Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban Chicago park district official may have used public resources to fund a helicopter prom photo shoot for her daughter. Brian Costin, deputy state director for Americans for Prosperity Illinois, said the allegations involving Quintina Brown […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Top Democrat leaders in the Illinois legislature met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday behind closed doors in the State Capitol. The meeting comes as the General Assembly approaches the final hours before a budget and other major legislative initiatives must pass. The governor told members of the media he is […]
Cost uncertainty follows prescription price cap bill in Senate | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Several Illinois Democrats have made a late-session push to create a state board that would impose price caps on prescription drugs. Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation remained in the Illinois Senate going into the final weekend of the spring legislative session after financial questions emerged in the House. State Rep. Nabeela […]
Republicans claim fake transparency in early budget, demand better | Illinois
(The Center Square) – At the height of state budget negotiations, Republican lawmakers have said Democrat leaders have again pulled their seat from the table. Meanwhile, progressive lawmakers have continued a push for more new taxes on specific sectors of the state’s economy, which they said will give them the ability to fund programs Illinoisans […]
State absenteeism change follows lowered academic benchmarks | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Months after lowering academic proficiency benchmarks, the Illinois State Board of Education has changed its rating system for public school attendance. Twent-five percent of Illinois students were chronically absent last school year, higher than the national average of 22%. Students are considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of […]
Chicago proposes funding tax rebates with salaries from vacant city jobs | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Five Chicago aldermen have proposed new property tax rebates to be funded by salaries for vacant city jobs. Alderman Raymond Lopez filed the ordinance last Wednesday, joined by Aldermen Anthony Beale, James Gardiner, Anthony Napolitano and Brendan Reilly. Under the proposal, each residential property owner could apply once a year for […]
Illinois dual office holding debate intensifies amid Calumet funding, ethics concerns | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Ethics advocates say Illinois’ loose restrictions on dual office holding leave the door open to conflicts of interest and potential retaliation by public officials, following renewed scrutiny surrounding Thaddeus Jones and allegations involving city spending and state funding threats. The controversy intensified after a recent WGN Investigates report detailed accusations that […]
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 […]