illinois
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Writing at Illinois News Network
A new municipal ID designed primarily for illegal immigrants will be accepted in Chicago as a valid form of identification to register to vote. A Republican state House member is calling on Gov. Bruce Rauner to step down. An Illinois lawmaker wants to lower the age at which children can be left home alone. Continue reading
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Illinois ranks 49th in fiscal health in new study
Illinois ranks poorly in a new study of fiscal health among the 50 states. The analysis, conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, shows the state is 49th in terms of expenses outpacing revenues during the years 2002 to 2016. My story for Illinois News Network is here. Continue reading
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‘Burdensome,’ ‘costly’ fracking regulations blamed for keeping companies away from Illinois
Illinois still is waiting for its first fracking operation, four years after a law opened the door to the practice. My story for Illinois News Network is here. Continue reading
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Could Increased School Choice End Illinois Funding Fight?
Could expanding school choice in Illinois be the solution to funding talks? A prominent education reform advocate wants Illinois to adopt a tax-credit scholarship program as a part of any deal. My story for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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Dem Blames Madigan For Rauner’s Win
A Democrat running for Illinois governor blames House Speaker Michael Madigan for creating the environment that allowed Gov. Bruce Rauner to win in 2014. My story for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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IRS phone scams spike in Illinois
The Better Business Bureau is warning of a recent spike in phone scam attempts across Illinois. Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, says this is a long-running operation in which people pose as IRS agents and demand immediate payment. I write for Illinois News Network… Continue reading
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Illinois could become latest state to legalize switchblade knives
A bill now on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would eliminate a decades-old ban that state Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon, says never made much sense to begin with. I write for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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Illinois Tax Hike Falls Short of Revenue Expectations
Five years ago last month, another tax hike was hitting pocketbooks around the state of Illinois. In June 2012, a dollar-per-pack cigarette tax increase raised the state levy from 98 cents to $1.98. The same law also increased taxes on other products such as loose tobacco and supplies. Supporters estimated the state would see an Continue reading
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Winnebago County official looking to restore government reputation
Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney has a clear mission statement. “Our goal every day is to work to become the most accountable, collaborative, and transparent unit of government in the state of Illinois,” Haney said. I write for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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First Company Applies For Illinois Fracking Permit
Illinois is one step closer to having a fracking operation in the state, four years after a law was signed to pave the way for it to happen. I wrote about it for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
Scot Bertram 