UPDATED with additional bills
Two Southern Illinois lawmakers have introduced four bills that could impact tourists and the area's tourism industry should they get lawmaker approval and the governor's signature.
State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, has introduced the first three, and state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, the fourth one.
House Bill 1154 would exempt the Red Cross from paying bed tax at local hotels when the rooms are used for official purposes during disaster relief. The Red Cross isn't named directly, but is referenced as a distaster relief agencies incorporated by the United States Congress.
House Bill 1389 is a short appropriations bill authorizing $300,000 for the Illinois Department of Transportation to prepare a study for a new interchange on Interstate 57 just north of Benton at Petroff Road. This bill most likely won't pass as written, but the language could be added to one of the main appropriation bills later in the session. These aren't fully developed until the end of the legislative session.
The third bill isn't tourism-related directly, but would benefit tourists and local residents alike. House Bill 1392 would prohibit local units of government from issuing ticket quotes for law enforcement officers. Communities such as Cairo and Ullin, and even Williamson County, are becoming notorious for speed traps along I-57. I'm not saying that those agencies are using quotas, but Cairo especially could use more law enforcement inside their city limits rather than harass interstate travellers crossing the bridge from Missouri.
Bost's bill, House Bill 303 would amend the State Finance Act to create the Grow Illinois Jobs Fund that would allocate 2 cents per gallon of any existing tax on wine (other than cider) to be deposited into the new fund to promote the grape and wine industry in the state. The money would be split between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity home of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism which has supported wine promotion in the past.
Bost's 115th District includes the largest concentration of wineries in the state, including the dozen wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and at least another half dozen in Union and Jackson counties. State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Nashville, has introduced Senate Bill 1285, a Senate version of the same legislation.
Over on the senate side, state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has co-sponsored Senate Bill 1337 introduced by John M. Sullivan to create a hunting season for river otters.
State Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has introduced Senate Bill 77 that would amend the criminal code to exempt military re-enactors from restrictions prohibiting the sale, manufacture, purchase, possession or carrying of specified vintage weapons under certain conditions.
Showing posts with label legislation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label legislation. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Mount Vernon Urges Quinn to Amend Destination Bill
King City officials are asking Gov. Pat Quinn to amend SB 2991, the STAR Bonds bill to add Mount Vernon to the mix. The Southern Illinoisan's Caleb Hale reports Mayor Mary Jane Chesney sent a letter to the governor last Friday.
In a frank give and take discussion with me this afternoon City Manager Ron Neibert stressed his city's position wasn't as much in opposition to the incentives for Marion, but in favor of granting the same economic development tools to his city.
"We are not opposed to Marion," noting that as written, the bill would place Mount Vernon "at a competitive disadvantage... Why shouldn't we have an equal opportunity?"
Quoting both the legislation and area sales tax statistics Neibert also clarified a point Chesney had partially made during the Senate committee hearing last month.
Section 5 of the bill outlines the legislation's purpose as "to promote, stimulate, and develop the general and economic welfare of the State of Illinois," etc., etc. It's this part that makes it a "jobs bill" as the bill specifically uses the phrase "creating new jobs" in terms of its purpose.
In subparagraphs (J) and (K), the bill refers to the "stagnation of local tax bases" and the "loss of job opportunities" that exist currently (J), and that could get worse (K), if the bill doesn't pass.
Chesney noted the following sales tax stats in her committee testimony and Neibert drove the point home today.
According to the May edition of the Southern Business Journal (p. 12), sales tax receipts from 2005 to 2009 have grown 23.8 percent in Marion, versus just 0.3 percent in Mount Vernon for the same time period. Carbondale suffered a 2.4 percent drop.
Neibert wonders how a nearly 24 percent growth in sales shows a stagnation of a local tax base. Mount Vernon's barely positive 0.3 percent growth better defines stagnant.
Although a new Kohl's store is under construction, Neibert feels the STAR bonds incentives would preclude Mount Vernon from ever landing a Cabela's or other major retailer of that size.
Personally I agree with him on that, though based on demographics and location, I think Marion would always have the competitive advantage, everything else being equal.
He did point out that Mount Vernon had a higher traffic count at Exit 95 in Mount Vernon than Marion did at Exit 54 in Marion. IDOT's Getting Around Illinois shows an average annual daily traffic count 35,700 vehicles south of the Mount Vernon interchange and 37,700 north of it. In Marion the figures are 33,700 north of Route 13 and 22,100 vehicles daily south of it.
Neibert notes the similarity between the STAR bonds and early versions of Illinois' tax increment financing districts that allowed cities to use the state's portion of the sales tax increment, something that is now longer allowed.
As a former city manager in Vandalia he saw how a city could be at a disadvantage when a neighbor up the interstate, in his case Effingham, had the tools in place and the funds generated to land new developments thanks to the sales tax increment that flowed to the city.
It's not just the potential for lost retail opportunities that concern city leaders, Neibert says the legislation has already cost, or at least delayed, a new hotel in the works. If it's not built in Mount Vernon, the developers may bring it to Marion.
[If it is who I think it is, he's right, they've had their eye on Marion for a while.]
I still think Mount Vernon leaders made, and continue to make a strategic mistake in trying to delay the bill, as an amendatory veto would keep the bill in limbo until the fall veto session set for November after the election.
With polls indicating a good chance of a different party in the governor's mansion next year, Neibert feels Mount Vernon's chances are best this year as there might not be an opportunity next year.
However I agree with Rich Miller of Capitol Fax and other statehouse watchers who think SB 2093 will only be the tip of the iceberg. If not next year, then the year after, Miller expects (actually worries about) more legislation for STAR bonds. Miller doesn't like the bill and keeps referring to it as the "worst bill ever".
I think what's missed is the fact that the developers behind the Millennium Development have continually pushed the "destination" aspect of the bill. It's for both tourism and retail, and that it's only justified due to the tourism component, something Mount Vernon in particular isn't going after. Chesney said so in her committee testimony and Neibert echoed that today.
Most residents of the region wouldn't support giving state tax breaks for retailers. I would have a hard time supporting that, simply because like Miller fears, it becomes almost impossible to draw the line.
But it's a different story when you're talking tax breaks for a theme park. The equation changes, at least for me. The retail is "needed" or at least justified, as it's the sales tax that will help pay for the park. It's this entertainment/theme park complex that would make Marion, and in turn, Southern Illinois, a destination far greater than we are now.
Quite frankly, Neibert doubts a $25 million theme park would do that much for the region, but that's just the minimum investment required. The developers were going after a much larger park in the MetroEast, something well over the $100 million investment as required in the Glen Carbon legislation from last year.
The developers are still aiming high and I hope they get their prize, but even a Plan B would be a major boost. Keep in mind Branson got started with the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor play and a Silver Dollar City theme park. Everything else came later.
There hasn't been a whole lot of jobs bills come out of Springfield in the last decade, not since the EDGE program early in the century, something Neibert describes as just helping Illinois catch up with Indiana and Kentucky.
Politically, Quinn almost has to sign the bill. He needs it to carry Southern Illinois and he needs state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, on board, to keep his chances alive. He doesn't stand much of a chance in the region come November without the bill, but with it and a few big announcements from the developers the game changes completely.
The 59th Legislative District is the last rural district the Democrats control. That should be reason enough for Quinn.
As for Mount Vernon, now that Republicans represent Jefferson County in both the House and Senate things might change in 2011 if state Sen. Bill Brady wins as governor, and Williamson County's legislators may then be on the outs.
Personally I want to think Neibert for taking the time to talk with me today. This was our first time speaking. When I described our conversation as frank, I was not exaggerating. It was nothing like a typical interview like I've done in the past as a journalist.
I'm a former Mount Vernon resident and high school alumnus. Two of my classmates sit on the city council and the mayor is a good friend from her days as the high school's art teacher. I want to see Mount Vernon succeed, I just think this isn't the best way.
For Southern Illinois to be strong, all of it has to be strong, Marion and Mount Vernon, and Carbondale and every other county seat and trade center.
Meanwhile as the debate continues, we all wait word on what Quinn will do.
In a frank give and take discussion with me this afternoon City Manager Ron Neibert stressed his city's position wasn't as much in opposition to the incentives for Marion, but in favor of granting the same economic development tools to his city.
"We are not opposed to Marion," noting that as written, the bill would place Mount Vernon "at a competitive disadvantage... Why shouldn't we have an equal opportunity?"
Quoting both the legislation and area sales tax statistics Neibert also clarified a point Chesney had partially made during the Senate committee hearing last month.
Section 5 of the bill outlines the legislation's purpose as "to promote, stimulate, and develop the general and economic welfare of the State of Illinois," etc., etc. It's this part that makes it a "jobs bill" as the bill specifically uses the phrase "creating new jobs" in terms of its purpose.
In subparagraphs (J) and (K), the bill refers to the "stagnation of local tax bases" and the "loss of job opportunities" that exist currently (J), and that could get worse (K), if the bill doesn't pass.
Chesney noted the following sales tax stats in her committee testimony and Neibert drove the point home today.
According to the May edition of the Southern Business Journal (p. 12), sales tax receipts from 2005 to 2009 have grown 23.8 percent in Marion, versus just 0.3 percent in Mount Vernon for the same time period. Carbondale suffered a 2.4 percent drop.
Neibert wonders how a nearly 24 percent growth in sales shows a stagnation of a local tax base. Mount Vernon's barely positive 0.3 percent growth better defines stagnant.
Although a new Kohl's store is under construction, Neibert feels the STAR bonds incentives would preclude Mount Vernon from ever landing a Cabela's or other major retailer of that size.
Personally I agree with him on that, though based on demographics and location, I think Marion would always have the competitive advantage, everything else being equal.
He did point out that Mount Vernon had a higher traffic count at Exit 95 in Mount Vernon than Marion did at Exit 54 in Marion. IDOT's Getting Around Illinois shows an average annual daily traffic count 35,700 vehicles south of the Mount Vernon interchange and 37,700 north of it. In Marion the figures are 33,700 north of Route 13 and 22,100 vehicles daily south of it.
Neibert notes the similarity between the STAR bonds and early versions of Illinois' tax increment financing districts that allowed cities to use the state's portion of the sales tax increment, something that is now longer allowed.
As a former city manager in Vandalia he saw how a city could be at a disadvantage when a neighbor up the interstate, in his case Effingham, had the tools in place and the funds generated to land new developments thanks to the sales tax increment that flowed to the city.
It's not just the potential for lost retail opportunities that concern city leaders, Neibert says the legislation has already cost, or at least delayed, a new hotel in the works. If it's not built in Mount Vernon, the developers may bring it to Marion.
[If it is who I think it is, he's right, they've had their eye on Marion for a while.]
I still think Mount Vernon leaders made, and continue to make a strategic mistake in trying to delay the bill, as an amendatory veto would keep the bill in limbo until the fall veto session set for November after the election.
With polls indicating a good chance of a different party in the governor's mansion next year, Neibert feels Mount Vernon's chances are best this year as there might not be an opportunity next year.
However I agree with Rich Miller of Capitol Fax and other statehouse watchers who think SB 2093 will only be the tip of the iceberg. If not next year, then the year after, Miller expects (actually worries about) more legislation for STAR bonds. Miller doesn't like the bill and keeps referring to it as the "worst bill ever".
I think what's missed is the fact that the developers behind the Millennium Development have continually pushed the "destination" aspect of the bill. It's for both tourism and retail, and that it's only justified due to the tourism component, something Mount Vernon in particular isn't going after. Chesney said so in her committee testimony and Neibert echoed that today.
Most residents of the region wouldn't support giving state tax breaks for retailers. I would have a hard time supporting that, simply because like Miller fears, it becomes almost impossible to draw the line.
But it's a different story when you're talking tax breaks for a theme park. The equation changes, at least for me. The retail is "needed" or at least justified, as it's the sales tax that will help pay for the park. It's this entertainment/theme park complex that would make Marion, and in turn, Southern Illinois, a destination far greater than we are now.
Quite frankly, Neibert doubts a $25 million theme park would do that much for the region, but that's just the minimum investment required. The developers were going after a much larger park in the MetroEast, something well over the $100 million investment as required in the Glen Carbon legislation from last year.
The developers are still aiming high and I hope they get their prize, but even a Plan B would be a major boost. Keep in mind Branson got started with the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor play and a Silver Dollar City theme park. Everything else came later.
There hasn't been a whole lot of jobs bills come out of Springfield in the last decade, not since the EDGE program early in the century, something Neibert describes as just helping Illinois catch up with Indiana and Kentucky.
Politically, Quinn almost has to sign the bill. He needs it to carry Southern Illinois and he needs state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, on board, to keep his chances alive. He doesn't stand much of a chance in the region come November without the bill, but with it and a few big announcements from the developers the game changes completely.
The 59th Legislative District is the last rural district the Democrats control. That should be reason enough for Quinn.
As for Mount Vernon, now that Republicans represent Jefferson County in both the House and Senate things might change in 2011 if state Sen. Bill Brady wins as governor, and Williamson County's legislators may then be on the outs.
Personally I want to think Neibert for taking the time to talk with me today. This was our first time speaking. When I described our conversation as frank, I was not exaggerating. It was nothing like a typical interview like I've done in the past as a journalist.
I'm a former Mount Vernon resident and high school alumnus. Two of my classmates sit on the city council and the mayor is a good friend from her days as the high school's art teacher. I want to see Mount Vernon succeed, I just think this isn't the best way.
For Southern Illinois to be strong, all of it has to be strong, Marion and Mount Vernon, and Carbondale and every other county seat and trade center.
Meanwhile as the debate continues, we all wait word on what Quinn will do.
Local Teachers' Unions Come Out In Favor of STAR Bill
Unions representing 4,200 educational employees in Southern Illinois have joined the chorus in calling on Gov. Quinn to sign into law Senate Bill 2093 passed last month by lawmakers.
The bill would allow the creation of sales tax and revenue bonds (STAR bonds) to help pay for development of a destination attraction of tourism and retail on Marion's north side.
Regions 1 and 2 of the Illinois Education Association are backing the bill.
The bill would allow the creation of sales tax and revenue bonds (STAR bonds) to help pay for development of a destination attraction of tourism and retail on Marion's north side.
Regions 1 and 2 of the Illinois Education Association are backing the bill.
"The STAR bond legislation could be the best economic development tool that state government has ever passed for our regions. We enthusiastically support the Star bond legislation and we urge Gov. Quinn to sign it," said Region 2 chair Mary Bess Williams.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Quinn Says Good Things About Destination Bill
Gov. Pat. Quinn called the Marion destination legislation that passed the General Assembly last month "very important" when asked by reporters last night in Charleston, Illinois.
He also described it as a jobs bill but still needs time to study it before signing.
The bill, SB 2093, would create the state's first STAR Bonds district, in order to land a major tourism destination and retail development on Marion's north side.
As it's an election year and he needs the support of Southern Illinois voters, so it's expected that he will sign it.
However opposition is growing from the state public employees union, AFSMCE, proving once again that what's good for public sector unions are usually bad for everyone else.
Apparently a terrible recession with high unemployment is a bad time to try to create jobs in this state, jobs, which when taxed, provide the funds to pay the wages of said public sector unions.
AFSCME on the other hand would rather the state raise income taxes 50 percent, or more.
As to diverting public revenues, there's almost no way it will divert a dime of public revenues in the next fiscal year, as Marion will be lucky to see a groundbreaking that soon, let alone see the development up and running by that time.
Secondly, you can't divert what isn't there, which would be the sales tax increment generated from this development.
Back in 1966, the State of Florida bent over backwards to provide incentives to the Walt Disney Company in the form of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
How did that work out? I think we all know.
Although newspapers keep repeating Cabela's and Great Wolf Lodge as possible tenants, they're forgetting the important aspect of the "entertainment user", or theme park, that's a requirement to get the STAR Bonds district created in the first place.
This thing is bigger than most people realize. If successful, it's bigger than the Southern Illinois Miners and the mall development. It's bigger than the '82 Tornado. It's all those things and the coming of the interstates combined. Mayor Butler knows it (hence the tears in his eyes when it passed). John Bradley knows it, and so do a few others. The potential for Southern Illinois is off the scale.
He also described it as a jobs bill but still needs time to study it before signing.
Quinn, who was speaking at Eastern Illinois University, told reporters the legislation "is a jobs proposal" and that jobs are the "No. 1 issue."
The bill, SB 2093, would create the state's first STAR Bonds district, in order to land a major tourism destination and retail development on Marion's north side.
As it's an election year and he needs the support of Southern Illinois voters, so it's expected that he will sign it.
However opposition is growing from the state public employees union, AFSMCE, proving once again that what's good for public sector unions are usually bad for everyone else.
Opponents have argued the state's financial problems make it a questionable time to divert public funds for a private development.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union is urging Quinn to kill the measure, saying the state cannot absorb the loss of tax dollars.
"This is the worst possible time for a tax giveaway to a private corporate developer," said AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall. "Its terrible timing and the governor should veto this bill."
Apparently a terrible recession with high unemployment is a bad time to try to create jobs in this state, jobs, which when taxed, provide the funds to pay the wages of said public sector unions.
AFSCME on the other hand would rather the state raise income taxes 50 percent, or more.
As to diverting public revenues, there's almost no way it will divert a dime of public revenues in the next fiscal year, as Marion will be lucky to see a groundbreaking that soon, let alone see the development up and running by that time.
Secondly, you can't divert what isn't there, which would be the sales tax increment generated from this development.
Back in 1966, the State of Florida bent over backwards to provide incentives to the Walt Disney Company in the form of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
How did that work out? I think we all know.
Although newspapers keep repeating Cabela's and Great Wolf Lodge as possible tenants, they're forgetting the important aspect of the "entertainment user", or theme park, that's a requirement to get the STAR Bonds district created in the first place.
This thing is bigger than most people realize. If successful, it's bigger than the Southern Illinois Miners and the mall development. It's bigger than the '82 Tornado. It's all those things and the coming of the interstates combined. Mayor Butler knows it (hence the tears in his eyes when it passed). John Bradley knows it, and so do a few others. The potential for Southern Illinois is off the scale.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Southern Calls on Quinn to Sign Development Bill
Today's Southern Illinoisan calls for Gov. Pat Quinn to sign Senate Bill 2093, the STAR Bonds bill needed to kick off a new destination development deal for Marion's northwest side.
This region not only needs private-sector investment and the traffic that comes with it, but it is well prepared. Forgive the cliché, but the iron is hot; it's time to strike.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Marion Destination Bill Sent to Governor
The Illinois Senate sent SB 2093 to the governor's office yesterday. Now it's up to Gov. Pat Quinn to sign or veto the bill designed to create a STAR Bonds district in Marion.
Thursday's action starts the clock for Quinn who now has 60 days to make a decision. His staff though has given no public indication of what he'll do.
Thursday's action starts the clock for Quinn who now has 60 days to make a decision. His staff though has given no public indication of what he'll do.
"We'll be reviewing it," said [Quinn spokeswoman] Annie Thompson.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Developers Meet First Deadline, Quinn Waits for Bill
Today's Southern Illinoisan notes that developers of the proposed STAR Bonds district in Marion have met their first deadline, as reported yesterday in this blog.
Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn's office is still awaiting delivery of SB 2093 from the Senate before they can take action. The Senate has 30 days to deliver the bill and the governor 60 days after delivery to act.
The proposed district will be between 250 and 500 acres located mostly east of Interstate 57 and north of Morgan Avenue, and will likely include another 45 to 50 acres undeveloped as part of The Hill adjacent to Menard's.
Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn's office is still awaiting delivery of SB 2093 from the Senate before they can take action. The Senate has 30 days to deliver the bill and the governor 60 days after delivery to act.
The proposed district will be between 250 and 500 acres located mostly east of Interstate 57 and north of Morgan Avenue, and will likely include another 45 to 50 acres undeveloped as part of The Hill adjacent to Menard's.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Mount Vernon Defines Regionalism
There's another interesting tidbit from the Mount Vernon version of the STAR Bonds legislation — SB 2881 that shows a bit of how the King City defines regionalism.
In Marion, as part of the concerted effort to build support from surrounding communities, the developers tweaked the original legislation and created a School Improvement Fund that would take 15 percent of the property tax increment generated by the multi-million dollar investment and distribute it to area schools.
According to the legislation Franklin-Williamson Regional Superintendent Matt Donkin could a) distribute the funds proportionally to the schools in Franklin and Williamson Counties based on fall enrollment figures, or b) toss out that formula and come up with something else.
Based on statements by superintendents in support of the project outside Franklin and Williamson Counties, they seem to be under the impression that Donkin would do "B". A fair proposal would be to proportionally distribute the funds say to every school district within a 25 or so mile radius of Marion based on student enrollment.
Either way he hadn't decided as of last Thursday, and in any case, he has a couple of years before the investments will generate any increment to distribute.
What's interesting about the bill amended by state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, is that only schools in Jefferson County would have benefited from a STAR Bonds District.
The regional superintendent in Mount Vernon would not even have, or apparently be able to distribute funds to schools in Hamilton County which is part of his regional office's boundary, let alone in surrounding communities like Centralia whose mayor provided the second and only other vote in support of Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney's motion at the last Southern Illinois Mayors' Association on a resolution opposing the Marion STAR Bonds legislation.
In Marion, as part of the concerted effort to build support from surrounding communities, the developers tweaked the original legislation and created a School Improvement Fund that would take 15 percent of the property tax increment generated by the multi-million dollar investment and distribute it to area schools.
According to the legislation Franklin-Williamson Regional Superintendent Matt Donkin could a) distribute the funds proportionally to the schools in Franklin and Williamson Counties based on fall enrollment figures, or b) toss out that formula and come up with something else.
Based on statements by superintendents in support of the project outside Franklin and Williamson Counties, they seem to be under the impression that Donkin would do "B". A fair proposal would be to proportionally distribute the funds say to every school district within a 25 or so mile radius of Marion based on student enrollment.
Either way he hadn't decided as of last Thursday, and in any case, he has a couple of years before the investments will generate any increment to distribute.
What's interesting about the bill amended by state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, is that only schools in Jefferson County would have benefited from a STAR Bonds District.
The regional superintendent in Mount Vernon would not even have, or apparently be able to distribute funds to schools in Hamilton County which is part of his regional office's boundary, let alone in surrounding communities like Centralia whose mayor provided the second and only other vote in support of Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney's motion at the last Southern Illinois Mayors' Association on a resolution opposing the Marion STAR Bonds legislation.
Friday, May 28, 2010
So Just How Big a Deal is It?
Bob Butler cried tears of joy tonight as the Illinois Senate gave him what will likely be the crowning achievement in his nearly five decades as mayor.
That's just how big a deal this evening's vote in favor of Senate Bill 2093 was.
Never could Marion's fiesty mayor of 47 years be described as speechless, but when the Senate Labor Committee approved the bill this afternoon, all he could do was grin as he left the room afterwards.
Tonight, he cried, when the Illinois Senate passed the STAR Bonds bill on a 2-to-1 margin with 34 ayes, 17 nays and 3 voting present.
Never one to shy away from emotion in a city council meeting or an interview with reporters, Butler's usually known for his quick wit or sharp retort like his "stop whining" comment to Mount Vernon at a recent Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting.
City Hall followers have seen him mad, angry, exasperated, enthralled, engaged, and in any number of emotions, but tears of joy may have been a first.
The STAR Bonds bill, otherwise known as the Innovative Development and Economy Act, represents more than just another economic development tool for the city. As critics repeatedly pointed out today, it could be as much as $400 million in rebates to developers over the next few decades if all goes as planned.
All being more than 6,000 construction jobs and nearly 5,000 permanent positions.
To put those incentives in perspective that's 100 times the amount the state kicked in for the Southern Illinois Miners stadium at Rent One Park five years ago.
That's around 10 times more than the state-funded improvements on Route 13 and the new upcoming I-57 interchange in Marion that's now just starting.
Potentially it's a bigger impact than the coming of the mall and the first use of tax increment financing districts 20 years ago. In a word, it's huge.
Historically, it's like getting the interstate finished and open with two interchanges at the edge of your city — something that happened to Marion during Butler's first term.
And it almost didn't happen.
The Senate's Committee on Assignments sent the bill to the State Government and Veterans Committee for a 10 a.m. scheduled hearing this morning. But opponent and Mount Vernon state Sen. John O. Jones sits on that committee. Apparently, the votes weren't there, or at least represented too much of a risk.
So back to the Assignments state Sen. Gary Forby carried the bill. It could be sent to the Executive Committee some thought which didn't meet until much later. In the end, it went to Labor, a committee normally chaired by Forby himself, for mid-afternoon.
He opened the committee for business then turned over the gavel to another so he could testify on his bill's behalf. Supporters, opponents, lobbyists and media packed Room 212, the ornate hearing room on the second floor of the Capitol that once housed the Illinois Supreme Court.
Dozens signed slips stating their support or opposition. Forby and developer Bruce Holland testified in favor. Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney spoke in opposition to SB 2093, but in favor of another bill that would add Mount Vernon to the mix.
Forby's two state Reps, John Bradley and Brandon Phelps, started the session with last minute lobbying of the committee members themselves. For 15 minutes Forby delayed the start as the crowd continued to draw its way inside.
During the testimony, Bradley repeatedly left his seat crouching at Forby's side with an answer or suggestion to an opponent's remark. An expectant father in a maternity ward couldn't have been more anxious. This was their baby. It was time to deliver.
The committee voted 8-2 in favor and sent it to the Senate. Another committee took over the room. Forby needed a breather and headed back to his office. They'd passed the first challenge. Now he had just an hour to prepare for the next.
When the Senate opened for its final session Forby took to the floor and argued his case. Opponents of the bill split between those who thought it went too far, and those who argued not far enough. Include Mount Vernon at the very least, they pleaded, if not the entire state.
After 40 minutes the acting Senate President called for the roll. Backers had hoped for 36 votes, the super majority needed to override any vetoes, but settled for the 34.
Still afterwards,the developers felt satisfied. If needed there might be some ayes in those who voted present, not to mention the vote of the Senate leader himself, John Cullerton, who was not present and didn't vote. The moves today through the committees, not to mention the almost last minute vote on the bill itself wouldn't have happened without his blessing.
As the supporters and opponents left for their long drives home, the question for the developers and lawmakers became what to do next.
With President Obama arriving in Chicago today, Gov. Pat Quinn had left for the Windy City prior to the vote. He wasn't in town, but his staff remained, and Bradley and others immediately reached out.
Then there were calls to others who had helped, letting them know the joyous news. For the younger Hollands, the developer's son and nephew, they told the same message but to a different audience — the companies that had been interested for months in the plan.
While it's true as Forby and Holland often had to admit today, that no one had signed on to the project as yet, it didn't mean no one was interested. The calls went out; the bill has passed. Let's get together and talk.
They'd been to this point before the previous year when lawmakers passed the bill for Glen Carbon, before Quinn's amendatory veto. They made some changes and addressed his concerns in the new bill that passed today. And now they wait.
And so do we all.
That's just how big a deal this evening's vote in favor of Senate Bill 2093 was.
Never could Marion's fiesty mayor of 47 years be described as speechless, but when the Senate Labor Committee approved the bill this afternoon, all he could do was grin as he left the room afterwards.
Tonight, he cried, when the Illinois Senate passed the STAR Bonds bill on a 2-to-1 margin with 34 ayes, 17 nays and 3 voting present.
Never one to shy away from emotion in a city council meeting or an interview with reporters, Butler's usually known for his quick wit or sharp retort like his "stop whining" comment to Mount Vernon at a recent Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting.
City Hall followers have seen him mad, angry, exasperated, enthralled, engaged, and in any number of emotions, but tears of joy may have been a first.
The STAR Bonds bill, otherwise known as the Innovative Development and Economy Act, represents more than just another economic development tool for the city. As critics repeatedly pointed out today, it could be as much as $400 million in rebates to developers over the next few decades if all goes as planned.
All being more than 6,000 construction jobs and nearly 5,000 permanent positions.
To put those incentives in perspective that's 100 times the amount the state kicked in for the Southern Illinois Miners stadium at Rent One Park five years ago.
That's around 10 times more than the state-funded improvements on Route 13 and the new upcoming I-57 interchange in Marion that's now just starting.
Potentially it's a bigger impact than the coming of the mall and the first use of tax increment financing districts 20 years ago. In a word, it's huge.
Historically, it's like getting the interstate finished and open with two interchanges at the edge of your city — something that happened to Marion during Butler's first term.
And it almost didn't happen.
The Senate's Committee on Assignments sent the bill to the State Government and Veterans Committee for a 10 a.m. scheduled hearing this morning. But opponent and Mount Vernon state Sen. John O. Jones sits on that committee. Apparently, the votes weren't there, or at least represented too much of a risk.
So back to the Assignments state Sen. Gary Forby carried the bill. It could be sent to the Executive Committee some thought which didn't meet until much later. In the end, it went to Labor, a committee normally chaired by Forby himself, for mid-afternoon.
He opened the committee for business then turned over the gavel to another so he could testify on his bill's behalf. Supporters, opponents, lobbyists and media packed Room 212, the ornate hearing room on the second floor of the Capitol that once housed the Illinois Supreme Court.
Dozens signed slips stating their support or opposition. Forby and developer Bruce Holland testified in favor. Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesney spoke in opposition to SB 2093, but in favor of another bill that would add Mount Vernon to the mix.
Forby's two state Reps, John Bradley and Brandon Phelps, started the session with last minute lobbying of the committee members themselves. For 15 minutes Forby delayed the start as the crowd continued to draw its way inside.
During the testimony, Bradley repeatedly left his seat crouching at Forby's side with an answer or suggestion to an opponent's remark. An expectant father in a maternity ward couldn't have been more anxious. This was their baby. It was time to deliver.
The committee voted 8-2 in favor and sent it to the Senate. Another committee took over the room. Forby needed a breather and headed back to his office. They'd passed the first challenge. Now he had just an hour to prepare for the next.
When the Senate opened for its final session Forby took to the floor and argued his case. Opponents of the bill split between those who thought it went too far, and those who argued not far enough. Include Mount Vernon at the very least, they pleaded, if not the entire state.
After 40 minutes the acting Senate President called for the roll. Backers had hoped for 36 votes, the super majority needed to override any vetoes, but settled for the 34.
Still afterwards,the developers felt satisfied. If needed there might be some ayes in those who voted present, not to mention the vote of the Senate leader himself, John Cullerton, who was not present and didn't vote. The moves today through the committees, not to mention the almost last minute vote on the bill itself wouldn't have happened without his blessing.
As the supporters and opponents left for their long drives home, the question for the developers and lawmakers became what to do next.
With President Obama arriving in Chicago today, Gov. Pat Quinn had left for the Windy City prior to the vote. He wasn't in town, but his staff remained, and Bradley and others immediately reached out.
Then there were calls to others who had helped, letting them know the joyous news. For the younger Hollands, the developer's son and nephew, they told the same message but to a different audience — the companies that had been interested for months in the plan.
While it's true as Forby and Holland often had to admit today, that no one had signed on to the project as yet, it didn't mean no one was interested. The calls went out; the bill has passed. Let's get together and talk.
They'd been to this point before the previous year when lawmakers passed the bill for Glen Carbon, before Quinn's amendatory veto. They made some changes and addressed his concerns in the new bill that passed today. And now they wait.
And so do we all.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
It's Official, Labor's the Committee, 2:30 p.m. is the Time
The Senate has just posted that the Labor Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon in Room 212 of the Capitol. The only bill is SB 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act, otherwise known as the Millennium Development bill.
Still Waiting, But Here's More on the Labor Committee
Still waiting for a time to be set on a hearing for the Millennium Development bill for Marion. With it being yanked out of the committee that state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, sits on, it's now supposedly set to go to Labor.
The first committee had a 5-4 split between Republicans and Democrats. The Labor Committee, which is chaired by the bill sponsor, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has a partisan split of 7-4. We can only assume it will pass in that committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate has stalled on the pension borrowing bill and the House on the cigarette tax hike. The more delays on the big items, but more time for SB 2093 to make it out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a final vote.
The first committee had a 5-4 split between Republicans and Democrats. The Labor Committee, which is chaired by the bill sponsor, Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has a partisan split of 7-4. We can only assume it will pass in that committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate has stalled on the pension borrowing bill and the House on the cigarette tax hike. The more delays on the big items, but more time for SB 2093 to make it out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a final vote.
Latest Update on Millennium Development Bill
Senate leaders have decided to have another committee hear SB 2093 today. Rather than the State Government and Veterans Committee, which state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, is a member. Plans, supposedly, are to bring it before the Senate Labor Committee.
However at this time, a committee hearing has not been set.
In other action, state Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, has requested a Fiscal Note on the bill be provided by the Department of Revenue. The same thing to place in the House, and it's not known if Revenue would have any more details now than they did three weeks ago.
A number of Marion, Williamson and Franklin County officials are present in the Statehouse awaiting action.
However at this time, a committee hearing has not been set.
In other action, state Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, has requested a Fiscal Note on the bill be provided by the Department of Revenue. The same thing to place in the House, and it's not known if Revenue would have any more details now than they did three weeks ago.
A number of Marion, Williamson and Franklin County officials are present in the Statehouse awaiting action.
Bradley, Forby Says No to Mount Vernon,
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, both are rejecting Mount Vernon's attempt to be added to SB 2093, this year's bill creating STAR Bond Districts in Illinois for the first time.
Today's Southern reports state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has drafted an amendment which would allow a second district to be created off of Exit 94 on Interstate 57. Forby though remains opposed to an amendment at this time, as today may be the last day of the session.
Meanwhile the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the bill.
The bill for the Millennium Development project in Marion will be heard in committee later this morning at 10 a.m. A vote in the full Senate is expected later today.
Today's Southern reports state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has drafted an amendment which would allow a second district to be created off of Exit 94 on Interstate 57. Forby though remains opposed to an amendment at this time, as today may be the last day of the session.
Meanwhile the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the bill.
"It is the board's desire that this bill, which has already passed through the state House of Representatives and will soon come up for vote in the state Senate, will be instrumental in bolstering growth and revenue with spin-offs and benefits for the entire region," the statement said. "It is our hope that this powerful economic development tool will open the door for increased cooperative efforts in future development projects with mutually beneficial advancements that cross both county and city lines.
"While we understand that there are various factors involved with this development that could be cause for concern, it is our hope that a joint, regional effort will mitigate the concerns and capitalize on the collective, strengths of the region's economy, to ensure the project is a success for all of us."
The bill for the Millennium Development project in Marion will be heard in committee later this morning at 10 a.m. A vote in the full Senate is expected later today.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hearing Set for 10 a.m. Thursday on STAR Bonds Bill
The Senate's Committee on Assignments has sent SB 2093 to the State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in Room 409 of the State Capitol Building.
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds district in Marion for the proposed Millennium Development project.
The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this month.
The committee's other business includes two Senate resolutions (SR 782 and SR 860) and SB3739, the Save Our Neighborhoods Act, which focuses on reducing the impact of home foreclosures in Illinois.
With a committee vote expected before noon, the Senate is expected to vote as early as that afternoon.
As the Marion Daily Republican reported in its latest on the plan, the project is expected to generate the following:
In Mount Vernon, efforts to slow down/jump on board the idea of the STAR Bonds legislation took a hit when the Jefferson County Board declined to back the city's efforts.
Garrett by the way is the former high school principal and later superintendent of the Mount Vernon Township High School district where current mayor, and former art teacher, Mary Jane Chesney taught before her retirement.
Garrett's reluctance to commit and Board Chairman Ted Buck unwillingness to fight irritated another board member who thought the board should take a position.
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds district in Marion for the proposed Millennium Development project.
The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this month.
The committee's other business includes two Senate resolutions (SR 782 and SR 860) and SB3739, the Save Our Neighborhoods Act, which focuses on reducing the impact of home foreclosures in Illinois.
With a committee vote expected before noon, the Senate is expected to vote as early as that afternoon.
As the Marion Daily Republican reported in its latest on the plan, the project is expected to generate the following:
- Create 6,000 jobs during construction and earnings of more than $174 million,
- Create 5,686 full-time jobs (both direct and indirect) upon full completion with payroll to exceed $250 million,
- Generate a "total market impact of goods and services produced in the region as a result of the development" by more than $395 million, and
- Result in a $757 million positive impact on the region's economy.
In Mount Vernon, efforts to slow down/jump on board the idea of the STAR Bonds legislation took a hit when the Jefferson County Board declined to back the city's efforts.
... board member Dr. Pat Garrett countered that the board doesn’t know if they have anything to lose by supporting inclusion in the STAR bonds bill.
“I think you’d want to know the particulars,” Garrett said. “I don’t support this, because I personally don’t know enough.”
Garrett by the way is the former high school principal and later superintendent of the Mount Vernon Township High School district where current mayor, and former art teacher, Mary Jane Chesney taught before her retirement.
Garrett's reluctance to commit and Board Chairman Ted Buck unwillingness to fight irritated another board member who thought the board should take a position.
“To have such a noncommittal display from the board chair or Pat Garrett is a disgusting display of arrogance or ignorance,” he said.
Unions Join Supporters of Millennium Development
Add a growing number of unions to the list of groups publicly backing SB 2093 for the Millennium Development project in Marion.
Today's Southern Illinoisan names the Illinois Pipe Trades Association; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 318; Laborers International Unions of North America Laborers Local 773; and the Southern Illinois Laborers District Council, as well as a number of area chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations joining in support.
The Capitol Fax Blog is reporting this afternoon that the Senate will not take action on any bills tonight and committee assignments and hearings will be made in the morning.
The Assignments committee has to assign the SB 2093 to a committee which will hold a hearing on the bill sometime tomorrow morning. Assuming a positive vote, the full Senate could hear the bill as early as tomorrow afternoon.
The Senate has sessions scheduled on the calendar for tomorrow and Friday, but is not expected to stay in session once all the budget bills are finished in both chambers.
Another major piece of tourism legislation in the hopper is an expected override of SB 28, the McCormick Place reform bill Governor Quinn vetoed today. A companion bill designed to address some of his concerns is already making its way through the House.
Today's Southern Illinoisan names the Illinois Pipe Trades Association; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 318; Laborers International Unions of North America Laborers Local 773; and the Southern Illinois Laborers District Council, as well as a number of area chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations joining in support.
The Capitol Fax Blog is reporting this afternoon that the Senate will not take action on any bills tonight and committee assignments and hearings will be made in the morning.
Committees will not be scheduled for this evening and there will be no major floor action. Tonight, the Senate we will read in messages from the House, the Governor. Additionally, we will file all concurrence motions and read in any new Senate bills and resolutions.
After a Committee on Assignments meeting, we will make committee announcements. We plan to start committees around 9:30 on Thursday morning.
The Assignments committee has to assign the SB 2093 to a committee which will hold a hearing on the bill sometime tomorrow morning. Assuming a positive vote, the full Senate could hear the bill as early as tomorrow afternoon.
The Senate has sessions scheduled on the calendar for tomorrow and Friday, but is not expected to stay in session once all the budget bills are finished in both chambers.
Another major piece of tourism legislation in the hopper is an expected override of SB 28, the McCormick Place reform bill Governor Quinn vetoed today. A companion bill designed to address some of his concerns is already making its way through the House.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Forby Confirms Thursday
Just got off the phone with State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton.
He says Thursday's the day for SB 2093. He talked with the Senate leadership "a few days" ago and as of now, plans are for the bill to go through committee Thursday morning and a full Senate vote that afternoon.
SB 2093 would create a STAR Bonds District in Marion that would help finance the Millennium Development project pushed by Bruce Holland.
He says Thursday's the day for SB 2093. He talked with the Senate leadership "a few days" ago and as of now, plans are for the bill to go through committee Thursday morning and a full Senate vote that afternoon.
SB 2093 would create a STAR Bonds District in Marion that would help finance the Millennium Development project pushed by Bruce Holland.
The Clock Starts Tomorrow on Development Bill
Senate Bill 2093, the Innovative Development and Economy Act, would authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds District in Marion, Illinois.
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, is the chief Senate sponsor of the bill. As of this afternoon his office believes the bill will have its committee hearing sometime Thursday.
Meanwhile, the number of public officials supporting the project is now up to 54, according to Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter who gave a rousing endorsement at the recent Herrin City Council meeting.
If we're going to talk the regional economic talk, we've got to walk the regional economic walk.
Ritter noted that before Maytag closed its plant in his city, it employed residents not only from Herrin and Williamson County, but from 15 other surrounding counties. He expects the same from this plan.
Marion will come out smelling like a rose, but the entire area will benefit.
Ritter plans to join other public officials in Springfield Thursday.
Monday, May 24, 2010
SI Edge Joins Others in Support of Millennium Development
Southern Illinois EDGE members voted last Wednesday to endorse SB 2093 the legislation awaiting action in the Illinois Senate to authorize the creation of a STAR Bonds district in Marion.
Member Larry Woolard made the announcement today to the Southern.
The Senate returns to session this Wednesday.
Member Larry Woolard made the announcement today to the Southern.
"SI EDGE believes the proposed STAR bonds concept is vital to the economic health of the southern Illinois region and supports the efforts to move the concept from the drawing board to reality."
The Senate returns to session this Wednesday.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Mount Vernon Senator Wants STAR Bonds District Too
If a Mount Vernon state senator gets his way, the proposed Millennium Development project for Marion could be delayed.
State Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, wants to amend SB 2093 to allow a STAR Bonds district for the King City as well.
Chances of it actually happening are right up there with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich telling the truth at his upcoming corruption trial (or ever).
State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, told the Southern Illinoisan it's too late. With the Senate expected to be in session only one to three days next week, there's little time for following to take place.
1) Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, as the chief Senate sponsor of the bill actually agreeing to it.
2) Jones writing the amendment and bringing to a vote in some Senate committee.
3) The legislative staff in the various agencies getting the sure-to-be-expected-requested impact notes filed on time. This is what delayed the vote two weeks ago when Jones' House partner state Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, requested them to slow down Bradley's bill before it passed the House (here and here.
4) The Senate passing the amended version, sending it back to the House.
5) The House receiving the legislation and referring it to the Rules Committee.
6) The Rules Committee referring it back to the Revenue and Finance Committee.
7) The Revenue and Finance Committee holding another hearing on the once-again amended bill.
8) The Revenue and Finance Committee voting to pass out the bill to the full House.
9) The full House of Representatives voting for the bill again.
All of this has to be done before House Speaker Michael Madigan can figure out a way to pass a partial budget that's relatively balanced and getting his Democratic caucus out of Springfield before they do something electorally devastating like pass an income tax hike six months before an election.
Bradley is right. There's barely enough time for the current bill to be passed by the Senate, which still has to be referred out of the Assignments Committee and into another committee to hold a hearing on the bill. That committee then has to vote to pass the bill out to the full Senate for a vote.
If Mount Vernon wants a STAR Bonds District, they should first find a developer who wants to use it, then introduce their own legislation, not hold up this one.
Here's something that most people don't know. A few years ago, Mount Vernon lawmakers introduced a bill creating a Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority which included all the counties in Jones' district plus Franklin and Williamson Counties.
Before the bill could be passed the Mount Vernon lawmakers amended the bill removing Franklin and Williamson Counties from the mix.
I'm sure the behind the scenes deal was simple. We'll remove Franklin and Williamson this year and next year we'll support the creation of the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority which includes the remaining counties in Sen. Forby's district.
The following year that is exactly what happened.
The problem though is simple. That first economic development authority received state funds for operations thanks to state Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle. Granted, they were mostly for his proposed Abraham Lincoln Golf Trail, but it was funds nevertheless which allowed the board, which the governor actually did appoint, to hire an executive director, and actually go to work.
The Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority is just sitting there on paper in the law books. Neither Gov. Blagojevich nor Gov. Pat Quinn have appointed any members to the board of directors as required by law, nor have any county chairman made their appointments. It's a terrific economic development tool with up to $250 million in bonding authority that's going to waste.
State Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, wants to amend SB 2093 to allow a STAR Bonds district for the King City as well.
Chances of it actually happening are right up there with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich telling the truth at his upcoming corruption trial (or ever).
State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, told the Southern Illinoisan it's too late. With the Senate expected to be in session only one to three days next week, there's little time for following to take place.
1) Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, as the chief Senate sponsor of the bill actually agreeing to it.
2) Jones writing the amendment and bringing to a vote in some Senate committee.
3) The legislative staff in the various agencies getting the sure-to-be-expected-requested impact notes filed on time. This is what delayed the vote two weeks ago when Jones' House partner state Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, requested them to slow down Bradley's bill before it passed the House (here and here.
4) The Senate passing the amended version, sending it back to the House.
5) The House receiving the legislation and referring it to the Rules Committee.
6) The Rules Committee referring it back to the Revenue and Finance Committee.
7) The Revenue and Finance Committee holding another hearing on the once-again amended bill.
8) The Revenue and Finance Committee voting to pass out the bill to the full House.
9) The full House of Representatives voting for the bill again.
All of this has to be done before House Speaker Michael Madigan can figure out a way to pass a partial budget that's relatively balanced and getting his Democratic caucus out of Springfield before they do something electorally devastating like pass an income tax hike six months before an election.
Bradley is right. There's barely enough time for the current bill to be passed by the Senate, which still has to be referred out of the Assignments Committee and into another committee to hold a hearing on the bill. That committee then has to vote to pass the bill out to the full Senate for a vote.
If Mount Vernon wants a STAR Bonds District, they should first find a developer who wants to use it, then introduce their own legislation, not hold up this one.
Here's something that most people don't know. A few years ago, Mount Vernon lawmakers introduced a bill creating a Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority which included all the counties in Jones' district plus Franklin and Williamson Counties.
Before the bill could be passed the Mount Vernon lawmakers amended the bill removing Franklin and Williamson Counties from the mix.
I'm sure the behind the scenes deal was simple. We'll remove Franklin and Williamson this year and next year we'll support the creation of the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority which includes the remaining counties in Sen. Forby's district.
The following year that is exactly what happened.
The problem though is simple. That first economic development authority received state funds for operations thanks to state Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle. Granted, they were mostly for his proposed Abraham Lincoln Golf Trail, but it was funds nevertheless which allowed the board, which the governor actually did appoint, to hire an executive director, and actually go to work.
The Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority is just sitting there on paper in the law books. Neither Gov. Blagojevich nor Gov. Pat Quinn have appointed any members to the board of directors as required by law, nor have any county chairman made their appointments. It's a terrific economic development tool with up to $250 million in bonding authority that's going to waste.
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