Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Federal official praised for fast work in Mautino case

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 31, 2017

The Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) are applauding the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Bass in the campaign probe of Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino.

FEMA gives state agency $1.2 million anti-terrorism grant

By Brent Zell | Jul 30, 2017

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has received a federal grant worth more than $1.2 million to help its anti-terrorism efforts, according to a press release.

IDOT gets travelers in gear with new highway map

By Tendai Makaripe | Jul 29, 2017

The Illinois Department of Transportation has released a new highway map to ensure easy movement for travelers around the state, according to a press release.

Governor's Hometown Awards deadline approaches

By Brent Zell | Jul 29, 2017

Applications for the Governor's Hometown Awards are due by Aug. 1, the Serve Illinois Commission announced in a recent news release.

Illinois nears online streamlining of professional certifications

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jul 29, 2017

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is nearing completion of a project that will move professional certifications online -- exactly where they belong, some state officials contend.

Rauner eases tax filing stress of Illinois flood victims

By Tendai Makaripe | Jul 28, 2017

Residents of Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties don't have to stress about having their taxes done on time on top of the flooding difficulties they've already faced recently, according to a press release from Gov. Bruce Rauner's office.

Rauner, GOP accuse Democrats of ditching schools

By Hoang Tran | Jul 28, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner told Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) to get back in their seats and finish their school work on Thursday.

Ailing insurance industry only going to get worse in Illinois, broker maintains

By Giovanni Whaley | Jul 27, 2017

Health insurance options for those on plans under the Affordable Care Act are dwindling in Illinois, and things are only going to get worse without taxpayer intervention, C. Steven Tucker, founder and principal broker of HealthInsuranceMentors.com, contends.

Rauner demands end to 'outrageous' hold on school funding bill

By Hoang Tran | Jul 26, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner admonished Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and the Democratic majority on Wednesday for withholding the education funding bill.

Diana Rauner calls education governor's greatest motivator

By Brent Zell | Jul 26, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner has brought a new weapon into his legislative battles: his wife.

Rauner calls special session on public school funding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 25, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner wants legislators back in the Capitol to make sure schoolchildren can get back in school this fall.

Veterans office honors Staab Funeral Home in Springfield

By Brent Zell | Jul 25, 2017

Staab Funeral Home in Springfield has been honored for its efforts to help veterans with fundraising, memorial designs and veterans parks, according to a press release.

More bad news on job creation front

By Brent Zell | Jul 24, 2017

Illinois continues to struggle with job growth, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Madigan accused of holding school funding hostage

By Kacie Whaley | Jul 23, 2017

House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) is like a child holding onto his ball and refusing to let anyone else play until he gets his way, the Illinois Republican Party suggested recently.

16 Illinois lawmakers face 'accountability' attack over budget vote

By Glenn Minnis | Jul 21, 2017

The lllinois chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IL) is taking aim at 16 state legislators who voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto and pass a budget that carries the largest permanent tax hike in state history.

Budget error seen as opening for workers' comp reform

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 20, 2017

A $6 billion oversight in the new Illinois budget might afford Gov. Bruce Rauner the opportunity to get workers' compensation reform enacted after all, Chicago attorney Eugene O'Keefe contends.

Roskam urges voters to remember what is behind Democrats' mask

By Giovanni Whaley | Jul 18, 2017

The state budget passage pulled the mask off the Democratic Party to reveal the ugly truth: It is all about raising taxes without any pretense of reform, U.S. Peter Roskam (R-IL) said on a recent radio program.

Rauner changes communication staff as part of rebranding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner added several key communication personnel to his team on Monday, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Rauner shake-up follows in wake of perceived political defeat

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office has lost or terminated 21 staffers in the wake of the passage of a contentious budget plan and an unpopular tax hike on July 6, which many saw as a major political defeat for Rauner and many GOP lawmakers.

Illinois Opportunity Project leader joins Rauner campaign push

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner's campaign committee has hired Matt Besler, president of the Illinois Opportunity Project, as its chief adviser, the non-profit advocacy announced on Monday.

Prairie State Wire

News from July 2017