Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage
Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage
With House Speaker Mike Madigan’s longevity comes a patronage army paid with public dollars.
New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
Illinois House Bill 4039 would reveal publicly the names of state lawmakers who haven’t filed their state tax returns.
Mautino pleads the Fifth in campaign finance case
Mautino pleads the Fifth in campaign finance case
The gas the Mautino campaign claims to have purchased over 16 years would equate to more than 35,000 miles every year. The circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles.
Madigan has spent nearly $170,000 in campaign funds on baseball tickets in 2017
Madigan has spent nearly $170,000 in campaign funds on baseball tickets in 2017
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan reportedly uses his large quantity of Cubs and White Sox tickets as gifts for his political volunteers, but his history with professional sports teams in Chicago isn’t so generous.
Illinois General Assembly proposes new internet privacy protections
Illinois General Assembly proposes new internet privacy protections
As the federal government repeals regulations requiring broadband companies to obtain consumers’ consent before using their browsing history and other personal information to create targeted ads, Illinois state politicians are moving to ramp up privacy protections. However, whether these bills would actually further those privacy goals or whether they would merely bolster Illinois’ class-action lawsuit industry while burdening businesses are open questions.
Illinois House passes bill to allow residents to dissolve townships
Illinois House passes bill to allow residents to dissolve townships
On March 29, the Illinois House of Representatives voted almost unanimously in favor of allowing voters to decide on local government consolidation – a crucial component of shrinking local government spending, which drives up property taxes. State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, sponsored House Bill 496, which received bipartisan support – more than a dozen representatives...
Court strikes down ban on campaign contributions from medical marijuana licensees
Court strikes down ban on campaign contributions from medical marijuana licensees
“By singling out medical cannabis organizations,” Judge Lee wrote, the state of Illinois appeared to be favoring certain speakers based on their viewpoints – precisely the type of discrimination the Supreme Court has disapproved of in the past.
Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history
Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history
Springfield lawmakers passed a ceremonial resolution March 8 congratulating the Chicago Cubs on winning the 2016 World Series. But that pat on the back doesn’t make up for the adversarial relationship politicians have held with the Cubs and other professional sports franchises in Chicago.
Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers
Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers
Buried in the House rules lawmakers passed in January are a dozen new committees, bringing the total number of standing committees in the House to 45. Committee chairs receive a $10,326 stipend annually.
Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway
Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway
The speaker’s law firm makes millions in the clout-heavy game of Cook County property tax appeals.
House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
No other state in the country grants as much power to its House speaker as Illinois does to Mike Madigan.
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
The Illinois House should change its legislative rules to diminish the control they give the House speaker over the legislative process, which far exceeds the power that other states grant their legislative leaders.
New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
Senate Bill 63 would make signature requirements to get on the ballot uniform for all candidates.
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
The Illinois State Board of Elections is accusing state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who is now running for mayor of Calumet City, of misusing thousands of dollars of campaign funds.