Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Calls for reform in Springfield amid scandal are nothing new: ‘It’s deja vu all over again’
It’s a pattern that’s repeated itself over the years when scandal strikes Illinois state government: Corruption is exposed and a burst of reform proposals is floated in response.
The flurry of ethics legislation proposed after lawmakers returned to Springfield last week against the backdrop of a far-reaching federal corruption probe recalls previous calls for reform that include what happened in 2009 following the arrest and impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Chicago Sun-Times: Smart money is on ethics, pension fix action during veto session — but no big bets placed on Chicago casino
Ethics reform and a pension consolidation plan will take center stage in Springfield this week during the final days of the fall veto session — while big parts of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s ambitious first-year legislative plan may get the hook.
Legislators are also poised to take up key measures such as a ban on flavored vapes and a cap on insulin prices at $100 a month when they return to Springfield on Tuesday.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake implements municipal utility tax
Crystal Lake residents and businesses might have noticed a new tax on their electricity and gas bills this fall, as the city recently started collecting a municipal utility tax.
The tax was adopted as part of the city’s annual budget in April and went into effect Sept. 1.
Northwest Herald: Algonquin Township to consider placing township elimination question on ballot
The Algonquin Township Board plans to vote on placing a referendum to dissolve the township and its road district in 2037 on an upcoming ballot.
If approved, the question would be put to voters during the March 17 primary election. The referendum that would appear on the ballot would ask whether the township and road district should be dissolved as of May 18, 2037, with its property, assets, personnel, obligations and liabilities transferred to McHenry County.