Progress Illinois

Quinn Snags Gutierrez' Endorsement
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez will announce today that he's endorsing Gov. Pat Quinn in the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Political Unknowns Score Top Ballot Spots
Yesterday, the State Board of Elections pulled names to determine the ballot positions for next year's February 2 primary election. The top spots in three major races will go to political unknowns.

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Illinois' Financial Crisis Among Nation's Worst
The Pew Center for the States has ranked Illinois among the 10 most financially unstable states in the nation because of the huge gap between its revenue and spending. A looming deficit, along with a high unemployment rate, are among several other factors that has put the state's finances on dangerous ground, researchers found.

The Cost Of The Budget Crisis Climbs
Meanwhile, Illinois taxpayers are poised to fork over a record $60 million in late fees and interest to vendors whose payments have been delayed because of the ongoing budget mess.

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Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

At What Cost?
Buzzflash's Meg White argues that if we can't afford to care for veterans, we can't afford to be at war.

A Soldier's Soldier
At Small Wars Journal, Robert Bateman reposts a touching essay he wrote in remembrance of a fallen soldier named Bradley Fox.

Armistice Day
Matt Yglesias wonders if we'd be better served by changing the name of today's holiday to Armistice Day, as they call it in Europe.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

Sources: Deal Reached To Avoid CTA Fare Hike
Regional transit officials and Gov. Pat Quinn have reportedly reached a deal to help the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) avoid the steep fare hikes it has proposed. Under the plan, the Regional Transportation Authority would issue bonds for capital projects that would be funneled to the CTA, freeing up the agency to devote its own capital funds to operational expenses.

State Invests In New Veterans Hospital
Meanwhile, Gov. Quinn unveiled plans yesterday to build a new long-term, 200-bed facility for Illinois veterans on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Construction on the $65 million project is expected to last 12- to 14-months.

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Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

My Conversation With Goldman
Rep. Jan Schakowsky details her conversation regarding bonuses with two top executives of Goldman Sachs, whom she describes as "visitors from another planet."

Leaders And Laggards
Illinois earns average grades in a new study on school innovation by the Center for American Progress and the American Enterprise Institute.

Senate Stonewallers
Benjy Sarlin at The Daily Beast reviews the rich history of the Senate filibuster.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

Since our launch in March of 2008 Progress Illinois has been supported financially via a sponsorship from the SEIU Illinois State Council.  Their generous committment to this project allowed us to hit the ground running during our first 20 months online.  As a result, we've been able to focus our attention on crafting a quality editorial product and cultivating a growing audience.  

While SEIU will remain our main source of support in the coming years, we are also exploring new revenue opportunities with the ultimate goal of greater financial sustainability.  We are taking our first step in that direction this week by announcing the sale of advertising on the site.

Interests groups and campaigns trying to build their brand or spread their message among Illinois progressives and political professionals can gain direct access to those readers -- and many more -- on Progress Illinois.  Since September 1, we have averaged over 28,000 unique visitors per week and anticipate increased traffic as the campaign season ramps up.

We are currently selling banner advertising on a weekly basis. Additional inventory and options will be made available in early 2010 when we unveil a redesign of the site (more on that to come).  

If you are interested in receiving more details about our advertising program, including a rate card, please contact Josh Kalven at the following address: josh (at) progressillinois (dot) com.

UPDATE: As an aside, here's an interesting article from the Online Journalism Review about other local news sites receiving financial support from the labor community.

Illinois Starts Early Prisoner Release
Under a statewide cost-cutting plan, the Illinois Department of Corrections will discharge today the first wave of Illinois prisoners -- 62 out of 1,000 -- that are scheduled for early release.

Ballot Challenges Take Shape
Yesterday was the deadline for candidates to challenge nominating petitions submitted by their primary opponents. Both the State Board of Elections and the Cook County clerk's office report that dozens of candidates are now facing objections, including State Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago).

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Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Unfinished Reform
Former Illinois Reform Commission Chair Patrick Collins writes that reformers must remain vigilant in their fight to implement stringent campaign finance laws.

Pelosi's Risky Strategy
Once deemed risky, the Washington Post's Ezra Klein argues that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to pass climate change legislation this summer might turn out to be a brilliant tactical move.

Revisiting The Scene
Check out some scenes from a brief documentary on Chicago's social justice history as seen through the eyes of health reform advocate Dr. Quentin Young.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

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.

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