January 26 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Rauner, Ives should debate – Scott Reeder (DIERSEN: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, the organization would be hosting debates for a) Rauner v. Ives, b) Sanguinetti v. Morthland, c) Harold v. Grasso, d) Diganvker v. Jhingan, e) Stella v. Vlakancic, f) Minor v. Grant v. Byrne, g) Kinzler v. Orozco, h) Zito v. Khouri, i) Mendrick v. Bibbiano, j) Tornatore v. DeMichele v. Gavanes, k) Hart v. Abbott v. Tully, l) McGowen v. Almiron v. Eckhoff v. Zaruba v. Tatro v. Chinchilla, m) Wiley v. Zay v. McQuade, n) Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee candidates, o) etc.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-sta-reeder-column-st-0128-20180126-story.html
— Rauner ignores questions about meeting on back porch of governor’s mansion – Kim Geiger
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-lawsuit-20180126-story.html
— Trump EPA pick for Chicago office wore false nose to help me beat driving test, daughter says – Kim Janssen
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-epa-cathy-stepp-0125-chicago-inc-20180125-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “I failed my first driving test,” Hannah told Chicago Inc., repeating a story that she acknowledges she told the packed room of her mother’s staff Jan. 11. “My mom said, ‘You’re not going to fail it again!’ ” “She put on a disguise of a fake nose and sunglasses and went to the DMV and followed someone taking the driving portion of the test so that she could learn the route, and then we practiced it,” Hannah continued. “I didn’t fail the second time!” Stepp’s daughter said she took the test when she was 16, about seven years ago, which would place the time of the test to around the time Stepp was appointed to lead the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by Gov. Scott Walker. Hannah said she did not know where her mother got the false nose but that she “always has it with her.” The speech went down well, Hannah thought. Not everyone in the room agreed. Though two EPA staffers Inc. spoke with both praised Hannah’s “poise” they were taken aback by the driving test story.)
— Debt payments, Icelandic adventures, car repairs: How area workers are spending their tax cut bonuses – Lauren Zumbach, Robert Channick and Ally Marotti (DIERSEN: Are you an “area worker?” I have not been an “area worker” since 1997.  Have you gotten a tax cut bonus? Of course, I have not.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-trump-tax-reform-bonuses-20180124-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rauner wins battle to have ex-business partner’s complaint sent to arbitration “Illinois policy strongly favors resolution of disputes by arbitration, particularly when prescribed broadly as it is here,” Judge David Atkins wrote. (DIERSEN: What do you base your opinion of arbitration on? I have been an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority since 1998. I filed a lawsuit to get out of an bad arbitration clause in 1986 SEE: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1975935/diersen-v-joe-keim-builders-inc/ An arbitrator ruled in my favor in Diersen v. IRS in the 1970s. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/products/463866 An arbitrator ruled in my favor in Diersen v. United States Post Office in the 1960s.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/rauner-wins-battle-to-have-ex-business-partners-complaint-sent-to-arbitration/
— Schakowsky will boycott Trump’s State of the Union speech Trump has “disrespected millions and millions of Americans and the presidency itself,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky D-Ill., told the Sun-Times.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/schakowsky-will-boycott-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech/

 

DAILY HERALD
— Roskam: Tax bill law modernizes rules, promotes growth – Marie Wilson (DIERSEN: Government should encourage home ownership. According to this article, “Critics say the tax law discourages homeownership and could decrease charitable giving because the higher standard deduction will lead fewer filers to itemize. To both of these, Roskam says the answer is economic growth, which he says the tax law will provide. The more the economy grows, the more money people have, they more likely they are to buy houses, he says. And the more money that people make, the more that they have to give.” But what about those, including retired people like the Diersens, who do not benefit from “economic growth?” It seems that the tax law encourages lower interest rates because it reduces the incentive to borrow money to buy/build a home. Young people, who typically are borrowers, benefit from low interest rates, while older people, who typically are savers, suffer from low interest rates.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180126/roskam-tax-bill-law-modernizes-rules-promotes-growth
(FROM THE ARTICLE: One immediate effect of the tax law sparked a flurry of suburban residents prepaying property taxes, in hopes the payments can be deducted under old rules. New rules cap the amount of state and local taxes that can be deducted at $10,000, and many in the 6th District pay more than that in property taxes alone. “The new law was silent as to the ability to prepay property taxes,” Roskam said, but he said he is working closely with the Internal Revenue Service and the House Ways and Means Committee to try to ensure people will see the advantage of early payment. Still, he said analyzing the whole array of changes, including a standard deduction increased to $24,000 for couples and a child tax credit doubled to $2,000, the law will produce positive results. He said a sample family in the 6th District — with a median income of $135,000 a year for a husband, wife and two children — is predicted to receive a $4,000 tax cut. “When you evaluate all of these things,” Roskam said, “even if the deductions go down, the way the rates are structured, it offers tax relief.” Critics say the tax law discourages homeownership and could decrease charitable giving because the higher standard deduction will lead fewer filers to itemize. To both of these, Roskam says the answer is economic growth, which he says the tax law will provide. The more the economy grows, the more money people have, they more likely they are to buy houses, he says. And the more money people make, the more they have to give. “We’re a generous country,” he said. “We celebrate this. We want a big civil society because we, as a country, have made a cultural decision as Americans that we highly value the nonprofit sector.”)
— 10th District congressional candidates sound off on immigration policies – Russell Lissau (DIERSEN: Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform. If you are not going to defend and advance the Republican Party platform, you should not seek or hold a government or political office as a Republican.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180126/10th-district-congressional-candidates-sound-off-on-immigration-policies
— West Chicago High School teachers authorize strike – Katlyn Smith
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180126/west-chicago-high-school-teachers-authorize-strike

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump’s crafty DACA offer deserves a serious look.”
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180126/BLOGS02/180129911/trumps-crafty-daca-offer-deserves-a-serious-look
— Illinois ponders pension-fund moonshot: a $107B bond sale – Bloomberg
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180126/NEWS02/180129902/illinois-ponders-pension-fund-moonshot-a-107b-bond-sale
— Why are local employers so darn stingy? – JOE CAHILL
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180126/ISSUE10/180129942
— Rauner and Emanuel, bury the hatchet and get to work for HQ2 – Editorial
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180126/ISSUE07/180129933/rauner-and-emanuel-bury-the-hatchet-and-get-to-work-for-hq2

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Ives says that Obama never linked fatherless homes with gun violence.
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180126/fact-check-ives-says-she-shares-obamas-view-on-gun-violence

 

NORTHWEST HERALD
— School conference costs McHenry County taxpayers $73,000, including parking
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/01/24/school-conference-costs-mchenry-county-taxpayers-73-000-including-parking/auou3nl/

 

NORTHERN PUBLIC RADIO
— Illinois Gov. Replacing Longtime DCFS Watchdog After Report Critizing Agency – TONY ARNOLD
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/illinois-gov-replacing-longtime-dcfs-watchdog-after-report-critizing-agency

 

WGLT
— Progressives Use Cardboard Cutout Stunt To Critique Davis, LaHood – STUDENT REPORTER DANIA DE LA HOYA
http://wglt.org/post/progressives-use-cardboard-cutout-stunt-critique-davis-lahood#stream/0

 

BRUCE RAUNER
— Pritzker, Biss Call Each Other Insiders: Both Are Right (DIERSEN: Are you an insider? I certainly am not. I have never been an officer of the Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC), DuPage County Republican Central Committee, or Illinois Republican Party (IRP). I have never been an IRP State Central Committee member. I am no longer a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, MTRCC webmaster, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, or American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member.)
https://www.brucerauner.com/news/pritzker-biss-call-each-other-insiders-both-are-right/

 

POLITIFACT ILLINOIS
— Illinois Rep. Jeanne Ives says she shares Obama’s view on gun violence – Brett Chase
http://www.politifact.com/illinois/statements/2018/jan/26/jeanne-ives/illinois-rep-says-she-shares-obamas-view-gun-viole/

 

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Fortner in favor of bill allowing 5G wireless antennas in Illinois – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511322300-fortner-in-favor-of-bill-allowing-5g-wireless-antennas-in-illinois

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— PROPOSED BILL WOULD PROHIBIT UNFUNDED MANDATES, REQUIRE REVENUE FOR ALL DISCRETIONARY SPENDING – Vincent Caruso
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/proposed-bill-would-prohibit-unfunded-mandates-require-revenue-for-all-discretionary-spending/

 

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— The audacity of broke – Austin Berg
https://www.ilnews.org/opinion/op-ed-the-audacity-of-broke/article_ce915100-01ea-11e8-b473-0fcb61109c28.html
— INN investigation: Some school districts prevented lavish spending at conference – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.ilnews.org/news/schools/inn-investigation-some-school-districts-prevented-lavish-spending-at-conference/article_4a37b438-021e-11e8-97ea-4f1f881bb3f9.html

 

ILLINOIS CHRONICLE
— More Republicans lining up behind Rauner’s primary opponent
https://theillinoischronicle.com/more-republicans-lining-up-behind-rauners-primary-opponent/

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— IL GOP STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEEMAN STAN BOND RESPONDS TO PARTY SPENDING ON SMEAR MAILERS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/il-gop-committeeman-responds-to-party-spending-on-smear-mailers.html
— IVES GAINS ENDORSEMENT FROM GROWING NUMBER OF REPUBLICAN ELECTED OFFICIALS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/ives-gains-endorsement-from-growing-number-of-republican-elected-officials-.html
— IT’S A BAD THING TO BE OPPOSED TO ILLEGAL DRUGS? DEMOCRAT J.B. PRITZKER THINKS SO
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/now-its-a-bad-thing-to-be-opposed-to-drugs-democrat-jb-pritzker-thinks-so.html
— PLANNED PARENTHOOD SHUTTERS 32 OFFICES NATIONWIDE; OPENS NEW FACILITY IN FLOSSMOOR, IL
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/planned-parenthood-shutters-32-offices-nationwide-opens-new-facility-in-flossmoor-il.html
— MAINSTREAM MEDIA MISLEAD ON NEW STUDY OF ILLINOIS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LAW
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/new-mainstream-media-mislead-on-new-study-of-illinois-parental-involvement-law.html
— ILLINOIS JUDGE REJECTS TRANSGENDER STUDENT’S DEMAND TO CHANGE IN GIRLS’ LOCKER ROOM
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/illinois-judge-rejects-transgender-students-demand-to-change-in-girls-locker-room.html
— THORNER: TAKE STOCK IN AMERICA: TRUMP’S WAY OF GOVERNING
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/01/thorner-take-stock-in-america-trumps-way-of-governing.html

 

CAPITOL FAX
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, in Chicago, in Cook County, and in Illinois, Democrats rely on illegals to stay in power.
https://capitolfax.com/2018/01/26/another-way-illinois-could-lose-two-congressional-districts/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Ives says that Obama never linked fatherless homes with gun violence.
https://capitolfax.com/2018/01/26/ives-claim-rated-false/
— Rauner vetoes booze license exemption bill
https://capitolfax.com/2018/01/26/rauner-vetoes-booze-license-exemption-bill/

 

BREITBART
— WH Cancels Scheduled Rollout of Citizenship for Illegal Aliens Plan – JOHN BINDER
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/26/wh-cancels-scheduled-rollout-of-citizenship-for-illegal-aliens-plan/
— Schumer Pockets White House Amnesty Giveaway, Demands More Concessions – NEIL MUNRO (DIERSEN: Who “represents” you and those who share your demographics? How much have they given away to those who disapprove of your demographics? Ever-increasingly, those who “represent” members of Group B give away much to members of Group A. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.breitbart.com/economics/2018/01/26/sen-schumer-pockets-white-house-amnesty-plan-wants-more/
— Critics: WH Amnesty Plan Is the ‘Self-Impeachment Act of 2018’ – NEIL MUNRO (DIERSEN: One could argue that the more that Trump does to dump his supporters, the less likely that anti-Trumps will impeach him.)
http://www.breitbart.com/2018-elections/2018/01/26/critics-wh-amnesty-plan-self-impeachment-act-2018/
— Senate Report: Americans Bought Nearly $800 Million in Chinese Fentanyl Opioid Online – EDWIN MORA
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/01/26/senate-report-americans-bought-nearly-800-million-chinese-fentanyl-opioid-online/

 

GOPUSA
— Half of U.S. voters see FBI as crooked
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=37885
— Students quizzed on ‘Pyramid of White Supremacy’
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=37614

 

LIFEZETTE NEWS
— One-time Trump Allies to Fight Him on Amnesty For DACA ‘Dreamers’ Immigration hawks feel betrayed by the president’s negotiating offer for 1.8 million people in the U.S. illegally – Brendan Kirby
https://www.lifezette.com/polizette/onetime-trump-allies-to-fight-him-on-amnesty/

 

DAILY SIGNAL
— GOP Lawmakers Split Over Trump’s Latest Immigration Plan – Rachel del Guidice
http://dailysignal.com/2018/01/26/gop-lawmakers-split-trumps-latest-immigration-plan/

 

DAILY CALLER
— Seven Quotes On Jews, Gays And White People From Louis Farrakhan, Tied To Obama – Peter Hasson
http://dailycaller.com/2018/01/26/louis-farrakhan-barack-obama-nation-of-islam/

 

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— Trump Amnesty Disaster – George Rasley
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/27284

 

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— No, Rahm Emanuel, Trump isn’t bullying you — he’s just enforcing immigration law – Margot Cleveland
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/no-rahm-emanuel-trump-isnt-bullying-you-hes-just-enforcing-immigration-law/article/2647208

 

THE HILL
— Trump immigration plan hits wall of opposition – SCOTT WONG AND RAFAEL BERNAL
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/370920-trump-immigration-plan-hits-wall-of-opposition
— Former GOP rep Joe Walsh: If there is nothing to hide, why does Trump try to fire everyone? – JOHN BOWDEN
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/370850-joe-walsh-if-trump-did-nothing-wrong-why-does-he-try-to-fire

 

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Judge dismisses lawsuit against Rauner, orders arbitration (DIERSEN: What do you base your opinion of arbitration on? I have been an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority since 1998. I filed a lawsuit to get out of an bad arbitration clause in 1986 SEE: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1975935/diersen-v-joe-keim-builders-inc/ An arbitrator ruled in my favor in Diersen v. IRS in the 1970s. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/products/463866 An arbitrator ruled in my favor in Diersen v. United States Post Office in the 1960s.)
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-against-rauner-orders-arbitration/

 

REUTERS
— New York, New Jersey, Connecticut to sue over federal tax law – Stephanie Kelly (DIERSEN: What percent of the homeowners in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois pay more than $10,000 a year in SALT taxes? What do you say to those who hint/imply/argue/shout that if you pay more than $10,000 in SALT taxes a year, a) you are undeservedly filthy rich and b) you should pay more federal income tax?)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tax-states-coalition/new-york-new-jersey-connecticut-to-sue-over-federal-tax-law-idUSKBN1FF273?il=0
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The governors said during a call with reporters that the bill unfairly affects their states with its repeal of state and local tax deductibility, the first federal double taxation in U.S. history. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said there were “very strong” arguments that the bill violates states’ rights as well as the Equal Protection clause in the U.S. Constitution. “The top 12 states that get hurt (by the bill) coincidentally all happen to be Democratic states,” Cuomo said, adding he had spoken with California Governor Jerry Brown about potential actions against the bill. The sweeping Republican tax bill signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a $10,000 cap on deductions of state and local income and property taxes, known as SALT. The SALT provision will affect many taxpayers in states with high incomes, property values and taxes, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California.)

 

NBC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump drags GOP to war on legal immigration.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-drags-gop-war-legal-immigration-n841026

 

CBS NEWS
— Retirement planning for middle-income workers – STEVE VERNON (DIERSEN: Are you retired? How much have you had to reduce your living expenses? My $51,864 Civil Service Retirement System pension is only 41% of my $125,325 GAO salary in today’s dollars.)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-planning-for-middle-income-workers/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A recent study by the Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL), in collaboration with the Society of Actuaries (SOA), identifies the following retirement planning decisions as having the biggest financial impact on middle-income workers: . . . Managing and reducing living expenses, specifically housing, transportation and medical costs.)

 

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Immigration proposal contains bitter pills for both sides.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/immigration/immigration-proposal-contains-bitter-pills-for-both-sides/2018/01/26/5e66a47c-024c-11e8-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html?utm_term=.63eb6578c75c
— How to work for a president who loathes the civil service – Nancy McEldowney (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted patronage. Because I have always been a Republican, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/how-to-work-for-a-president-who-hates-the-civil-service/2018/01/26/34dbe95c-0204-11e8-bb03-722769454f82_story.html

 

PBS
— White House immigration plan sparks criticism from top Democrats, some conservatives – AP
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-house-immigration-plan-sparks-criticism-from-top-democrats-some-conservatives

 

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— GAO Will Probe ‘Fake Comments’ to Regulatory Agencies – Charles S. Clark
http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2018/01/gao-will-probe-fake-comments-regulatory-agencies/145481/

 

FEDERAL TIMES
— The trait happy federal agencies have in common – Jessie Bur (DIERSEN: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, they hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the agency’s employees who were Democrat, minority, female, younger, and/or veteran told them that they would be much happier if the agency got rid of its employees who were Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/2018/01/26/the-trait-happy-federal-agencies-have-in-common/

 

GM AUTHORITY
— National Corvette Museum Sees Increased Attendance For Third Year In A Row – FRANCISCO CRUZ
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/01/national-corvette-museum-sees-increased-attendance-for-third-year-in-a-row/

 

WINDY CITY TIMES
— Who Will Defeat Governor Rauner? – Terry Cosgrove, President and CEO, Personal PAC
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/VOIEWPOINT-Who-Will-Defeat-Governor-Rauner/61720.html

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.