Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Can Pritzker, Foxx deliver on criminal justice reforms?
|
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx face challenges translating bold proposals made on the campaign trail into policy.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Now Pritzker needs to keep his progressive promises
|
J.B. Pritzker won a resounding victory by outspending Gov. Bruce Rauner at every turn, downplaying ethical questions and racial tensions in his campaign, and presenting a clear alternative to Rauner’s failed incumbency. In a number of areas he took positions that were more progressive than the Democratic mainstream. But getting results on those promises will take lots of work on his part and even more organizing by activists. One key issue separated the two candidates: Pritzker was elected on a clear platform of implementing a progressive income tax, with higher rates for wealthier taxpayers. That’s an absolute necessity if Illinois is to get it’s fiscal house in order, meet its constitutional duty to fund schools adequately, and rebuild a safety net that Rauner decimated.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Instead of more policing, a model to provide more services
|
Stakeholders in Illinois, around the country and across the spectrum are proposing ways for police, as first responders, to arrest and incarcerate less and help more, but additional funding is needed.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
A progressive income tax is Illinois’ best shot at solving budget crisis
|
Ending the state’s flat income tax rate would reduce taxes for most while raising $2 billion in additional revenue a year, a new report says.
Criminal Justice
Voting could soon be easier at all Illinois jails
|
A proposed bill would create a uniform process for those awaiting trial behind bars to register and vote at county jails, where many detainees lack access to the ballot.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
In Illinois, a fight between big money and grassroots insurgencies rages on
|
Primary election results highlight the possibilities and perils of coming political battles, including the mayoral race.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
School closing and opening pattern shows Chicago doesn’t have a plan
|
An ideological agenda for more “school choice” seems to be driving the district’s actions rather than what’s needed on the ground.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
In tax giveaways to corporations like Amazon, Illinois loses
|
Businesses subsidies like EDGE line corporate pockets without boosting development where it’s most needed.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
‘Neovouchers’ introduced to school funding standoff in Illinois
|
Republicans hijack negotiations over SB1 with a right-wing agenda straight out of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s playbook.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Rauner’s staff shakeup doesn’t bode well for school funding reform
|
In threatening to veto SB1, which would ensure public schools open on more equal financial footing, the governor takes his anti-governing approach to the extreme.