Family Biz Hurts Us

Here's our one-stop shop to the best news and views on reform topics from around the state.
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MADIGANS' MESS: House Speaker Michael Madigan says daughter-Attorney General Lisa Madigan knew for some time he wasn't planning tor retire. We've got the video courtesy of ABC7 Chicago. So is he saying she misled campaign contributors and never planned to run for governor? Or was she thinking she could run, but later changed her mind? And how in the world can she go up against her father in court over lawmaker pay? This all seems like a bad soap opera. Problem is it's the public's business and public offices we fund involved here. I try to sort through the Madigan family drama in a blog post today.

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HAD ENOUGH OF THE NEPOTISM? Tired of who-knows-who trumping who-knows-what? Together, we can speak up and make a positive change. Sign our petition and send a message to the politicians that we want an end to corruption, waste and fraud.
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THE FAMILY BUSINESS HURTS US: All this Democratic family feuding between Gov. Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan ends up delaying our recovery and hurting our families, writes state Rep. Jeanne Ives, a Wheaton Republican representing the 42nd House District. Do you agree? Read her guest view and add your comments.
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THE FIX IS IN. HOW ABOUT WE KICK IT OUT? For years, it's been done. Whichever political party wins the power to draw legislative maps fixes them so that they're party has the best shot at winning the most seats. They pick their voters and rig it so voters' power is diluted. It's time it stopped. We're partnering with the Yes for Independent Maps coalition on the big task of collecting enough signatures to give voters a say on a fairer mapping process. Join us. Sign our petition and we'll share your interest with our friends at the Independent Maps group. Let's do this!
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WHO'S GOT IT BAD? Unemployment dropped nationally recently, but it's still high in Illinois and in some communities more than others. Which towns are struggling the most? Learn more from our Jobs & Business Top 10. You might be surprised by some of the names.
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5 FOR YOU: Here's our one-stop shop to the best news and views on reform topics from around the state. You'll find links to and summaries of these and many more in the Daily Tip-Off section of our website.
•5. Opinion: Things definitely aren't going well for Metra when the federal government is being asked to step in. (Chicago Tribune)
4. Money set aside as incentives for school districts to consolidate was cut 11 percent in the most recent budget. (Pantagraph)
3. One labor coalition is blaming the Civic Committee, and not legislators, for Illinois' credit rating downgrade. (NBC Chicago)
2. With the school year just around the corner, the Chicago Public Schools' Safe Passage program still remains a work in progress. (Chicago Tribune)
1. The reasons for Gov. Quinn's latest appointment to the Chicago Transit Authority's board are transparent - the appointee serves as the Democratic committeeman for Thornton Township. (Chicago Sun-Times)

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