Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Lightfoot administration waffles on ending driver’s license suspensions
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Ticket fine reform is coming to Chicago, but one key measure requires state legislation.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Lori Lightfoot blasts One Central’s Springfield surprise
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Chicago’s new mayor criticized developer Bob Dunn for slipping authorization for $5 billion into the state capital budget for a giant new transit hub next to Soldier Field.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
How Lori Lightfoot got Chicago that elusive casino
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Questions of location and revenue remain as Illinois passes a huge gambling expansion bill.
Economic Development
Illinois bill aims to curb alternative energy scams by forcing transparency
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Critics say deregulation has allowed energy resellers to dupe consumers into paying an estimated $600 million extra in recent years rather than lowering bills.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Can Pritzker, Foxx deliver on criminal justice reforms?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Primary election results highlight the possibilities and perils of coming political battles, including the mayoral race.