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From Prairie State Wire

Former Illinois LIG says ethics commission 'squashed' her findings of 'wrongdoing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | 5 years ago

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter is speaking out about the Legislative Ethics Commission’s effort to squash her reports on “wrongdoing.”

Analyst: Rauner re-election, GOP gains coming in 2018

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 5, 2017

Illinois Democrats might have retained control of both chambers of the General Assembly in the general election, but a policy analyst is predicting that Illinois Republicans will pick up more legislative seats in 2018 and hold onto the governorship, possibly paving the way for reform measures.

AFSCME strike vote places state's latest budget deal in jeopardy

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 2, 2017

The state of Illinois’ largest public employee union vows to strike if Gov. Bruce Rauner stands firm in his proposal to increase its workweek from 37.5 to 40 hours.

Batinick: AFSCME members authorizing a strike is 'disappointing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 2, 2017

When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

Pritchard on AFSCME scheduling a strike vote: 'Time for a truly neutral mediator to step in'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 23, 2017

Earlier this month, AFSCME leaders sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner outlining a settlement 'framework' in which the union said it would be willing to resume negotiations on a new contract.

High property taxes a multilayered problem in Illinois

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 30, 2017

Property owners in Illinois are the hardest hit in the nation when it comes to taxes. And the property tax burden coupled with falling home values is crippling homeowners and leading many Illinois families to deduce that buying a home in Illinois just isn’t worth it.

Aurora Tea Party coordinator says tax hike would ‘punish’ Illinoisans for living here

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 26, 2017

Illinois Senate leaders are reportedly still negotiating a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent.

Morrison: ‘More appetite’ to raise taxes than cut spending in Springfield

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 25, 2017

The idea that Senate leaders are proposing a budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent -- despite the last tax hike costing the state billions of dollars in lost income -- has many concerned.

Pritchard on proposed budget deal: 'It’s beginning to look a little bit like a Christmas tree'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 25, 2017

The idea that Senate leaders are proposing a budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent -- despite the last tax hike costing the state billions of dollars in lost income -- has troubled many.

West Suburban Patriots founder ‘vehemently against’ proposed budget deal

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 25, 2017

Illinois Senate leaders had hoped to hold a vote as early as today on a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent, but the complex nature of the deal may delay a vote on the matter.

Radogno facing harsh criticism over budget proposal

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 25, 2017

Illinois Senate leaders had hoped to hold a vote as early as today on a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent, but the complex nature of the deal may stall a vote on the matter.

How Rauner’s wish list has fared in the General Assembly

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 23, 2017

For the past two years, Gov. Bruce Rauner’s message has been consistent: Illinois needs major reform to avoid complete financial devastation.

Batinick on scheduling strike vote: AFSCME should accept governor’s terms

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 23, 2017

Earlier this month, AFSCME leaders sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner outlining a new settlement 'framework' in which the union said it would be willing resume negotiations on a new contract.

Harris responds to AFSCME scheduling strike vote

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 23, 2017

American Federation of State, County and Municipal officials sent a letter to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner this month outlining a new settlement “framework” in which the union said it would be willing to resume negotiations on a new contract.

Illinois has long way to go before enacting right-to-work legislation, state rep says

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 18, 2017

Kentucky will join the 26 other states in the nation with right-to-work laws, causing some to wonder if Illinois will join the movement anytime in the foreseeable future.

Workers' comp reform a top priority for Rauner in 2017

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 16, 2017

Getting Illinois back on its feet has been a top priority for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner since he took office two years ago.

Amid historic fiscal dysfunction Democrats re-elect Madigan as House speaker for 17th time

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 12, 2017

Longtime politician Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) will serve as House speaker for another two-year term after House Democrats re-elected him to the post for the 17th time Wednesday.

Analysts say Trump, Congress can help GOP expand in Illinois

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 9, 2017

The result of this year’s November election was arguably the most surprising event of 2016.

Rauner implored to take tougher stance in battle with AFSCME

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 1, 2017

Perhaps one of the most prominent stories in 2016 was Gov. Bruce Rauner’s ongoing battle with Illinois’ largest government-employee union, but how the Rauner proceeds in the months to come will be critical, a political analyst said.

A look at Illinois politics in 2016

By Vimbai Chikomo | Dec 26, 2016

With 2017 just days away, Illinois is set to welcome the new year the same way it did last year – without a state budget.