Much of judicial candidate ShawnTe Raines-Welch’s campaign cash comes thanks to the largesse of Democratic elected officials who work under the political leadership of her husband, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Greg Harris
Democrats, who control the General Assembly, and therefore the budget process in the House, Senate and governor’s office have each offered different proposals with various forms of tax breaks. They aim to have their differences reconciled before Friday’s end, when the spring session is scheduled to adjourn.
Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, the highest-ranking openly gay lawmaker in Illinois history, said after 15 years, he’s ready to move on. His current term ends in 2023.
Illinois Democrats used their supermajorities in the General Assembly to full advantage this weekend as their spring session reeled toward an end, pushing through a progressive agenda, a $42 billion budget with no tax or fee hikes on individuals, and legislative maps.
There were emotional floor debates and the passage of a slew of bills as the spring session wrapped up. Just how does all this capitol action affect Chicago and the surrounding areas? Two state lawmakers weigh in.
From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems.
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner is facing a dire fiscal reality when he takes the oath of office on Jan. 12, including some state agencies running out of money.
Same-sex marriage passed both chambers on Tuesday in Springfield and is now waiting to be signed by Governor Quinn. State Representative Greg Harris, one of the key sponsors of the bill, joins us from the Chicago Sun-Times Springfield bureau with the latest.
