Scholarships for low-income students survive Pritzker’s threat, gain a year

By Brad Weisenstein

06/03/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wanted to gut the Invest in Kids program for low-income students. Lawmakers opposed that, adding a year to the program.

TAGS: education, Invest in Kids, JB Pritzker

Tax hikes fail to balance Illinois budget, but lawmakers raise own pay

By Adam Schuster

06/03/2021

Leaders claimed the budget was balanced and included no tax hikes, but neither is true. Illinois state lawmakers for the 21st time passed a deficit budget – one that includes $655 million in new taxes and a nearly $1,200 raise for themselves.

TAGS: budget, JB Pritzker, taxes

Pritzker declares disaster for 16th time despite June 11 reopening prediction

By Patrick Andriesen

06/01/2021

Illinois could fully reopen by June 11, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker decided the state was still a disaster zone and he needed emergency powers until the end of June.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

Pritzker pushes ‘Time to Drive’ tourism campaign despite high gas prices

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

When Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers doubled the gas tax in 2019, they built in automatic annual increases. The next boost hits July 1. Perfect timing, as Pritzker spends $6 million to ask Illinoisans to take a drive.

TAGS: COVID-19, gas tax, JB Pritzker, reopen

Democrats’ legislative maps slam GOP after Pritzker breaks veto promise

By Brad Weisenstein

05/24/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave fellow Democrats a very clear signal to gerrymander state legislative maps when he backed off his veto threat and said he trusted them to be fair. Mike Madigan-style maps place 23 Republicans into races against other incumbents.

TAGS: Democratic Party, gerrymandering, JB Pritzker, legislative map

Illinois students will return to in-person schooling in fall

By Brad Weisenstein

05/19/2021

In-person learning will resume in the fall, the Illinois State Board of Education has decided. Whether kids will still be required to wear masks and sit behind plastic shields in the fall remains to be decided.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, JB Pritzker, public schools, teachers union

Pritzker follows CDC rules on masks, relaxes COVID-19 mandates

By Brad Weisenstein

05/18/2021

Illinois is following new CDC guidelines on masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated people; Pritzker pushes vaccinations, says masks stay on for unvaccinated; Chicago mandates remain

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, JB Pritzker, masks, reopen

Illinois gas averages $3.25 a gallon even after pipeline resumes operation

By Patrick Andriesen

05/17/2021

The Colonial Pipeline shutdown set off a gasoline price increase, but summer travel demand and pricier summer blends are likely to keep them there. Illinois averages $3.25 per gallon, AAA reports.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois, JB Pritzker

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

05/14/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a donation of $4 million in Six Flags tickets will be used as an incentive to get more Illinoisans their COVID-19 vaccinations. The 50,000 tickets will be targeted to minority communities.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, Six Flags, vaccine

JB Pritzker

Scholarships for low-income students survive Pritzker’s threat, gain a year

Tax hikes fail to balance Illinois budget, but lawmakers raise own pay

Pritzker declares disaster for 16th time despite June 11 reopening prediction

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

Pritzker pushes ‘Time to Drive’ tourism campaign despite high gas prices

Democrats’ legislative maps slam GOP after Pritzker breaks veto promise

Illinois students will return to in-person schooling in fall

Pritzker follows CDC rules on masks, relaxes COVID-19 mandates

Illinois gas averages $3.25 a gallon even after pipeline resumes operation

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students