Illinois

Praying for Our State and Nation

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 29 May 2026 14:00:25 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This week’s episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features highlights from a Springfield prayer gathering that IFI was a part of.

Illinois is in a spiritual battle. Yes, our voices and our votes are important. But, the deeper issue is a lack of repentance and faith in God.

IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, was able to give an address at this prayer gathering.

“Can we not see that God is beginning to curse our blessings?

Illinois is Taking Control Away From Parents: What You Need to Know

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:32 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith sits down with Thomas Hampson to discuss the pending legislation that is aimed at usurping parental rights.

Thomas Hampson is an Air Force veteran where he served as an intelligence analyst in Western Europe. He served as Chief Investigator for the Illinois Legislation Investigative Commission and served on the Chicago Crime Commission as a Board member.

His investigative work led him to start his organization, Truth Alliance Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: DCFS in Illinois

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:00:30 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this important episode of Spotlight, Illinois State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) shares about the upcoming Lame Duck session in the Illinois Legislature and troubling concerns that he sees with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

Rep. Davis has a civil engineering degree, and served as board president for Yorkville’s Parkview Christian Academy.

“The state is running around investigating families and the people leading these investigations are interns who lack the experience.”

JB Pritzker’s Denial vs. His Own Words

David E. Smith — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:46 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is facing criticism after denying that he has ever called Republicans “Nazis.” Pressed by a reporter on Monday, Pritzker insisted,

“That is completely false. I have never called Republicans Nazis. That’s what they’d like to say. They’re lying. They’re lying.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski quickly pushed back:

“Gov. Pritzker is not telling the truth. He is denying his own words, words that Illinoisans heard for themselves.”

The IHSA Does Not Care About Your Daughters

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:05 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) has doubled down on its dedication to allow biological males to compete in girls’ sports.

Not only is IHSA’s decision a violation of President Trump’s February 5 Executive Order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” but it is also a clear indication of one thing:

The IHSA will gladly sacrifice the privacy and safety of your daughters on the altar of radical gender ideology.

Because of the IHSA’s egregious violation of morality and biology, U.S.… Continue Reading

When Scripture on the Illinois House Floor is an Embarrassment

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:00:29 +0000

Written by Ecce Verum

Play

Stop

With all of today’s hubbub about separation of church and state, it’s refreshing to hear someone invoke Scripture on the floor of a state legislature. … Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Pro-Life Powerhouse

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:19 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this special episode, Illinois Family Spotlight highlights interviews with Nancy Valko and Scott Klusendorf regarding the state of Illinois and the End of Life Options Act.

Nancy Valko has served for more than fifty years as a registered nurse, and is the spokeswoman for the National Association of Pro Life Nurses.

Scott Klusendorf is a pro-life advocate– regularly traveling throughout the United States and Canada training pro-life advocates to persuasively defend their views in the public square.… Continue Reading

Can Illinois Become a Red State? All Signs Point to Yes!

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:00:19 +0000

Written by Richard Hartian

Illinois has long been held as a blue state and a powerful one for the far-left liberal cause.

But things are changing. You can feel it in the air and see it in the way people are acting and talking.

Not long ago, conservatives in Illinois often felt and acted as though we needed to hide in the corners. We were grateful when people stood up, but for the most part, we kept quiet.… Continue Reading

Gender Affirming Care & Pritzker’s ‘Trump Proofing’ of Illinois

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:56 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Governor J.B. Pritzker is pledging to “Trump proof” Illinois through keeping Illinois open to transgender surgeries and drugs for minors, which is one of the issues that took center stage during the Presidential campaign.

In this episode of Spotlight, Monte Larrick sits down with Thomas Hampson to discuss Governor Pritzker’s plan and the harmful effects it will have on children.

Thomas Hampson is a contributing writer for IFI serving as an intelligence analyst, U.S.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Assisted Suicide Coming to Illinois

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 11:00:03 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Is legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Illinois really that dangerous?

In this edition of Spotlight, Dr. Stephen Smart will answer that exact question. Dr. Stephen Smart is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Illinois college of medicine, and is in private practice at the Springfield clinic in Peoria.

Illinois Family Institute and other pro-life organizations are actively watching the Illinois state legislature for the inevitability of physician-assisted suicide legislation coming to the state of Illinois.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Should Illinois Legalize Assisted Suicide?

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:00:16 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Should Illinois legalize assisted suicide?

To answer this question, this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight will feature Dr. Benjamin German and the remarks he gave in a special forum on assisted suicide to answer this important question.

Dr. German is a primary caregiver in the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago’s West side. He is also an Illinois Representative in the Academy of Medical Ethics, the biomedical arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Election Breakdown

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:21 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This special episode of Spotlight features IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick as they break down the results of the 2024 election.

Specifically, they will focus on Trump’s policy changes and the state of Illinois– Governor Pritzker’s promise to make Illinois “Trump proof” and how Christians can stay encouraged while living in a very blue state.

“The fact is… the Democratic Party left its base and abandoned middle class workers in America and have embraced and have become the party of college educated elite.”

Illinois Democrats are Bloodthirsty for Child Sacrifice

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:31 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

“Operation Swing State” is in full gear for the upcoming general election on November 5^th.

The goal of this operation? To convert as many people as possible to the pro-child sacrifice side not only in Illinois but also in key swing states like Wisconsin.

NPR Illinois recently covered the work of this operation:

“On a hot sunny day in September, Elizabeth Posner and Mark Steen, two volunteers from Illinois, drove around the politically purplish city of Racine, Wis.,

Make a Difference: Vote Your Opinion on Illinois’ 3 Ballot Initiatives

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 20:00:11 +0000

Written by Fran Eaton

When Illinois voters make their candidate selections on the November 5, 2024, election ballot, they will also be asked their opinions on three advisory questions:

Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?

Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?

SPOTLIGHT: A Legislative Update

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:51 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Spotlight, Monte Larrick sits down with IFI Springfield Lobbyist, David Curtin, in order to get his perspective on the upcoming Illinois legislative sessions.

A bill that has a lot of conservatives in Illinois concerned is SB 3499 (Physician-Assisted Suicide). David Curtin comments,

The assisted suicide legislation is a very coordinated national effort and they’ve already done it in a few other blue states, and Illinois is the next state they usually stop at to try to pass something like this… [Physician Assisted Suicide] would allow physicians to dispense some pills to a person who is diagnose with a terminal illness to kill themselves at home.

You Can Help Clean the Voter Rolls – Part 2

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:05 +0000

Written by Suzanne Rickman

If you read the article from a few months ago about how to remove yourself or a family member from the voter rolls, you learned that there is a form that makes self-removal pretty easy here in Illinois.

After reading that article you may have asked some obvious questions like these:

Is my deceased neighbor, grandparent, or friend still registered to vote?
Is my neighbor’s son who moved out of state 15 years ago still registered at his former Illinois address?

Sanctuary Cities and NGOs: Follow the MONEY! (Part II)

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:00:05 +0000

Written by Nancy Hayes

According to a recent report from WBEZ Chicago, there were unprecedented record numbers of illegals apprehended at the southwest border in the last week of December 2023. In fact, it was reported in the last five days of December alone that over 50,000 illegals crossed our southwest border.

One might ask: when did we decide it would be good for the U.S. to become the number one WELFARE COUNTRY in the world?… Continue Reading

BONUS: A Prayer for Illinois

Jenna Smith — Fri, 06 May 2022 00:58:58 +0000

Today is national day of prayer. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul says that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings (should) be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”… Continue Reading

Pro-Christmas, Pro-Family and Unashamed

David E. Smith — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:00:21 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

For as long as I can remember, Family PAC’s Paul Caprio has strongly urged conservative candidates to send Christmas cards to primary voters in their districts. At first I thought this wasn’t the best use of campaign resources and not a very policy-centric way to communicate to would-be voters. Yet, as I considered the up-side of a pro-Christmas, pro-family mailer, I became convinced of its genius. In fact, I now believe that my initial response severely underestimated it’s importance.… Continue Reading

Freedom Initiative: We The People (Illinois Family Spotlight #272)

Jenna Smith — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:29:57 +0000

In this exclusive edition of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith converses with Nick Richmond, the founder and leader of Freedom Initiative. Freedom Initiative’s mission is to “amplify concerns, educate and instill fundamental values in our growing community of parents, business owners, medical professionals and more.” Learn more about how you can become involved in your own neighborhood by visiting freedominitiative.net.… Continue Reading

A Day With the Baileys Pt. 2 (Illinois Family Spotlight #262)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:48:38 +0000

On this episode of Spotlight, Illinois Family Action presents the second half of Executive Director David Smith’s conversation with Illinois State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy. Sen. Bailey gives us a glimpse into life on a large family farm and shares interesting information about the wealth of vital natural resources that can be found in the southern half of the state. Additionally, Bailey presents his vision and priorities for Illinois, should he be elected governor.After… Continue Reading

A Day With The Baileys (Illinois Family Spotlight #260)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:33 +0000

Written and Produced by Jenna Smith

This episode of Spotlight features two guests that Illinois Family staff is proud to call our friends and allies: State Senator and candidate for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey and his amazing wife Cindy. If you’ve been following Illinois politics, you have doubtless heard of Senator Bailey as he has been on the front lines challenging the legalities of COVID lockdowns and fighting against government schools’ sexualization of our children.… Continue Reading

“It’s Not Education, It’s Perversion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #256)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:21:37 +0000

Kirk Smith, executive director of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE), wonders what will be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back – the backs of Christian parents, even the backs of moral, non-Christian parents – when it comes to deciding to leave the cesspool of government schools? Will it be the recently passed legislation that requires availability of feminine hygiene products in both female and male school restrooms or will it be the mandate to teach hardcore sex education to public school students as early as kindergarten?… Continue Reading

“Demanding Transparency and Accountability” (Illinois Family Spotlight #252)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 25 May 2021 05:54:13 +0000

Those who love the darkness don’t want to come into the light. They flee like so many cockroaches to the shadows. As the Scriptures say, men loved the darkness rather than light, for fear their deeds would be exposed. Newly minted Illinois state senator (and former state representative) Darren Bailey is not one of those swamp roaches. His career in Springfield has been in exposing the utter incompetence, or the rank sinful competence exhibited by Illinois government.… Continue Reading

“Watch and Pray: Previewing the 2020 Election” (Illinois Family Spotlight #223)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 06:30:16 +0000

Election Week is finally here! On this edition of Spotlight, IFA Media Director Monte Larrick and IFA Executive Director David Smith look back at some of the outcomes, at both the state and national level, of the 2016 general and 2018 midterm elections. They consider various hopes and goals for a second Trump administration, as well as potential changes that might arise with a Biden administration. Closer to home, David and Monte also contemplate what the future might hold for the Illinois legislature and House Speaker Michael Madigan.… Continue Reading

“Pushing for Generational Change” (Illinois Family Spotlight #220)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:10:59 +0000

Our election themed podcasts continue with Tom McCullagh, a GOP candidate for the Illinois 49th senate district and a candidate endorsed by Illinois Family Action. McCullagh is one of those highly qualified men running to represent his district against the radical regression Leftists are pushing on Illinois. He joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the 2020 election and how important it is to the future of neighborhoods, the nation, and all the spheres in between.… Continue Reading

“Are There Silver Linings to This Pandemic?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #200)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 26 May 2020 09:41:15 +0000

Our final Spotlight for May features a recent conversation between Monte Larrick and Pastor Dan Haas of Aurora Community Church. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Haas wonders what is God’s message to believers in Christ and what is the Church’s task. Dan stresses the opportunity the pandemic presents to re-evaluate and prepare for what ministry could look like inside and outside of the physical church facility in the months to come. He also emphasizes that Governor Pritzker’s “one size fits all” approach to restrictions is flawed and injurious.… Continue Reading

“The Bill of Rights Has No Emergency Exceptions” (Illinois Family Spotlight #199)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 19 May 2020 09:45:11 +0000

On this edition of Spotlight, the four C’s: Constitution, constitutional rights, churches, and coronavirus share center stage. Our podcast leads off with attorney and constitutional scholar David Shestokas. Monte Larrick and David discuss how Governor J.B. Pritzker has overstepped his authority by issuing coronavirus-related executive orders that masquerade as law. Additionally, they contemplate the Governor’s true motivation, especially as his actions directly target churches, freedom of religion, and the right to peaceably assemble.

Midway through the podcast, Monte and David are joined by Pastor Richard Giovannetti who shares his pastoral perspective on how Illinois’ excessive restrictions are negatively impacting ministry, worship, and fellowship.… Continue Reading

“The 2020 Question: Is the U.S. Government the Final Authority?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #195)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 09:21:42 +0000

The effects of COVID-19 reach far beyond the realm of human health. In Spotlight this week Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and I consider Americans’ right of religious liberty vs. submission to governmental authorities, especially in light of restrictions on “non-essential,” in-person worship services and church gatherings. Should Christians be governed by Hebrews 10:25 or Romans 13 and what is a proper, biblical response to government overreach?

After the break the conversation turns to pending legislation, specifically SB 2762 which would require comprehensive sex ed starting in kindergarten (with NO parental opt-out) and SB 3788 which, among other things, deletes teaching honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage.… Continue Reading

A Genuine Life Leader: Ceasar LeFlore Accepts SpeakOut Illinois Award (Illinois Family Spotlight #193)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 10:11:16 +0000

Yes, the outlook is decidedly bleak in Illinois when it comes to pro-life issues, but the Rev. Ceasar LeFlore declares that pro-life Illinoisans don’t have the option of silence. In accepting the Henry Hyde Life Leadership Award at the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Pastor LeFlore thanks the many men and women who encouraged and discipled him as he answered God’s call to the abortion ministry. Likewise, he encourages and challenges the conference attendees and us to stand up and speak out for the sanctity of the unborn.… Continue Reading

BONUS: How is Illinois Reacting to the COVID-19 Pandemic? (Illinois Family Spotlight Special)

Benjamin D. Smith — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:44:01 +0000

This special edition of Spotlight features a timely interview with Southern Illinois Republican Senator Paul Schimpf on NewsRadio WJPF in Herrin, Illinois. Senator Schimpf lends his opnion and insight into how Illinois is treating the Coronavirus pandemic, if they are going overboard, doing too little, or possibly adding unnecessary government programs in relief packages.

Our thanks to WJPF for letting us use this interview.… Continue Reading

“Parental Rights, Religious Liberty and American History” (Illinois Family Spotlight #187)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 10:00:55 +0000

Latasha Fields, founder and director of CHESS – Christian Home Educators Support System, joins IFI executive director David Smith on this edition of Spotlight. In the first half of the podcast, David and Latasha discuss egregious legislation pending in the Illinois General Assembly that aims to eviscerate parental rights and eliminate religious liberty.

State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) recently introduced HB 4870 would mandate the HPV vaccination for ALL Illinois students at the 6^th grade level.… Continue Reading

“Merry Christmas! Illinois Lawmakers Gift You More Drugs and Gambling” (Illinois Family Spotlight 176)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:00:54 +0000

This spotlight features an interview with ILCAAAP’s Anita Bedell to discuss seemingly increased vice in Illinois, or maybe just more exposed government corruption. Anita Bedell talks with Monte Larrick about more casinos therefore more gambling, how to fight commercial marijuana, and their combination link to corruption in politics.… Continue Reading

“They Got Everything They Wanted and More” (Illinois Family Spotlight #153)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 09:00:45 +0000

This edition of Spotlight features a Townhall event where former state rep Jeanne Ives and current State Rep John Cabello recapped the 2019 spring legislative session with an eye for the “bi-partisan” budget, gas tax, a pay raise for legislators, and other mind numbingly stupid laws only Illinois could conceive.… Continue Reading

“It Really Comes Down to A Money Issue” (Illinois Family Spotlight #145)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 07 May 2019 07:00:10 +0000

This edition of spotlight features comments from Jeanne Ives, a former Illinois state representative and gubernatorial candidate.

Ives discusses the potential negative fiscal impact of legalizing marijuana, Illinois economic potential and incompetence.… Continue Reading

“So, You Want to Go On Offense?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #133)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 08:00:51 +0000

David Avignone, the Executive Director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss Illinois’ ethical woes.

They discuss the link between ethical politics and the ethics of supporting abortion, the Chicago mayoral race, bubble zones, what ICE-PAC is up to, combating the tremendous amount of money spent by pro-abortion candidates, and Illinois republicans collective lack of spine and leadership in taking on abortion.

Check out the Illinois Family Institute’s upcoming events here.… Continue Reading

“The Politics of Racial Grievance” (Illinois Family Spotlight #128)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:00:30 +0000

This episode features a discussion on a divided humanity, and a divided Church. Dr. Eric Wallace from the Freedom’s Journal Institute joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to converse on the apparent stifling of black residents in Illinois, and two new FJI projects: Racism in America and the Role of the Church, and Repent Chicago.

They also touch on what the Bible says about racism, the origin of man, how faith affects politics, and the history of addressing the problem of slavery.… Continue Reading

“State of the State” (Illinois Family Spotlight #122)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 08:00:22 +0000

This podcast features a presentation by one of Illinois’ finest: Jeanne Ives. Current State Representative Ives gave a presentation in Rockford describing where Illinois stands after the 2018 midterms and what conservatives can do in the next few years to regain control. In the second half, Jeanne fields questions from the audience.… Continue Reading

“Post-Election Mortem Part 2” (Illinois Family Spotlight #121)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:00:51 +0000

This second podcast on the 2018 midterms drills deeper into what happened in Illinois and what is on the horizon.

Richard Hartian joins David Smith and Monte Larrick for an informative, intellectual conversation on the state of Illinois and what’s next.

Take action! Please call your state lawmakers and ask them to oppose SB 3249, the LGBT indoctrination bill.… Continue Reading

More Madigan-Generated Woes Expected for Illinois, Editorial Board Says

Admin — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 09:00:16 +0000

Written by Carol Ostrow

Even as Gov. Bruce Rauner continues to strive toward a potential state budget solution, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) “delays and offers nothing,” the Chicago Tribune recently reported while continuing its coverage of Illinois’ hemorrhaging finances.

Editors at the newspaper have bemoaned the probability that the ringing in of the spring legislative session means “still more menacing news to Illinois,” stating that the newest proof of systemic breakdown lies neither in the impotent stopgap spending plan, nor in the recent mass outmigration from the Land of Lincoln, where population losses recently exceeded those of any other state.

It’s Just A Game, State Workers

Admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:00:40 +0000

Written by Pat Hughes

It’s bad enough that, after decades of Mike Madigan’s leadership, the state can’t pay its bills. But now, his daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, wants to take away the ability of state workers to pay their own bills.

Throughout the bitter dispute over the state budget, Madigan-Nemesis Governor Bruce Rauner has worked to keep the state government running so that core services are not completely shut down. The Governor has made clear that paying state workers for work that they do, while working to pass a balanced budget, is a top priority.… Continue Reading

Critics Say ‘House of Madigan’ Continues to Play by Own Rules

Admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:51:00 +0000

Written by the Chicago City Wire

Several Illinois legislators have responded to the House’s latest capitulation to longtime Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), decrying the body’s utter lack of independence or apparent motivation to value representation of home jurisdictions over the speaker’s sway.

Following the state House’s vote, Madigan’s standard menu of mandates was approved yet again as he keeps a three-fifths majority in the House. The results incited strong reactions among officials and members of both political parties.

Think Tank, State Reps Propose Budget Solutions 2018 Plan to Close $7.1 Billion Deficit

Admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 10:00:03 +0000

Written by the Chicago City Wire

The Illinois Policy Institute is proposing a budget conservative group leaders contend would put an end to the state’s nearly two-year impasse, closing a $7.1 billion deficit without adding any new taxes.

The Budget Solutions 2018 plan calls for comprehensive property tax reform — which Illinois Policy Institute execs insist amounts to $3.4 billion in savings — by taking simple steps like freezing property taxes over the next five years and putting an end to state subsidies and mandates that, the group argues, needlessly drive up the cost of government.

Frustrated Illinois Manufacturer Flees to Indiana’s ‘Affordable Shore’ Next Door

Admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:00:10 +0000

From the Chicago City Wire

The president of a company that moved from Illinois to Indiana said recently on a Chicago radio talk show that he looks back on Illinois and hopes one day the state will get its act together.

“It’s kind of a double-edge sword,” Hoist Lifttruck President Vincent Flaska said during a recent edition of “Illinois Rising.” “I still live in Illinois, and I want to see Illinois succeed. But the problem that they have is that they need to get rid of how their tax credits function.

Is New Auditor General Frank Mautino The Next Illinois Corruption Crisis?

Admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 10:00:42 +0000

Written by Adam Andrzejewski

After Illinois Auditor General William Holland retired last fall, three years into his third ten-year term, the General Assembly appointed state representative Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) as his replacement. Mautino, the former Deputy Leader in the general assembly, was the anointed pick of powerful House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-Chicago).

But for one state senator and 10 mostly freshman state representatives, the Mautino appointment vote exposed the bipartisan corruption that is Illinois politics.