Will County Gazette

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois officials report 1,072 coronavirus deaths, with 25,733 confirmed cases

By Hoang Tran | 5 years ago

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois numbered 25,733 as of April 17, with the total number of deaths linked to the virus reaching 1,072, according to data from the state Department of Public Health (IDPH).Chicago (6,648 cases) and Cook County (4,767 cases) posted the highest numbers statewide.

Batinick: Chicago gets cake, rest of state eats crumbs of school funding

By Hoang Tran | Aug 11, 2017

For a state K-12 school funding measure, Senate Bill 1 was so unfair in its original form that a kindergarten student could have done the math, Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) suggested recently on “Illinois Rising.”

Durkin demands school funding bill be sent to Rauner

By Hoang Tran | Jul 25, 2017

Illinois Democrats are holding back education funding as a malicious form of political gamesmanship, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) suggested at a press conference on Monday with Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has called legislators back for a second special legislative session.

Letting pension system fail described as tough love for Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Mike “Mish” Shedlock, who runs the blog “MishTalk.com,” believes imposing more taxes on Illinoisans with the biggest pensions can solve the pension crisis.

Rauner shake-up follows in wake of perceived political defeat

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office has lost or terminated 21 staffers in the wake of the passage of a contentious budget plan and an unpopular tax hike on July 6, which many saw as a major political defeat for Rauner and many GOP lawmakers.

Rauner changes communication staff as part of rebranding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Batinick says Andersson made tough choice, paid the price

By Hoang Tran | Jul 11, 2017

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) expressed disappointment but not surprise after hearing that Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) was asked to step down as House GOP floor leader on Monday.

Policy institute exec joins Rauner in crusade to save taxpayers

By Hoang Tran | Jul 10, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner is bringing in a "champion" to fight for Illinoisans.

Veto override gives Illinois first budget in two years

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

Statehouse on lockdown after mysterious white powder thrown at governor's office

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

The Statehouse was on security lockdown early on Thursday after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the lieutenant governor's office and the House gallery.

Senate rushes votes on budget bills

By Hoang Tran | Jul 4, 2017

On Independence Day, the Senate approved three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.

Durkin laments loss of compromise as House passes plan to hike taxes

By Hoang Tran | Jul 3, 2017

When the Illinois House passed a 33 percent income tax increase as the new fiscal year was beginning, the action drew opposition from many Republicans, including House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs).

Income tax hike passes Illinois House

By Hoang Tran | Jul 2, 2017

The Illinois House passed a contentious and divisive tax revenue bill on Sunday vigorous debate and little Republican support.

Brady nominated to replace Radogno as Senate GOP Leader

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

Radogno sends shockwave with sudden resignation from Senate

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

In a surprise announcement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) resigned her position and the Senate effective Saturday.

Wehrli chides Madigan for 'hostage' comments on Rauner

By Hoang Tran | Jun 26, 2017

Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) admonished House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) on Monday for accusing Gov. Bruce Rauner of pushing an extreme right-wing agenda by demanding a property tax freeze.

'Out of the moon' property taxes keep businesses out of Illinois, Batinick contends

By Hoang Tran | Jun 25, 2017

The south suburbs of Chicago are the ideal place for business growth, but no one wants to move there because the property taxes will keep them before they can get established, Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) argued in a House panel debate on Friday.

Rauner urges political unity to save the future of Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jun 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

Rauner, GOP bemoan budget breakdown, blame bickering Democrats

By Hoang Tran | Jun 9, 2017

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

Republicans say workers' comp bill hurts those it should protect

By Hoang Tran | Jun 2, 2017

A House measure that would supposedly offer more protection for workers would actually cause them more harm and damage businesses as well, several Republican lawmakers said after passage of House Bill 2525 on Wednesday.