illinois

Governor candidate Gary Rabine says state fiscal policies are "irresponsible," despite bond rating increase (Woodstock, IL) – Gov. Pritzker may be patting himself on the back for the uptick in Moody’s ratings of Illinois’ General Obligation bonds, but Gary Rabine, a candidate for Governor, says the truth is that federal spending is masking the state’s irresponsible fiscal policies and the state still has the worst credit rating of all 50 states...

House Speaker Welch: 'Lead by your actions, not your words' (Springfield, IL) - As House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) made history as the first black man to serve in that role in the state, he has made sure to leave an impression during his first session as well.

Op-Ed: Senator Patrick Joyce - June is here, and summertime usually means our legislative session in Springfield is finished. But as I write you this month, our work continues.

Batinick: 'We're literally changing the law' for Mautino (Springfield, IL) - Following the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision on Auditor General Frank Mautino’s case, state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) emphasized his objection to Senate Bill 0825 amending the Election Code.

ILGOP meets in Bolingbrook to 'make plans for winning in 2022' (Bolingbrook, IL) - Led by newly minted Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy, Republican leaders from across the state recently convened in Bolingbrook to discuss strategy amid a rapidly changing landscape in Springfield.

Preckwinkle Details COVID-19 Financial Impact and Recovery with Preliminary Budget Forecast (Cook County, IL) - Outlining an optimistic budget recovering from the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today released the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2022 showing a projected gap of approximately $121.4 million.

Illinois' Bond Rating is Up (Springfield, IL) - Fitch Ratings announced on Wednesday they have revised the outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive.

On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Today, over 150 years later, Illinois now declares June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) recently took to the chamber floor to make sure all his colleagues were well aware of what they are voting for with map redistricting.

First Session As Speaker, Welch Celebrates Achievements (Springfield, IL) - Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch wrapped up his first session leading the Illinois House of Representatives.