Illinois Capital News
Report: Illinois public education improving, but much more work lies ahead
45% of adults had post-secondary degree in 2018; goal is 60% by 2025 By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — A group that advocates for public education in Illinois released a report indicating the state has made some progress in improving educational outcomes over the past five years, but it still…
Read MoreJustice Karmeier to resign effective December 2020
His three-year term as chief justice ended Oct. 25 By REBECCA ANZEL Capitol News Illinois ranzel@captiolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier tendered notice this week he will resign his seat on the bench effective Dec. 6. 2020. “It has been a privilege serving the people of Illinois,” he wrote in…
Read MoreArroyo resigns ahead of investigative hearing
Madigan calls bribery allegation ‘beyond extraordinary’ By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — State Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat charged by federal officials with bribery, officially resigned from office Friday just hours before a special investigative committee was to begin considering whether he should be expelled from the General Assembly.…
Read MoreLawmakers: Ethics task force needed to help regain public’s trust
Bipartisan group supports resolution amid ongoing federal investigations By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois Jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Amid an ongoing flurry of federal investigative activity pertaining to state government, a bipartisan group of lawmakers called for the creation of a task force to recommend greater ethical safeguards during a Statehouse news conference…
Read MoreCAPITOL RECAP: Full search warrant suggests broad corruption probe of Sen. Martin Sandoval
By Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats on Friday, Oct. 11, released copies of the full, unredacted search warrant that was executed on state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s office Sept. 24, and it reveals a wide-ranging probe into possible corruption involving a red-light camera company, construction businesses, a large utility company and other Chicago-area…
Read MoreAunt Martha’s awarded additional federal family planning dollars
Illinois’ only Title X provider to receive an extra $825,000 By REBECCA ANZEL Capitol News Illinois ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness, the only Illinois organization currently participating in the federal family planning program, was awarded more than double its initial grant after several providers across the country declined their funding…
Read MoreGOP lawmaker calls for state ethics task force
Rep. McCombie says ‘cost of corruption is too high to ignore’ By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — A Republican state lawmaker said Wednesday she plans to introduce legislation to establish a State Ethics Task Force to tighten ethics rules within Illinois government. “To have the public’s trust, we must take action whenever…
Read MoreFull search warrant suggests broad corruption probe of Sen. Martin Sandoval
Chicago Democrat resigns as Transportation Committee chair By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats on Friday released copies of the full, unredacted search warrant that was executed on state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s office Sept. 24, and it reveals a wide-ranging probe into possible corruption involving a red-light camera company,…
Read MoreLawmakers plan to push insulin pricing bill in veto session
$100 cap on 30-day insulin supply will be on the agenda this month By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois Jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers will aim to pass a law capping out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per one month’s supply when they return for the fall veto session, the bill’s sponsors announced Friday at…
Read MoreCAPITOL RECAP: Pritzker doubtful energy reforms will pass in fall sessions
By Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — A package of bills aimed at transforming the state’s energy landscape appears unlikely to move during the upcoming fall veto session after Gov. J.B. Pritzker was less than optimistic on the subject this week at an unrelated Chicago news conference. “It’s certainly something that’s being considered as part of a…
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