IL State Senate District 26 Results
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Related: “Wealth and Party Machine Are Buying the Northwest Suburbs Votes”
Archive for the ‘Girlie man’ Category
Bought and paid for. Not sour grapes but reality.
Posted in Barrington Education Association, Clown Car, Cost of Living, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Economy, Education, Elections, ETSB, Fat Bastard, Fools and their money, Girlie man, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, League of Women Voters, Lipstick On A Pig, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Rights, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on November 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Other states will take Illinoisans’ money if Pritzker doesn’t opt into federal scholarship program
Posted in Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Education, Elections, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, WTF on September 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »
An Illinois neighbor is vying for donations from state residents.
By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute
A new local billboard is garnering media attention by advertising that Illinois taxpayers can get a federal income tax credit for donating money to students out of state.
The billboard, in south suburban Chicago near the Indiana border, refers to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit. The program offers taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar income tax credit for donations of up to $1,700 per year to qualified scholarship-granting organizations.
Any taxpayer in any state can claim the credit starting in 2027. But only students in states whose governor has opted into the program can benefit from the donated education money.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not opted Illinois in. Four of Illinois’ neighbors have, including Indiana, where the billboard is advertising Illinoisans to donate scholarship money.
The billboard is correct:
- If Pritzker opts Illinois in: Donated money flows to eligible Illinois students.
- If Pritzker does not opt Illinois in: Illinois donors can still claim the federal tax credit by contributing to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations in participating states such as Indiana, but Illinois students cannot receive any of the donated money.
Article continues here.
Illinois Tollway board approves largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history
Posted in Aunt Blabby, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Road construction, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions on August 19, 2026| 2 Comments »
The sign-off from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s board came despite overwhelming online comment opposition.
By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute
Despite overwhelming online public opposition, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Tollway board unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday to hike tolls 57% for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial vehicles.
The increases take effect Jan. 1.
The measure will increase tolls by about 45 cents each for passengers to an average of $1.24 per toll, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027. Commercial vehicle tolls will increase 30%, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.
Worse, starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board approval. The Illinois Policy Institute projects that passenger toll prices will triple from current levels by 2055.
The proposal was approved 8-0 to fund a new $26.5 billion, 15-year capital plan, but the automatic toll hikes will continue beyond the timeline of the proposed projects.
More here.
Editorial: Our neighbors are rethinking income taxes. How about it, Illinois?
Posted in Barrington Education Association, Chicago Tribune, Commodius Maximus, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, IDOT, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Tollway, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions on July 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Lawmakers work in the Missouri House chamber on April 21, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Missouri is asking voters whether to gradually eliminate its income tax and shift more toward taxing consumption. (David A. Lieb/AP)
Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin all are thinking creatively about taxes
By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune
Illinoisans often assume high taxes are simply the unavoidable cost of living in the Land of Lincoln. But just across our borders, states are making some very different choices.
Missouri is asking voters whether to gradually eliminate its income tax and shift more toward taxing consumption. Indiana continues to emphasize fiscal restraint and has approved further tax reductions. Wisconsin used part of a multibillion-dollar surplus to enact income tax cuts and has continued debating additional relief. Iowa phased out its graduated individual income tax in favor of a flat rate of 3.8%.
Maybe you think Missouri is making a mistake or Iowa has gone too far. Maybe Wisconsin will reverse course. That’s not our point here. What stands out for us is that our Midwestern neighbors are at least practicing some creative taxation thinking.
Take what is going on in Missouri. On Aug. 4, voters get the chance to weigh in on whether Missouri should fundamentally rethink how it taxes its citizens; specifically whether the Show-Me State should gradually shift its tax burden away from income and toward consumption.
Ironically, Missouri currently has the very tax structure Illinois progressives have long sought: a graduated income tax. Even so, its top marginal income tax rate (4.7%) is lower than Illinois’ flat rate (4.95%).
Missouri’s average combined state and local sales tax rate also remains far below the rate in Illinois. Approval of the amendment could eventually narrow that gap, depending on how lawmakers implement the shift. Even then, Missouri would have a long way to go to match Chicago’s 10.25%.
Article continues here.
Related: “(Meanwhile) Income tax CUT on Missouri ballot; Illinois may see more outmigration”
Bears ‘advance’ unspecified Indiana stadium plan — but keep Illinois lawmakers on the line
Posted in Girlie man, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes on June 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren
By Brenden Moore | Capitol News Illinois
Article Summary
- The Chicago Bears announced the team’s board of directors “voted to advance” a stadium project in Hammond, Indiana on Friday.
- It’s the biggest step toward moving yet, but a top Illinois Senate negotiator said he got a call from the team’s president and CEO indicating Illinois isn’t necessarily out of the mix.
- The Bears’ statement acknowledged that an Indiana site is “to be selected,” a level of ambiguity that’s been a hallmark of the team’s recent public communications.
- JB Pritzker issued a statement saying the team’s frequent “shifting” of its position on a stadium location “has hindered their progress.”
This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.
The article can be found here.
Why McHenry County officials could ask voters for home rule powers
Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, Immigration, Land Use, Plan Commission, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Privacy, Real Estate, Shaw Local, Springfield, Unions, Zoning Board on May 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »
By Claire O’Brien | Shaw Media
As McHenry County officials express frustration at state legislation that they say erodes local control, they’re considering asking voters for permission to become home rule.
Home rule is a classification that allows a local government to enact laws as it sees fit, as long as they’re not in conflict with state laws. That includes more leeway to impose fees, restrictions and taxes.
Though some municipalities in McHenry County have home rule powers, Cook County is the only county in Illinois with such powers.
In recent years, solar farms have been a source of frustration for McHenry County officials because state law has limited the county’s ability to regulate such facilities.
Now, officials at the county and in several municipalities have expressed frustration over the proposed BUILD Act — Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan that would limit local authority on what types of housing structures can be built on land zoned for residential.
So McHenry County officials are considering asking voters to weigh in on a home-rule request during the November election.
Article continues here.
Related: “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie provides an update of Pritzker’s proposed BUILD Act,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”
Illinois lawmakers grill diversity commission over lack of progress
Posted in Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Girlie man, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square on April 16, 2026| Leave a Comment »
From Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Illinois state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, references an investigation by The Center Square
By Jared Strong | The Center Square
State lawmakers expressed public, bipartisan concern again Wednesday over an Illinois commission’s efforts to increase access to state contract money for businesses that are owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.
The lawmakers’ concerns are largely based on the reporting of The Center Square in recent months, which has found that the commissioners have fewer responsibilities than their counterparts elsewhere in government and that their decisions have led to a dramatic decline in businesses that are certified for contract preference.
“It seems to be in shambles,” said state Rep. Brad Halbrook, a Shelbyville Republican.
Halbrook made the remark and fired numerous questions at staff of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion during a committee budget hearing Wednesday night. He questioned the pay of the seven commissioners who lead the agency — who each make about $150,000 a year — and their switch to a new computer system nearly two years ago that has effectively blocked more than 2,000 businesses from enhanced access to the contracts.
Other lawmakers had their own concerns, which led them to request that the commission’s staff return to the Capitol for further questioning before they decide whether to approve their $5.6 million budget request for the next fiscal year.
None of the six other agencies that were also subjects of the Wednesday budget hearing were asked to return. The commission’s next appearance before the committee has not yet been scheduled.
Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, a Chicago Democrat, was “taken aback” that the commission had failed for a year to coordinate with the Secretary of State’s Office to contact businesses that might be eligible for certification, as she has previously requested.
Article continues here.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules
Posted in BACOG, Chicago Tribune, Girlie man, Home Occupation Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Unions, Zoning Board on April 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Developer Nick Serra steps April 7, 2026, onto the future balcony of a newly constructed third floor unit in a building he’s redeveloping to add rental apartments in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
By Olivia Olander | Chicago Tribune
Above the bay windows that run up the center of a two-story apartment building in Uptown, Nick Serra stands on what had been the roof but will soon be the balcony for a new third-floor unit he’s adding.
In many circumstances, the construction work would be a sure sign that another traditional Chicago apartment building was being gutted and converted into a single-family home that could fetch more than $1 million.
Instead, the new top floor will be a four-bedroom apartment that, along with other changes Serra is making, will turn the entire building into a six-unit development capable of housing a dozen people.
“Versus, you know, two people and their golden retriever,” Serra said, as he stood last week on the unfinished top floor.
Serra is part of a cohort of developers adding units to existing buildings rather than tearing them down or converting them to single-family homes — a practice many housing advocates say helps with affordability in high-demand neighborhoods. But finding lots zoned to allow the additional square footage and density he needs is difficult, particularly on the North Side, where he primarily works. Under current rules, he has managed roughly two dozen such projects over five years.
Those difficulties finding lots for such projects could change significantly under a package of proposals from Gov. JB Pritzker that would make it easier for developers and property owners across Illinois to build the kind of multiunit housing Serra specializes in.
The plan, a cornerstone political and policy piece of Pritzker’s State of the State address in February, would loosen zoning restrictions that currently limit the residential density allowed on a given lot and, supporters say, open the door to new multifamily buildings across the state.
Additional local rules for building size and height could still apply, potentially restricting a building of the exact dimensions of the one in Uptown.
But the prospect of allowing four-flats or six-unit apartments on quiet suburban streets, and granny flats in backyards across the state, has raised alarms among many local leaders.
The response from the governor’s office? Something has to be done in the face of a housing shortage across the state, and the Pritzker administration is pushing forward anyway.
Story continues here.
Related: “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”
Olympics Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing In Women’s Events
Posted in Daily Caller, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Girlie man, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order on March 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »
Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images
By Alexis Lapp | Daily Caller
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred transgender athletes from competing in women’s events Thursday and mandated genetic testing to ensure the safety and fairness of women’s categories.
The committee will screen for the SRY gene to determine eligibility in the female category, according to an IOC press release. Athletes who test positive for the gene will still be allowed to compete in the male category. The screening is a one time test.
IOC President Kristy Coventry issued a statement in the press release.
“As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” she said. “The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
“Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime,” she said. “There must be clear education around the process and counseling available, alongside expert medical advice.”
The Independent Council On Women’s Sports (ICONS) has advocated to ban biological men from women’s sports.
ICONS and Reduxx broke the story on the 2024 Paris Olympic boxing scandal, revealing that two biological males competed in the women’s category, OutKick reported.
Penn University’s transgender swimmer Lia Thomas prepares to swim the 500 yard freestyle race. (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Article continues here.
NFL’s Chicago Bears May Bolt to Pro-Growth Indiana
Posted in Economy, Elections, Entertainment, Girlie man, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, The Washington Free Beacon, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Wall Street Journal on February 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »
J.B. Pritzker (Scott Olson/Getty Images), Chicago Bears play the Carolina Panthers (via Wikimedia Commons)
By Ira Stoll | Washington Free Beacon
The latest business to pick up and leave the high-tax, high-regulation, high-crime nightmare of Illinois may be its iconic professional football franchise.
The governor of Indiana, Mike Braun, announced Thursday morning that a “framework” had been reached for a final deal that would move the Chicago Bears about 20 miles south from Soldier Field to Hammond, Ind.
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” Braun said. “The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
A statement from the Bears said in part, “We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe.”
Braun, Huston, and Mishler are all Republicans. The governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, is a Democrat and aspiring 2028 presidential candidate, and Democrats also control both houses of the State Legislature in Springfield. The mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, is a tax-raising leftist who was elected in 2023 over the more moderate Paul Vallas.
So many businesses and people have left the Prairie State that the Illinois Policy Institute, a center-right research group, calls it the “Illinois Exodus.” “One of the major factors pushing businesses away from the state is Illinois’ unfriendly tax climate,” the institute said in a 2025 analysis. Companies that have moved headquarters out of the state in recent years include Citadel, which moved to the Free State of Florida along with its founder and CEO Ken Griffin; Boeing, which moved to Virginia; and Caterpillar, which moved to Texas. When Griffin left in 2022, he told the Wall Street Journal that crime in Chicago was part of the reason: “I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work. Countless issues of burglary. I mean, that’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city from.”
Article continues here.
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