As Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed to eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries, a new University of Illinois study suggests the idea hurts cities more than it helps families.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce president says it’s essential to keep in place guidelines for DEI
Illinois’ Black business leaders say while they have made progress … they still need some protection.… MORE
Some Illinois lawmakers want to do something about unregulated hemp products
Defenders of the cannabis industry say bad actors saw an opening with unregulated hemp – and drove right through it.… MORE
Health care workers rally at state capitol for safe staffing issues
Health care workers crowded the Capitol Thursday, hoping for some listening ears – and some more co-workers.… MORE
Proposed bill would expand coverage of cancer screenings in Illinois
More Illinoisans would have access to preventive cancer measures, if a bill in the Illinois Senate becomes law.… MORE
Leaders in Springfield provide contrasting views of Illinois to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
It was a tale of two states Wednesday, when the four legislative leaders – one at a time – addressed members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce at a conference in Springfield.… MORE
Illinois Grocery Initiative is entering a new phase
Gov. JB Pritzker says state grants will help stand up new stores in food deserts and make healthy foods accessible to more Illinoisans.… MORE
Bill to pause construction of carbon sequestration has passed an Illinois House committee
There is no shortage of discussion at the Capitol about carbon. It’s the subject of a bill which has passed an Illinois House committee.… MORE
Moratorium on building carbon sequestration pipelines passes Illinois House committee
There is no shortage of discussion at the Capitol about carbon. It’s the subject of a bill which has passed an Illinois House committee.… MORE
Gordon-Booth: Illinois State Police Hiring Effort Offering $90k+ for New Troopers
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – Upon completion of the Illinois State Police academy, a new trooper can make slightly more than $90,000 in their first year on the job. That’s the word from State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth who helped with a recent bill that upped ay and benefits for new troopers. The upcoming cadet application deadline…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…