Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/tag/springfield/)
Inspector General Joe Ferguson is launching an investigation on how police execute search warrants, specifically in raids where children are present at the residence.
Many workers in Illinois classified as having mild or moderate disabilities currently make less than $1 an hour, advocates say.
Lawmakers and advocates are pushing to limit solitary confinement and improve the health care, political representation and voting rights of state prisoners.
Ticket fine reform is coming to Chicago, but one key measure requires state legislation.
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.
Questions of location and revenue remain as Illinois passes a huge gambling expansion bill.
Critics say deregulation has allowed energy resellers to dupe consumers into paying an estimated $600 million extra in recent years rather than lowering bills.
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.
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.
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.