Mark Fitton News
Senate Democrats OK $3.9 spending bill; Republicans: Without the cash, it’s a sham
SPRINGFIELD — Senate Democrats on Thursday passed a bill to OK nearly $4 billion in state spending while their GOP colleagues called the effort a hoax on the public and even on the institutions the money is intended to benefit.
IL college, university officials paint grim funding picture; Pensions 'sucking the air' out of higher ed
University presidents and other higher education officials have told lawmakers they must decide what they want from the state’s colleges and universities.
Democrats fail to override Rauner MAP grants veto; Compromise effort may be next
SPRINGFIELD — Democrats on Wednesday came up two votes shy of overriding Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill to authorize $721 million to fund tuition grants and community colleges.
State considering lump-sum pension buyouts, but lawmakers say proposals in very early stages
Illinois state lawmakers are in very early talks about giving retired government workers a choice much like lottery winners: Collect the pension benefits owed to them over several years, or cash out immediately but with a smaller lump sum.
With so many playing fantasy sports, legalization, regulation due in IL, lawmaker says
SPRINGFIELD — A state lawmaker says his bill to formally legalize online sports fantasy contests would protect as many 2 million Illinoisans who play, as well as small businesses that offer the games or related services.