Dupage Policy Journal

Chicago-area family donates $2.5 million to MetroSquash

By Karen Kidd | Jun 7, 2018

A nonprofit sports and recreational organization that brings the game of squash to youth on Chicago's South Side recently received a $2.5 million donation from a western suburban couple who own a downtown Chicago dental office, according to a press release.

State property tax would be 'insane,' Oberweis says

By Karen Kidd | May 17, 2018

A suggestion floated during a recent Chicago-area conference calling for a state property tax and another for a progressive income tax would be crazy to adopt, Sen Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) said during a recent interview.

Republican state House candidate recommends 401(k) and benefit adjustments for Harvey pension crisis

By Karen Kidd | May 8, 2018

A generous application of conservative practices needs to be the next steps toward curtailing the City of Harvey's dire pension crisis, a Glen Ellyn Republican running for the state House said during a recent interview.

Wheaton-Warrenville schools bypassing voters on learning center project, Edgar County Watchdogs co-founder says

By Karen Kidd | Mar 19, 2018

Wheaton-Warrenville Community Unit School District 200 officials are using the word "lease" instead of "build" to bypass legal requirements to seek voter approval before constructing a new early learning center, Kirk Allen, a writer for Edgar County Watchdogs, said during a recent interview.

DuPage County voters to decide property tax hikes, candidates for five House seats on March 20

By Karen Kidd | Mar 2, 2018

DuPage County voters will have five state House races to consider in the general primary election, as well as whether to allow a handful of local government entities to raise property taxes or borrow more money.

From Prairie State Wire

Better Government Association says Obama didn't say fathers in the home is a solution to gun violence -- but he did

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Sometimes the fact-checker needs a good fact-checking.

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner's attacks on Ives undermines his credibility, Wirepoints founder says

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Gov. Bruce Rauner's decision to go on the offensive and attack Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), his challenger in the March 20 Republican primary, shows little regard for the truth and insults the intelligence of voters, the founder of an online news outlet said during a recent interview.

Schaumburg sees former Motorola site as an 'exciting mixed-use development'

By Karen Kidd | Jan 22, 2018

The village of Schaumburg is dealing with the loss of a major tenant, which caused a reported jump in its industrial vacancy rate, by making the space available for "exciting mixed-use development," Schaumburg Economic Development Manager Matt Frank said during a recent interview.

CPS employees who stole gift cards should lose license, face other consequenses, DuPage education rep says

By Karen Kidd | Jan 15, 2018

Chicago Public Schools employees who allegedly "stole or misappropriated" school-purchased gift cards intended for students and families should face serious consequences, DuPage County Schools Regional Superintendent Darlene J. Ruscitti said during a recent interview.

Local governments' opposition to property tax freeze no surprise, Burr Ridge mayor says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 17, 2017

Illinois township governments' opposition to a property tax freeze, including a now-defeated amendment that would have required voter referendums on such freezes in most counties, is predictable, said the Burr Ridge village mayor.

Naperville assessor says schools won't get fair funding until property taxes are fair

By Karen Kidd | Nov 2, 2017

Property valuation in Illinois, especially in Chicago, must become more uniformly closer to reality before school funding will be more equitably distributed, Naperville Township's longtime assessor told the DuPage Policy Journal.

Hinsdale public safety post called redundant, costly

By Karen Kidd | Nov 2, 2017

Hinsdale has had a public safety director for nearly two years, but at least one villager doesn't know the reason.

Breen vows abortion fight has long way to go in Illinois

By Karen Kidd | Oct 28, 2017

Abortion opponents in Illinois shouldn't count themselves out despite Gov. Bruce Rauner's signing of controversial abortion legislation last month, Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), the House GOP floor leader, told the DuPage Policy Journal recently.

Breen pulls support for Rauner after abortion expansion decision

By Karen Kidd | Oct 2, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner's signing of a controversial abortion bill has cost him the support of Republican House Floor Leader Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), according to a statement.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

New Aurora mayor got in because no one got left out, he says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 22, 2017

It took a lot of teamwork to end Aurora Alderman at Large Richard Irvin's mayoral losing streak, he said.