Tag: LGBT

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— When can I buy pot in Illinois? How much can I buy? Your questions answered Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize recreational weed Friday. Here’s what you need to know about the bill Gov. Pritzker says he will sign. – Tom Schuba (DIERSEN: Who is taking the lead to stop the sale of pot a) in your municipality and b) in the unincorporated areas of your county? All of the following should be lining up to speak out against pot at public hearings: Republican activists, Republican candidates, Republican elected officials, Republican party leaders, Republican major donors, Republican political consultants, business leaders, religious leaders, healthcare leaders, education leaders, law enforcement leaders, etc.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/5/31/18647868/marijuana-illinois-legalization-where-to-buy-amount
— House clears gambling measure that includes adding Chicago casino After two days of behind-the-scenes negotiations, House lawmakers appeared poised to leave Springfield having passed a comprehensive spending and capital plan. The Illinois Senate plans to return for bill action on Sunday and must still approve the gambling measure. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/1/18648903/house-clears-gambling-measure-that-includes-adding-chicago-casino

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Legalizing marijuana is a victory for freedom in Illinois – Steve Chapman (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, to be a Democrat is to be someone who focuses on promoting pot.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-perspec-chapman-illinois-marijuana-legalize-20190531-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Melinda Bush: Passage of abortion bill to make Illinois ‘a beacon for the country’ – Rebecca Anzel (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, to be a Democrat is to be someone who focuses on promoting abortion.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190601/melinda-bush-passage-of-abortion-bill-to-make-illinois-a-beacon-for-the-country
— Arlington Heights parade organizers defend letting controversial group march – Christopher Placek
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190601/arlington-heights-parade-organizers-defend-letting-controversial-group-march
(FROM THE ARTICLE: ACT, which calls itself the nation’s largest national security grass-roots organization, advocates for upholding Western values and combating the threat of radical Islam, according to the organization’s website. But the Southern Poverty Law Center put the group on its list of domestic hate groups “because it pushes wild anti-Muslim conspiracy theories, denigrates American Muslims and deliberately conflates mainstream and radical Islam.” Greg Padovani, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights, said he received about a dozen complaints via phone and email about the ACT chapter’s inclusion in the parade and for leaflets marchers were handing out along the parade route. Padovani said he and other committee members investigated the group’s website, but could not find anything espousing hate or violence.)
— House begins overtime action on state budget – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20190601/news/306019917/

ABC7
— Illinois House passes marijuana legalization bill, approves balanced budget – Cate Cauguiran and Craig Wall
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/illinois-house-passes-marijuana-legalization-bill-approves-balanced-budget/5324375/
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bartends in Queens to push for higher minimum wage
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/ocasio-cortez-bartends-in-queens-to-push-for-minimum-wage-hike/5325385/

NBC5
— Illinois Legislature Continues Work on Budget, Gambling Bill The House has to approve several pieces of legislation involving next year’s budget
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-legislature-continues-work-even-after-may-31-deadline-510710891.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— A new attitude — and one-party dominance — eased the tension – Bernard Schoenburg
https://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20190601/bernard-schoenburg-new-attitude—and-one-party-dominance—eased-tension
— Still a fight ahead for abortion rights in Illinois, supporters say – Cassie Buchman
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20190601/still-fight-ahead-for-abortion-rights-in-illinois-supporters-say

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Democrats control it all, but can’t finish on schedule – Doug Finke
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20190601/statehouse-insider-democrats-control-it-all-but-cant-finish-on-schedule

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— Reproductive Health Act heads to governor’s desk Bush: Passage of abortion bill to make Illinois ‘a beacon for the country’ – Rebecca Anzel 
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Reproductive-Health-Act-heads-to-governor-8217-s-13916373.php

HERALD NEWS
— Doubled gas tax to 39 cents goes to Illinois Senate – AP
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/02/doubled-gas-tax-to-39-cents-goes-to-illinois-senate/awt6g7/

ST. LOUIS TODAY
— America’s rural-urban divide is deeper than ever. Just ask the great state of Chicago. – Kevin McDermott 
https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/columnists/mcdermott-america-s-rural-urban-divide-is-deeper-than-ever/article_cde99241-cb48-5081-85ba-210e0ed99b5b.html

WEEK
— Doubled gas tax to 39 cents goes to Ill. Senate – AP
https://week.com/news/illinois-news-from-the-associated-press/2019/06/01/the-latest-house-begins-overtime-action-on-state-budget/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Officials ID Virginia Beach gunman as city employee, Trump offers condolences – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/officials-id-virginia-beach-gunman-as-city-employee-06-01-2019-133819956

POSITIVELY NAPERVILLE
— OUTSTANDING: Council members Coyne and Gustin will host ‘It’s not your momma’s marijuana’ on June 6
https://www.positivelynaperville.com/2019/06/01/council-members-coyne-and-gustin-will-host-its-not-your-mommas-marijuana-on-june-6/100769

MCHENRY COUNTY BOLG
— McConchie Quite Disturbed at Passage of Extreme Abortion Bill, Roll Call
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/06/01/mcconchie-quite-disturbed-at-passage-of-extreme-abortion-bill/ 
— Twenty-Four Hours that Changed the Algonquin Township Clerk Karen Lukasik Case
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/06/01/twenty-four-hours-that-changed-the-karen-lukasik-case/ 
— Fight over Pension Coverage for Part-Time Township Employees
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/06/01/fight-over-pension-coverage-for-part-time-township-employees/ 
— Take a Look at Key Bills
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/05/31/take-a-look-at-the-other-key-bills/
— Recreation Cannabis Co-Sponsor Allen Skillicorn Explains Position
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/05/31/127936/
— Gambling Watchdog Summarizes Contents of Massive Expansion Bill
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/06/01/gambling-watchdog-summarizes-contents-of-massive-expansion-bill/

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— GOP Chairman Schneider calls abortion bill ‘unconscionable,’ laments Dems’ ‘extreme’ position – Carrie Bradon
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/512586351-gop-chairman-schneider-calls-abortion-bill-unconscionable-laments-dems-extreme-position

CAPITOL FAX
— Ives: “Stop this bill from being Bi-Partisan”
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/ives-stop-this-bill-from-being-bi-partisan/
— House starts passing budget package
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/house-starts-passing-budget-package/
— Chronic pain, migraines, IBS, other ailments could be added to medical cannabis program
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/chronic-pain-migraines-ibs-other-ailments-could-be-added-to-medical-cannabis-program/
— Lightfoot confirms *** Gov. Pritzker says he’s reached an understanding with Mayor Lightfoot on sports betting
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/gov-pritzker-says-hes-reached-an-understand-with-mayor-lightfoot-on-sports-betting/
— $40K minimum teacher salary mandate clears both chambers
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/40k-minimum-teacher-salary-mandate-clears-both-chambers/
— RHA roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/rha-roundup-2/
— Updated cheat sheet on the big stuff
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/updated-cheat-sheet-on-the-big-stuff/
— “Fix the FOID” stalls in Senate
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/fix-the-foid-stalls-in-senate/
— Budget, capital, gaming roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/budget-capital-gaming-roundup/
— House passes budget, capital package
https://capitolfax.com/2019/06/01/house-starts-passing-budget-package/

BREITBART
— Cher: If Trump Wins Re-election, He’ll Put LGBTQ People ‘In Internment Camps’ – WARNER TODD HUSTON
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2019/06/01/cher-if-trump-wins-re-election-hell-put-lgbtq-people-in-internment-camps/

TOWNHALL
— 900 Illegal Aliens Crammed in Center Built for 125 People – Timothy Meads
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/timothymeads/2019/06/01/report-900-illegal-aliens-crammed-in-center-built-for-125-people-n2547241
— Pew Research Confirms 6 In 10 Illegal Aliens Live In These Areas – Beth Baumann
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/06/01/pew-research-confirms-6-in-10-illegal-aliens-live-in-these-areas-n2547258

NBC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats promote LGBTQ activity in Buffalo Grove
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/teen-s-dream-pride-parade-her-hometown-become-reality-n1012411

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump’s Celebration of L.G.B.T. Rights Is Met With Criticism – Katie Rogers
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/01/us/politics/trump-lgbt-rights.html
— Trump Is Said to Have Overruled Kushner and Other Aides in Threatening Mexico With Tariffs – Ana Swanson, Maggie Haberman and Alan Rappeport
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/01/us/politics/trump-mexico-tariffs.html

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— 2020 Democratic candidates vow to undo Trump’s immigration actions – SEEMA MEHTA and MATT PEARCE
https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-democratic-presidential-candidates-2020-pasadena-immigration-20190531-story.html

SAN FRANCISCO GATE
— Trump says Duchess Meghan was ‘nasty’ about him, fueling debate ahead of state visit – Rick Noack
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Trump-says-Duchess-Meghan-was-nasty-about-him-13916074.php

FORTUNE
— Trump Threatened Mexico With Tariffs, But His Demands Are Vague – JUSTIN SINK, NACHA CATTAN, ANDREW ROSATI
http://fortune.com/2019/06/01/trump-mexico-tariffs-immigration/

BUSINESS INSIDER
— More than half of baby-boomer job seekers say they’ve faced age discrimination, and it’s costing them work – Allana Akhtar 
https://www.businessinsider.com/baby-boomer-job-seekers-experiencing-age-discrimination-2019-5

DAILY BEAST
— Trump Tower Condos Selling at More Than 20 Percent Losses – Jamie Ross
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-tower-condos-selling-at-more-than-20-percent-losses

WORKFORCE
— When Job Applicants Lie: Implementing Policies to Protect Your Company Employers should implement a clear and uniform policy about the consequences of lying or providing false information on an application. – Joshua Y. Joel, Natasha L. Wilson (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, everyone seeking or holding any kind of government or political job or office should be subjected to a comprehensive and extensive background investigation.)
https://www.workforce.com/2019/06/01/when-job-applicants-lie-implementing-policies-to-protect-your-company/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A recent study revealed that 85 percent of employers have caught applicants lying on their résumés or job applications. The most common lies involve modifying dates of employment, falsifying credentials, training or degrees, inflating prior earnings, or hiding a criminal history. Throughout the past several years, there have been several stories of prominent executives and CEOs, across many industries, whose careers were cut short for lying on their job applications or résumés. What should human resources professionals do when they discover that an employee has lied on their job application or résumé? How can employers avoid liabilities stemming from application falsification? What are the legal consequences for employers? Preemptive Measures The first step employers should take to avoid potential pitfalls is to implement a clear and uniform policy about the consequences of providing false information on an application. For example, a brief disclaimer can be included near the signature line of the employment application, in which the applicant affirms and agrees that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information on an application, in a résumé, or during the interview process is grounds for disqualification from employment or termination if hired. The disclaimer should also expressly waive any liability for the employer if the applicant is not hired or is terminated for providing false information. More importantly, employers should be consistent in enforcing this policy. Consistency can protect the employer from legal liabilities — and countless headaches — down the road. To accomplish this, employers should document every applicant’s receipt of the policy. If a background investigation reveals that an applicant or employee clearly lied on his or her application, the applicant should be rejected or the employee terminated immediately. If the employer only suspects a falsification, HR should engage in a fair and impartial investigation and document its findings. Depending on the results, disciplinary action should be taken. When assessing an applicant’s background, employers should focus on convictions and not arrest records. Otherwise, applicants may be unfairly prejudiced in the hiring process based on unsupported criminal allegations. Conducting Pre-Employment Background Checks Recent federal and state laws have presented hiring professionals with new compliance challenges when conducting a background screening. For example, while there are no federal laws requiring home health agencies to conduct criminal background checks or disqualify applicants from employment based on the results, there are 41 states that require these agencies to conduct criminal background checks. Those requirements in those 41 states vary widely, including when the background check must be completed, what sources of information must be checked, which positions require background checks, and which convictions, if any, result in disqualification from employment. The benefits of conducting criminal background checks in the hiring process often outweigh these challenges, especially in fields — such as health care or government contracting — where a failure to conduct screenings can result in hefty consequences. While many employers may prefer to use social media to research an applicant’s background, employers should exercise caution when using an applicant’s protected characteristics (like race, religion, age or gender) as a basis for refusing employment. Understanding the legal landscape as it relates to information an employer may request of an applicant is also key. For example, some states have laws that prohibit employers from requesting an applicant’s social media username and password. Additionally, some states have legislation referred to as “Ban the Box,” which prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on a job application. Unforeseen Benefits of a Consistent Policy In most cases, implementing a strong application falsification policy can result in some unexpected positive benefits. For example, many states have laws prohibiting employers from revoking job offers based on the discovery of a misdemeanor or other types of conviction with no relevance to the applicant’s suitability for the position. Nonetheless, even though the employer cannot revoke the offer because of the conviction itself, the employee’s misrepresentation about the existence of the conviction is grounds for revocation. For example, in a Pennsylvania case, the plaintiff only disclosed two convictions — stalking and harassment — on his application. But a background investigation revealed that he had pleaded guilty to eight additional crimes, including public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and drug crimes. The company revoked his offer. The district court determined that the company did not violate Pennsylvania’s criminal background check statute because the termination was not for the employees’ conviction, but his lie about it. Importantly, the district court relied heavily on the company’s implementation and communication of a consistent policy forbidding applicants from lying on their applications. In a similar vein, companies faced with discriminatory failure to hire claims have successfully argued that the later discovery of falsified job applications is a complete defense against the claims. In other words, if the company would not have hired the employee had it known of the applicant’s lie, the applicant cannot later claim that he or she was not hired because of a protected characteristic. Here too, courts look closely at the company’s fair, equitable and consistent enforcement of its application falsification policy to establish that the company’s decision was not motivated by discriminatory intent. Another benefit of maintaining a strong background check policy is that it can absolve or limit the company of liabilities down the road if the employee is terminated. Oftentimes, in the course of litigation over wrongful termination or discrimination claims, exhaustive background checks into the plaintiff reveal criminal histories previously unknown. While an employer may still be on the hook for some damages if the decision to terminate was indeed discriminatory, the Supreme Court has held that a reward of back pay can be cut off completely — and the plaintiff’s potential damages significantly limited — if the employee’s wrongdoing was so severe that the company would have terminated the employee in any event if it had been uncovered. As a result, employers can potentially limit their exposure to liability in later wrongful termination claims by consistently enforcing a no-tolerance policy for application falsification. While not every application falsification results in a high-profile CEO or executive separation, the problem is common across industries. HR professionals should take care to review their company’s job application process with the help of legal counsel to implement a fair and equitable policy that is compliant with state and federal regulations and train interviewers and hiring professionals of what they can and cannot ask. The fix can be quite easy, and the benefits are great.)