January, 2017 Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

ILA: Hutchinson amendment threatens people's right to safety

By DeKalb Times | Jan 31, 2017

If an amendment recently introduced in Springfield by state Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passes muster, Illinois dwellers could face what the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) considers taxation of citizens’ Second Amendment rights.

DeKalb County Board approves Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Initiative

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 30, 2017

DeKalb County Board approves Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Initiative at its recent meeting.

Maple Park Board of Trustees adopts tax levy ordinance

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 30, 2017

Maple Park Board of Trustees adopts tax levy ordinance at a recent meeting.

Sandwich Committee-of-the-Whole discusses 1% sales tax increase referendum

By Philip Gonzales | Jan 30, 2017

Sandwich Committee-of-the-Whole discusses 1% sales tax increase referendum at a recent meeting.

Hinckley Village Board awards for storage building concrete blocks

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 30, 2017

Hinckley Village Board awards for storage building concrete blocks at a recent meeting.

State responds to over 140 child trafficking charges in 2016

By DeKalb Times | Jan 30, 2017

The United States is considered one of the top destination points for child trafficking with cases reported in all 50 states, including 143 investigated calls to the hotline for allegations of human trafficking in 2016 by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Protests greet Madigan's controversial re-election as House speaker

By DeKalb Times | Jan 30, 2017

In one of the first votes by the newly sworn-in Illinois House, long-serving House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) was re-elected to a 17th term in that seat.

New House GOP Conference chair says voters have mandated reform

By DeKalb Times | Jan 30, 2017

GOP legislators in Springfield received their marching orders in November's general election to keep pushing for reform, the newly named House Republican Conference chairman said during a recent interview.

Pritchard on proposed budget deal: 'It’s beginning to look a little bit like a Christmas tree'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 29, 2017

The idea that Senate leaders are proposing a budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent -- despite the last tax hike costing the state billions of dollars in lost income -- has troubled many.

Some AFSCME members disapprove of union's negotiating tactics

By DeKalb Times | Jan 27, 2017

Not all Illinois public employees who are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) are gung-ho and in lockstep with the government-worker union's negotiating tactics.

Dropping home values, high property taxes push Illinois toward financial cliff, analyst says

By DeKalb Times | Jan 27, 2017

Illinois residents burdened with falling home values and high property taxes are headed toward a cliff if Springfield doesn't do something soon to pull the state back from the precipice, a financial analyst said.

How Rauner’s wish list has fared in the General Assembly

By DeKalb Times | Jan 27, 2017

For the past two years, Gov. Bruce Rauner’s message has been consistent: Illinois needs major reform to avoid complete financial devastation.

Genoa City Council adopts economic development agreement

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

Genoa City Council adopts economic development agreement at a recent meeting.

Pierce Township Greenspace/Parks Committee reviews dog park master plan

By Philip Gonzales | Jan 26, 2017

Pierce Township Greenspace/Parks Committee reviews dog park master plan at a recent meeting.

Sandwich City Council approves public works project payment

By Philip Gonzales | Jan 26, 2017

Sandwich City Council approves public works project payment at a recent meeting.

Hinckley Village Board approves FY 2016 tax levy

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

Hinckley Village Board approves FY 2016 tax levy at a recent meeting.

BGA: Chicago's plastic-bag tax faked 'green' crusade to rake in green

By DeKalb Times | Jan 24, 2017

The Better Government Association (BGA) recently suggested that the Chicago City Council’s new 7 cents-a-bag tax authorization is one more in a series of cloaked legislative efforts, wherein the stated purpose may obscure another motive.

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Critics point out hypocrisy in Madigan attack on Rauner regarding wealth and power

By DeKalb Times | Jan 24, 2017

There's a certain hypocrisy to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of holding the budget process hostage for his wealthy friends and big business in general, a radio talk show's co-hosts said recently.