Chris Stephens
Chris Stephens
“There’s a lot of investors nationally that I know that will not invest in Illinois. There [are] large investors pulling out of this state because they don’t want to pay for other people’s bad mistakes.”
A message to voters from Illinois’ mapmakers
A message to voters from Illinois’ mapmakers
Marius Powell
Marius Powell
“You need stable housing to get yourself together, hold a job and contribute to society. Without proper housing people end up using more resources.”
DAILY LINKS / 1.19.2024
The Center Square: Pritzker responds to Republicans calling for end of migrant sanctuary status Sun-Times: University of Illinois system freezes in-state tuition at all 3 of its campuses for 2024-25 school year Chicago Tribune: Two suburban Catholic schools to close months after scholarship tax credit program expires, archdiocese says WGN: Chicago DNC 2024 preps media at United Center months before convention WTTW: Chicago won’t evict migrants until Feb. 1, officials announce Daily Herald: Buffalo Grove commits $11 million to Rohrman property redevelopment Central Illinois Proud: Illinois ranks among states with most doomsday preppersIllinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Illinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to pass fair maps. On Aug. 31, politicians enacted maps that go back on that promise.
Suburban residents risk losing homes over rising pension costs
Suburban residents risk losing homes over rising pension costs
Because the cost of generous government retirement packages has grown faster than existing government revenues can sustain, property taxes continue to climb.
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois made an important first step in its break with the corrupt practices that defined the legislative process under former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. New ethics rules about lobbying, financial disclosures and the legislative watchdog were passed in the final hours of the session, but the reforms may die after the House rejected a technical change to the legislation by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
The Windy City tied with four other major cities as imposing the nation’s second highest sales tax on residents among 124 considered. The report warns the city’s new status could be costing Chicago businesses their competitive edge.
Pritzker mask mandate leads to threats against 58 schools, districts
Pritzker mask mandate leads to threats against 58 schools, districts
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Aug. 4 mask mandate drew criticism from the communities he just weeks earlier promised would keep local control over student COVID-19 safety. School districts that fail to kowtow face severe state sanctions.
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Automatic transfers into Illinois’ rainy-day reserves could help when another fiscal crisis similar to COVID-19 happens.
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all Illinoisans age 2 and up are required to wear masks inside public spaces effective Aug. 30. All school and health care workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 5, as must college students.
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added more than $5.24 billion in new or higher taxes and fees since taking office. Despite all that new revenue, the nation’s highest taxed state remains a fiscal mess unable to balance a budget for 21 years.
Zaniya Campbell
Zaniya Campbell
“It’s crazy to think about how far I have come. I’m very lucky to have had counselors and social workers like Miss Ashley and Miss Angelina, and that special programs like Curt’s Café exist to see the good in me when school didn’t.”