Metro East Sun

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.

Ives continues her gubernatorial campaign in Southern and Central Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Nov 16, 2017

After visiting Decatur and Rock Island County yesterday, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) is taking her gubernatorial campaign to Central and Southern Illinois to meet with residents and the press in Springfield, Troy and Glen Carbon.

Bourne hails school funding formula as guaranteeing 'better future' for Illinois children

By Hoang Tran | Sep 1, 2017

Illinois students now have access to a fairer and more equitable education, according to Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond), a co-sponsor of the state's new education funding formula, which Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law on Thursday.

Bourne calls on Dems to stop playing games with school funding measure

By Hoang Tran | Jul 26, 2017

It's time to put away childish games, Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) told Democrats in recent remarks regarding state funding of public education.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Rauner sees Illinois business flooding to border states to escape high taxes

By Hoang Tran | Jun 7, 2017

Illinois must improve its economic climate to foster small businesses or it will lose more of its tax base and people to neighboring states, Gov. Bruce Rauner warned in a press conference on Tuesday.

McCarter calls workers' comp bill a far cry from real reform

By Hoang Tran | May 28, 2017

Illinois is weighed down by a mountain of workers' compensation claims, and the state is not going to lift that burden by chipping away at it with a kitchen knife, Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) said recently.

McCarter says Senate failed state with tax hike passage

By Hoang Tran | May 24, 2017

The Senate once again let down the people of Illinois as it passed a $5.4 billion tax hike measure on Tuesday, Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) said.

GOP rep chides chamber: Pick a revenue number and get budget going

By Hoang Tran | May 19, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) chastised the House for its lack of progress on a state budget estimate, calling it a failure of the chamber.

Righter demands bias be barred from any redistricting

By Hoang Tran | May 12, 2017

The possibility of discrimination based on party affiliation must be eliminated in any Illinois redistricting that takes place, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) argued in the chamber on Tuesday.