Community Corner

If Mike Madigan is the Poster Child for Term Limits, We've Got the Poster

MAD ABOUT MADIGAN The Chicago Tribune editorializes today that House Speaker Michael Madigan is the poster child for term limits in Illinois, and cartoonist Scott Stantis draws the poster. See it here. 

FORECAST: STORM AHEAD Gov. Pat Quinn has released his 3-year financial projection for the state that includes big losses in tax money after the income tax rate falls at the end of this year. Message to anyone who wants to be governor: You better tell us in specifics how you will deal with this. See the report and our comments here.

(ALMOST) THE BIGGEST LOSER When your economy thrives, your population grows. When it tanks, you end up like Illinois in the new report from the U.S. Census Bureau. We map it out here.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

14 FOR 14 From littering to cell phones to construction zone enforcement, there are plenty of new laws for Illinois drivers (and everyone else). The Illinois Senate Democrats put together this great interactive slide show explaining the state's new laws for 2014. Don't miss it. Click to view.

SOUND OFF FOR DISCLOSURE Wouldn't you like to untangle the web of connections and know more about the financial interests of your lawmakers? A bill in the General Assembly would provide stronger disclosure rules and bring more transparency to Illinois government. Let your representatives in Springfield know you believe more openness means better government. Use our Sound Off tool and be heard. It's easy and effective. Click here to get started.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

HEADLINES As Illinois recovers from the Great Polar Vortex of 2014, here are the top headlines:

  • 5. In a political turnaround, Bruce Rauner now says he wants to raise, not lower, the minimum wage. (Chicago Sun-Times)
    4. A new report shows Illinois’ bill backlog will increase if the temporary income tax increase is allowed to expire. (State Journal-Register)
    3. Illinois’ pension debt has officially gone over $100 billion. (State Journal-Register)
    2. Opinion: Michael Madigan doesn’t have to be direct or demanding to get what he wants. Why? Because he’s Mike Madigan. (Chicago Tribune)
    1. Opinion: The best way for voters to keep politicians' power in check is to sign petitions supporting legislative redistricting and term limits for politicians. (Chicago Tribune)
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