The line between legitimate campaign expenses and illegal personal spending is blurry, especially at the state level. So, what’s allowed and what’s off-limits?
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Posted inNews
PolitiFact’s 2019 Lie of the Year
Donald Trump claimed a federal whistleblower got ‘almost completely wrong’ the details of Trump’s call with Ukraine’s president. PolitiFact National names that its Lie of the Year for 2019.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Would Chicago’s Casino Tax Plan Raise City’s Take?
State Sen. Dave Syverson said a proposal to lower the effective tax rate on Chicago’s future casino would require the state to reduce its cut while allowing the city to raise taxes. That doesn’t quite square with the language in the bill.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Mayor Lightfoot’s Call for ComEd Hearings Sounds Good, But …
ComEd has billions on the line with its city contract. And a must-see hearing could educate the city government and Chicago residents and possibly do some good. But it also could turn into a meaningless circus.
Posted inEducation
Mayor Lightfoot Promised to Spend More Money on Students in Need. Will 2020 Be the Year?
Chicago schools with more students who face increased challenges need more resources, but funding has stayed the same per-pupil for years. Now the city is examining how to divvy up money differently as school enrollment declines.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: A Few Reasons to be Optimistic about Property Tax Relief. Really.
A working group of lawmakers is seeking ways to cut the state’s property taxes—and there actually is cause to think they have a shot at making it work. Here’s why.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Ives Wrongly Calls Casten’s Public Town Halls ‘Invite-Only’
In an attack on Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, the GOP congressional hopeful suggested Casten limits access to his public events. Her own evidence belies that claim.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Lightfoot’s Actions on Environmental Campaign Promises Are Off to a Slow Start
Chicago mayor says budget constraints have cooled her ambitious plans. Her 2020 budget includes no new funding for additional pollution inspectors.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Evidence Lacking for Pritzker’s Pension Buyout Claim
The governor said a study estimated the state’s pension buyout program could save up to $25 billion, but his office won’t provide the “proprietary” study.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
CDC To Review Air Pollution Near East St. Louis, Duckworth Says
Illinois senator asked for assessment of toxic releases from Veolia plant, a site profiled in a recent BGA story about President Trump’s diminished EPA.
