Illinois

Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations

By Eric Kohn
11/02/2016
Since 1994, members of The People’s Map — which sued to keep a legislative map reform amendment off Illinois’ November ballot — and their employers have given over $6.6 million to Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the Democratic Majority and the Democratic Party of Illinois, which House Speaker Mike Madigan chairs.

TAGS: fair maps, gerrymandering, independent maps, Mike Madigan

Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot

By Mailee Smith
10/28/2016
Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 is once again a hotbed of debate, as the school board that recently tied taxpayers to a 10-year union contract has now approved a $130 million building referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Before voting, residents need to take into consideration the school board’s history of closed-door decision-making, as well as the substantial economic impact the referendum could have on local taxpayers.

TAGS: collective bargaining, education, labor, unions