Democratic candidates trade digs at the first televised Illinois gubernatorial forum

By Elizabeth Beyer Democratic candidates with an eye on winning Gov. Bruce Rauner’s title took fire at each other Tuesday night for the first televised debate of the gubernatorial race. The debate signaled a growing rivalry between candidates that include billionaire financier J. B. Pritzker, State Senator Daniel Biss and businessman Chris Kennedy as the […]

Gov. Rauner Proposes Nearly $200 Million in Budget Cuts for Community Care Program

Community Care

By Shen Wu Tan Gov. Rauner’s second budget proposed to cut nearly $200 million from the Community Care Program, which provides homecare services for seniors. If passed, these budget cuts would impact approximately 44,000 seniors according to the Service Employees International Union Healthcare. “The Community Care program is a trusted program that has kept seniors […]

Former Gov. Quinn urges Rauner to pass MAP grant funding bill

By Yingxu Jane Hao Recipients of the Monetary Award Program (MAP) tuition grants from over 130 colleges and universities in Illinois might be the next victims of the state budget deadlock. The program, funded through Senate Bill 2043, is likely to be stalled since Governor Bruce Rauner said he would veto the bill. As Springfield […]

Rauner pleads to Assembly on budget, gets booed by hundreds of protesters

Springfield protesters

By Morgan Gilbard Gov. Bruce Rauner’s annual budget address to the Legislature was upstaged by approximately 400 protesters who stormed the State Capitol on Wednesday afternoon and booed the governor upon his departure. The protesters’ chants condemning higher education cuts were audible from inside the General Assembly chamber, where Rauner tried to placate Democrats with […]

Illinois college students hold rally for grants funding (video)

By Xiao Lyu Students from about 15 colleges and universities throughout Illinois rallied at the Thompson Center on Tuesday, asking Gov. Bruce Rauner to fund the Monetary Award Program, or MAP, that thousands of students rely on to help pay college tuition.