Kane County Reporter

From McHenry Times

Sen. McConnaughay drops out of November's re-election bid, likely to resign, published reports say

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

State Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) has told informed the Senate's GOP leadership that she won't seek re-election this fall, and a Kane County news outlet has reported that she likely will resign.

Skillicorn calls for Democrats to move against Madigan over widening sexual harassment scandal

By Karen Kidd | Jun 7, 2018

Now that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's chief of staff has been forced out over the latest sexual harassment scandal in Springfield, it's time from Democratic lawmakers to call for Madigan's resignation, a Republican state representative said in a press release.

Skillicorn calls Madigan-backed bid to strike Drury from ballot 'shameful'

By Karen Kidd | Mar 12, 2018

The gloves are clearly off in the Democratic primary for Illinois attorney general, where House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) was behind a push to strike Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood), the only Democrat representative who didn't favor his 17th term as speaker more than a year ago, from that ballot, Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee said during a recent interview.

From Prairie State Wire

Better Government Association says Obama didn't say fathers in the home is a solution to gun violence -- but he did

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Sometimes the fact-checker needs a good fact-checking.

From Rockford Sun

Syverson says he sees no rigging in Cook County GOP's Rauner endorsement

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Concerns that Gov. Bruce Rauner's recent Cook County Republican Central Committee endorsement was a rigged outcome are unfounded, a Rockford lawmaker and Rauner supporter said during a recent interview.

From McHenry Times

Skillicorn calls for McHenry County township consolidation referendum

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Nunda Township's decision to add former Algonquin Township Highway Commissioner Robert Miller, accused of unethical behavior, to its payroll last summer has Rep. Allen Skillicorn calling for a township consolidation referendum.

Oberweis says he's 'extremely disappointed' Rauner signed sanctuary state bill

By Karen Kidd | Dec 15, 2017

The state senator from Illinois' 25th District says he has told Gov. Bruce Rauner "very clearly" what he thinks of the governor's decision to sign controversial immigration legislation this past summer, the senator said during a recent interview.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Aurora mayoral candidates blast Madigan fundraiser for Chapa LaVia

By Karen Kidd | Sep 3, 2016

A recent fundraiser hosted by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, on behalf of one candidate in Aurora's mayoral race has created an otherwise unlikely alliance between three other candidates in the race who say they want to keep partisan politics out of that city.