Local HIV organizations oppose Rauner’s 2017 budget

By Ruojing Liu Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget for the 2017 fiscal year cuts $7.4 million from the Illinois state general HIV/AIDS fund compared to about $25.4 million last year. The approximate 30 percent cut raised some eyebrows among local organizations that serve the HIV/AIDS community. On February 17, Gov. Rauner proposed a budget for […]

Illinois hopes to emulate other states with new business development partnership

By H. Will Racke Illinois is the latest state to establish a public-private economic development corporation in hopes that it will spur business investment. It’s especially needed now as the state continues to lose jobs and residents to its neighbors. Modeled on similar groups in other states, the new Ilinois Business and Economic Development Corporation […]

State budget cuts leave college students in limbo, some tweet Kanye West for help

CSU Student Video Editing

By Branden Hampton Students and faculty at public colleges are furious about being left without state funding as a result of an eight-month state budget standoff that could force layoffs and program cuts. “[Legislators] can’t continue to use the taxpayers’ money and then look at the taxpayer and say, ‘Well, we don’t have any money.’ […]

Republican takeover proposal frustrates school officials

CPS - Lincoln Park HS

By Morgan Gilbard The financial future of Chicago Public Schools already looked dire to those on the inside before Republican officials proposed a state takeover of the district last week. Now, many opponents see it as a vibrant political circus. “Suggesting the state manage the affairs of Chicago Public Schools is like recommending a cocaine […]

Experts: Rauner reform panel should include formerly incarcerated

cookcountyjail

By Dean DeChiaro Academics and policy wonks said this week they were encouraged by the creation of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform, but called on the governor to bolster its credibility and efficiency by including formerly incarcerated people among its appointees. The commission, which Rauner created by executive order last […]