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Brady selected to replace Radogno as Senate GOP Leader

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

Radogno sends shockwave with sudden resignation from Senate

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

In a surprise announcement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) resigned her position and the Senate effective Saturday.

Madigan unveils 'imperfect' budget with tax hikes, some reform

By Hoang Tran | Jun 28, 2017

With a Friday deadline fast approaching, Democrats revealed their version of a budget on Tuesday that House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) called a compromise despite leaving out several reforms Republicans had demanded.

Ives asks Democrats to explain endgame strategy

By Hoang Tran | Jun 26, 2017

As the sixth day day of the special legislative session ended on Monday, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) asked Democrats in the House chamber whether the persistent lack of progress on a state budget and reforms was some enigmatic strategy.

Durkin tells Dems they need GOP to pass budget in 'overtime'

By Hoang Tran | Jun 21, 2017

Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) reminded Democratic lawmakers that they will need Republican support to get a state budget done during the special session that began on Wednesday.

Rauner urges political unity to save the future of Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jun 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

Rauner to lawmakers: 'Get the job done' in 10 days

By Hoang Tran | Jun 16, 2017

With Illinois facing an unprecedented third straight year without a full budget, Gov. Bruce Rauner called lawmakers back to Springfield on Thursday to hammer out a deal before fiscal year 2018 begins in July.

Heroes' families among those 'held hostage' by state crisis, Harris contends

By Hoang Tran | Jun 15, 2017

Families that lost heroic loved ones are just some of the victims of Illinois’ budget impasse, Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) told a House panel on Wednesday.

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Rauner, GOP bemoan budget breakdown, blame bickering Democrats

By Hoang Tran | Jun 1, 2017

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said on Wednesday night after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

GOP rep chides chamber: Pick a revenue number and get budget going

By Hoang Tran | May 19, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) chastised the House for its lack of progress on a state budget estimate, calling it a failure of the chamber.

Court services for Illinois veterans might soon be expanded

By Hoang Tran | May 16, 2017

Veterans would have access to additional court services in Illinois if Gov. Bruce Rauner signs a bill that passed the General Assembly on Monday.

State senators tout 'Taxpayer Bargain' budget plan

By Hoang Tran | Apr 19, 2017

State Sens. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) and Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) have unveiled a Taxpayer Bargain budget plan they say calls for spending reductions, protections for elementary and secondary education, pension reform, restructuring and legislative accountability.

Sangamon township post could be collecting its last paycheck

By Hoang Tran | Apr 12, 2017

A bill that would eliminate the position of Sangamon County township collector passed the House on Wednesday and now awaits a Senate hearing.

Rauner grateful for House GOP support of pension reform bill

By Hoang Tran | Apr 2, 2017

Several Republican representatives will announce their support for a comprehensive pension reform bill that is meant to improve the pension problems in the state, including the pension crisis in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said on Friday.

Durkin demands Democratic help ending budget crisis

By Hoang Tran | Mar 28, 2017

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is urging Democrats in Springfield to work with his party to formulate reforms to get Illinois back on track.

Businesses bemoan possible minimum wage hike

By Hoang Tran | Mar 20, 2017

A minimum wage increase could force businesses to falter, neighborhoods to fall apart and skilled workers to flee the state, a group of opponents to raising the wage argued in front of an Illinois House panel recently.

Ives slams safe spaces, crying sessions for college students after election

By Hoang Tran | Dec 11, 2016

Iowa State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) has proposed a “Suck it up, Buttercup” bill that seeks to place a scrutinizing eye on safe spaces and cry rooms for college students who cannot cope with reality.

Oberweis: Projected state budget deficit likely tells only half the story

By Hoang Tran | Dec 5, 2016

Illinois may be in even bigger financial trouble than what official projections have suggested.

Ives bill would give state workers control of their pension nest eggs

By Hoang Tran | Dec 4, 2016

Illinois is in a pension debt crisis, according to a report from Illinois' Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which said the state is facing what could amount to $130 billion in unfunded pension liability, with only an estimated 37.6 percent of all pensions being funded.

Some fear Mendoza-Madigan alliance will worsen state government dysfunction

By Hoang Tran | Nov 19, 2016

Susana Mendoza’s election to state comptroller has many concerned with regard to her affiliation with House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), how she will work with Gov. Bruce Rauner, and how she will handle the state’s bill payments.

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