Posts Tagged ‘ budget ’

Cullerton moves to repeal video poker

March 16, 2011

In what is described as a surprise move, Illinois Sen. President John Cullerton today moved to repeal a 2009 law that made video gambling machines legal in Illinois. The move would create a budget hole of about $534 million, the Chicago Sun-Times reported this afternoon. The law was resisted by cities, including Chicago, which...

Steans: State death penalty was flawed

By Patrick Boylan

March 14, 2011

Illinois State Sen. Heather Steans discusses two hot topics in an e-mail blast to constituents this week. First, she notes the signing by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn of the Death Penalty repeal. “I supported the repeal for two primary reasons,” she says. First, Illinois’ system has been flawed. 20 men have been exonerated from their convictions,...

Steans: Arts Council budget to increase $2M

By Patrick Boylan

March 11, 2011

Illinois State Sen. Heather Steans told Chicago Talks the Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to increase funding for the Illinois Arts Council by $2 million in the next fiscal year. The budget “is $1.5 billion out of balance,” she warned, noting that increases aren’t guaranteed. Read Chicago Talks.

Harris says cuts are coming

By Patrick Boylan

March 6, 2011

Illinois Rep. Greg Harris reports the Illinois House will begin its deliberations on the controversial budget proposed by IL Gov. Pat Quinn. The IL House is using different revenue numbers than the governor, a fact you can see in the second paragraph of Harris’ release. Springfield is likely to see many people descend upon it...

Cullerton discusses tax increase, budget (video)

By Patrick Boylan

January 7, 2011

A plan to raise Illinois individual taxes to 5.25 percent, a 75 percent rate increase that will raise $6 billion, is backed by IL Sen. President John Cullerton (D- Ravenswood Manor)

TIFs drain 59¢ of every commercial property tax dollar in Ravenswood

By Patrick Boylan

November 28, 2010

TIFs drain 59¢ of every commercial property tax dollar in Ravenswood

TIFs, which encompass most of the commercial property of Ravenswood, take 59¢ of every dollar of property tax revenue in their district.

201 Miles to Springfield: Some Aldermen not sharing the pain: Chicago News Coop

By Patrick Boylan

November 18, 2010

While Mayor Richard Daley has taken 25 furlough days off this year, reducing his pay by nearly ten percent, some aldermen are not cooperating, according to a study by the Chicago News Cooperative.

201 Miles to Springfield: Emanuel, Chico, Braun critisize parking meter deal

By Patrick Boylan

November 11, 2010

The Chicago Tribune’s Clout Street reports yesterday that three mayoral prospects critisized the parking meter deal and the use of its proceeds. According to Clout Street Emanuel (D-Old Ravenswood) said the meter lease “didn’t work.” “I do have a problem because the money was not used for its original intended purpose, which was to...