West Central Reporter

From Prairie State Wire

Former Illinois LIG says ethics commission 'squashed' her findings of 'wrongdoing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | 4 years ago

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter is speaking out about the Legislative Ethics Commission’s effort to squash her reports on “wrongdoing.”

Batinick: AFSCME members authorizing a strike is 'disappointing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 6, 2017

When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

GOP lawmakers send third letter to Auditor General demanding answers on questionable campaign spending

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 7, 2016

Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly have tried once again to get answers from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino regarding his campaign spending while serving in the House.

Proposal for per-mile tax on Illinois drivers creates challenges

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 3, 2016

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal to tax Illinois drivers based on road usage may generate more revenue to maintain the state’s roads, but such a complex task may prove immensely difficult to implement and sustain.

Benton fails to unseat McCann in GOP primary for 50th Dist. Senate seat

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 22, 2016

Despite receiving a major endorsement from Gov. Bruce Rauner, Bryce Benton failed to defeat incumbent Sam McCann in the Republican primary last week for the 50th Dist. Illinois Senate seat.

Deadrick-Wolfer focuses on general election

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 21, 2016

Cindy Deadrick-Wolfer emerged as winner of the Republican primary in Illinois’ District 96 House race, and with the primary out of the way, Deadrick-Wolfer's  next step is to lay out the plan to win the November election against Democratic incumbent Sue Scherer. 

Connecting with citizens is key to general election victory, Swanson says

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 21, 2016

Daniel Swanson of Alpha claimed the Republican House nomination for District 74 on March 15 after beating rivals Michael DeSutter and Wayne Saline in the primary.

Halbrook: Tax hike not answer to state budget impasse

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 9, 2016

House District 102 GOP candidate Brad Halbrook said a tax hike will not solve Illinois’ deep-seated financial problems.

PAC: Questions over Marine-service claim 'disqualify' McCann from re-election

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 4, 2016

A recent campaign ad by Liberty Principles PAC said state Sen. Sam McCann (R-Plainview) “is disqualified” from his re-election bid in the 50th District because he lied about his military service.

New DeSutter campaign ad celebrates 'family, farming and faith'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 1, 2016

GOP Dist. 74 state House candidate Mike DeSutter is confident his values and extensive experience in farming will help him be effective as a state representative.

Dist. 47 GOP Senate hopeful Tracy joins Kasich's Illinois campaign team

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 29, 2016

State Senate Dist. 47 GOP candidate and former state House member Jil Tracy recently endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president and joined the Illinois Kasich for America leadership team as co-chair, one of a growing number of current and former Illinois legislators supporting Kasich.

State Senate candidate Bryce Benton applauds Rauner’s vision to rescue Illinois from financial crisis

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 19, 2016

Bryce Benton, candidate for State Senate in the 50th District of Illinois applauded Governor Bruce Rauner’s efforts to rescue the state from its current financial crisis.

Northwestern CUSD 2’s Northwestern Elementary scores below average despite highest per student spending

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 18, 2016

The 2015 standardized test scores for Northwestern CUSD 2’s Northwestern Elementary School were below average despite spending the highest per student among elementary schools in Illinois’ West Central region, according to a report recently released by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Tracy advocates for sensible cuts after Rauner's budget address

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 17, 2016

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner delivered his much anticipated fiscal year 2016 budget address Wednesday from the State Capitol.

Moffitt, DeSutter hopeful for budget deal after Rauner address

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 17, 2016

Outgoing Illinois House District 74 Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) responded to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s fiscal year 2017 budget address, delivered Wednesday, and said he hopes state lawmakers can soon end the budget impasse that dates back to July.