Illinois Legislator's HB 6842 Would Allow Opting Out of Obamacare

March 26, 2010 - In spite of its reluctant Attorney General, the State of Illinois just might resist ObamaCare after all. On Thursday night, March 25, Illinois became the 40th state to introduce legislation to allow its residents to “opt-out” of the Democrats’ job-killing government takeover of health care. The bill, HB 6842, “[p]rovides that no resident of the State…shall be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance” and “[p]rovides that no provision of the Act shall render a resident of this State liable for any penalty, assessment, fee, or fine as a result of his failure to procure or obtain health insurance coverage.” Source The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) noted in a press release that "Illinois became the 40th state where legislators have introduced, or will introduce, legislation modeled after the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act. Illinois House Bill 6842 prohibits a requirement to purchase health insurance and would provide the state with protection in a constitutional challenge of the federal health reform bill." It should come as no surprise to anyone that the driving force behind HB 6842 is - surprise! - a Republican. Even as Illinois' Attorney General Lisa Madigan (a Democrat) was saying that she would not join 13 other states' AGs in challenging "ObamaCare," State Rep Bill Mitchell (R-Decatur) introduced HB 6842 to essentially accomplish some of the same goals. Mitchell's HB 6842 is, as reported by Illinois Review, "patterned after Virginia's law undermining the federal mandate requiring individuals to buy health insurance. HB 6842 removes the requirement in Illinois, and cancels any penalties associated with the federal mandate for health insurance." Illinois is in serious financial meltdown. Governor Quinn has been weak and indecisive about how to deal with the mess. The federally mandated, nationalized healthcare that was voted on earlier this week will certainly affect every states' budgets, and profoundly, but it is too early to know just how. Illinois Democrats who have not spoken out in favor of challenging ObamaCare seem happy to play a kind of Russian roulette with the state's already-injured economy. Keep your fingers crossed that the Republicans in Springfield can guide HB 6842 through to passage. Get ready for more headlines like this one, from the Los Angeles Times: "States fighting healthcare law don't have precedent on their side‎." It's meant to discourage the challengers of ObamaCare, but fails to take into account a simple fact: A precedent is set when something happens for the first time. There is, as the saying goes, a first time for everything. After all, where was the precedent for a Marxist-Leninist takeover of one sixth of the U.S. economy? RELATED: Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HB6842 Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB6842 It’s official: Louisiana signs on with Florida in legal challenge to HCR Leave a Comment * Conservative T-Shirts * Follow CNB on Twitter * RSS Feed

Secrecy in the Illinois State Capitol

February 18, 2010 - Yesterday, the Illinois Senate met in private to review a report on state finances. That's right, in private. A secret meeting to discuss the way your tax dollars are being managed - and mismanaged. The media and the public were actually barred from entering the Senate chambers. That's illegal as hell. 

The State-Journal Register reports:

FOR ABOUT 90 MIN­UTES Wednesday, senators gathered be­hind closed doors to hear a presentation from researchers with the Denver-based Na­tional Conference of State Legislatures about state budgets and the national economy. Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno defended closing the meeting, saying that senators would be more comfortable in the discussion if their questions and remarks were not subject to public scrutiny. Cullerton said this applied especially to senators involved in elec­tions. 

The SJR points out that the closed session is a violation of the Illinois Constitution. To say the least, it stinks and should rightly be viewed with suspicion.

The Chicago Tribune weighed in, too (emphasis added):

At 10 a.m. Wednesday a respected research group, the Pew Center on the States, rolled out a report on severely unfunded pension obligations. One key finding: Illinois ranks dead-last nationally in the percentage of necessary money it has set aside to pay public employees' pensions. 

At precisely that moment, the Illinois Senate was meeting — illegally, we suspect — in closed-door session to hear a presentation about state budget problems nationwide. "You know you're not invited," Senate President John Cullerton told Statehouse reporters — including the Tribune's Ray Long, who was denied entry by the sergeant-at-arms when he sought to follow Cullerton into the meeting room. 

"Not invited," the man said! Perhaps John Cullerton hasn't read the state constitution, which mandates an open invitation to the press and public for meeting such as this.

The Tribune continued:

Think long about that. Cullerton, D-Chicago, and every Democratic and Republican senator who played along, didn't think you — or the reporters who try to keep an eye on politicians for you — had any place in that room. The open-meetings provision of the Illinois Constitution be damned. And never mind that you pay for the salaries, staffs and offices of every lawmaker in attendance: Sorry, citizens, it's your money, not your business. 

Today, two very important items come to my inbox from two important political figures: John Bambenek and Adam Andrzejewski. They write about the secrecy and dark chambers in which Illinois Democrats conduct the state's business in the legislature they control. But make no mistake: There were Republicans complicit in the secret meeting yesterday, too.

The deadlocks, corruption, back room dealing and bullying in Illinois' capitol are legendary, and the overwhelming majority of comes directly from the Democrat Party, which controls the Legislature by majority. Certain Republicans share the blame; more on that in the future.

FIGHTING THE SECRECY: The two important items below are press releases, if you will, but they are well written, informative and factual. The first item comes from John Bambenek, a conservative activist and author of the Put-Back Amendment. The second item is from Adam Andrzejewski, former GOP candidate for governor, who continues his activism.

JOHN BAMBENEK (emphasis added):

Something extraordinary happened yesterday. The Democrat-controlled State Senate led by Democrat John Cullerton discussed our state fiscal crisis. What was extraordinary about it is that they met in secret and locked out the press, the cameras and the public. You read that right, they dealt with state business (and likely their massive tax increase plans) in a backroom. Despite our Constitution requiring the Senate to meet in the open and the intent of the Open Meetings Act to require it, they discussed the mess they caused and how they'll take more of our money behind closed doors. They have no shame. [One] Democrat called it a "joint caucus" meeting, so he says it's okay. I could put on a black cape and run circles under the rotunda and call myself Batman, that doesn't make it true. 

But Democrats like Cullerton get away with word games because they have complete power in the legislature. So does Mike Madigan, and that is the problem. How do you deal with a problem like Mike Madigan? In 2012, I plan to throw him a very pleasant retirement party. Here's how. With some of the top minds in Illinois, we wrote the Put-Back Amendment to end the radical consolidation of power in Springfield. It enacts term limits of 8 years, legislative leaders are limited to 4 years. 

All legislation must be made public for 7 days before a final vote. 25 legislators can force an up or down vote on any bill. No longer is it necessary to kiss Mike Madigan's ring to get good law considered. It ends gerrymandering by requiring maps be drawn on objective criteria with anyone (not just corrupt insiders) being able to participate in the map-drawing process. And it returns to 3-member districts with cumulative voting that we had before 1980. What will it cost to have Mike Madigan's retirement party? Just 1 sheet of 15 signatures. If we want to end the culture of corruption and "secret" meetings in Springfield, it costs each of you one petition with 15 signatures in the next 7 days (Feb 26th). If we get 500,000 signatures total by April, we will get this on the ballot. If the voters say yes, it becomes law. 

Mike Madigan cannot stop this. Learn more about the Put-Back Amendment and download petitions at http://www.putbackamendment.com/. Join the facebook page at: http://www.6acebook.com/putback Together we can take back our state from the corrupt Chicago political machine, but its up to us. Can I count on you to get just 1 petition sheet filled and sent back? If so, I look forward to seeing you at Mike Madigan's retirement party in 2012! Sincerely, John Bambenek Precinct Committeeman Champaign County Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JohnBambenek Twitter: http://twitter.com/bambenek 

P.S. The timing of this amendment is critical. If we don't get this on the ballot, Mike Madigan will control the redistricting process and I don't need to tell you how destructive that would be for our party and how legilsators like Rep. Aaron Schock could be forced into retirement. Act now, just 1 [one] sheet is all it takes. Paid for by the Office of John Bambenek, 715 Erin Drive, Champaign, IL 61822. (217) 493 0760 

ADAM ANDRZEJEWSI (emphasis added): 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Basia Sikora Wednesday, February 17, 2010 (630) 899-9191 Basia@adamforillinois.com The Illinois Senate locks the citzens of Illinois out of public business. “Legislature violates spirit of Open Meetings Act and letter of Illinois Constitution,” says Andrzejewski. Adam Andrzejewski, Founder of good government organization For the Good of Illinois, and former Republican Gubernatorial candidate, is calling on the Illinois legislature to meet the standard they themselves have imposed. “Today, the Illinois political class used the statehouse as their personal private meeting hall, abusing the state constitution, the open meetings act, and the spirit of open and transparent Government” stated Andrzejewski. “Illinois is at the juncture of political and financial crisis.”  

For the first time in state history, the Illinois Senate met in private with the National Conference of State Legislatures under a new extra-legal meeting defined as a “joint caucus”. The Illinois Senate gathered discuss the severity of and solutions to the Illinois budget crisis, a topic that is negatively impacting every Illinois citizen and business. Senate Sergeant at Arms held order and barred entry to the press under threat of arrest.  

“The people of Illinois pay for the lights, heat, building, and the salaries of the every state employee and legislator,” said Andrzejewski, “Yet the people of Illinois were locked out of the discussion.” One wonders what the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, would say about this event. The Attorney General’s website states; “an open, honest and accountable government, the cornerstone of a democracy, can be achieved only through the free and open exchange of information between government and the public’.” 

[On Wednesday, Feb. 17], Andrzejewski filed a “Request for Review" with the "Public Access Counselor" at the Attorney General’s office under the new transparency and Freedom of Information Act reform law signed last year in wake of former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest. Andrzejewski called on Attorney General Lisa Madigan, to render an opinion as to the legality of “joint caucus” meetings of the Illinois Senate in regard to the circumvention of the people’s right to know under the Illinois Constitution or the Open Meetings Act. 

RELATED:

• Illinois ranks dead last in funding pensions 
• Madigan says he warned Cohen things would get worse 
• John Cullerton - WhoRunsGov.com, a Wash Post Co 

Julie Hamos Is Lost and Confused, Act Two

The Lisa Madigan decision, on July 8, to seek re-election to the Attorney General's office seems to have knocked Rep. Julie Hamos for a loop. She stumbles around in the dark, searching for a flashlight, stubbing her toes, but can't find the light. Hamos is still lost and confused, but she's smart enough to know that looking lost and confused is not so smart. Too bad for the Illinois state representative that it took her two weeks to realize that. Chicago News Bench noted on July 9 that Hamos (D-Evanston) seems to be dazed and staggering after her dreams of running for IL Attorney General were dashed when Lisa Madigan announced that she would seek re-election as AG. That was the morning of July 8, and that afternoon Hamos sent an email blast that essentially admitted that she was not sure what course she should now take. More importantly, it was an admission that she had no great interest in seeking re-election as the 18th District's representative in Springfield. Today, Hamos reasserts that admission. It's probably an unintentional (and clumsy) admission, but once again she says that she doesn't know what the hell she's doing. After two weeks of virtual silence, and of constituents wondering what course she will pursue, Hamos announced today that she will make an announcment on Tuesday, July 28. Her email today, July 25, said this: "I am pleased to tell you that after a great deal of discussion with you and many other supporters," Hamos said in her July 25 email blast (shown above), "I have made some decisions about my future and I plan on making a public announcement next Tuesday at noon." On July 8, a Hamos email said this: "Over the past few months I have met with Democratic and community leaders and heard the concerns of voters across Illinois. In the coming days I plan to revisit those supporters and ask for their best ideas on how I can work for the people of Illinois. I look forward to hearing their ideas and input as I discuss my next steps with my family." There's no substantive difference between the two emails. It's as though Hamos is still undecided, but she and her advisors realized that they had to say something, and fast, to placate what few supporters she still has. That, and to buy a little more time while she actually decides what to say next Tuesday. Imagine the frantic phone calls and meetings going on this weekend in Evanston. The big question is, "What is Hamos running for?" Even her own web site gives no hint. On a page there, you can sign up for "alerts from our campaign," but clicking through gives no information. There, you are told only this: Events move fast these days, so the best way to keep up is with e-mail. Please fill out the form below to receive regular updates from me on my new initiatives and on issues important to you. Your contact information is should be private and will remain so with us. We will never share your contact information with any other party without your express permission. Fast indeed, so fast that Hamos seems to be in too much of a hurry to say just what her "campaign" is for. Will she make a decision before Tuesday, July 28? RELATED: IL-10: Hamos To Announce Next Week - Progress Illinois Quinn: “I plan to run” - The Capitol Fax Blog Julie Hamos - 18th District Illinois State Representative - official web site Leave a Comment... See Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Julie Hamos is Lost and Confused

Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) has been the Illinois State Representative for the 18th District since 1998, but she has been signalling to her constituents that she no longer wants her current job. She did that by very publicly considering a run for the Illinois Attorney General's office, a position currently held by Lisa Madigan. It was assumed by many, including Hamos, that Madigan probably wouldn't run for re-election in favor of seeking an even higher office, most likely a U.S. Senate seat. They were all wrong. Yesterday (July 8), Madigan said that she intends to keep her job as the Illinois AG. This not only makes Hamos look foolish, it puts her in a tight spot. It's not certain what Hamos is running for now. Indeed, her own web site seems to avoid that issue. "Hamos for Illinois" has a tired ring to it, but "Illinois" is not an office, and I could not find anything that actually says she is running for re-election. "Hamos for Illinois" says nothing and commits her to nothing. So, what office is Julie Hamos running for? Her press release today, sent to us by email, was equally nonspecific. (See full text of the release further below.) The press release commends Lisa Madigan, the woman she hoped to replace, then goes on to say, "Over the past few months I have met with Democratic and community leaders and heard the concerns of voters across Illinois. In the coming days I plan to revisit those supporters and ask for their best ideas on how I can work for the people of Illinois. I look forward to hearing their ideas and input as I discuss my next steps with my family." In other words, Hamos is rudderless. She's shooting up flares in the middle of a dark sea, hoping for a passing ship to rescue her. The actions of Madigan and Hamos could actually cause ripples in Chicago's 49th Ward and, therefore, affect the outcome of the 2011 aldermanic campaign. On June 28, Evanston attorney Jeff Smith declared his candidacy for the 18th District seat. Smith, like most, was fairly confident that Hamos was about to bow out and seek the AG job. His battle, uphill from the start, might now steepen to a vertical climb. Smith is well known to the local Democrat power elite, but the average voter has never heard of him. He is best known in some parts of the 18th District as a former legal counsel to Chicago Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward). That ward lies adjacent to the southern border of the 18th District. If Smith can deftly play off of the unintentional admission by Hamos that she no longer wants the job of representing the 18th District, Smith could actually have a chance at winning. To make that play would not be difficult, but Smith faces a possible challenge from Joe Moore. As noted here on July 6, Alderman Moore has privately told a number of people that he is considering a run for the 18th Legislative District. Now that Hamos has all but bowed out of the AG race, however, Moore will likely lose interest. He would probably be held back by the local Democrat cabal and essentially ordered to not challenge their darling Julie. The local Democrats have lost a lot of faith in Moore since he barely won re-election in a tight 2007 runoff. He is alleged to have stolen the election, which he officially won by less than 300 votes after spending over a million dollars and viciously slandering Don Gordon, his runoff challenger. Moore pissed off the SEIU, a formerly staunch ally, over the Boys and Girls Club fiasco in Rogers Park in 2008. Last month, he lost still more respect by yelling "F--- You and your family!" to a high ranking IVI-IPO official in a roomful of high ranking Democrat leaders after being refused admission to a VIP reception for which he had not purchased a ticket. The local DFA has long been divided on its support for Moore. Like Hamos, Moore is now known as someone who doesn't want to remain in the office he currently holds. It doesn't help a candidate when voters know he or she really doesn't give a damn about the office they are running for anymore. It's like telling your boss that you'd rather be working for a different department or even another company. Even without the Madigan decision to run for re-election, Julie Hamos was not assured of her own re-election. That's probably why she was looking for another gig; she knows she's in trouble with her own constituents. One of those constituents is Anne Leary, who publishes Backyard Conservative and has been a harsh critic of Hamos for years. On June 26, Leary wrote the following: "So perennial tax-hiker heinous Hamos is posing as a reformer in a planned run for Illinois attorney general. But how can we forget how she and shifty Jeff Schoenberg, in cahoots with Tony Rezko and Gov. Blago, sneaked through legislation targeting her own district, holding hearings everywhere but here." Read the full post... Everywhere except her own 18th District, that is. That's the district she was so eager to get out of, and the one that she is still not sure she wants to represent. Here is the full text of the floundering, begging-for-help press release from Julie Hamos, June 8, 2009 (emphasis added): For Immediate Release Contact: Mike Fourcher, (847) 550-3777 Julie Hamos Commends Lisa Madigan's Decision Following the news of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's decision to run for reelection, State Representative Julie Hamos released this statement: "Lisa Madigan has been a strong Attorney General and an excellent leader for the state of Illinois. I was pleased to learn that she will continue to provide excellent leadership to our state in these difficult times. "Over the past few months I have met with Democratic and community leaders and heard the concerns of voters across Illinois. In the coming days I plan to revisit those supporters and ask for their best ideas on how I can work for the people of Illinois. I look forward to hearing their ideas and input as I discuss my next steps with my family." Since 1998, Julie has been the State Representative for the 18th District. As Chair of the House Mass Transit Committee, she led the 2008 rescue of the regional transit system with comprehensive funding and reform. Her legislative priorities reflect her commitment to all of Illinois, including new laws to make housing more affordable and available statewide; health care legislation to expand access to reproductive, mental health and long-term care services. In 1981 she joined the staff of then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley, serving as legislative counsel and policy advisor where she authored Illinois' first legislation on domestic violence and sexual assault. Julie has received more than 20 "top legislator" awards from organizations and agencies and was named one of Crain's Chicago Business "25 Women to Watch" in 2007. She lives in Evanston with her husband, Alan Greiman. Additional information can be found at http://www.juliehamos.org/ RELATED: Field lining up to succeed Hamos - Wilmette Life, July 8 Madigan fallout: Illinois pols survey new political landscape - The Civic Report, July 8 Julie Hamos for (watch this space) Change of Subject - Eric Zorn, July 3 Follow the Money - Backyard Conservative, May 2006 Leave a Comment... See Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Pay-To-Play, Joe Moore and Heather Steans

Chicago Alderman Joe Moore screamed "F--- You!" at a V.I.P. reception with Illinois Governor Quinn on Saturday, June 21. Why? He was upset over being denied entrance to a V.I.P. reception because he did not buy a $200 ticket for the event. While storming out, he growled at Gov. Quinn, "This is pay-to-play!" The hypocrisy of Moore's behavior (not to mention the weirdness) is rich indeed. (Read more about that story...) If that's what Moore describes as "pay-to-play," then he's as guilty as anybody. Moore's birthday is July 16. It is typical for Moore to send invitations to his birthday party with one little catch: You'll be asked for a "suggested donation." In 2007, that meant shelling out $125.00 for grilled hot dogs and boring conversation. That's Moore's house on the day of his birthday party on July 16, 2007 (5:15 p.m.). Notice the festive Joe Moore campaign signs in the yard, perfect for any birthday celebration or pay-to-play party. In addition to his for-profit birthday parties, Ald. Moore has a reputation for pressing business people for "donations" to his campaign fund. "Pay-to-play" is a game Moore knows well, as does his little friend Heather Steans. Steans is an Illinois State Senator who, over the years and with help from her husband, facilitated the funneling of around $200,000 to Rod Blagojevich. She doesn't like to admit it, but there it is, in the public record. That's an inconvenient truth for Steans, as she earnestly pretends to be a pure-hearted reformer who would never participate in such dirty games (she's not, and she has). That brings us back to Joe Moore... Of Hosts and Parasites: Moore is on the Host Committee of an upcoming fundraising event for Steans. The fundraiser invitation, laughably, is a parody of the television show "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" That's the show that on which Patti Blagojevich, wife of the former governor Rod Blagojevich, has been busy eating bugs with has-been celebrities. Steans and most of the folks on her Host Committee were staunch Blagojevich supporters until it became too uncomfortable for them to continue in that role. The Steans invitation indirectly mocks Blagojevich, but unintentionally points out the hypocrisy of Steans and those on her Host Committee. The Steans invitation says "I'm a Politician, Get Me Out of Here!" On Monday, June 29 folks will gather at 50 W. Washington Street, Suite 400 in Chicago. That's the office of Jeanne Reynolds, an Associate Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court. Reynolds is also the current president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. (Say, isn't that sexist? Is there a "Men's Bar Association of Illinois?") If you need directions to the Steans fundraiser, you could phone Ms. Reynolds' office at 312-603-1249. That's Reynolds in the photo (in the pink thing), with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (under the forehead) at the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ 94th Annual Installation Dinner in Chicago, June 5, 2008. If you would like to attend the Steans fundraiser, you have several options. Would you like to be an "Island Rescuer?" It will cost you $2,000. Other options are "Island Host" for $1,000, "Producer" for $500 and "Celebrity" for a mere $100. If you want to attend, you'll have to pay. You don't pay, you can't play. (See how that works, Joe?) That's exactly what Ald. Moore was so upset about when he screamed "F--- You!" at the IVI-IPO folks on June 20. How do you think Steans - or Moore - would react to somebody who sends Steans a check for $100, but insists that they be given "Producer" status? Chicago is a city of "pay-to-play" politics. Do you want to build a new store or add on to an existing building? A "donation" to your local alderman is likely to speed the process up. No "donation" is likely to slow you down, maybe even kill the project. Are you an aspiring politician who wants to run for office in Chicago or Cook County? You'll need the endorsement of the Democrat Party, the iron-fisted "machine" that decides who will be a candidate and who will not. Want to attend a Joe Moore birthday party or a Heather Steans fundraiser? You'll have to pay to play. Leave a Comment... See Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

UPDATE 2: MADIGAN REMARKS, PRESS CONFERENCE

UPDATE 2X: Illinois AG asksh high court to declare gov. unfit (AP) FROM PRESS CONFERENCE, EARLIER: LISA MADIGAN ASKED SUPREME COURT TO PREVENT BLAGOJEVICH FROM MAKING DISBURSEMENTS OF STATE FUNDS. ASKS FOR LT. GOV. QUINN TO TAKE OVER. MOTION TO DECLARE BLAGOJEVICH UNFIT TO ACT AS GOVERNOR. THE COURT HAS DISCRETION TO HEAR THE MOTION OR NOT. MADIGAN ENCOURAGES STATE LEGISLATURE TO IMPEACH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; SAYS HER LEGAL MOTION WILL NOT REPLACE NEED TO IMPEACH. Earlier: Atty. General Lisa Madigan (D-IL) has asked the Illinois Supreme Court this morning to prevent Governor Blagojevich from appointing a successor to Obama's old Senate seat and to allow Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn to assume the duties of running the state. Madigan is having a press conference as this is written. MORE: News Summary for December 11, 2008 Illinois AG asks high court to declare gov. unfit Madigan launches legal attack to oust Blagojevich Calls to impeach embattled Illinois governor grow

Energy Con Artists Going Door To Door

Watch out, folks. These con artists sound like they're pretty slick. Don't be fooled. Read the following press release from the Illinois Attorney General. If these guys approach you or a neighbor, call the Attorney General's office (more info below). IL ATTY GENERAL LISA MADIGAN FILES SUIT AGAINST U.S. ENERGY SAVINGS CORP. Attorney General Alleges Company Used Misleading Sales Tactics to Sell Gas Contracts Chicago - February 8, 2008 - Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court against U.S. Energy Savings Corp., for allegedly selling fixed-rate gas contracts using deceptive sales tactics that falsely promise significant consumer savings in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. “The lawsuit alleges that U.S. Energy’s door-to-door sales force sold its “Natural Gas Fixed Price Program” to the participants of Northern Illinois Gas Company’s (Nicor) Customer Select and Peoples Energy Choices for YouSM programs using various deceptive claims. Specifically, U.S. Energy sales people allegedly told consumers that the fixed-rate program would offer significant savings by locking them into a consistent gas price before rates allegedly spiked. The complaint further alleges that U.S. Energy sales agents failed to tell consumers that the set price is actually higher than prices historically offered by regulated utility suppliers. Sales agents many times did not clarify that cancellation required a substantial penalty or indicated that consumers could cancel at any time without a penalty. The suit also alleges that some U.S. Energy sales agents negotiated contracts in English with non-English speakers. “U.S. Energy is purposely deceiving consumers,” Attorney General Madigan said. “Many of these families signed up for this program based on the false claim that they would save on their monthly utility bills. Instead, U.S. Energy locked them into a contract that actually charged them more for natural gas.” The complaint further alleges that customers are told during the solicitation that their bills will remain the same over the five-year contract. In fact, however, their bills may change every four months when U.S. Energy compares its estimated usage with actual usage. Moreover, when customers attempt to exercise their statutory three-day right to cancel the contract, the complaint alleges, some customers are instructed by automated message to call back at a different time, placed on hold indefinitely, transferred continuously, and/or disconnected without being able to cancel their contracts. Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau has received 457 complaints against U.S. Energy, many of which were filed by senior citizens, and has reviewed more than 2,000 complaints from the Citizen’s Utility Board and 254 filed with the Better Business Bureau. Madigan’s lawsuit asks the court to enter an order prohibiting U.S. Energy from engaging in these deceptive sales practices. It also asks for a civil penalty of $50,000 for each violation committed with the intent to defraud and $10,000 for each instance where a violation was committed against a person 65 years of age or older. Further, the suit asks the court to rescind the contracts signed as a result of these deceptive practices and offer full restitution to affected consumers. Finally, it asks the court require U.S. Energy to pay all costs associated with the investigation and prosecution of the lawsuit. Assistant Attorney General Christine Nielsen is handling the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau. RELATED: Illinois Attorney General's Office Web Site TELEPHONE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: (800) 386-5438 (Chicago) (800) 243-0618 (Springfield) (800) 243-0607 (Carbondale) Línea Gratuita en Español 1-866-310-8398 More contact info for the A.G.: http://www.ag.state.il.us/about/hotlines.html