Progress Illinois

Governor Signs Cook County Veto Bill
In a rebuke to embattled Board President Todd Stroger, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law yesterday a measure lowering the veto override threshold for Cook County commissioners. The law takes effect immediately and commissioners will likely take another stab at rolling back the controversial sales tax increase, which Stroger has vetoed multiple times.

Danny Davis: I'll Seek Reelection
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis plans to run for re-election to Congress rather than make a bid for the Cook County board president's office.

Giannoulias To Receive Endorsement From Gutierrez
In other political news, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Illinois’ highest-ranking Hispanic elected official, has announced he will endorse State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the U.S. Senate primary. Gutierrez said Giannoulias has impressed him by taking public stands to save union jobs in Illinois.

Potential Snags Await Campaign Finance Reform
A recently passed campaign finance law is expected to increase substantially the workload of the State Board of Elections, which only has eight full-time employees. "We're still taking a look at it," said Dan White, the board's executive director. "It certainly poses some challenges."

Aldermen: Diversity Still Lacking at Police Department
Some Chicago aldermen say they're concerned about the continued lack of racial and gender diversity in the top ranks of the police department.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user kendoman26.