Get the latest news from around Illinois.
WBEZ: The ComEd Scandal Shows Every Illinoisan The True Cost Of Taxpayer Funded Corruption
Political scandals make for great TV.
And the unfolding corruption scheme involving utility giant Commonwealth Edison seems ready-made for a dramatically scored Netflix documentary. There’s the all-knowing political boss, wiretaps, bribes and a massive, faceless corporation reaping the benefits – at the cost of the regular Joe.
Chicago Tribune: Chicago City Council approves Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 2021 budget, $94 million property tax hike
Chicago’s City Council approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $12.8 billion budget for next year.
Aldermen voted 28-22 in support of Lightfoot’s $94 million property tax increase. Lighfoot’s budget also passed 29-21.
Chicago Sun-Times: Cook County approves nearly $7 billion budget and braces for yet ‘another tough budget year’ ahead
On a unanimous vote, the Cook County Board approved a $6.9 billion budget with no new taxes and the promise of less than ten layoffs Tuesday — but acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic will still ensure “there’s a tough year ahead.”
The Board of Commissioners voted 17-0 to pass the amended spending plan, which includes funds for a new immigration unit within the public defender’s office and a monitor of spending by the Justice Advisory Council, which works with the sheriff and state’s attorney and other public safety officers to coordinate and implement proposed criminal and juvenile justice reforms.
Chicago Magazine: The Speakership Used to Be Meaningless
Until Michael Madigan came along, no one ever made a career of being speaker of the Illinois House. A state legislature is the minor leagues of politics, right?
Many of Madigan’s predecessors used the speakership as a stepping stone to something bigger. Paul Powell was elected Secretary of State, and became a wealthy man. Ralph Tyler Smith was appointed to the U.S. Senate after Everett Dirksen died. George Ryan gave up the office to become lieutenant governor, a job considered so worthless his predecessor had quit out of boredom, then secretary of state, then governor, then convicted felon.
Belleville News-Democrat: Madison County Board OKs $143 million budget, faces ‘uncertain’ 2021 due to COVID-19
Madison County Board members this week approved a $143 million budget for 2021 along with a $30.8 million tax levy.
The board passed the budget 24-0, with no discussion, at its Monday night meeting. It goes into effect on Dec. 1.