School Funding Bill Compromise: ‘CPS Got Bailed Out and We Made Promises We Can’t Keep’

Written by John Biver

Earlier this month, the Illinois General Assembly approved a school funding bill compromise that Governor Bruce Rauner supports. The Illinois News Network reports:

“For far too long, too many low-income students in our state have been trapped in underfunded, failing schools,” Rauner said in a statement. “The system needed to change. We have changed it. We have put aside our differences and put our kids first. It’s a historic day for Illinois.”

Conservative Republican State Senator Dan McConchie had this to say:

There are many things I wish this legislation included (or didn’t include), but for the first time in two years there was a real effort in the legislature to set aside politics and negotiate a real agreement.

Speaker Madigan Blocks State Rep. Jeanne Ives Call for Property Tax Task Force

Written by John Biver

It isn’t big news that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) prevents bills he prefers not to have a hearing or to bfted on do not receive a hearing or get a vote. That has been the case for decades. An increasing number of over-burdened taxpayers are learning that what Madigan wants, he gets.

Why he wants Illinois in such bad shape is anyone’s guess.

During a special summer session of the Illinois General Assembly, Rep.… Continue Reading

Rep. Ives Blasts House Dems, Says Illinoisans Don’t Want Massive Tax Hike

Written by John Biver

On Monday, the Illinois News Network featured as its top story the above headline with this lead:

State Rep. Jeanne Ives blasted her Democrat colleagues in the Illinois House for removing her as chief sponsor of a Senate bill that would increase taxes on Illinoisans by $5.4 billion.

For the record, Illinois Representative Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) is a staunch opponent of tax increases. So why in the world would she sponsor a tax increase?… Continue Reading

Will Illinois Republican Politicians Lead or Raise Taxes?

Written by John Biver

Pat Hughes from “Upstream Ideas” recently recorded a scathing short video slamming state Senate Republican Minority Leader Christine Radogno for her participation in the crafting of a budget “compromise” which includes a tax increase on Illinois families. That video can be seen here: ‘Republican’ Minority Leader Radogno Looking Out For Herself Not You.

It should be noted that Sen. Radogno has been the senate GOP leader since 2009, and was recently reelected to that position by her fellow Republicans.… Continue Reading

Illinois Held Hostage to a Grand Bargain

Written by State Representative Jeanne Ives

No one should be surprised that group think instead of rational choices surround the 13 interconnected bills of the “Grand Bargain.” It is wholly predictable given the longevity of the Illinois Senate leaders involved. They’ve been working together for nearly 2 decades. They put in place many of the policies that are now taking a toll on our state.

They are the beneficiaries of generous pensions when they retire, excessive pay for their part-time jobs, and the public attention and stature of the positions they hold. … Continue Reading

Illinois’ GOP(P): Pro-Abort, Pro-Gay Marriage

Written by Pastor John Kirkwood