State Week

Illinois lawmakers and the governor have a busy few days ahead as May 31 is the scheduled end of the spring legislative session. Along with a new spending plan for the next fiscal year, other key issues remain unresolved.

On this epsiode, our panel reviews hearings into the LaSalle Veterans Home and the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 residents last fall. A top aide to Gov. Pritzker told lawmakers this week she was misled by officials at the home and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week announced the long-awaited bridge phase will kick in May 14. He also indicated the state could move to a full re-opening of the economy in June. And redistricting is a once a decade political process in Illinois. Democrats are in control, but are they living up to their promise of transparency? Listen to the discussion.

On this episode, the panel discusses a new report that recaps last year's deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home, calling the response at the state-run facility "inefficient, reactive and chaotic." Gov. Pritzker has offered up a large package aimed at the state's power industry. Meanwhile, the governor has reversed course on a campaign pledge. Steve Daniels of Crain's Chicago Business joins us.

Months after a bribery scandal rocked the halls of Illinois government, there is still uncertainty over what action, if any, lawmakers will take in response.

This week saw the release of video and other evidence of a Chicago police officer fatally shooting 13 year old Adam Toledo. Several top Illinois and city officials have weighed in. Chicago's mayor promised a new policy on how and when officers engage in foot chases. Also, is the latest surge in coronavirus cases leveling off? Our panel includes Rachel Hinton of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois will open vaccination elgibility to those 16 and older on Monday. It's a big step in the vaccine rollout. Illinois has also been setting daily records when it comes to administering the shots. But the state remains in a precarious position as cases and hospitalizations are headed in the wrong direction. There's also the challenge of convincing more people to take the vaccine. Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois joins our State Week panel.

While the state announced a Bridge Phase for reopening Illinois, not so fast. A rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has stalled the step toward a return to normalcy. We provide a status update on the pandemic in Illinois. We also discuss redistricting. No surprise that Republicans and Democrats are at odds over how to determine new legislative boundaries. And Chicago Teacher's Union members are closely watching a bill on the governor's desk. And they're not the only ones. Heather Cherone

Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined tens of thousands in Illinois getting vaccinated. But it happened on the same week COVID-19 cases are back on the rise, leading some to worry about a quick re-opening of the economy. The Governor also signed a major economic opportunity package from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. He also appears poised to sign a healthcare initiative to help Black and brown communities. We discuss that and more on this episode of State Week. Mike Miletich, Capitol Bureau Chief

This week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he was optimistic that vaccine supply will allow the state to allow those 16 and older, outside of Chicago, to get their shots starting April 12. The governor also laid out a new "bridge" phase as part of the Restore Illinois plan. It's a step toward getting the state back to some sort of normalcy.

In a week that marked the one year anniversary of the pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he's cautiously optimistic as more vaccines arrive. His administration even mentioned a return to holding conventions and trade shows this summer. Pritzker is also pleased that a windfall will be coming to the state as part of a federal coronavirus stimulus package. How might the state use that money? Our panel discusses where things stand in Illinois -- on the public health front and with the state budget.

On this episode, we discuss Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who becomes the new Illinois Democratic Party Chair, replacing Michael Madigan. Gov. J.B. Pritzker supported her opponent and some view Kelly's ascension as a defeat for the governor. Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has been outspoken about his own party. It appears he'll face a primary challenge. We discuss his political future. And Illinois continues to fall behind when it comes to its pension obligations. We discuss it all on State

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's legislative district seat saw not just one, but two replacements within a week. And Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a large reform package dealing with crime and policing. The Chicago Sun-Times ' Rachel Hinton joins the panel.

Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a combined State of the State and State Budget address this week with proposals to fill the deficit left by the pandemic. And after 50 years in the state legislature, former House Speaker Michael Madigan resigned his district seat. Chicago Tribune State Government Reporter Dan Petrella joins the panel.

While Illinois expands eligibility to receive the new coronavirus vaccine, there are still questions about the speed of distribution so far. Also this week, the state Republican party has a new leader. Chicago Tribune Investigative Reporter Joe Mahr joins the panel.