Progress Illinois

Bush's Parting Gift: Special Interest Giveaways
As a parting gift to all the special interests that have supported George W. Bush's presidency, his administration is making a final push to weaken a series of federal regulations aimed at protecting consumers and the environment. Among the policies being targeted are restrictions on power plants and mines, as well as pollution and drinking-water standards.

Emanuel Approached About Chief Of Staff Position?
The AP is reporting that, according to anonymous officials, Rep. Rahm Emanuel has been approached by Obama aides about possibly serving as White House chief of staff if the Democratic candidates wins the presidential election next Tuesday.  Asked about Emanuel Thursday night, Obama responded, "I'm trying to win an election."

Blagojevich Opposes Con-Con
Blagojevich came out swinging yesterday against the constitutional convention referendum question that appears on ballots in Illinois this year. Blagojevich dismissed support for Con-Con as an attempt to strip him of some of his executive powers. He further said that while he does like the "concept" of a convention, it would be too costly.

Gov. Pardons 26, Some Wrongly Convicted
A new law allowing the wrongfully convicted to circumvent the governor in seeking a pardon appears to have pushed Blagojevich's hand. The governor pardoned 26 people yesterday, including four men who were exonerated from violent crime convictions.

Local Homeowner Tax Relief Floated
The Cook County board's three most reform-minded commissioners will introduce a proposal to bring relief to low-income homeowners spending more than 5 percent of their income on property taxes. The plan would advance Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan's recent call for creating a relief fund to aid struggling homeowners. Those who qualify could receive up to $700 to offset the cost of tax increases.

Image of the Richardson Corn Maze used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Thomas.Merton.