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From Prairie State Wire

Illinois officials report 1,072 coronavirus deaths, with 25,733 confirmed cases

By Hoang Tran | 4 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.

Sen. Righter opposes "unethical" salary raise for lawmakers

By Hoang Tran | Jul 5, 2019

Giving lawmakers a pay raise from the pockets of taxpayers is unethical, State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) asserted in a recent statement.

Righter touted school funding formula as way to help poor families in lllinois

By Hoang Tran | Sep 3, 2017

The new education funding reform model passed by the General Assembly last week will be a positive paradigm shift in how the state handles and funds its schools, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) contended during Senate debate.

Righter bemoans lost compromise as Senate overrides Rauner on school bill

By Hoang Tran | Aug 14, 2017

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) chastised Senate Democrats for their efforts on Sunday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of the state's K-12 funding bill, suggesting that Democrats came close to meeting Republicans halfway but then turned away.

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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Harrisburg native outraged by city salaries, sees little concern for citizens

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

For Donald Bryant, a recent article in the SE Illinois News was a wake-up call.

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.

Statehouse on lockdown after mysterious white powder thrown at governor's office

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

The Statehouse was on security lockdown early on Thursday after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the lieutenant governor's office and the House gallery.

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.

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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.

GOP made room for Dem demands, came up with fair budget, Righter says

By Hoang Tran | Jun 14, 2017

A budget and reform proposal that Republican lawmakers unveiled on Wednesday is a fair and balanced compromise that will reduce spending and fund Illinois, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) says.

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.”