Prairie State Wire

Pritzker withholding COVID-19 hospitalization numbers, Wirepoints says

By Kyla Asbury | Apr 4, 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not yet released the number of Illinois residents hospitalized from the coronavirus, Wirepoints Founder Mark Glennon wrote.

Political strategist: Sen. Brady should resign over role in bad loan

By W.J. Kennedy | Apr 3, 2020

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) played a role in duping a friend into loaning $1 million to a home building business owned by two of his brothers, a federal bankruptcy judge determined in a ruling issued this week.

First Amendment authority: Pritzker’s demand that paper unpublish story 'extreme measure'

By W.J. Kennedy | Apr 3, 2020

A First Amendment authority says a demand by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office that a central Illinois newspaper unpublish a story about the governor’s progressive income tax proposal was “highly unusual.”

Fiscal watchdog blasts lack of 'shared sacrifice' among government workers during health emergency

By W.J. Kennedy | Apr 3, 2020

It pays to be among society’s elites during the coronavirus crisis.

175 Illinois nursing homes rated ‘much below average’ in federal database

By LGIS News Service | Apr 1, 2020

The number of Illinois nursing homes ranked “much below average” now numbers 175, according to a database managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

House candidate calls coronavirus "worst public health crisis of our lifetime"

By Glenn Minnis | Apr 1, 2020

Illinois House candidate Peter Breen (R-Lombard) views the coronavirus crisis as the “worse public health crisis of our lifetime” and thinks lawmakers need to respond accordingly.

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.

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.

Basing budget on progressive tax hike will only worsen state's financial woes, 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 29, 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 25, 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 | 13 days 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.

Watchdog: Illinoisans must keep watchful eye on government during coronavirus emergency

By W.J. Kennedy | Mar 23, 2020

The Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) are urging Illinoisans to pay close attention to government directives and other actions taken in response to the proclaimed state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.