Illinois lawmakers pass election-year $46 billion budget and anti-crime bills
The plan, muscled through in a marathon overnighter, includes more than $1.8 billion in tax relief in what Democrats hope will burnish fall electoral hopes.
Dave McKinney
Reporter, Government and Politics
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Illinois Democrats announce a budget deal offering more than $1.8 billion in tax relief
Gov. JB Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders announced the spending plan Thursday, with aims to pass it on the final scheduled day of session.
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House Democrats pitch $1.4 billion in tax cuts for those who ‘need help the most’
Checks to low-income Illinoisans and a “permanent expansion” of the Earned Income Tax Credit are part of a proposal Gov. JB Pritzker quickly embraced.
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Illinois Democrats are under pressure for legislative action to fight crime
Republicans are making the handling of crime, from Gov. JB Pritzker on down the ticket, a major theme of this year’s elections.
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A lawsuit alleges a clout-heavy company fraudulently collected millions from Illinois
The allegations in a newly unsealed whistleblower lawsuit target Brian Hynes, a lawyer with close ties to disgraced ex-Ald. Danny Solis.
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Chicago is considering a bid for the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth are behind the push, according to a strategist.
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After the Madigan charges, Democrats lack an appetite for new ethics reform this spring
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and legislative Democratic leadership say progress has already been made. But some reform groups and GOP members say it’s not enough.
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Eight Republicans and a Democratic primary challenger file to run for governor
The Republican primary elections for Illinois governor and attorney general are shaping up to be competitive.
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Ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is indicted on federal racketeering charges
Federal prosecutors alleged the longtime Springfield power broker and former state Democratic Party leader ran a criminal enterprise dubbed “The Madigan Enterprise.” And Gov. JB Pritzker was interviewed by the feds recently.
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Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin’s firms have $86 million in companies making guns and ammunition
The founder of Citadel, the hedge fund and financial services behemoth, has hit Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker on rising crime. Griffin’s critics call these investments and holdings “hypocritical.”
