Metro East Sun

'We have to take this state back,' Hildenbrand says after GOP victory

By Karen Kidd | Mar 22, 2018

After her decisive victory in the GOP primary in the 57th Senate District, Tanya Hildenbrand is looking ahead to November's election and her run to claim the seat being vacated by Sen. James Clayborne (D-Belleville).

Madison County voters to decide on General Assembly candidates and 1 percent sales tax hike in election

By Karen Kidd | Mar 2, 2018

A 1 percent sales tax increase and who will take four seats in the General Assembly is high on the minds of Madison County voters going into the general primary election on March 20.

From Prairie State Wire

Better Government Association says Obama didn't say fathers in the home is a solution to gun violence -- but he did

By Karen Kidd | 7 years ago

Sometimes the fact-checker needs a good fact-checking.

Madison County first responders 'excited' for Illinois' decision to join FirstNet, official says

By Karen Kidd | Jan 23, 2018

Madison County emergency management professionals are enthusiastic about Illinois' decision last month to join a nationwide federal-enhanced wireless broadband network, a local emergency management official said during a recent interview.

CPS employees accused of misusing gift cards should pay restitution, Daiber says

By Karen Kidd | Jan 17, 2018

Chicago Public Schools employees who allegedly "stole or misappropriated" school-purchased gift cards need to pay that money back, Bob Daiber, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said during a recent interview.

Belleville resident calls Ameren's smart-meter plan a bad idea

By Karen Kidd | Jan 15, 2018

Belleville resident Walter Krushall says he's done enough research to know the smart meter that Ameren Illinois wants to install at his house – or charge him $20 a month if he opts out – is bad news.

Meier rival calls record income tax hike a breaking point

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2017

Madison County Board member Donald Moore wants to unseat incumbent Rep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville) after Meier supported a record-setting 32 percent state income tax hike this summer.

Belleville turns tables on Stockley protests, offers banquet to those in blue

By Karen Kidd | Sep 25, 2017

The gathering of a relatively small group of protesters in downtown Belleville on Sunday was the perfect time to provide lunch for the city's police department, a local Republican executive committee member said.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Madison County votes to limit taxing authority by wide margin

By Karen Kidd | Feb 19, 2017

A referendum proposal approved by Madison County voters to limit their tax rate hasn't received much press, but it is a good example of how taxing and spending should be handled by voters — rather than lawmakers — a conservative think tank senior fellow said during a recent Chicago radio show.

Analyst: Rauner should call out AFSCME for insincerity in contract talks

By Karen Kidd | Jan 30, 2017

The state's largest government-employee union is using delay-and-obstruct tactics in contract talks with state officials, and a recent restraining order issued by a friendly judge plays right into the union's hands, the marketing manager of a conservative think tank said on a recent radio talk show.

Belleville a microcosm of state's population loss, partisan turmoil

By Karen Kidd | Dec 26, 2016

Belleville's economic and population troubles mirror the state's problems, on a smaller scale, with people and businesses leaving to find better opportunities elsewhere, two co-hosts said on a recent radio talk show.

After retaining District 12 Congressional seat, Bost calls for constitutional renaissance

By Karen Kidd | Nov 9, 2016

The federal government needs to return to governing via powers granted by the Constitution, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost said shortly after Southern Illinois voters decided Tuesday to send him back to Washington for another term in the 12th Congressional District House seat.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.