![RichMiller Rich Miller](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RichMiller-1.jpg)
Rich Miller
State in no rush to help city migrant crisis
.
By Rich Miller
Gov. JB Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch both threw cold water on the idea of a veto session supplemental appropriations bill to help Chicago handle the increasing influx of asylum-seekers from Venezuela.
Speaker Welch told reporters last Thursday he had “made it clear” to Mayor Brandon Johnson that “we were not expecting to do a supplemental budget in the veto session,” while the governor told reporters the week before that he hadn’t heard about any plans for a supplemental. Governors always know about supplementals because their office writes them.
There is simply no appetite in the General Assembly to tackle any super-controversial issues during the veto session, which runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 9.
A big part of the reason for wanting a delay until the spring session is that veto session falls smack dab in the middle of petition-gathering season. The migrant issue is super-divisive, legislators are getting an angry earful at the doors as they gather petition signatures, and a public vote on spending more tax dollars could very well cause some irate constituents to run against them.
![State in no rush to help city migrant crisis 1 RichMiller 1](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RichMiller-1.jpg)
Rich Miller
It’s the same basic situation with extending the Invest in Kids Act, a $75 million income tax credit for contributing to groups that then pay for private and religious school scholarships. Teachers unions and progressives hotly oppose extending the program beyond its Dec. 31 expiration date, but some Democrats would still like to see it extended. Unless a reasonable compromise can be found, it will likely be kicked to next spring as well.
Plus, Mayor Johnson’s recent budget proposal cut the city’s earlier projected spending on the new arrivals by $50 million, while increasing spending on other items. That didn’t go over too well with legislators, either.
The message did not seem to get through to city hall, however. Members of the Johnson administration continued trying to negotiate their case through the news media, before ultimately abandoning their quest.
“Just because there isn’t necessarily a supplemental (appropriation) on the horizon — and I mean, I think those discussions are still happening — there’s ways that there can be funds redirected to the city,” Mayor Johnson’s deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters, according to the Chicago Tribune. She also said the city wanted the state to look at “reapplication” of certain state funds.
According to the article, CPZ, a former state Senator, pointed to state funding of official Welcoming Centers, which she said could be repurposed to help the migrants. Among many other things last fiscal year, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated $31 million in additional funds for the city and more than $50 million for the state to help deal with the asylum-seekers out of the Welcoming Centers program.
“Welcoming Centers are not for asylum seekers exclusively,” Pritzker spokesperson Jordan Abudayyeh emphasized to me. “There are other costs that appropriation has to account for.”
The legislature did approve appropriations for the city’s and the state’s migrant responses in the current fiscal year, which will bring total state spending since the crisis began to close to half a billion dollars, the governor’s office says. Since the city has not done a good job of standing up shelters and then moving people into housing, handing it money intended for the state’s response probably would likely not accomplish all that much. The situation is so bad that migrants are camped in tents outside of police stations now.
But it’s true that not every reallocation of state funding requires a supplemental appropriation bill. Budget items “like rental assistance, support for community-based organizations doing case work and HOME IL lines are increasingly funding services for the asylum seeker response,” Abudayyeh said. The HOME IL program is designed to alleviate homelessness.
This is a very tricky topic. Reallocating money to help asylum-seekers only validates complaints by black and Latino political leaders, including legislators, that their own constituents are being short-shrifted by state government in favor of the new arrivals.
Finally, this past Friday, Mayor Johnson got the message, telling reporters he would wait until next spring to ask for more state money.
“When they pass their budget in May, we’ll have some very intentional asks about how we can align our levels of government to meet this demand,” he told reporters, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
That should help lower the temperature a little by ending the lobbying via news media, which usually doesn’t work in this business anyway. Hopefully, everybody can now get together on the same page and find some actual solutions.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Local News
![reporter olchs Spartan-Athletics logo reporter olchs Spartan-Athletics logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/reporter-olchs-Spartan-Athletics-logo.jpg)
Boys Basketball: Highs and lows for Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent During a week that Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes knew would present a huge challenge for his team, the Spartans started with a big win over a top South Suburban Conference contender. Then the league’s greatest perennial power provided proof that Oak Lawn still has a lot of work…
![STRAZ Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz said it will be up to businesses in his city to comply with new mandate set by Cook County. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/STRAZ-1024x678.jpg)
Palos Heights: Business owners must choose whether to comply with mandates
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Palos Heights is not cracking down on businesses that violate Cook County COVID-19 mandates regarding proof of vaccinations. But the city will help if asked. Among the mandates, which started Monday, businesses including restaurants and gyms must have patrons show proof of vaccinations, which is a controversial topic for some.…
![HEARD Former Argo star Tadriana Heard, now playing for Morton College, looks for an open teammate against Moraine Valley on Thursday. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HEARD-1024x703.jpg)
College Report: Division I schools listening to Heard
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Tadriana Heard is ready for a second round of Division I basketball. The former Argo star is playing her second season for Morton College, and heading into this week’s action was first in the nation among National Junior College Athletic Association players with 64 3-pointers. She was also…
![PEKAU EMAIL Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau reads part of a scathing email that wished bad things on him and his family on Tuesday night. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PEKAU-EMAIL-1024x678.jpg)
Mayor reads hate mail before diving into COVID and crime issues
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Before Tuesday’s village board meeting, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said he received a disturbing email. The mayor, who shoots from the hip when it comes to his beliefs is a controversial public figure and figures to get hate mail. This one was especially nasty. “I figured that since I…
![AVILA NELSON Evergreen Park’s Bakari Nelson (right) tries to stop Oak Forest’s 6-foot-10 Robbie Avila Friday night. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AVILA-NELSON-1024x774.jpg)
Boys Basketball: Evergreen Park riding out toughest stretch of schedule
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer So, how did Evergreen Park get to 9-6 over in its first 15 games? The Mustangs took a rollercoaster ride. In a nutshell: They started the season with four consecutive wins, lost the next three, won five straight and then dropped three in a row. The latest three-game…
![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MaryStanek-768x1024.jpg)
Loving the Archer Heights Library
Spread the loveBy Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394 Well, that’s it, folks. The holidays are over. Next up in the market are Valentine’s Day candy, paczki, corned beef, Guinness and Peeps. Easter this year is on April 17. I will have to mention…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
New year, old challenges
Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 It’s a new year and a time for new beginnings. Many of us will be starting a new diet program. I plan to do this as soon as I’m done eating the remaining Christmas candy and cookies at my house. Wish me luck!…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
Two ladies gone, but not forgotten
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 Guessing you have already read the sad news about the passing of Mary Ellen St. Aubin. For those of you that didn’t know, she grew up right here in Chicago Lawn, on 63rd and Richmond, and…
![reporter brandon kizer mugshot (2) Brandon Kizer](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/reporter-brandon-kizer-mugshot-2-1.bmp)
Stepson charged in Evergreen Park murder
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A 24-year-old Chicago man has been charged with first-degree murder in the New Year’s Eve shooting of his stepfather in Evergreen Park. Brandon K. Kizer, 24, of the 8100 block of South Loomis in Chicago, was charged Sunday with first-degree murder in the death of Anthony Young, 52, on the…
Neighbors
![CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624 Thanks to Niego Real Estate, block after block in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are decked out each year in red, white and blue. Residents are asked to volunteer to pick up flags and decorate their whole block—or even additional blocks. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CRRNH_NiegoStory_062624-768x1024.jpg)
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…
![dvn 6-24-24 Alan_Morales Alan Morales](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-24-24-Alan_Morales.jpg)
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MaryStanek-768x1024.jpg)
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
![NAEHER Alyssa Naeher clears a ball at North Carolina on June 23 in a 3-1 Red Stars loss. IMAGN photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NAEHER-1024x712.jpg)
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
![Dana RETTKE Dana Rettke, a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School, will play on the U.S. women's volleyball team at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RETTKE.jpg)
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…