Prairie State Wire

Better options available other than basing budget on progressive tax hike, Illinois Policy Institute says

By April Bamburg | Mar 30, 2020

After Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address for the 2021 fiscal year, the Illinois Policy Institute spoke out about what they see as a better option.

Truth in Accounting critical of Pritzker, says budget 'woefully' underfunded

By April Bamburg | Mar 30, 2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal, released on Feb. 19, 2020, calls for $42 billion in the general fund and a new rate structure for the state’s income tax.

Wirepoints questions pay and benefit accrual for Illinois teachers during school closure

By April Bamburg | Mar 28, 2020

Wirepoints calls a policy paying Illinois teachers during school closures lax and suggests that it will be abused.

States reconsider use of plastic bags during novel coronavirus outbreak

By April Bamburg | Mar 28, 2020

During the coronavirus outbreak, shoppers will see their bagging behaviors challenged – including their reusable bags habits.

Wirepoints: Pritzker's $42 billion budget doesn't touch real problems

By April Bamburg | Mar 27, 2020

The $42 billion budget outlined by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has drawn a crowd of critics since it was announced Feb. 19, including Wirepoints, an organization that researches the Illinois economy and government and offers commentary to inform the citizens of the state.

Illinois Policy Institute favors its 'Illinois Forward' plan over Pritzker budget

By April Bamburg | Mar 27, 2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget for the 2021 fiscal year will not address the problems that put the state at the bottom of fiscal health rankings, according to a policy group.

Illinois State Rifle Association opposes gun-related legislation

By April Bamburg | Mar 26, 2020

The Illinois State Rifle Association has been watching gun-related legislation make its way through Springfield, and executive director Richard A. Pearson is warning members about three bills in particular.

Durbin slammed for refusing to debate, demanding handouts for state, Chicago in coronavirus economic relief bill

By April Bamburg | Mar 24, 2020

Instead of working with the Republicans in the Senate, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) says that Democrats are instead working behind closed doors and demanding cash handouts to the airlines, and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who, he says is demanding cash for Illinois and Chicago, both of which have serious financial issues they are dealing with.

Wirepoints president warns businesses will struggle, pension problem will worsen with COVID-19

By April Bamburg | Mar 17, 2020

Financial expert Ted Dabrowski, president of Wirepoints, cautions that Illinois' financial crisis will no doubt get worse due to the impact of the novel coronavirus.

Small Business Administration seeks help to identify businesses impacted by COVID-19

By April Bamburg | Mar 17, 2020

The Small Business Administration has announced several measures meant to support small business owners in the state, according to the Illinois Technology Association (ITA).

Bars, restaurants, schools ordered closed as state works to keep government operating, people safe from COVID-19

By April Bamburg | Mar 17, 2020

Bars, restaurants, and schools have all been ordered to close across the state of Illinois in an attempt to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus, also called COVID-19.As of March 15, there were 93 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in 13 counties, according to an update from the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus.

Illinois GOP chair calls Pritzker's progressive tax rate a 'Trojan horse'

By April Bamburg | Mar 3, 2020

Tim Schneider, chair of Illinois’ Republican Party issued a statement in response to Governor Pritzker’s budget address.

Pritzker criticizes commutation of Blagojevich sentence

By April Bamburg | Feb 19, 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is criticizing President Donald J. Trump’s commutation of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s 14 year prison sentence.

Illinois named the least tax-friendly state by MSN

By April Bamburg | Feb 19, 2020

Ahead of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address where he is excepted to outline the budget for the 2021 fiscal year and his funding priorities, the State of Illinois has been named one of the "Least Tax-Friendly" states to live in, by MSN.com.

ISRA sues state police over FOID card delays; monitors bill to tax assault weapons

By April Bamburg | Feb 15, 2020

Gun owners in Illinois are waiting too long to receive their firearms owner identification (FOID) cards, and the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) has joined a lawsuit against the Illinois State Police to fix the problem, ISRA Executive Director Richard A. Pearson announced in a bulletin to members last week.

From McHenry Times

ILGOP Chairman Schneider calls on Franks to resign from McHenry County Board

By April Bamburg | 5 years ago

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider (R-Burr Ridge) is calling for the resignation of McHenry County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jack Franks (D-Marengo), who is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Police for allegations of sexual misconduct that date back to 2016 – as well as for some accountability from the state's Democratic Party leader, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

From Chicago City Wire

State Police named in first lawsuit stemming from steering of $29.5 million intended for processing of FOID cards

By April Bamburg | 5 years ago

The Illinois State Police (ISP) and two individuals have been sued by two Illinois residents, the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF).

Watchdogs contend only sure things in Illinois are debt and taxes

By April Bamburg | Oct 2, 2017

Illinois has dug itself into a $15.7 billion hole in terms of vendor debt, and the figure gets worse every day, the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) reported recently.

GOP lauds bipartisan compromise that inches school funding closer

By April Bamburg | Aug 29, 2017

Democrats and Republicans really can work together after all, the Illinois Republican Party commented in a recent press release following the apparent compromise on a state school funding measure.