(SPRINGFIELD) Statewide Republicans are not happy with a Cook County Judge’s decision this past Wednesday to remove former President Donal Trump’s name from Illinois’ GOP primary election ballot. The Circuit Court Judge’s ruling came after a group of voters sued the Illinois State Board of Elections because the group disagreed with the Board’s decision to keep keep Trump and President Joe Biden on the ballot, both despite objections to do so. The Judge’s ruling is on hold until today to allow for an appeal. In a separate occurrence, State Representative Adam Niemerg was tossed off the 102nd District ballot by the State Board of Elections for not raising his right hand when signing his statement of candidacy.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois lawmakers considering a funding request to pay teachers a retention bonus expressed skepticism on whether the program is working or improving education outcomes for students. During an Education Committee hearing this week, officials administering the program asked for $10 million in taxpayer funds for additional bonuses, which basically is an attempt to address the teacher shortage in hard-to-staff schools in underserved areas. Look for a lot of debate in Springfield in the weeks ahead.
(SPRINGFIELD) A Chicago state lawmaker has introduced a measure that would create a firearm and ammunition buyback program in Illinois. If approved, House Bill 4681 would allow residents to receive $100 for operable firearms when turned over to the Illinois State Police. However, those against the plan say the plan would do nothing to stop gun violence around the state, plus it would add more responsibilities to the State Police with more office work instead of being out investigating gun crimes. More debate likely this spring.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Museum has its newest exhibition on display in Springfield. Entitled Presidential Illinois, the exhibit displays artifacts highlighting the four U.S. presidents who have called Illinois home, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. For more, go to illinoisstatemuseum.org.