Prairie State Wire

Illinois $1.9 million emergency fund rated D- amidst economic stress due to coronavirus

By Tamara Gabbard | Mar 31, 2020

Illinois' estimated spending budget is $40 billion a fiscal year and its emergency fund of $1.9 million would take about 15 minutes to spend, according to the Illinois Policy Center.

REEDER: The best way to combat shortages is to ration goods

By Scott Reeder | Mar 31, 2020

Last week, I visited seven Springfield stores trying to buy a gallon of milk before finding the last one at a Walgreens.

Illinois House Republicans, weary of Democrat task forces, call for property tax relief

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 31, 2020

Several House Republicans held a press conference to criticize task forces and stress the importance of property tax relief for Illinoisans.

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot Announce Plans For 3,000-Bed Alternate Care Setting at McCormick Place to Treat COVID-19 Patients

By Press release submission | Mar 30, 2020

Additional Capacity Created to Prepare for Expected Surge in Hospitalizations of COVID-19 Patients

IDFPR: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Announces Help for Consumers Struggling to Make Payments on their Debts Due to the COVID-19 Crisis and Guidance for its Regulated Financial Sectors

By Press release submission | Mar 30, 2020

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation today announced a series of actions to ensure the protection of Illinoisans in many areas of consumer borrowing, servicing, and collections.

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.

IEMA, NWS Develop Severe Weather Sheltering Guidance to Address COVID-19 Concerns

By Press release submission | Mar 27, 2020

As we head into the spring months, the risk of severe thunderstorms typically increases across the state of Illinois, including the risk for tornadoes.

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.

Gov. Pritzker Partners with United Way of Illinois, Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations to Launch Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund

By Press release submission | Mar 26, 2020

Governor JB Pritzker joined the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations today to announce the launch of the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (ICRF), a new statewide fundraising effort to support nonprofit organizations serving those whose lives have been upended by this pandemic.

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.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Income Tax Filing Extension, More Than $90 Million in Small Business Aid

By Press release submission | Mar 25, 2020

Building on measures designed to address the unprecedented economic challenges facing Illinois families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker announced a three-month extension of the income tax filing deadline and several new programs to provide more than $90 million in financial relief to small businesses across the state.

Gov. Pritzker Lays Out Measures to Increase Testing, Hospital Capacity in Preparation for Additional Need

By Press release submission | Mar 24, 2020

As the state continues to build on its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased demand across the state's health care system, Governor JB Pritzker provided an update on the state's current testing and hospital capacity and laid out measures to increase that capacity to meet the anticipated need in the coming weeks.

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.

Rep. Skillicorn criticizes Gov. Pritzker's shelter-in-place executive order

By Joe Chen | Mar 24, 2020

Rep. Allen Skillicorn urged Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday to provide further justification for his shelter-in-place executive order effective from March 21 to April 7.

Gun rights, motorcycle groups making contingency plans after Illinois puts limits on large crowds at statehouse

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 24, 2020

The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) has tentatively rescheduled its annual Illinois Gold Owner Lobby Day (I-GOLD) in the wake of lawmakers placing limits on large gatherings at the State Capitol due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

From DuPage Policy Journal

'Biased' Tribune reporting cited in shortage of medical supplies needed in coronavirus fight

By W.J. Kennedy | 5 years ago

For over a year scientists have been refuting the Chicago Tribune’s reporting that emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO), from a medical equipment plant in Willowbrook, Sterigenics, presented a danger to the public.