As Emanuel Fights for Political Life, Aldermen Show Independence

via Chicago Sun-Times “Chicago aldermen emboldened by a once-powerful but now wounded Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday questioned just about everything on the agenda of the City Council’s Finance Committee. Routine matters that once sailed through without a whimper were…

Only in Illinois: Driving a Truck Through Illinois Campaign Contribution Limit Loopholes

via Reboot Illinois “In 2011,  lawmakers passed the state’s first-ever Illinois campaign contribution limit law. It was a direct reaction to the pay-to-play scandals revealed in the trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Full details of the law are listed…

State Labor Board to Hear Chicago Teachers Union Complaint

via Chicago Tribune   “A state labor panel said last week that it will hold a hearing later this month on a complaint from the Chicago Teachers Union alleging Chicago Public Schools has failed to make good on salary increases…

Once A Democratic Darling, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Suffers Political Misfortune

Via National Public Radio “Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is in the fight of his political life. Some want him to resign. Others want a recall election. Allies, including the governor of Illinois, have distanced themselves from him. Things came to…

Illinois Population Trend Could Lead to One Fewer Congressional Seat for State

via Belleville News “For the second year in a row, the U.S. Census Bureau is estimating Illinois’ population decreased, a trend that could lead to the state losing a congressional seat. In U.S. Census Bureau estimates released last month, Illinois’…

Illinois Budget Battle Glossed Over Ahead of Bond Sale

via Reuters “Illinois’ ongoing state budget battle is being downplayed by Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration ahead of a $480 million bond sale – the state’s first in 20 months. An impasse between the Republican governor and Democratic lawmakers has left…

Black Firefighters Ask Feds to Investigate Hiring at Chicago Fire Department

  via Chicago Tribune “An organization representing African-American firefighters and paramedics on Thursday asked the U.S. Department of Justice to expand its probe of the Chicago Police Department to include the Fire Department, saying hiring and disciplinary practices there are…

Rauner Admin and AFSCME Clash Over Memo Highlighting Pay Plan

ICPR Board Chair Susan Garrett is quoted in this article. via Illinois News Network “Illinois’ governor proposing rewarding state workers who take fewer sick days is causing the state’s largest employees union to cry foul. A memo the governor’s office…

New Auditor General Kept Campaign Fund Active

  ICPR Board Chair Susan Garrett is quoted in this article via Illinois Times “Illinois auditor general Frank Mautino continued collecting campaign contributions and spending money after the General Assembly voted to put him in charge of auditing state agencies to…

Illinois Sunshine Weekly Update 1.7.2016