David Greising

New Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s early pronouncements of opposing the gerrymandering of electoral maps and calling for a 10-year limit on the terms of legislative leaders represented a verbal departure from Michael Madigan’s methods. Will Welch continue down Madigan’s path or choose a different way?

Last year, the legislature adjourned a COVID-shortened session and never met again. That instance taught us one thing – that inaction can do damage to Illinois.

Nevermind Madigan’s legal troubles – his track record alone should have him removed from the Illinois House Speaker’s seat.

In the state’s battle against the coronavirus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his colleague, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, have provided effective leadership. Even though there has been many public officials and lots of private resistance that have subverted the effort, Pritzker needs to ignore the pushback and continue cracking down.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “anarchy” as the “absence of government.” That seems to be the situation we’re stuck in since the Illinois General Assembly – which has not met since last spring – decided it was closed for business.

55% of people voted against J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” proposal which was a crushing turnabout. The questions that remain are: What lessons does Pritzker draw from his first big loss and what does he do in response?

Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was ousted due to allegations of fraud and corruption. Whether Silver’s past is Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s prologue remains to be seen.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to hike property taxes in the city of Chicago annually – based on increases in the cost of living, is designed to avoid the fits and starts of the current system. Against all odds, this idea might possibly make sense.

Lori Lightfoot’s move on the issue of cross-lobbying does not mean the mayor has entirely lost her reformer instincts. What it highlights is that she made a push for nuance at a time when aldermen and voters are still in an absolutist frame of mind.

The contest ahead of a Nov. 3 vote on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution remains close. There are many interesting paths forward depending on the eventual outcome of this vote.