Solar power advocates renew push for standalone bill outside of energy omnibus

By Hannah Meisel  - February 27, 2020

Illinois’ solar industry is sounding the alarm on a dwindling source of state money that supports hundreds of solar energy projects, leading renewable energy advocates to warn of a solar energy “bust.”

Guzzardi takes another swing at prescription drug affordability bill

By Hannah Meisel  - February 26, 2020

Fresh off of a legislative win capping the price of insulin in Illinois, State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) and State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) are working to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which would limit what Illinoisans would

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County commissioners blast state proposal to merge Forest Preserves police with Sheriff’s Office

By Alex Nitkin and Hannah Meisel  - February 26, 2020

Cook County leaders vowed Tuesday to fight a proposed state law that would merge the independent police department for the county Forest Preserves District with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Video gaming industry goes all-in on campaign cash for Harmon

By Hannah Meisel  - February 25, 2020

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) raked in $95,000 in campaign contributions from six major players in Illinois’ video gaming industry, including operators, a gaming parlor chain and the umbrella association that protects video gaming interests, according to reports filed

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Morning briefing — Delgado receives $20K from 36th Ward PAC; Pritzker won’t sit for deposition in campaign suit: Judge

By Hannah Meisel  - February 25, 2020

State Rep. Eva Dina-Delgado (D-Chicago) received her first significant campaign contribution last week from a source other than herself, as endorsements from outside groups begin to mount. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled that discovery in a discrimination lawsuit against Gov.

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Pappas calls on state lawmakers to extend ‘grace period’ for delinquent taxes

By Alex Nitkin  - February 25, 2020

Cook County property owners would get an extra four months to pay delinquent taxes before their land is put up for sale under a state bill championed by county Treasurer Maria Pappas.

What happens when only 1 person in government knows how to use a state database?

By Hannah Meisel  - February 24, 2020

Officials at the Illinois Department of Public Health and Health Facilities and Services Review Board improperly steered a contract job to a former employee, according to a report published Friday by the Executive Ethics Commission.

Act now to combat climate change by changing how Illinois uses energy: environmental advocates

By Heather Cherone  - February 24, 2020

Lawmakers must act this spring to change the way Illinois residents use and pay for energy as part of an effort to fight climate change before new rules that favor power generated by fossil fuels take effect, environmental advocates said

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Illinois’ economy may sour soon, Moody’s warns

By Hannah Meisel  - February 21, 2020

Gov. JB Pritzker’s $42 billion spending plan may have gotten a mixed reception — but both Republicans and Democrats have their fingers crossed revenue from the state’s income tax will continue to flood state coffers. Senior officials in Pritzker’s budget

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Lightfoot rejects push to include homeless funding in real estate transfer tax plan

By Heather Cherone  - February 20, 2020

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday she would oppose an effort to hike the Real Estate Transfer Tax to fund efforts to fight homelessness in Chicago, saying the money was needed to fill Chicago’s yawning budget deficit.