Hutchinson has testified that, “Under the current disparity, the credibility of our entire drug enforcement system is weakened.”  The U.S. Sentencing Commission has said even “perceived improper racial disparity fosters disrespect for and lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.”

The crack trade and the trade in cocaine powder are frequently associated with violence.  Yet, crack-related violence has decreased significantly since the 1980’s and today 90 percent of crack cocaine cases do not involve violence.  Cases that involve violence are subject to increased sentences, including a mandatory minimum for use of a weapon in connection with a drug trafficking offense.   

The Fair Sentencing Act, as introduced, would have completely eliminated the disparity, treating crack and powder cocaine equally.  However, in March, Senator Durbin and Chairman Leahy negotiated an agreement with Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tom Coburn (R-OK), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to achieve a unanimous committee vote.   

The compromise significantly increases fines for drug traffickers and mandates that the U.S. Sentencing Commission significantly increase enhancements for a number of aggravating factors. This tough new language would apply to all drug offenses and not just those involving crack or powder cocaine. 

This legislation also would eliminate the mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine (the only mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of a drug by a first-time offender).  This marks the first time Congress has repealed a mandatory minimum since the Nixon administration.

Ten-point swing since April matches trend in other public polls

Chicago, IL - After trailing by eight points in early April and being considerably outspent by his opponent since that time, Illinois Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Senate Alexi Giannoulias has swung the race 10 points back into his favor to take the lead, according to three recent independent polls. Giannoulias is running against Republican Congressman Mark Kirk.

“While we expect this race to be tight all the way to the end, the choice in this election between a failed past and promising future is becoming more clear to Illinois voters, to Alexi’s benefit,” Alexi for Illinois campaign manager Michael Rendina said.  “This is a choice between someone like Congressman Kirk, who supported the failed economic policies that got us into this mess, and who after six straight months of job losses at the outset of the recession still said that unemployment isn’t ‘a big issue;’ and someone like Alexi, who has the record and the plan to help get us out of it.”

In the latest poll released today by Rasmussen, Giannoulias leads Kirk by two points, 43-41, a swing of 10 points in that poll since April, when Kirk led by eight, 46-38.  Meanwhile, a PPP poll in July showed Alexi with a one-point advantage over Kirk, matching the margin in June’s Rasmussen survey.  An April PPP survey showed Kirk leading, 37-33.

Polling trends for the Illinois Senate race can be viewed at pollster.com

“The trend is absolutely clear: the more Illinoisans come to know about Congressman Kirk, the more they are inclined to support Alexi Giannoulias,” Rendina said.  “The people of Illinois are tired of typical politicians.  They want a leader who will go to Washington and fix what’s broken, not someone who has lived there and been a part of the problem for two decades.  That is made clear by the fact that Congressman Kirk has been launching negative, false attacks against Alexi and his family for months, while Alexi is the one actually gaining points in the polls.”

According to campaign finance reports, Congressman Kirk has outspent the Giannoulias campaign by $500,000, although the momentum is clearly with Giannoulias.  In recent weeks, Alexi has been talking about the key issues that matter to Illinois‘ middle class families: Wall Street reform, government ethics and accountability, and extending unemployment benefits to Illinois’ most vulnerable.  Congressman Kirk, on the other hand, has been spending his time in Washington and on Wall Street, collecting massive campaign contributions from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists, and voting in lockstep with their agenda.

“Illinois voters see Congressman Kirk as a typical Washington politician who will say and do anything, and they have serious doubts about his honesty,” Rendina said. “Illinois voters saw Congressman Kirk’s false attacks for what they were – desperate and untrue.”

Amended Act Will Help Attorney General Recover Taxpayer Dollars from Vendors that Defraud the State

Chicago, IL – Attorney General Lisa Madigan applauded the efforts of the General Assembly and the Governor in enacting the new Illinois False Claims Act, a key weapon in the State’s fight against fraud and waste in public contracting.  The bill amends the current law, providing the State with improved investigatory abilities and allowing the State to recover the high costs associated with investigating and litigating these complex cases. 

“Through this newly amended law, we will have a stronger weapon to protect taxpayer dollars from businesses that engage in fraud when dealing with State and local governments,” Attorney General Madigan said.  “These increased enforcement tools are especially meaningful as our state struggles financially during these tough economic times.”

Madigan drafted House Bill 5951 and worked closely with its chief sponsors, State Representative Will Burns and State Senators Jeff Schoenberg and Mike Noland, to ensure its passage.  The General Assembly unanimously passed the bill and Governor Quinn signed it yesterday.  The new law takes effect immediately.

“With enactment of this legislation, businesses involved with state and local governments should receive the message that the state of Illinois does not tolerate fraudulent activity,” said Representative Burns.

Attorney General Madigan has recovered millions of taxpayer dollars through litigation using the previous version of the false claims law.  The new amendments will improve enforcement and allow the Attorney General’s office to recover additional taxpayer dollars lost through instances of fraud, waste and abuse in government programs. 

“I have investigated claims of fraud, waste and abuse in government programs and taken legal action to recover taxpayer dollars whenever possible,” Madigan said.  “The new provisions in this law will help to deter fraud and make the recovery of taxpayer dollars easier.” 

The Illinois False Claims Act also contains provisions that protect whistleblowers who report fraud and reward individuals who assist the State in suits filed to recover taxpayer dollars. 

“The people of Illinois deserve an open, accountable government,” said Senator Noland.  “By protecting whistleblowers, we defend the people against corruption and safeguard taxpayer dollars. This bill is part of our continuing effort to reform government in Illinois.”

 
 
Same locations and dates of the first and last Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858;
 
Foreign policy debate on August 21st in Ottawa, economic policy debate on October 15th in Alton, wide-ranging debate October 18th in Chicago
 
Northbrook, IL – Congressman Mark Kirk has proposed seven U.S. Senate debates and candidate forums beginning August 21st in Ottawa, Illinois – the date and location of the first of seven Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858.
 
“Our country faces serious issues at home and abroad,” Congressman Kirk said.  “I look forward to a thoughtful series of debates and forums to discuss the complex economic and foreign policy challenges before us while demonstrating the clear choice facing voters in this election.”
 
In addition to a foreign policy debate on August 21st in Ottawa and an economic policy debate on October 15th in Alton – the dates and locations of the first and last Lincoln-Douglas debates – the Kirk campaign’s proposal includes:
 

 
August 21: A foreign policy focused debate in Ottawa, Illinois hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
 
August 22: A Middle East policy candidate forum in Northbrook, Illinois hosted by To Protect Our Heritage.
 
August 25: An agriculture and jobs candidate forum in Bloomington, Illinois hosted by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
 
September 2: A wide-ranging debate in Springfield, Illinois (proposed hosts: WICS-TV, the Citizens Club of Springfield and the University of Illinois-Springfield).
 
October 15: An economic policy focused debate in Alton, Illinois (proposed host: KTVI Fox St. Louis).
 
October 19: A wide-ranging debate in Chicago, Illinois hosted by the League of Women Voters and ABC 7.
 
October 21: A wide-ranging debate in Carbondale, Illinois (proposed hosts: Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, WSIU-TV and the Southern Illinoisan).

Chicago, IL –  The University of Illinois’ Latina/Latino Alumni Association (LLAA)  announced its special guests speakers for their upcoming “Success in Government” networking event. 

The free event will be held at V-live/Fuego on July 29, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  LLAA invites all chicagoland professionals for an evening of networking, appetizers and cocktails.  Our guest speakers will be discussing their career paths and the secrets to their success. Additionally, attendess will have the opportunity to network with our guests and speak one on one to answer any questions.

Special Guests Include:

Keynote speaker – Gery H. Chico
City Colleges of Chicago Chairman and Partner at Chico & Nunes, P.C.

Joseph Chico
Administrative Law Judge, City of Chicago

Sergeant Marco A. Tirado
Intergovernmental Liaison for the Chicago Police Department in the Strategic Communications Bureau, Office of the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Chairman and Partner at Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP

Lizveth Mendez
Latino Affairs Liaison

Jesse H. Ruiz
Illinois State Board of Education

Sophie Marie Martinez
Program Manager/Projects Administrator for the Green Permit Program, City of Chicago Department of Buildings
The purpose of LLAA’s Networking Series’ is to both educate alumni and chicagoland professionals but to also bring awareness to the vision and mission of LLAA.

For more information or to RSVP please visit IllinoisLLAA.org and click on their events page. 

About Key Note Speaker Gery Chico
Gery J. Chico combines an accomplished background in city government and education, a distinguished law career and a solid business background.  

Mr. Chico has received many awards and honors over his career including: Person of the Year Award by the Latin-American Police Association; President’s Award by the National Association of Hispanic Publishers; University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award; Distinguished Award for Excellence by the Illinois Bar Foundation; Citizen of the Year by the City Club of Chicago; Outstanding School Board President by the Illinois State Board of Education; Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Outstanding Public Service; Champion of the Public Interest by the Business and Professional People for the Public Interest; and Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Latina/Latino Alumni Association (LLAA) was informally established in late 2008 and then formally recognized as an affiliate of the University of Illinois Alumni Association in mid-2009.