Those Who Forget History . . .

Stephen Colbert
from Quotes of the Day

"There's an old saying about those who forget history. I don't remember it, but it's good."

Obama (in Iowa?) Last Night

(and we paraphrase) . . .

"Nyaaaahh, nyaaaahh, Booo, Hoooo, I'm still ahead ..."

World Infant Mortality

21,634 children under the age of one years will die today according to the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/wp98001.html).

This average does not account for "unusual natural disasters/wars". Nor, of course, does it take into account abortion rates.

One Illinoisan's Perspective On Property Taxes

From a letter to the Northwest Herald, Crystal Lake, IL 60014: Outrageous property taxes

To the Editor:

My wife and I moved into our Woodstock retirement home more than two years ago. Last year’s property taxes were $5,099. This year’s were a whopping $7,259. That represents a jump of more than 40 percent.

We had moved out of a huge, five-bedroom home in Arlington Heights because we couldn’t afford the $7,200 property taxes there.

We left an area with great amenities, including the Lake County Forest Preserve only two blocks away, a beautiful park just three blocks away, and loads of nearby shopping.

I’m 64 and disabled. I thought moving to McHenry County, with its much lower land values, would equate to lower taxes. (I was wrong.)

We live in the smallest, three-bedroom home, with a half basement, on the smallest lot in our development. Yet, our neighbors, with much larger homes, full basements, and on larger lots, pay less than we do. Does this make sense?

I’ve spoken to both the county treasurer’s office and the township office, and hear the same “excuses” that my tiny home is worth more.

What can I do?

All I can afford to do is move to a much less expensive area, such as western or southern Illinois, or Iowa.

William Bodzioch

Woodstock

Breach of Faith

As the promises have grown so have the unfunded liabilities:

If You Liked Elders, You'll Love Obama/Clinton

Speaking Tuesday to the Urban League in Springfield, former Surgeon General of the United States Jocelyn Elders said there should be more comprehensive health education programs in schools, including programs that give young people information about contraception as well as promoting sexual abstinence.

Elders said she looks at abstinence-only education as "almost child abuse". She says teens have feelings and hormones raging, and haven't been equipped with the tools to make good decisions.

Elders, former Surgeon General for the first Clinton administration, was born Minnie Lee Jones in Schaal, Arkansas. In college, she changed her name to Minnie Joycelyn Lee (later she used just Joycelyn).

Fat tax break for felon

It just gets better and better. This from the Chicago Sun Times yesterday:

Key Rezko witness Stuart Levine saved $351,000 on property taxes over 11 years

Stuart P. Levine, the star prosecution witness in Tony Rezko's corruption trial, might be an admitted drug user and felon. But he's savvy when it comes to his property taxes.

Levine found a way to save $351,715.12 over an 11-year span. And -- unlike many of the crooked deals Levine admitted to on the witness stand -- his tax break was perfectly legal.

» Click to enlarge image

Stuart Levine
(Sun-Times file)

RELATED STORIES

Clout corner Special section: The Watchdogs

RELATED PDF

Levine's tax break, by year

Levine got his break through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's "property tax assessment freeze" program. The idea is to offer tax breaks to encourage people to renovate historic homes.

First, you make sure your home meets the state's criteria for "historic." Then, you do the construction work, making sure the project is up to state standards.

If the state agrees, you get a "certificate of rehabilitation." That freezes the assessed value of your home -- the figure your property taxes are based on -- for eight years. In the next four years after that, your assessment is gradually ramped back to normal.

Levine's house, on Deere Park Drive in Highland Park, is a good example of how lucrative the program can be.

Levine and his wife, Sheri, bought what's known as the E.C. Fucik house in the early 1990s for $1.8 million, Lake County property records show. It's a stone, English-manor-style structure that dates to the 1920s, overlooks Lake Michigan and has a private beach.

The Levines wanted more space, an updated kitchen and new windows, among other things. So they hired an architect to oversee plans for a two-story addition, plus interior work, records show.

Under historic-preservation rules, the addition and other work had to match the existing house. The Levines ended up spending $588,327 on their rehab project, which wrapped up in November 1995.

Then, they reaped the financial benefit. Between 1996 and 2007, the Levines paid $338,977.51 in property taxes (see chart). Had their house not been part of the state program, they would have paid more than double that amount in property taxes -- $690,692.63 -- during that time.

Now, the freeze has expired. And the Levines are moving out.

They put their house on the market Jan. 2, with an asking price of $4.95 million -- about double what they paid for it and spent on renovations.

The six-bedroom house -- with four fireplaces and a four-car garage -- went under contract in early March for an undisclosed amount. It has yet to close, according to property records.

Levine's home is among 3,158 houses and condos statewide allowed in the tax-freeze program since 1985. Preservationists credit the tax breaks with keeping historic buildings in good shape.

A downside: Other taxpayers pay a little more in taxes to make up for people who have the tax breaks. Exactly how much depends on the number of historic structures in various taxing districts.

Originally charged with money-laundering, attempted extortion, mail fraud and other crimes, Levine pleaded guilty to two of the 24 counts against him. He's expected to get 67 months in prison.

Chris Fusco

The Mill Is Big Business

March 28th, 2008 courtesy Bruno Behrend

Planned Parenthood Abortion Business Makes $1 Billion Profit for First Time

The report shows an increase in the number of provided abortions from 264,943 in 2005 to 289,650 in 2006.

Planned Parenthood reveals it has doubled “excess of revenue over expenses” funds from $55.7 million in 2005 to $112 million in 2006.

Of concern to pro-life groups, Planned Parenthood acknowledges the receipt of over $336 million in government grants and contracts from both state and federal governments. However, the abortion business provides no breakdown showing how much Planned Parenthood received from the federal government or specifics states.

Well, sure . . .

"Those Bosnian snipers were definitely there . . . they were just really small . . . about this tall . . ."

Bond Issues Finally Explained!

This pretty much sums up localities' thinking on most bond funded issues:

Democrat? Why Choose?

Sub-Prime Losses By Company To Date

MAIN SUB-PRIME LOSSES SO FAR

Citigroup: $18bn

Merrill Lynch: $14.1bn

UBS: $13.5bn

Morgan Stanley $9.4bn

HSBC: $3.4bn

Bear Stearns: $3.2bn

Deutsche Bank: $3.2bn

Bank of America: $3bn

Barclays: $2.6bn

Royal Bank of Scotland: $2.6bn

Freddie Mac: $2bn

JP Morgan Chase: $3.2bn

Credit Suisse: $1bn

Wachovia: $1.1bn

IKB: $2.6bn

Paribas: $197m

Source: Company reports

1,100 Gallons per Gallon!

A study on bio fuels and water published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) provides the following estimate:

For Iowa, in the heart of corn production in the U.S., the water use (associated with crop water requirement) for producing a gallon of ethanol has been calculated to be between 1081 and 1121 gallons of water. However in fully irrigated agriculture, crop water use increases substantially.

For example for corn grown in Southwestern part of Nebraska, where it is irrigated, the average water use (associated with crop water requirement) for producing a gallon of ethanol has been estimated to be about 1568 gallons of water.

Illinois Property Tax Primer

From Suburban Chicago, the Daily Herald reports:

As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibilities. From mortgage payments to home improvements, finally calling a place "home" can be both exciting and overwhelming. This tax season, we take a look at property taxes, a local tax on homeowners based on the value of the property they own.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, homeowners should know some basic information about property taxes to ensure that their property is assessed fairly.

"Property taxes are used to finance the majority of services provided to citizens within a community," said Piero Orsi, president of the Realtor Association of NorthWest Chicagoland.

"There are about 6,900 local governments in Illinois that use property taxes to finance their budgets. That's why Realtors are tax watchdogs who protect your property rights. Consumers, too, should get educated about the property tax process so that they not only know where their money is allocated, but their rights as well."

The first step in getting your property value properly assessed is understanding the tax cycle. Typically, the property tax cycle in Illinois lasts two years. During the first year your home's value is estimated and reviewed. The second year you are billed for the taxes for the previous year, usually paid in two installments. For example, this year you would pay taxes on assessments made in 2007.

Your home is assessed based on its market value, or the amount that it would sell for in an open market. With the exception of Cook County, all Illinois counties are assessed at 33½ percent of this market value. To make sure these evaluations are done correctly, you can compare the assessed value given to you with similar homes in your neighborhood.

"Assessors try to keep values accurate within different areas, but as a homeowner it is your responsibility to make sure you obtain a fair assessment," said Orsi. "Local Realtors are familiar with the fair market values of other properties in your area and can help you find comparable assessments."

Here are some possible reasons property taxes may increase from information provided by www.YourlllinoisHome.com under "Financing" then "Property Taxes."

• Property values in the area are increasing.

• Improvements were made to the property (e.g. an addition added; extensive remodeling; a new deck or patio).

• The property was under-assessed in relation to other properties and this error has been corrected.

• The property has a homestead exemption that has been removed.

As a homeowner in Illinois, you may also qualify for a property tax exemption depending on your situation. Here are a few from the Illinois Department of Revenue:

General Homestead Exemption. You can qualify for this exemption if you occupy your property as primary residence on or before Jan. 1 of the tax year. You are eligible for up to $5,500 reduction in assessed valuation available for 2008. This amount rises to $6,000 in tax year 2009 and thereafter.

Senior Homestead Exemption. For those 65 years of age and older who own and occupy the property as a principal residence.

Senior Assessment Freeze. Seniors who are at least 65 years old and whose total household income is less than $55,000. This "freezes" your home's assessed value as long as you qualify for the exemption.

Homestead Improvement Exemption. Applies to those who add on to, remodel their property or rebuild after a catastrophic event. Exemption continues for four years after the remodeling or rebuilding is completed and occupied.

Disabled Persons' Exemption. For those who are disabled or become disabled within the assessment year. Participants may not claim both this and a Disabled Veterans' exemption.

Disabled Veterans' Standard Exemption. For housing owned and used by a disabled veteran or his or her unmarried surviving spouse. Determined by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Returning Veterans' Exemption. Applies to Illinois residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces upon their return home. Participants can qualify in subsequent year if he or she returns to active duty.

"When you purchase a home, it is important that you find out the property tax amount that has recently been paid and if the previous owner's tax bill included any exemptions," said Orsi. "Some exemptions may apply to you as the new owner. Visit www.YourIllinoisHome.com, Financing, www.iltax.com/ for more information."

Obama's Illinois Rise From The Inside

From Texas comes the story of Obama in Illinois. This is a must read for the rest of the country. Many of us here in this state already know the story.

Perfect Home For Eureka's New Pool!

Dear City of Eureka,

We believe we have found the perfect addition to your Municipal Pool/'Greater Eureka' Park District plans. We believe this could be picked up for a song. You could move it up from Pekin, subdivide the land it was on, and then annex that into a new park district.

All we would require is a small fee for a 'feasibility study'.



Sincerely,

WoodfordTaxFacts.Org

Eureka Budget Priorities?

The city of Eureka just approved a tentative $3 millions plus (with a deficit) budget. Included in the budget is, of course, $25,000 for a 'feasibility study' (read sales brochure) for a municipal swimming pool.

The mayor's new salary is to be $5,000 per year and the clerk's new salary is to be $4,500 annually. So the pool study would pay the mayor and clerk for some 2 and 1/2 years.

The pool study cost is more than 3 times the monies budgeted for the town's sesquicentennial celebration this summer.

The pool study cost would pay for 3 years of 4th of July fireworks and attendant festivities.

The pool study cost is 2 1/2 times what is budgeted for downtown beautification.

Is the pool study cost worth it? To whom?

Smoke and Promises

Why are baby boomers concerned about their impending retirement?

They've been over promised.

Why do our kids think they should have everything Britney Spears has and 'someone' should do something about global poverty and freeze environmental conditions as they were 50 years ago?.

They've been over promised.

Why are some folks in mortgage trouble from the past couple of years?

They've been over promised.

Why do they think it's up to someone else to bail them out?

They've been over promised.

Why is the State of Illinois (depending upon who's doing the estimates) $ 140 billions in debt?

They have over promised.

Why is Medicaid and Medicare unsustainable?

They have over promised.

Why are your property taxes more than your house payment?

They have over promised.

Why will all of this rhetoric about hope, change, and believing lead to further despair?

You guessed it.

What in the heavens does the President of the United States have to do with local education funding? Nothing.

What does the President of the United States have to do with teacher salaries? Nothing.

What does the President of the United States have to do with job creation? Nothing.

What does the President of the United States have to do with your health care insurance? Nothing.

We need leadership based in hope, faith, and 'the shining city on the hill'. No doubt. We need to inspire youth. No doubt. We need to make government more accountable. To be sure. Ronald Reagan epitomized this vision. However he, as did the Founders, believed that the hope, faith, inspiration, and foundation of the "city on the hill'', are the people. They believed that getting out of their way was the best hope for the brightest American future. That is why Reagan was a constitutionalist and this nonsense about President Bush and the current administration 'destroying' the Constitution and individual rights is just that - nonsense. The over riding theme of the document is the 'limitation' of government. Contrast Ronald Regan's themes with the same promises but based on one man, woman, or one federal administration 'giving' hope, faith, inspiration to the people by moving wealth around.

They over promise and they do it in a particularly objectionable way, and if they succeed in the bamboozlement you will see a disillusionment in this country that will make the 60's and 70' look like a tea party.

Pre-Barack Pride?

I defy Michelle Obama to watch one of those Space Shuttle landings (I'm sure she never has) like this morning, or a Shuttle launch and not feel pride in America.

I know she's a little young to remember with appreciation Apollo 8 circling the moon Christmas eve of 1968.

I suppose she was not impressed with the way Americans responded in the wake of the 9-11 attacks.

I doubt she was proud when the United States unilaterally turned over essentially all of its Global Positioning Satellite technology to the world at large.

This country definitely has its problems. But I shudder at someone who has never been proud to be an American until her husband is put into politics. I think this country is a bit larger than Barack Obama.

I suppose she was ashamed of the "miracle" U.S. hockey team defeating the Soviets in the 1980 Olympics.

Sometimes it just takes a little bit of humility to be proud of your country.

U.S. Senators as U.S. Presidents

Barring something completely unforeseen it appears as if our next President will be a sitting United States Senator.

Only two men were ever elected President directly from the U.S. Senate. The first was Warren G. Harding, who served in the Senate from March 4, 1915, until his resignation, effective January 13, 1921, having been elected President.

The other sitting Senator to ascend to the presidency was John F. Kennedy, who served in the Senate from January 3, 1953 to December 22, 1960, when he resigned to become President.

In an interesting twist President Garfield had a connection to the U.S. Senate.
As was the practice until the Constitution was amended in 1913 to provide for direct election of U.S. Senators, the Ohio state legislature elected Garfield on January 13, 1880 to serve as a U.S. Senator. His Senate term was to have begun in March of the following year. Garfield never served in the Senate, however, having been elected U.S. President in the interim. On the day he would have started his Senate service, March 4, 1881, he was instead attending his inauguration as President.