Whether 2019 was a good year for Illinois taxpayers depends on who you ask.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Illinois Secretary of State extending hours at some driver facilities amid high demand for REAL IDs
Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White plans to extend hours of some driver service facilities to accommodate the high demand for REAL IDs.… MORE
After committing in April, Gov. J.B. Pritzker holds up planning to stop Asian carp
By Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – Outdoor sports advocates and environmentalists said Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been dragging his feet on allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get started on a plan to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan despite committing to the study in April. Seven nonprofit groups sent Pritzker a petition signed…… MORE
Finding replacement for indicted former Illinois state Rep. could lead to uncharted territory
At least three elected positions in the Illinois statehouse won’t be chosen by voters, rather party leaders will select the replacements and doing so could prove contentious in one case.… MORE
State lawmakers pressure House Speaker Michael Madigan to answer questions about secret payments to aide fired after sexual harassment claims
A fellow Chicago Democrat, and others, have demanded House Speaker Michael Madigan explain secret payments to a disgraced former political captain or give up his position at the helm of Illinois’ Democratic Party. … MORE
Tax pro says 529 college savings plans could help lower taxable income in Illinois
A tax professional has suggested some things Illinois tax filers should consider as they look to close out the year and begin the 2019 tax filing season.… MORE
Illinois ranks as one of the least financially-transparent states in the nation
Illinois ranked as one of the least financially-transparent states in the nation.… MORE
Final pieces coming together for roll out of Illinois’ adult-use cannabis law
In less than a month, adults 21 and older will be able to legally buy and use cannabis in Illinois.… MORE
Report: State’s deferred maintenance in budgeting leads to unclear costs, bigger tax bills in future
When governors present balanced state budgets, a new report found they are often leaving out the cost of infrastructure repairs that can lead to potholes and other problems along with big bills in future budgets.… MORE
Proposal to support armed teachers in Illinois defeated, again
Rural Illinois school boards were again rebuffed in a bid to get additional support to push lawmakers to support allowing teachers to carry firearms in school.… 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…