( KTRS ) Governor Bruce Rauner has postponed the November 18th budget summit because a family matter will prevent House Speaker Michael Madigan from attending. The change came shortly after Madigan, released a statement saying he needed to attend an out-of-state family funeral next week. The much-anticipated meeting will be the first time in months that…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Five leading Illinois business groups are urging Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders to skip the public budget negotiation they’ve scheduled for next week. In a letter released Thursday, the business leaders say a public meeting over the 18-week budget holdup would prevent “sincere and constructive” conversation necessary for successful negotiation.…
(KTRS ) Illinois Lottery ticket sales have plummeted since lottery officials announced delaying payouts over $600 because of the state budget impasse. Numbers show that gross sales for instant and Powerball tickets in October were the lowest yet in 2015. last month the Illinois lottery announced that anyone winning over $600 wouldn’t get their money…
OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. (AP) – After the Mississippi River flooded four years ago, more than 100 Illinois families agreed to sell their homes to the government for demolition so they could move to higher ground. With the paperwork finally coming together last spring on a partial state match for the buyouts of 111 properties, many…
( KTRS ) Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration says it’s taking steps in three areas to “compromise” while the Republican remains deadlocked with legislative Democrats over a budget. Rauner’s office says it has reached an agreement with labor and business unions on proposed unemployment insurance changes. The administration also said it would ease restrictions on who…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois House Democrats have relented and sent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a federal spending plan that doesn’t include state dollars. After nearly an hour’s debate Wednesday on a measure that frees up federal money despite Illinois not having a state budget, the plan failed. It needed 71 votes to pass and…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois lawmakers have approved legislation that would grant amnesty to underage drinkers who call 911 to get help. The plan would provide legal protection to the person in need of medical help and the person who called on their behalf. The legislation would also grant police officers discretion to determine whether…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly are returning to Springfield to continue wrestling over a state budget deficit. The Senate will meet Tuesday to hear testimony on the impact of a state-imposed freeze on local property taxes. That’s one of the issues Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is pushing. The Legislature…
Belleville, IL ( KTRS ) – Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner received a mixed reception during a southern Illinois stop meant to build public support for his legislative agenda. Union protesters jeered the first-term Republican at a Belleville farm market. It was the second of two Rauner rallies Monday afternoon before the Illinois General Assembly returns…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan says the Illinois House will consider changes to the state’s workers’ compensation insurance system when it reconvenes Thursday. Madigan put out a release Wednesday noting overhauling workers’ compensation is one of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s top priorities. Madigan says considering the legislation shows lawmakers are “willing to…