Dupage Policy Journal

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.

Ives argues Illinois needs jobs, not tax hike that hurts hard workers

By Hoang Tran | Jul 3, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) called the tax hike measure that passed the House on Sunday evening the “wrong plan at the wrong time,” asserting that it does little to help taxpayers.

Breen calls tax hike part of a blackmail budget

By Hoang Tran | Jul 3, 2017

A $5.4 billion tax hike bill is a “blackmail budget” that offers no reforms to get Illinois out of its deep troubles, Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) told the House on Sunday before the chamber passed Senate Bill 9, which would increase state tax rates by 33 percent.

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.

Ives decries Senate budget bill as 'death knell for Illinois'

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) urged the rejection of a Senate-proposed budget bill on Friday as Illinois headed toward an unprecedented third year without a budget.

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Brady nominated to replace Radogno as Senate GOP Leader

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

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.

Ives rejects property tax bill that offers only 'fake reform'

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

There's no such thing as property tax reform that doesn't address the underlying causes of high property taxes, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) argued on Wednesday in voting against Senate Bill 484.

Wehrli sees Dems inching toward 'real' property tax reform

By Hoang Tran | Jun 27, 2017

Democratic lawmakers took some baby steps toward property tax reform on Monday, but several Republicans said real reform is still too far out of reach for struggling Illinoisans.

Ives cheers 'unique,' 'smart' move to build school without taxing residents

By Hoang Tran | Jun 26, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) on Monday praised the ingenuity behind a Senate bill that would allow a school district to consolidate two of its schools without adding to the taxpayers' burden.

Ives demands consideration of long-delayed property tax measure

By Hoang Tran | Jun 22, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) asked the House on Thursday why her proposal to examine property taxes has yet to see a vote.

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.

Durkin touts GOP package of budget compromise legislation

By Hoang Tran | Jun 14, 2017

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and several Republican lawmakers have unveiled what they call a package of comprehensive compromises that would end the budget impasse, bring reforms and start funding Illinois.

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.”

Illinois lost billions by rejecting 5G internet measure, Breen says

By Hoang Tran | Jun 1, 2017

A bill to provide 5G internet for cell phones and tablets by installing small cell facilities in municipalities throughout Illinois failed in the House on Wednesday despite vigorous endorsement by Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), who argued that it would bring money and jobs to the state.