(SPRINGFIELD) Several downstate lawmakers are again making a push to reauthorize the state’s Invest in Kids Scholarship Program, which Governor Pritzker and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly let expire at the end of last year without an extension. While the privately funded program never saw its full investment potential, it has given nearly 41,000 children the ability to go to a school of their families’ choosing from 2018 through 2023. Some schools are threatening to close their doors unless the program is reinstated.
(SPRINGFIELD) Political corruption in Illinois is center stage in a documentary set to be released later this month. Entitled “Lincoln is Crying : The Grifters, Grafters, & Governors of Illinois,” the film takes a comical look at the many instances of Illinois politicians who have been convicted of some sort of corruption. It looks at the exploits of former Illinois Governors Otto Kerner, Dan Walker, George Ryan, and Rod Blagojevich, plus it also looks at several Chicago politicians who have been convicted and numerous other corrupt office holders around the state. The story behind Illinois’ corruption is told by authors, defense attorneys, prosecutors, journalists, entertainers, as well as other politicians.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois and its local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from the state’s fifteen (15) licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals, and thirteen (13) sports wagering operators statewide last year in 2023. The total amount of money wagered in Illinois was at $11.6 billion. Since sports wagering began in 2020, Illinois has had one of the highest grossing sports wagering markets in the nation.
(CHICAGO) Governor J.B. Pritzker has voiced his concern over how a new Chicago White Sox stadium would be paid for. The new complex would consist of the stadium, open park spaces, and apartment buildings, all to be located in the South Loop. The Governor and his staff may meet with the White Sox and developer soon to hear the pitch, along with a plan for how it would affect Illinois residents. Ironically, when compared to other taxpayer-funded projects, the Governor said care should be taken on how public dollars are used.