Contact Us NowEvery District’s Joint Committee must hold its first meeting to discuss RIF issues by December 1, 2011 By Robert B. McCoy robert.mccoy@mhtlaw.com The Education Reform Act (commonly known as Senate Bill 7) created new rules for the reduction in force (RIF) and recall of honorably discharged teachers. In a nutshell, the old seniority system is…
Year: 2011
Unanticipated Consequences of Talking to the Media
Recent case illustrates need for caution By: Patrick A. Murphey patrick.murphey@mhtlaw.com The Illinois Public Labor Relations Act provides it is an unfair labor practice to interfere with, restrain or coerce public employees in exercises of their rights under that Act. 5 ILCS 315/10(a)(1). Recently, in New Lenox Fire Protection District, 28 Public Employee Reports Illinois…
Pending Legislation could have devastating impact on Municipalities subject to Tax Caps
HB3793 would eliminate inflationary increases if EAV has declined By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com HB3793 affects taxing districts in counties subject to PTELL (tax caps). Under current law, increases in the extension of real estate taxes levied by a tax capped district are limited to the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. (The…
Municipal Electric Aggregation
Law allows voters to grant Municipalities the right to choose who supplies residential electricity By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com How would you like to offer the benefit of lower utility rates for the citizens and small commercial establishments in your municipality? Many Illinois municipalities have recently responded yes to this question and are in the…
Mandatory Open Meetings Act Training for Members of Local Government
Recent amendment to Open Meetings Act requires all elected and appointed members of public bodies to receive training By Robert B. McCoy robert.mccoy@mhtlaw.com A recent amendment to the Open Meetings Act, which becomes effective January 1, 2012, requires all elected or appointed members of a public body to receive mandatory training regarding the various requirements…
FOIA Changes in Regards to “Recurrent Requesters”
Change in legislation allows governmental bodies more time to respond By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com On August 26, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (the “Act”) designed to provide additional time for public bodies to respond to requests of “recurrent requesters”. The new law is being…
Drafting a Social Networking Policy
Issues for districts considering whether and how to regulate employees’ electronic communications By Joshua D. Herman joshua.herman@mhtlaw.com Social networking platforms and personal technology devices provide unique opportunities to educate and interact in the modern age. Unchecked, the same technology can also lend itself to unprofessional behavior by employees and the publication or exposure of records…
Joshua Herman named Young Lawyer of the Year by ISBA
Miller, Hall & Triggs LLC congratulates Joshua D. Herman on being named the 2011 Young Lawyer of the Year by the ISBA. Selection is based upon the lawyer’s particular achievements in the practice of law, including excellence in advocacy, counseling, or litigation; contributions to the advancement of the Bar of Illinois and the legal profession…