Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The appointment of Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero is drawing renewed criticism from Republican lawmakers and voter integrity advocates, who argue unresolved questions surrounding voter registration mailers should have received greater scrutiny before her confirmation. Among the most outspoken critics is State Sen. Steve McClure, who publicly opposed […]
Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Some Democrats and electoral rights groups want progress on legislation in Springfield that would give people in prison across the state the ability to vote just weeks after being convicted of a felony or lesser crime. Some in favor of the bill cite the Illinois Constitution, which says an incarcerated person […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Community College reimbursement bill passed | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A bill expanding state taxpayer-funded tuition assistance for students in community college is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. House Bill 5135 removes the maximum reimbursement rate per credit hour for community colleges. The Illinois Senate approved the bill on Thursday. STUDY: 80% OF IL ROAD CONDITIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE A new […]
Illinois to require hidden ‘junk fees’ included in advertised price | Illinois
(The Center Square) – In most cases when a person makes a purchase, such as on hotels, concert tickets and more, it could soon be illegal for merchants to advertise a product’s price without including surcharges and fees in that price upfront. In a move toward transparency for Illinois consumers, lawmakers passed the ‘Junk Fee […]
War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey | Illinois
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump has resumed his war of words with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who responded by criticizing Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. The president was asked during an event outside the White House on Tuesday about possibly endorsing Bailey against Pritzker. “I like Darren Bailey. J.B. Pritzker is a slob […]
Chicago committee approves $5M for public school project | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen are planning to spend more tax increment financing dollars on Chicago Public Schools, even though CPS employees owe the city more than $4 million. The City Council Committee on Finance approved a motion to provide up to $5 million in TIF funds for work on Mollison Elementary School on […]
Proposed law would require women’s restroom on construction sites | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Construction companies across Illinois may be required by law to provide female employees with separate bathroom facilities and stock menstrual products under a bill being considered in Springfield. Though the bill was still in the process of being amended last week, based on negotiations with business interests, some still remain opposed […]
Illinois lawmaker calls for Aurora mayor’s resignation over alleged ICE ‘doxxing’ | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois state Rep. Adam Niemerg, who serves on the Immigration and Human Rights Committee, is calling for the resignation of John Laesch after social media posts and videos circulated online alleging the Aurora mayor shared the live locations of federal immigration agents operating in the city. The controversy gained national attention […]
EXCLUSIVE: The Oversight Project calls for investigation into Fusus, Oak Brook contract | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Oak Brook police chief welcomes an investigation into how the village obtained a multi-million taxpayer funded police technology contract. In a report provided exclusively to The Center Square, The Oversight Project explains it started looking into a contract Oak Brook, Illinois entered with Fusus police technology after reviewing an inspector […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows 8% of Cook County offenders on electronic monitoring AWOL | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A report from a Cook County judge revealed that 8% of people participating in the electronic monitoring program, 246 individuals, have warrants for being absent without leave from the probation program. According to a release, since the county took over responsibility for the program, efforts to increase transparency and tighten monitoring […]