Carol Ostrow Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

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Amid property tax season, Rauner says state's residents take too big a hit

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 8, 2016

As homeowners prepared to remit their annual property tax bills ahead of a recent deadline, Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a conciliatory statement from Springfield recognizing the hardship that Illinois’ high tax rates impose on constituents.

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All Independent Maps supporters' eyes on state Supreme Court

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 5, 2016

With an Aug. 26 deadline just around the corner for Illinois’ statewide referendum question to be placed on November’s ballot, Independent Map Amendment supporters are still hoping for a win despite a recent initial setback.

New state law reins in business-travel reimbursements for civil servants

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 5, 2016

In an effort to curb overspending of taxpayer money by civil servants on business trips and trim wastefulness, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed House Bill 4379 into law in Springfield, placing a clear-cut cap on reimbursements.

Independent Maps coalition calls on state's high court to reverse ballot ruling

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 2, 2016

Independent Maps coalition supporters said recently that the Illinois Supreme Court should reverse a recent Cook County Circuit Court ruling and order the state to put the Independent Map Amendment on the ballot in the upcoming November election.

Law ensures state legislators' pay won't stop during budget impasse

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 27, 2016

In the state’s fiscal tug-of-war, Illinois legislators’ purses appear to be protected by House Speaker MIke Madigan’s (D-Dist 22) handling of details — and despite hardship for constituents, Illinois congressional salaries remain among the nation’s highest, a research group said recently.

Richland one of 15 Illinois community colleges in Moody’s credit downgrade

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 25, 2016

Decatur-based Richland Community College recently joined the ranks of the Illinois budget stalemate’s latest losses as part of a group of 15 Illinois community colleges — out of 27 total community-college programs statewide — to suffer credit downgrades.