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Illinois Set to Discount Rx Drugs for Seniors
Illinoisans over the age of 65 or who are disabled may soon enjoy steep discounts on their prescription drugs under a discount program that’s similar to an ambitious Maine initiative, Maine Rx, that was given a green light May 19 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the drug law Monday (6/16), […]
Illinois Labor Flexes New Political Muscle
The last time Illinois had a Democratic governor and Democrats ran the state legislature, Gerald Ford was in the White House and the Land of Lincoln was led by a maverick, one-term, Democratic governor named Dan Walker. On Walker’s watch, organized labor reaped a bonanza. The state dramatically revamped its workers compensation program to give […]
Illinois Governors Race May Turn On Name Issue
Most politicians crave name recognition. But in Illinois, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jim Ryan is finding his surname a liability in his race with Democrat Rod Blagojevich to succeed incumbent Republican Gov. George Ryan. The Ryan name used to be so charmed in Illinois politics. For five straight elections spanning 1982 to 1998, voters in the […]
Boeing Deal No Slam Dunk In Illinois Legislature
When the Boeing Corporation announced this month that it would move its headquarters from Seattle to Chicago, people throughout Illinois were elated. Now, however, comes the question at what cost? In coming weeks, the Illinois General Assembly will debate a state-crafted economic incentive deal for Boeing that rivals what it would cost to put a […]
Redistricting Tops Illinois Legislature’s Agenda
When Illinois lawmakers open the 92nd General Assembly this month, the state’s 177 legislators may rewrite the telecommunications law, divert more money to public schools from a tightening state budget and, perhaps most importantly, try to save their own scalps. As in other states, Illinois is about to begin the diennial process of drawing new […]
Indian Land Claim Stirs Passions in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Il. — On an Illinois map, Native American namesakes abound. There are the towns of Pontiac, Algonquin, Shawneetown and Calumet City and the counties of Iroquois and Winnebago. Illinois’ largest city, Chicago, drew its name from an Indian word meaning either “wild onion” or “skunk.” And the state’s name is derived from a Native […]