THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER

(Chicago) – April 11, 2012. Special Report: The Art Institute of Chicago may display fine art on its walls, but behind closed doors allegations are flying that top officials have displayed less than fine behavior. A former Art Institute employee has filed a lawsuit against the institution claiming she was the victim of employment sex discrimination … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – April 1, 2012. After nearly 20 years of being impaled by the rhetorical javelin hurled relentlessly by Capitol Fax Editor & Publisher Rich Miller, Illinois’ political elite gathered in phalanx formation at Maggiano’s in Chicago on Saturday evening and served up, along with the mostaccioli, heaps of steaming revenge. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – The Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Gotcha Goes to a New Level – The records relating to legislative scholarships handed out by then-State Senator Barack Obama have landed in the lap of the Better Government Association on March 7. The BGA has been on a tear to end the program. Specifically, the BGA, which … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – March 15, 2012. Who Leads the Lambs to Vote in Chicago? The Vatican has the College of Cardinals, known as the “Princes of the Church.” Chicago has Ward Committeemen. Continue reading »

Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL)  – Friends Like This Are Hard to Find – When it is your job to help elect Republicans to the Illinois House of Representatives, an out-stretched, bi-partisan hand can seem, sometimes, stretched out of its socket when the Chairman of the Illinois House Republican campaign committee endorses a Democrat for the House. But … Continue reading »

Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading »

Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading »

Dear iLLINOIS OBSERVER Reader: Some changes are happening at THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER. For starters, this publication will begin to publish some “subscriber only” content for which you will need a password. The password for the remainder of February is: … . To get a password, please enter your e-mail address at the upper right of … Continue reading »

Our View: All candidates for elected office should follow two golden rules when they propose reforms: one, avoid exposing yourself to the charge of hypocrisy; and two, avoid costing taxpayers more money. Illinois Democratic state representative candidate Paula Basta recently violated both. On Valentine’s Day, Basta, who is challenging appointed State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – Despite the wacky, Onion-like satirical content of a post by an NBC Chicago TV blogger on a recently introduced same-sex marriage bill in Springfield, a Chicago-based gay rights group suspended disbelief to issue a stream of press releases condemning the “Lonesome No More Act,” which prompted the author to add an up-front … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – November 19, 2011. In a significant boost to Chicago Democratic State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s election chances, Chicago’s newly minted mayor and the state’s powerful House Speaker have rolled out their backing for the first-term North Side lawmaker. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — November 2, 2011. The Illinois Budgeting for Results Commission today issued their first report to Governor Pat Quinn and the state legislature detailing their recommendations on how to restore state’s fiscal health, bringing praise from Quinn and ridicule from some state vendors. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – October 21, 2011. Despite—or because of—their growing and testy rivalry, Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today appeared with together for a press conference—where they could keep an eye on each other–to announce agreements with two McCormick Place labor unions to re-patch earlier legislated labor reforms that a court had earlier overturned stemming from a union lawsuit. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2011. The thinking among Springfield insiders up until a few weeks had been that the legislature was likely to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto of Commonwealth Edison’s “Smart Grid” bill, a measure that guaranteed the electric giant a rate increase of 6 percentage points over the 30-year Treasury rate to … Continue reading »

If Governor Pat Quinn ever wonders why the public, the press and the legislature find his approach to governing to be incoherent and frustrating, and at times cynical, he needs only to consider his recent whip-lash-inducing turn on behavioral health care policy. Last week Quinn held a bill-signing ceremony at the Alexian Brothers Center for … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — August 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday gave a swift kick in the behind to the Westboro Baptist Church and its unhinged pastor, Fred Phelps. Quinn signed legislation to protect the funerals of military personnel from the disruptive protests of hate groups, such as the 71-member, Kansas-based “church”. Phelps and his equally … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – June 18, 2011. A $30 million clerical “mistake” could end mental health care for tens of thousands of Illinois residents with legislative action by the Illinois Senate next week. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – June 17, 2011. For critics of the Illinois State Government bureaucracy, take note: USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday that the state of Illinois was awarded a $3.4 million bonus for its effective administration of the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program. How often do you hear the words “state of Illinois” and … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – June 16, 2011. The Illinois Senate will return to Springfield in a regular session next Wednesday, June 22, to approve the state capital construction program eagerly sought by Governor Pat Quinn. Continue reading »

GOVERNOR Pat Quinn struggled to assert his political authority and legislative agenda during the just completed spring session of the Illinois General Assembly, drawing public questioning of his political relevance by political commentators and Springfield observers. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – June 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn on Friday evening announced several top appointments to state agencies, including Jay Rowell as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Rowell, who is currently the political director for the Senate President John Cullerton’s Illinois Democratic Senate operation, is a former deputy director in the … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – June 1, 2011. The proposal to add five new casinos and add slot machines at horse racing tracks awaits Governor Pat Quinn’s signature. But Quinn said today at a press conference in Springfield that he has concerns, calling the bill “excessive”. The Governor wants to examine the bill thoroughly – under a … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — May 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan today released a joint statement criticizing Senate Bill 1652. Additionally, Quinn threatened to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk. Put a fork in it. Statement “In the closing days of the legislative session, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren continue to … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – May 28, 2011. The Illinois Senate yesterday approved a comprehensive reform of the Illinois workers compensation system to eliminate abuse and save Illinois businesses $500 million annually. “This reform package is the single most important thing we can do to improve our business climate and ensure our economic recovery continues,” said Senate … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — May 26, 2011. With the clock ticking-and-tocking toward the legislature’s adjournment on May 31, Illinois Democratic and Republican lawmakers put new Illinois legislative maps into play today. After a week of public review, comment and recommendations, Illinois Senate Redistricting Chairman Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) today released adjustments to the legislative redistricting proposal unveiled … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – May 24, 2011. In an effort to keep the names and other information of Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification card-holders secret, the Illinois Senate yesterday voted against weapons registration transparency, seeking to create special rights for gun owners. The senate approved the measure, House Bill 3500, 42-01-02, with 14 senators not voting. The … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) –May 19, 2011. State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) today released the Illinois Senate redistricting proposal for public review. “Today’s release is part of the aggressive effort we’ve taken to engage the public in the redistricting process,” said Raoul, Senate Redistricting Chairman. “Because of the advances and availability of web‐based technology, anyone with an … Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – May 16, 2011. Chicago Democrat Kelly Cassidy was sworn-in today as Illinois’ newest state representative, replacing State Rep. Harry Osterman who assumed his seat as Chicago’s 48th Ward Alderman. Continue reading »

(Skokie, IL) — April 21, 2011. Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) today said that strengthened provisions in his proposed medical marijuana legislation and enhanced cooperation from Republican House leadership has created “excellent” chances for the bill’s passage in the next few weeks. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — April 18, 2011. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced its plans last week to restrict access to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to new applicants with incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level versus the current 500% limit, drawing opposition from top HIV/AIDS activists and an angry reaction from a top Illinois House Democrat. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) – April 15, 2011. Despite a rhetorical assault by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the Illinois Senate yesterday overwhelmingly approved, 54-2, legislation to rein in the legislative overreach of Illinois cemetery reforms that were rushed through the legislature in the wake of the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal in 2009, reforms whose regulatory requirements … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — April 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the introduction of comprehensive education reform legislation: “Education reform has been one of the top priorities for my administration. This bill helps us make sure that we have the best teachers in our classrooms and assures effective teacher performance. This bill … Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – April 14, 2011. After its first 100 days in power, a new national poll finds that U.S. House Republicans have fallen so far out of favor with the American public that it’s entirely possible Democrats could take control of the House back next year, and spell trouble for local Republicans, too. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — April 13, 2011. The Illinois Senate Executive Committee today defeated, 6-7, State Senator David Koehler’s legislation, House Bill 1123, to permit religious-based child welfare agencies to refuse to offer adoption and foster care services to gay and lesbian couples joined in civil unions. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) – April 12, 2011. The CEO of Illinois’ leading gay rights advocacy yesterday unleashed an urgent e-mail to its supporters claiming that gay and lesbian equality was “under attack in Illinois!” – but declined to identify the attacker. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — April 11, 2011. Though Illinois Senate Republicans are taking steps to work with Senate Democrats on the fiscal year 2012 Illinois budget, the GOP’s budget point person would however like to see the Illinois General Assembly fail to reach an agreement on time with Governor Pat Quinn, forcing the legislature into a summer overtime session. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday unveiled a new multi-year, multi-billion road and bridge construction plan that will create 155,000 jobs, according to the governor. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 31, 2011. A budgetary battle could be brewing in the state Capitol, but not necessarily between Republicans and Democrats. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 30, 2011. A bi-partisan group of Illinois House lawmakers are pushing a legislative effort to permanently cut legislative salaries by 10% and deny legislators any future raises. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — March 30, 2011. In an op-ed published yesterday, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) criticized Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed cuts to the Illinois Human Services budget. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 29, 2011. Illinois recent jump in income tax across the board is getting a lot of attention after the leader of Caterpillar Corp. says other states are wooing him to relocate. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — March 29, 2011. As partisan bickering continues on Capitol Hill, the failure to pass necessary federal legislation that provides multi-year federal aid to state highway and transit programs jeopardizes 129,014 jobs in Illinois, according to new research. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 29, 2011. According to partial information of a new released yesterday by the Illinois State Rifle Association, legislation that allows Illinois residents to carry guns enjoys majority support in only two of four Democratic-controlled Illinois state senate districts that were polled and barely mustered a majority in the third. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 28, 2011. Tax money coming into state and local governments in Illinois fell sharply — by $2.2 billion dollars between 2009 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced new chiefs of the Illinois state police and the Illinois Department of Labor while reappointing other top officials. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 25, 2011. Illinois’ regional superintendents are realizing they might not make the cut for state money in Gov. Pat Quinn’s attempt to close the more than $13 billion budget gap. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 18, 2011. Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford today announced that has hired the Executive Director of the Illinois Republican Party, Curt Conrad, to serve as his director of technical support services. Continue reading »

(Springfield, IL) — March 18, 2011. Business and labor groups are meeting to hammer out a plan to pay off the state’s $2.8 billion unemployment debt to the federal government, with both groups apparently sharing in the pain. Continue reading »

(Chicago, IL) — March 17, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today tapped Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Gloria Materre to serve as the Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Continue reading »