With a handful of Democrats already declaring, there is finally a Republican apparently ready for a run for secretary of state – and it’s a local lawmaker. … MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Bloomington City Council supports tax hikes to fund $22.8 million library addition, backs new police officers’ contract
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Public Library has the backing of the city council for a tax increase to pay for most of a $22.8 million library expansion, while the council also finalized a three-year contract with unionized police officers. Aldermen voted 7-2 with members Nick Becker and Sheila Montney voting no, even…… MORE
Proposed union contract gives Bloomington cops 2.5% annual pay hikes
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Unionized Bloomington Police officers would receive 2.5% annual pay increases under terms of a proposed three-year contract that also gives bilingual officers annual bonuses. The city council will vote Monday night on a tentative deal costing Bloomington taxpayers almost $1.4 million dollars during the three years. “This ratification will match…… MORE
Key council vote Monday on $22.8 million Bloomington library addition
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Decades in the making, the Bloomington City Council is about to make a decision whether to proceed with funding a $22.8 million addition to the public library. The cost is $2 million less if leaders scrap plans for a new parking deck. “After over 20 years of discussions and we…… MORE
Bloomington native Kinzinger considering run for higher office
By HOI ABC and CNN CHANNAHON – U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger says he’s considering running for Illinois Governor or U.S. Senator next year, or even president in 2024. Kinzinger is 43 and weighing his political future after announcing last week he’s retiring from the House. However, Kinzinger is one of his party’s most vocal critics…… MORE
State Rep. Zalewski: Daylight Savings time “drives people crazy”
The twice-a-year changing of the clocks – as Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, giving us an extra hour – would come to an end, if some Illinois lawmakers have their way.… MORE
Illinois Housing Committee looks into homelessness across the state
As if there is a good time to be homeless, another pandemic winter is unlikely to help. … MORE
Congressman Davis calling on employers to help employees with student loans
A Central Illinois Congressman is looking to tackle the student loan crisis through a new student loan tax benefit for employers.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker heading to Europe
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ looming leadership in clean energy is a story Gov Pritzker is eager to tell. On the eve of his departure to Europe, Pritzker touted an electric vehicle incentive package which passed the legislature last week. “We now have a robust toolkit to attract and support EV manufacturers and consumers,”…… MORE
LaHood: “Not the time or place” to pass Build Back Better agenda
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – As Democrats from across the country continue to debate President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, a central Illinois Congressman says now is not the time to pass the massive bill as the nation faces mounting debt. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) told WJBC’s Scott Miller this is “not the time…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…