2016 was a record-setting year for corn yields in Illinois; the state is also the top soybean producer in the country, according to Illinois Farmer Today. But will this last as we head into a new year? … MORE
Category Archives: State News
State treasurer launches Illinois ABLE
Illinois and 13 other states are teaming up to offer tax free investment opportunities for disability related expenses.… MORE
IDOT investigating autonomous vehicles
Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn and his agency are looking to the future of driving in Illinois and a big part of that future involves vehicles without drivers.… MORE
IDOT looks at using GPS to monitor road conditions
Illinois roads are some the most travelled in the nation, which has caused the state to begin employing the latest technology to monitor and maintain the roads for drivers during the winter season.… MORE
Illinois Democrats open door to input on gubernatorial candidates
Since U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin opted not to join the 2018 governor’s race, it’s been a muddled picture as far as who will seek the Democratic nomination and who could be a viable opponent to Bruce Rauner.… MORE
Illinois Senate budget vote delayed
It’s not a surprise, but it is official. … MORE
AG Madigan seeks to stop state worker pay without budget
AFSCME-represented state workers have been considering foregoing paychecks with the possibility of a strike on the table.… MORE
Legislative package in Illinois Senate still a work in progress
There’s a clear difference of opinion among a couple of state Senators as to whether the package being discussed to end the state’s year-and-a-half long budget impasse is the right direction.… MORE
Dems, GOP chime in on State of the State address
Lawmakers from both sides of the isle offered thoughts on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address.… MORE
Rauner hits familiar themes in State of the State address
Gov. Bruce Rauner touched on familiar themes in his State of the State address as he pushed for education funding changes, workers compensation reform, term limits and balancing the budget.… 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…