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Illinois in Focus

Illinois in Focus

By America's Talking Network

The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Illinois from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.
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Episode 53: FBI raids State Senator's home, pension struggles in East St. Louis

Illinois in FocusSep 27, 2019

00:00
32:43
Chicago’s Mayor Not Giving up on Failed Tax Hike on Real Estate

Chicago’s Mayor Not Giving up on Failed Tax Hike on Real Estate

(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vows to continue with his agenda despite an apparent defeat of his Bring Chicago Home referendum this week.   The measure, which would have increased the city’s real estate transfer tax on properties over $1 million and, according to Johnson, use the funds to pay for homelessness programs, now appears to be rejected by voters. Fifty-four percent of voters said “no” to 46% “yes” with 98% of precincts reporting. “All the votes have not been counted so it has not been declared just yet,” Johnson said. “Look, there are 68,000 people unhoused, that’s the focus.”

Mar 22, 202424:00
Illinois Businesses Brace for Potential Tax Increase in Pritzker’s Budget Plan

Illinois Businesses Brace for Potential Tax Increase in Pritzker’s Budget Plan

Illinois business owners are bracing for a potential tax hit from Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The governor’s proposed budget extends the cap on business net operating losses, but increases the cap to $500,000. His office estimates the “revenue adjustment” will raise $526 million, the bulk of the nearly $900 million of tax increases in his $52.7 billion spending proposal.

Mar 15, 202424:00
CTU President Suggests New Teacher Contract Could Cost Taxpayers $50 Billion

CTU President Suggests New Teacher Contract Could Cost Taxpayers $50 Billion

The Chicago Teachers Union is preparing for collective bargaining talks with the city, and the union's president suggested the new terms would cost taxpayers $50 billion. “We are asking you to give us an opportunity to tell our story. It will cost $50 billion, and three cent,” CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said Tuesday at the City Club of Chicago this week, setting the stage for upcoming negotiations with the city. "And so what? That's audacity." Some media outlets reported that Gates was "joking" when citing the $50 billion figure.

Mar 08, 202424:00
Judge Rules Trump off Illinois Primary Ballot but Stays Decision Pending Appeal

Judge Rules Trump off Illinois Primary Ballot but Stays Decision Pending Appeal

A Cook County judge decided former President Donald Trump’s name should be removed from the Illinois primary ballot, but put a hold on the order expecting an appeal. Trump’s campaign said it will “quickly appeal.” In a 38-page ruling, the circuit court judge said the Illinois State Board of Elections’ unanimous decision to keep Trump on the ballot is overturned. A group of objectors challenged Trump’s access to the March 19 Illinois primary ballot alleging the former Republican president instigated an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and is ineligible to be elected president. Last month, the state elections board denied their objection. The group appealed to the state circuit court in Cook County.

Mar 01, 202424:00
Tax Hikes, Migrant Funding, Medical Debt Retirement Part of Pritzker’s Proposed Budget

Tax Hikes, Migrant Funding, Medical Debt Retirement Part of Pritzker’s Proposed Budget

With a projected deficit of close to $900 million, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented his sixth State of the State and budget address Wednesday. The plan includes $52.7 billion in spending, roughly a 2% increase over the current fiscal year budget. What is sure to be a talking point in the coming months, the budget includes an additional $182 million for the care of migrants on top of what has already been spent.

Feb 23, 202424:00
Illinois’ Corporate Income Tax Rate Now 2nd Highest in U.S.

Illinois’ Corporate Income Tax Rate Now 2nd Highest in U.S.

A new Tax Foundation study finds Illinois with the second highest corporate tax rate in the country. Some say that signals more struggles ahead for the Land of Lincoln. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation ranked states by their corporate income tax rates as of Jan. 1, 2024. Six states, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota and Ohio, do not levy a corporate income tax. Of the 44 that do, Illinois’ 9.5% rate put the state at No. 2, up from No. 3 in last year’s report. The top spot in 2024 goes to Minnesota at 9.8%. The state with the lowest rate outside of the states that do not have such taxes is North Carolina at 2.5%. 

Feb 16, 202424:00
Switching From Tipped to Minimum Wage Would Be ‘Catastrophic,’ Restauranter Says

Switching From Tipped to Minimum Wage Would Be ‘Catastrophic,’ Restauranter Says

Battle lines are being drawn at the Illinois statehouse over whether to get rid of a lower minimum wage for tipped workers statewide. While some are advocating for tipped workers to get the minimum wage with tips on top, a legislator who also owns restaurants says such a move would be devastating to the economy. Advocates from the group One Fair Wage organized a rally outside of the Illinois statehouse Tuesday as legislators were returning.

Feb 09, 202424:00
Trump to Remain on Illinois Ballot After Elections Board Declines to Remove Him

Trump to Remain on Illinois Ballot After Elections Board Declines to Remove Him

Former President Donald Trump has scored a victory in his battle to be included on the primary ballot in Illinois.  The Illinois State Board of Elections voted 8-0 Tuesday to reject a challenge to Trump’s candidacy.  Several Illinois voters contend that Trump encouraged the Jan. 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol during protests of the 2020 election results and the 14th Amendment would apply to him. “He took a leading role in organizing, facilitating, supporting, directing and protecting a conservative armed and violent invasion, seizure and disruption of the United States Congress on January 6,” said attorney Matthew Piers, who represented the challengers. 

Feb 02, 202424:00
Some Worry Illinois Spending Priorities Under Pressure by Ongoing Migrant Care

Some Worry Illinois Spending Priorities Under Pressure by Ongoing Migrant Care

With limited Illinois tax dollars, state officials are laying out their priorities amid ongoing budget pressures such as the hundreds of millions of dollars for migrant care. Promoting the taxpayer-funded $250 million Smart Start early childhood education initiative, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will have to balance such future spending with other pressures. “And, if we don’t have enough resources for everything that everybody wants, what can we look to do in the future or what should we stop doing in order to make sure that we’re balancing expenditures with revenues,” Pritzker said at an event in Rochester Thursday.

Jan 26, 202424:00
Migrant Influx to Illinois Being Felt in Downstate Communities

Migrant Influx to Illinois Being Felt in Downstate Communities

The migrant crisis in Illinois is prompting some policymakers around the state to take action. Tens of thousands of migrants have been transported to the state from the southern U.S. border. The city of Chicago reports about 33,000 asylum seekers have arrived since August 2022. The state of Illinois has provided $640 million to address the migrant influx. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is facing a projected $538 million budget deficit for 2024, a financial burden his administration blamed in part on the growing cost of caring for migrants.

Jan 19, 202424:00
Illinois Limited in Regulating Migrant Buses as Blame for Crisis Continues

Illinois Limited in Regulating Migrant Buses as Blame for Crisis Continues

As communities across the state continue to evaluate how to deal with the prospect of buses dropped off migrants from the southern border, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritkzer says the state is limited in what it can do. A patchwork of ordinances across the state either regulate buses and hotel stays to deter migrant arrivals, or declare non-sanctuary status. In McClean County, Emergency Management Agency Director Cathy Beck asked local officials for rural places to put shelters if needed. Reached for comment Wednesday, Beck said they have yet received any buses.

Jan 12, 202424:00
Judge Moves Madigan Trial Date to October

Judge Moves Madigan Trial Date to October

A judge on Wednesday pushed back the start of the state's most high-profile public corruption case to October, citing a pending U.S. Supreme Court case focused on the federal bribery statute. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey set former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's racketeering case for Oct. 8, a six-month delay from the initial April start date. Madigan's defense team had asked for a stay in the case after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Snyder v. United States, which focuses on an Indiana mayor convicted of accepting a bribe.

Jan 05, 202424:00
Jan. 4 Status Hearing Ordered in 5th Amendment Challenge to Illinois’ Gun Ban

Jan. 4 Status Hearing Ordered in 5th Amendment Challenge to Illinois’ Gun Ban

With courts denying requests to delay the Jan. 1 deadline for Illinois gun owners to register now banned firearms with the state, lawsuits against the gun ban will continue in the new year. Last week, Southern District of Illinois federal Judge Stephen McGlynn denied a preliminary request for the Jan. 1 deadline to be delayed. Also last week, Attorney Thomas Maag filed for summary judgment against the law, alleging it violates citizens’ Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. Months ago, Maag hinted at the looming challenge.  

Dec 29, 202324:00
Judge Orders Madigan to Appear in Court in Corruption Case

Judge Orders Madigan to Appear in Court in Corruption Case

A federal judge wants to see all parties in his courtroom when he considers a motion to stay proceedings in the state's most high-profile corruption case. U.S. District Court Judge John Robert Blakey issued an order Wednesday for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to appear in court along with co-defendant Michael McClain, a former state lawmaker and close confidante of Madigan. The judge will consider the defendant's joint motion to stay proceedings at a hearing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 3 in Courtroom 1203. 

Dec 22, 202324:00
Legislators Seek to Utilize Non-Citizens for Military and Police Despite Pushback

Legislators Seek to Utilize Non-Citizens for Military and Police Despite Pushback

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already signed a law to allow certain non-citizens to become police officers in Illinois. Now, the state's two U.S. senators want the same for the U.S. military. Many Republicans are opposed to the idea. House Bill 3751, allowing certain non-citizens with work permits or who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients to be police officers, passed the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support during the spring session. The measure had the backing of the Fraternal Order of Police. 

Dec 15, 202324:00
Illinois Asks Supreme Court to Deny Injunction in Gun Ban Challenge
Dec 08, 202324:00
U.S. Supreme Court Dockets Another Challenge to Illinois’ Gun Ban

U.S. Supreme Court Dockets Another Challenge to Illinois’ Gun Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court now has another challenge against Illinois’ gun ban on its docket. Illinois on Jan. 10 banned the possession and sale of more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities. A week later, lawsuits started to be filed challenging the constitutionality of the law. Cases are still pending in the district, appeals courts and now the U.S. Supreme Court. Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court docketed a case out of Naperville where plaintiffs challenged the city's and state’s gun and magazine ban. Plaintiffs are seeking an emergency appeal of the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals three-judge panel ruling for the state.

Dec 01, 202324:00
Survey: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Down Slightly From Last Year’s Record High
Nov 22, 202324:00
Prosecutors Want Life in Prison for ComEd 4, Defense Attorneys Say

Prosecutors Want Life in Prison for ComEd 4, Defense Attorneys Say

Prosecutors are seeking life sentences for four former Commonwealth Edison leaders convicted of conspiring to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a defense attorney said Wednesday. A federal judge on Wednesday denied a request from defense attorneys to delay sentencing. Defense attorneys had asked for more time to deal with what they said were complex issues regarding sentencing guidelines. At a hearing Wednesday, defense attorney Patrick Cotter said prosecutors would be seeking life sentences for the defendants.

Nov 17, 202324:00
Illinois’ Privately Funded School Choice Program Set to End After Legislature Adjourns

Illinois’ Privately Funded School Choice Program Set to End After Legislature Adjourns

With the end of the fall veto session, Illinois’ Invest in Kids school choice scholarship program benefiting around 9,600 students will come to a close. Despite families for months lobbying to extend the privately funded program beyond the Dec. 31 sunset, legislators didn’t advance any such measure. Republicans were critical of Democrats they say caved to the teachers’ unions who opposed the program. But, before adjourning, state Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, said he’ll continue to fight.

Nov 10, 202324:00
One Month In, 0.1% Of Illinois Gun Owner ID Holders Have Registered Banned Firearms
Nov 03, 202324:00
Families Pushed to Extend Illinois’ School Choice Program at Start of Veto Session

Families Pushed to Extend Illinois’ School Choice Program at Start of Veto Session

As members of each party lay out their priorities with the start of fall veto session at the Illinois statehouse, scores of school kids benefiting from the soon-to-expire Invest in Kids school choice scholarship program were on the scene. But to start the session, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, advanced a measure out of committee to allow statehouse staffers to unionize. “The way this bill is written, there will be no bargaining over calendars and schedules and how the legislature will operate,” Welch told the committee. “And we have a no strike provision.”

Oct 27, 202324:00
Illinois to Suspend Enrollment of Non-citizen Health Care as Capacity Nears
Oct 20, 202324:00
After Vagueness Hearing, Federal Judge Could Strike Down Illinois’ Gun Ban

After Vagueness Hearing, Federal Judge Could Strike Down Illinois’ Gun Ban

A federal judge who once ruled plaintiffs challenging Illinois’ gun and magazine ban may be able to prove their case now has the option of striking the law down based on the merits.  Illinois’ ban on more than 170 semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and pistols was enacted on Jan. 10. The law also bans the sale and possession of handgun magazines over 15 rounds and rifle magazines over 10 rounds. Firearms owners with such guns purchased before Jan. 10 have until Jan. 1, 2024 to register their firearms, attachments and .50 caliber ammunition, or face potential criminal penalties.

Oct 13, 202324:00
Demand on Limited Resources Mounts in Chicago’s Migrant Crisis

Demand on Limited Resources Mounts in Chicago’s Migrant Crisis

As non-citizens continue to arrive in Chicago, many have been stuck at O'Hare Airport while awaiting housing. One mutual aid volunteer says even more soon will be without more shelter options. Chicago has seen more than 15,000 migrants from the southern border arrive over the past 12 months. Many of the migrants have traveled from communities in Texas, where resources are stretched thin because of the continued influx of border crossers. In response, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office said Friday the state has contributed $328 million overall to support asylum seekers to date.

Oct 06, 202324:00
Chicago Turning Into ‘Gotham City,’ Witness Tells U.S. House Committee

Chicago Turning Into ‘Gotham City,’ Witness Tells U.S. House Committee

The hearing took place not in Washington D.C., but at the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police hall. Testifying was Gianno Caldwell, a Fox News contributor and someone whose teenage brother was shot and killed in Chicago. He said with the end of cash bail and do-not-chase policies, criminals feel emboldened turning The Windy City into Gotham City. Chicago is savable, but he said residents have to make adjustments.

Sep 29, 202324:00
Illinois Democrats Celebrate the Abolishment of Cash Bail

Illinois Democrats Celebrate the Abolishment of Cash Bail

Illinois Democrats celebrated the end of cash bail statewide on Monday while others worried about an increase in crime. The Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T Act, was approved by the General Assembly in January 2021. It makes several changes to the criminal justice system, including eliminating cash bail statewide, making it the first state to do so after being enacted on Monday. The Pretrial Fairness Act was supposed to go into effect Jan. 1, but was delayed by court challenges until two months ago when it was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court.

Sep 22, 202324:00
Debate Continues Whether Abolishment of Cash Bail Will Help Victims of Crime

Debate Continues Whether Abolishment of Cash Bail Will Help Victims of Crime

With the abolishment of cash bail coming to an end in Illinois Monday (Sept. 18), the debate continues on what the effects will be on victims, particularly of domestic violence. Under the new law as part of the controversial SAFE-T Act upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court two months ago, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety risk, then they will be released pending trial.

Sep 15, 202324:00
Report: Chicago Teachers’ Union President Sends Child to Private School

Report: Chicago Teachers’ Union President Sends Child to Private School

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis-Gates, who has been outspoken against the state's school choice program, is sending her child to a private school, according to the Illinois Republican Party and other reports. Davis-Gates took office in 2022 to lead the third largest teachers union in the country. Since taking office, Davis-Gates has publicly spoken out against the Invest in Kids Act, which allows people to pay for scholarships for students to attend private schools rather than attend public schools in Chicago or throughout the state. Donors get a 75% Illinois income tax credit for their contributions to the program. If legislators do not extend the program, it ends at the end of the calendar year. 

Sep 08, 202324:00
School Choice Scholarship Renewal ‘The Fight’ of Illinois’ Veto Session

School Choice Scholarship Renewal ‘The Fight’ of Illinois’ Veto Session

With a new school year underway or about to begin for students in schools across Illinois, some attending a private school using scholarships from the Invest in Kids program could be left in limbo unless lawmakers take action to continue the program. Gov. J.B. Pritzker made a stop at Community STEM Center in Matteson on Thursday to highlight the start of the school year. 

Sep 01, 202324:00
Illinois Jobs Return to Pre-pandemic Levels, Much Later Than Most of Country
Aug 25, 202324:00
Chicago Mayor Floats Idea of Sending Migrants to Suburbs

Chicago Mayor Floats Idea of Sending Migrants to Suburbs

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city of Chicago has had conversations with suburban leaders in Cook and other counties about the possibility of moving migrants into their communities. Thousands of migrant families have arrived in Chicago over the past year. City officials have placed many in police stations, YMCAs and Daley College.

Aug 18, 202324:00
Illinois Supreme Court Upholds State’s Gun and Magazine Ban

Illinois Supreme Court Upholds State’s Gun and Magazine Ban

Illinois’ gun and magazine ban remains in place after being upheld by a split Illinois Supreme Court. The anticipated ruling in the case brought by state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, was released Friday. "First, we hold that the exemptions neither deny equal protection nor constitute special legislation because plaintiffs have not sufficiently alleged that they are similarly situated to and treated differently from the exempt classes," the majority opinion said. "Second, plaintiffs expressly waived in the circuit court any independent claim that the restrictions impermissibly infringe the second amendment. Third, plaintiffs’ failure to cross-appeal is a jurisdictional bar to renewing their three-readings claim. Accordingly, we reverse the circuit court and enter judgment for defendants on the equal protection and special legislation claims. We express no opinion on the potential viability of plaintiffs’ waived claim concerning the second amendment."

Aug 11, 202324:00
Total Taxpayer Spending for Illinois’ Budget Jumps 95% Since 2018

Total Taxpayer Spending for Illinois’ Budget Jumps 95% Since 2018

A new report from the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting Accountability shows a dramatic increase of overall taxpayer spending over the past six years. COGFA’s report on fiscal year 2024 released Monday reviews the annual budget that began July 1. The report details the budget process and how much each state agency and program is set to receive in annual appropriations. While a lot of reporting focuses on the state spending of $50.4 billion in Illinois General Revenue Funds, overall taxpayer spending is much higher at more than $193.5 billion when taking into account federal and special funds. That’s up from the $99 billion in total spending for fiscal year 2018, or a 95.3% increase.

Aug 04, 202324:00
Audit Shows Illinois Unemployment Agency Made $5.2 Billion in ‘Overpayments’ During COVID-19

Audit Shows Illinois Unemployment Agency Made $5.2 Billion in ‘Overpayments’ During COVID-19

Illinois lawmakers are calling for accountability into the state's handling of unemployment payments during the COVID-19 pandemic after an audit showed $5.2 billion was overpaid, including tens of millions to some who were incarcerated or deceased. Unemployment spiked at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 after Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued stay-at-home orders impacting the economy in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

Jul 28, 202324:00
Illinois Law Enforcement Prepare for Implementation of First-In-Nation Cashless Bail System

Illinois Law Enforcement Prepare for Implementation of First-In-Nation Cashless Bail System

With the Illinois Supreme Court decision to end money bond statewide, prosecutors and the law enforcement community are bracing for impact. On Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the Pretrial Fairness Act as constitutional. County court systems across the state have 60 days to implement the law. Supporting the end of cash bail statewide, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said there are still sureties a court can require of criminal defendants awaiting trial like requirements they not contact a particular person or not violating other laws.

Jul 21, 202324:00
Feds Detail Madigan’s ‘Criminal Enterprise,’ Alleging Corporations Handing Out Bribes to Cronies

Feds Detail Madigan’s ‘Criminal Enterprise,’ Alleging Corporations Handing Out Bribes to Cronies

Motions continue back and forth between former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s attorneys and federal prosecutors alleging Madigan ran a criminal enterprise from through the Illinois Statehouse. In the summer of 2020, federal prosecutors revealed a deferred prosecution agreement between utility ComEd and the government that had the utility agree to pay $200 million for bribing “Public Official A.” It was later revealed through indictments the official was Madigan.

Jul 14, 202324:00
Tentative Agreement Reached With Illinois State Union Workers

Tentative Agreement Reached With Illinois State Union Workers

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has reached a tentative agreement with the state's largest union regarding their new contract with the state. However, the taxpayer cost has yet to be revealed, leading some to expect increased taxes as a result. With Illinois’ gun and magazine ban being challenged in a case expected to go to the U.S. Supreme Court, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there needs to be a federal ban. On the one-year anniversary of the Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park Tuesday, Pritzker said there needs to be more gun control.

Jul 07, 202324:00
Illinois Taxes Increase on Basic Necessities Saturday

Illinois Taxes Increase on Basic Necessities Saturday

Two taxes on basic necessities in Illinois are set to increase beginning Saturday. With the start of the new fiscal year July 1, the state's gas tax will increase by 3.1 cents a gallon to a total tax of 45.4 cents. That's the second increase of the motor fuel tax since Jan. 1, when it increased by an additional 3.1 cents. The state's tax on groceries will also go back to 1% after Gov. J.B. Pritzker put a hold on the tax during last year's election cycle. Whether Illinois' gun and magazine bans are constitutional is now up to a federal appeals court. The consolidated cases challenging state and local gun and magazine bans in Illinois were heard Thursday by a three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Jun 30, 202324:00
Chicago Residents Speak Out Against Amount of Resources Going to Migrants

Chicago Residents Speak Out Against Amount of Resources Going to Migrants

Rules for how Illinois taxpayers will subsidize the ballooning costs of health care for noncitizen migrants in the state are now on the books after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a Medicaid omnibus bill Friday. The Chicago City Council and Mayor Brandon Johnson heard Wednesday from Chicago residents upset about the influx of migrants in their communities and the resources that have been allocated to assist them. Chicago city officials and community members are looking to address ongoing issues of crime in the city. Crime in Chicago has been increasing over the past few months, with several violent weekends in which many have died. On Tuesday night, a group of individuals in the city ransacked a gas station while causing property damage to the building and to other vehicles in the area.

Jun 23, 202324:00
Former Governor Rauner: Illinois Takes Step Back if It Allows School Choice Scholarships to Expire

Former Governor Rauner: Illinois Takes Step Back if It Allows School Choice Scholarships to Expire

Former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said he faced a lot of headwinds during his time in office, but didn’t want to talk about politics after his official portrait was unveiled Monday. The former one-term Republican governor had a tumultuous time in office with a more than two-year long budget impasse. Democrats who controlled both chambers still blame Rauner for the impasse. As Illinois implements more requirements on local libraries in order to access state tax dollars, some are questioning whether state government is overstepping its boundaries. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed a first-in-the-nation law that restricts state tax dollars for local libraries that don't follow certain guidelines from a national group. House Bill 2789 requires state libraries to adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights if they want to receive state grants.

Jun 16, 202324:00
Illinois Lawmakers to Receive 5% Pay Raise After Gov. Pritzker Signs Largest State Budget Ever

Illinois Lawmakers to Receive 5% Pay Raise After Gov. Pritzker Signs Largest State Budget Ever

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday signed the state's $50.6 billion budget, which includes pay raises for state lawmakers, health care for undocumented migrants, and new taxpayer-funded programs for education. With the consolidated gun ban challenge being briefed and soon heard in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal, an Illinois attorney is asking a federal district judge for partial judgment. Effective immediately, Illinoisans wanting to challenge the constitutionality of state laws or executive actions in state court can only file litigation in two of the state’s 102 counties.

Jun 09, 202324:00
Illinois’ $50.6 Billion Partisan Spending Plan Queued for the Governor’s Desk

Illinois’ $50.6 Billion Partisan Spending Plan Queued for the Governor’s Desk

With increased spending on legislator pay, local governments, K-12 and higher education and other programs, Illinois’ budget for the coming fiscal year is the largest in state history and ready for the governor’s desk. The House passed the $50.6 billion state budget early Saturday along party lines, 73-38. The Senate approved the plan late Thursday mostly along party lines. Despite statehouse corruption on full display with guilty verdicts against four individuals in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial, Illinois legislators left Springfield without sweeping ethics reforms.

Jun 02, 202324:00
Illinois Democrats Release Details of 2023 State Budget Negotiations

Illinois Democrats Release Details of 2023 State Budget Negotiations

Topping $50 billion, Illinois Democrats say they have reached a budget agreement. The proposed fiscal 2024 budget is similar to what Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled earlier this year. It includes $700 million for K-12 and early childhood education, and an additional $100 million so those under the median income can go to community college tuition free but at taxpayer expense. While legislators are advancing legislation to shore up ethics concerns with the red light camera industry in Illinois, some are looking for even more ethics reforms. Illinois citizens wanting to sue the state for alleged violations of the constitution would only be able to file their complaints in Sangamon or Cook counties with a bill advancing in Springfield.

May 25, 202324:00
As Spring Session Winds Down, Illinois Legislators Have Yet to Present a Budget

As Spring Session Winds Down, Illinois Legislators Have Yet to Present a Budget

With Friday being the last scheduled day for the spring session at the Illinois Statehouse, lawmakers have yet to reveal a state budget for taxpayers to review. Last year's budget was over 3,000 pages and was presented by the Democratic majority to Republicans at the last moment, giving the public no time to review it. Opposition is growing over a piece of legislation advancing in Springfield that would allow for punitive damages in wrongful death cases. Chicago remains the nation’s third most populated city, but it was No. 2 in the total number of people leaving the city limits.

May 19, 202324:00
Legislator Says Illinoisans Must Be Prioritized in Budget as Revenue Shortfall Reported

Legislator Says Illinoisans Must Be Prioritized in Budget as Revenue Shortfall Reported

A report detailing Illinois' budget forecast is warning of a huge drop in state revenues. The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability said April receipts fell $1.8 billion compared to the same month the year prior. The COGFA report said while a substantial decline in revenues was anticipated, the extent of the decline is much steeper than the commission had projected. The news comes as lawmakers are putting together an annual spending plan as the spring legislative session winds down. After last week's "ComEd Four" guilty verdicts that dealt directly with corruption at the Illinois statehouse, the call for ethics reforms continue to grow.

May 12, 202324:00
Jury Convicts All Four Defendants of Bribery-Related Charges in ComEd 4 Trial

Jury Convicts All Four Defendants of Bribery-Related Charges in ComEd 4 Trial

A federal jury on Tuesday convicted four top lobbyists and executives at a state-regulated utility in Illinois' highest-profile corruption case since former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was convicted 13 years ago. The jury convicted the defendants on all counts in the case in which prosecutors alleged former state lawmaker and lobbyist Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty were involved in a multi-year scheme to gain longtime former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s support for legislation that would benefit the utility's bottom line.

May 05, 202324:00
Governor Pritzker Proposes Largest Spending Plan in Illinois History at $49.6 Billion

Governor Pritzker Proposes Largest Spending Plan in Illinois History at $49.6 Billion

In his first address before a full joint session of the General Assembly since before the pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented his State of the State and budget address Wednesday. Included was a $49.6 billion budget proposal, an increase in spending by over $3 billion from last year’s budget. With the threat of a possible recession on the horizon, some are worried that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget is trending toward future tax hikes. 

Apr 28, 202324:00
Chicago Mayor-Elect’s Spending Rhetoric Raises Red Flag for Downstate Lawmakers

Chicago Mayor-Elect’s Spending Rhetoric Raises Red Flag for Downstate Lawmakers

Some downstate Illinois lawmakers are voicing concerns over Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s proposed spending spree. Johnson told lawmakers they must commit to working together if both the city and state are to succeed. He said his time at the statehouse is about building a better, stronger and safer Chicago by establishing a strong foundation for collaboration. The Illinois Supreme Court has denied a motion to disqualify two justices from hearing a challenge to the state's new gun ban over perceived conflicts of interest. The two justices also declined to recuse themselves.

Apr 21, 202324:00
Federal Judge Weighs Challenge to Illinois Gun Ban

Federal Judge Weighs Challenge to Illinois Gun Ban

After hours of oral arguments Wednesday, a federal judge now has the case challenging Illinois’ gun ban with a ruling on a preliminary injunction expected in the weeks ahead. Plaintiffs say they are confident they’ll get the law overturned. A new report on U.S. state’s economic outlook paints a bleak picture for Illinois. Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore is expected to take the stand as part of her own defense as early as Thursday as the federal corruption probe targeting her and three other defendants continues to unfold.

Apr 14, 202324:00