Progress Illinois

Campaign Finance Reform Takes Center Stage
With two days left in the fall veto session, lawmakers are under pressure to strike a deal on campaign finance reform legislation. So far, such a compromise remains somewhat elusive. Despite vetoing caps that he saw as too weak earlier this year, Gov. Pat Quinn is staying mum on what reforms he expects to emerge in the bill.

The Free Ride Is (Almost) Over
Meanwhile, Illinois House committee advanced a measure yesterday that would curtail free mass transit rides for Illinois seniors who do not qualify as low-income. Even if the cost-saving measure is approved by the General Assembly, however, all seniors will still receive for a 50 percent fare discount. The changes would take effect March 1.

Quinn Cabinet Picks Sail Through Confirmation
Also during yesterday's veto session, the Illinois Senate Executive Appointments Committee approved several of Gov. Quinn's top-tier staff appointments -- including Department of Corrections director Michael Randle, Michelle Saddler at the Department of Human Services, and James Sledge at the Department of Central Management Services.

The Cost Of Cook County's Lax Lawsuit Challenges
An investigation by the legal-reform group Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch found that Cook County spent $119 million on legal work and settlements in 2008 alone -- more than California's Los Angeles County, which has double the population. The watchdog argues that it demonstrates a lax approach to fighting frivolous lawsuits.

Aldermen Gripe About Daley's Budget
During day one of the city's budget hearings, aldermen griped that Mayor Daley is mortgaging Chicago's future by draining more than $2 billion from the city's reserves instead of raising taxes. Meanwhile, the mayor is pushing the city's police and fire departments to take five weeks of furlough time and is pulling the plug on recycling expansion to cut additional costs.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user travit.