Illinois has reached the four-year mark with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. What do the past four years tell Illinoisans about what to expect in his second term?
A late Friday-night move would add nearly $12,000 to the salary of each state lawmaker, raise salaries for statewide elected leaders such as the governor, and boost salaries for agency directors and their subordinates. Plus, they get cost-of-living increases.
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Illinois saw more than its fair share of corruption and misconduct again in 2022, but some politicians stood out in a crowded field.
Unlike parents in the Chicagoland Christmas classic, Illinoisans could end up under investigation, arrested or even lose custody for leaving their eighth graders unsupervised this holiday. Parents in 30 other states get to decide for themselves.
New laws signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker are set to impact education, public safety, agriculture and labor
Illinois’ Executive Inspector General reported a record number of complaints, some alleging financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services held kids in psychiatric hospitals for far longer than needed because the agency couldn’t find them housing.
Chicago’s second-longest serving alderman is seeking a stay of prosecution on federal bribery charges, arguing she is “not medically fit to stand trial.” The plea comes eight days after Ald. Carrie Austin voted on the council floor to approve the city budget.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent $152 million in defeating state Sen. Darren Bailey for re-election, down from the $171 million for his first Illinois gubernatorial campaign.
Illinois’ 2022 general election was the most contested non-presidential election in the past two decades, with 79 contested Statehouse races. Illinois Policy’s Full Slate project helped give voters an extra 32 choices on the ballot.
On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.
On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, denied all corruption accusations brought against them. Federal prosecutors said Madigan used his position to run a criminal enterprise.