by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois March 13, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday delivered more harsh criticism against President Donald Trump’s administration over attempts to drastically downsize, and possibly eliminate, the U.S. Department of Education. His remarks came just two days after the agency abruptly laid off […]
Author: Capitol News
State lawmakers brace for possible federal cuts to Medicaid
by Peter Hancock, Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois March 5, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – Health care advocates, hospital officials and people who rely on Medicaid for their medical coverage warned state lawmakers Wednesday of consequences that could result from proposed cuts in federal Medicaid funding. […]
With electricity price spikes coming, environmental and industry groups pitch reform
by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 Illinois faces potential energy shortfalls and all-but-guaranteed price spikes for northern Illinois this summer, consumer and environmental advocates say. Lawmakers and advocates in Springfield have proposed bills that they say would address their concerns — but it’s unclear whether they’re likely […]
High school student helps draft bill to require opioid overdose medications in Illinois libraries
by Ismael M. Belkoura and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois March 6, 2025 ELGIN – High school students generally don’t participate in drafting legislation. Jordan Henry is an exception. A senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, the Elgin native is working with her local state representative […]
Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for a program designed to help farmers and supply fresh food to Illinois food banks. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that changes to federal funding mean Illinois is missing reimbursements […]
Illinois schools continuing DEI initiatives despite federal funding threats
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois February 26, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education is not telling schools to stop any diversity, equity and inclusion lessons or programs, the state’s education chief told a House committee this week, even as the Trump administration threatens to pull federal […]
Financial impacts of federal action stir anxiety for Illinois farmers
by Ashley Soriano and Medill Illinois News Bureau February 21, 2025 CHICAGO — The effects of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on allies and rivals are yet to be seen, but farmers in Illinois are bracing for their impact – even as they wait years for Congress to pass long-term federal spending […]
Pritzker calls $55.2B budget ‘responsible and balanced’ – but warns Trump policies could upend it
SPRINGFIELD — An improved revenue forecast is helping ease pressure on state finances as Gov. JB Pritzker calls for tightened spending to balance the budget without tax increases on everyday Illinoisans. During his annual state of the state and budget address on Wednesday, Pritzker called for a roughly 3% spending […]
Lawmakers move to pause – then further regulate – carbon dioxide pipeline development
By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – After state regulators rebuffed several proposed carbon transport projects over the past year, lawmakers have moved to formally ban new projects until the federal government sets forth new safety rules. The technology is used to take carbon dioxide – a powerful greenhouse gas […]
Senate Democrats send $53.1B spending plan to House
By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Two days after the General Assembly was scheduled to adjourn its spring session, Democrats in the Illinois Senate advanced a $53.1 billion budget to the House Sunday night, where leaders expect it to pass without changes. The fiscal year 2025 spending plan, which came together […]