State Politics Roundup: Rauner, Amazon And The Springfield Exodus

Illinois Capitol
A 2016 file photo of Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Seth Perlman / Associated Press
Illinois Capitol
A 2016 file photo of Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Seth Perlman / Associated Press

State Politics Roundup: Rauner, Amazon And The Springfield Exodus

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While it was a somewhat of a quiet week in Springfield, many of the state’s political stories are playing out behind the scenes. 

Governor Rauner’s recent decision to sign HB40, a bill that strengthens abortion coverage for women on Medicaid, has put him at odds with many lawmakers and voters in his party and has raised questions about his ability to win a second term in office. 

Meanwhile, the Democrats who have lined up to run against the governor have been speaking up about the push for an Amazon headquarters in Chicago. 

In the state legislature, the number of lawmakers who are deciding not to seek re-election continues to increase. The latest to announce he’s leaving politics is David Harris, a Republican from Arlington Heights. 

Morning Shift spoke with WBEZ state politics reporters Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney about these and other stories.