Podcasts about capitol news illinois

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joins Patrick to discuss the Texas legislators who fled to Illinois, Governor Pritzker's redistricting hypocrisy, and the dearth of Republican candidates statewide next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Beth Hundsdorfer joins Patrick to discuss her reporting on failures at DCFS and what lawmakers may do to reform the agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel joins Patrick to discuss the sentencing of former legislator and lobbyist Michael McClain in the "ComEd Four" case and if Michael Madigan will ever actually see prison time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth Hundsdorfer of Capitol News Illinois joins Patrick to discuss repeated failures by DCFS and why politicians aren't doing anything to reform the troubled agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois' Beth Hundsdorfer joins Megan Lynch. Shes been looking into the death of 18-year-old girl last year in a foster home in Fairview Heights, Illinois, where she lived for four years. Now there are questions about why the state Department of Children and Family Services isn't releasing more information about their actions in the case.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Patrick to discuss Governor JB Pritzker's continued efforts to position him as a foil to President Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a third term. Jerry Nowicki, Ben Szalinski and Public Affairs Reporting intern Jade Aubrey discuss the announcement and Aubrey's time at Capitol News Illinois.

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joins Patrick to discuss the new state budget, if lawmakers will come back this summer, and where transit reform stands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss former House Speaker Michael Madigan's sentencing on federal corruption charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Statehouse Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, Ben Szalinski, joined Jon Hansen on Let's Get Legal to talk about the latest state legal news. Ben gives his key takeaways from the budget. From spending growth and new revenue to possible transit layoffs, Ben and Jon discuss what’s in the latest Illinois budget.

Illinois lawmakers closed out the 2025 spring session by passing a $55.2 billion budget and a revenue package to help pay for it. But the session was marked as much by what didn't get through the process as what did. The Capitol News Illinois team breaks down the major issues that were confronted in the final days of the session.

Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois, joins Megan Lynch with a wrap of the legislative session that just ended in Springfield, IL.

Illinois lawmakers passed several bills this week including reform for the Prisoner Review Board and banning carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer. But with one week left in the spring session, big issues like the budget and mass transit reform still remain. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Jerry Nowicki, Editor-in-Chief, Capitol News IllinoisSen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Senate PresidentSen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet)Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago), Assistant House Majority LeaderABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois breaks down what is, or isn't, happening with top issues heading into the final two weeks of the legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As state lawmakers head towards their May 31 adjournment, House leaders sit down to discuss crafting a budget in a tight fiscal year. Meanwhile, a Democratic lawmaker has been removed from his committee chairmanship with only two weeks left of the session. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News IllinoisEmanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside), House SpeakerTony McCombie (R-Savanna), House Minority LeaderABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

With less than a month left in their spring session, Illinois lawmakers continue to work on a state budget with concerns about economic uncertainty from the federal government. While a fiscal plan may be the highest priority, legislators are also looking at issues including higher education, energy generation, and Tier 2 pensions. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Ben Szalinski, Statehouse reporter, Capitol News IllinoisSen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester), Senate Majority LeaderSen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield), Assistant Senate Republican LeaderRep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea), Assistant House Majority LeaderRep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), Deputy House Republican LeaderABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Statehouse Reporter for Capitol News Illinois, Ben Szalinski, joined Jon Hansen on Let’s Get Legal to talk about the latest state legal news. Ben and Jon discuss proposed legislation, public defender reform, and public transit reform.

With just five weeks to go in the spring session, Illinois lawmakers are racing to finalize a state budget and address a $1 billion public transit shortfall. Rep. Robyn Gabel highlights the ripple effects of federal Medicare cuts on more than 800,000 residents. Rep. Charles Meier shares updates on agriculture bills aimed at expanding access to specialty crops like poultry. Sen. Robert Peters outlines new legislation to strengthen worker rights and increaseaffordable housing, while Sen. Sally Turner focuses on support for young farmers and the future of Logan Correctional Center. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), House Majority LeaderRep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville)Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Majority Caucus WhipSen. Sally Turner (R-Beason), Senate WhipJerry Nowicki, Editor-in-Chief, Capitol News IllinoisABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

One-on-one with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton by Capitol News Illinois

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget asks, transit funding, and the lack of policy depth from Lt. Governor Juiiana Stratton's senate campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As state representatives return to Springfield, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announces he won't seek reelection. Reaction to the announcement, budget updates, and other key issues are in focus this week. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News IllinoisRep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), House Speaker Pro TemporeRep. Amy Elik (R-Godfrey), Assistant House Republican LeaderRep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake)Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), Assistant House Republican LeaderABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Patrick to talk about Governor Pritzker's doubling down on progressive issues and how that plays into potential campaigns in 2026 and 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With state lawmakers on spring break, Capitol News Illinois reporters join host Jak Tichenor to discuss the spring session so far. From the budget to homeschool regulation, funding for higher education and more, there are still numerous issues for lawmakers to address in the next few weeks.GUESTS: Ben Szalinski, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News IllinoisMolly Parker, Investigative Reporter, Capitol News Illinois/ProPublicaPeter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News IllinoisABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

It's Good Friday, April 18th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus and Jonathan Clark Chinese Communists sentence Christians for Bible distribution Chinese Communists gave nine Christians prison sentences and large fines for re-selling and distributing Bibles in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia located in North China, reports International Christian Concern. On April 10th, the religious freedom magazine Bitter Winter reported their prison sentences were four years long and their fines ranged from $68 to more than $136,000. The sentences stem from charges and arrests in 2021, where the Christians bought legally published Bibles in Nanjing but ended up re-selling and distributing them at much lower prices as they wanted to share God's Word as a means of evangelism. These Chinese Christians will be inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:16-17. It says, “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Salvadoran President: Deported man will not be sent back to US When Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele came to the White House on April 14th, CNN host Kaitlan Collins asked a question about an illegal alien El Salvadoran man from Maryland, named Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been deported back to his country on March 15th. TRUMP: “Let's hear the question from this very low rated anchor.” COLLINS: “Do you plan to return him?” To be clear, Garcia was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland on March 12 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Attorney General Pam Bondi explained that he is a member of MS-13, a gang, which Trump has now designated a terrorist organization. BONDI: “In 2019, two courts, an immigration court and an appellate immigration court, ruled that he was a member of MS-13 and he was illegally in our country.” In response to Kaitlan Collins' question, Salvadoran President Bukele laughed, reports The Epoch Times. BUKELE: “The question is preposterous. How could I smuggle a terrorist to the United States? I don't have the power to return him to the United States.” Later, outside the White House, Stephen Miller, Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, schooled reporters who seem to be more concerned with illegal alien MS-13 gang members than they are with the laws of our country. MILLER: “A judge has said he must be deported from the country. He has no right to remain here any longer. He must be removed from the country. So, his only options are to be deported to his home country or another country. That's it. There's no other option. He doesn't get to stay here. He doesn't get to live here. He has no future here. He has no right to be here. He's an illegal alien. “So, when you keep saying ‘return' because you've been spun up by the Open Borders advocates, you all seem to be operating under the illusion that he would be able to come to United States and just continue to live here illegally. That's not an option available to him. His only choices in life are to live in El Salvador or to live in another country. That's it. There's no other option, legally or otherwise, because he came to our country illegally. Do you understand that?” Trump administration examines negative impacts over "transgendering" The Trump administration ordered the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of so-called “gender transitioning.” A leaked memo indicates the agency must investigate the “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children and adults.  In particular, the Trump administration wants to identify negative impacts on physical and mental health caused by such practices. The investigation will also look into “regret and detransition” by people who have pretended to be the opposite sex.  Trump hosted an Easter prayer service On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump hosted an Easter prayer service dinner at the White House, reports The Associated Press. He affirmed the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Listen. TRUMP: “Nearly 2,000 years ago, during the sacred week, the living Son of God entered Jerusalem in triumph. Soon after, the Savior of mankind, who brought truth and light into the world, was betrayed, arrested and tried, beaten and nailed to a cross and crucified. “For our sake, He gave up His life and, as the very great Reverend Billy Graham once said, ‘God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung and bled and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.' “The death and resurrection of Jesus are the essence of the Christian faith. Whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old, or in times of peace or war, Christians everywhere find solace and hope in the knowledge that Christ died for them and that they could be united with Him in Heaven. And that's what we want. That's what we all want.” Luke 24:6 says, “He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee.” 2 killed, 6 wounded at Florida State University shooting On Thursday, two people were killed at Florida State University in Tallahassee and six others were wounded by Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old political science major, as he opened fire from an orange Hummer.  The son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy, he used his mother's handgun in the campus rampage, reports the Miami Herald. Appearing on Fox News Channel, FSU student Owen Girard described what he witnessed. GIRARD: “Sounded like a jackhammer, of these repetitive beats going on in the distance. Thought it was construction. Next thing you know, you have all of these students running at you, yelling that there's a shooter, so you just drop everything and run. That was our experience. We ran. We hid on the outskirts of campus.” Florida State University President Rick McCullough spoke at the press conference. McCULLOUGH: “This is a tragic day for Florida State University. We are absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today. Two have died. Five other innocents are being treated for their injuries. We're working to support the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this traumatic event.” Texas school choice passes the state House Texas lawmakers are one step closer to approving a $1 billion private school voucher program hours after passing a bill to allocate $7.7 billion in funding for public schools, reports The Christian Post. The voucher proposal, known as Senate Bill 2, passed the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday by a largely party-line vote of 85-63, in which all Democrats and two Republicans voted against it. Illinois bill hostile to homeschooling dies for now And finally, an Illinois bill, hostile to homeschoolers as well as private schools, missed a procedural deadline in April, reported Capitol News Illinois.  If it became law, homeschoolers could face penalties for not filling out government paperwork. However, the bill's main sponsor, Democratic State Rep. Terra Howard, has requested an extension to keep it on life support. On March 19th, 8,000 homeschooling parents and kids traveled to the Illinois state capitol where they packed the committee room and extended into the hallways and the Capitol Rotunda, reports HSLDA. Close And that's The Worldview on this Good Friday, April 18th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In the latest episode of Illinois Lawmakers, host Jak Tichenor spoke with legislators about key issues at the Capitol. Discussions included the ongoing budget process, how federal government decisions are affecting Illinois, and Tier 2 pension reform. Other issues discussed include concerns about synthetic cannabis getting into Illinois prisons by mail.GUESTS: Ben Szalinski, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News IllinoisSen. Elgie Sims Jr., Senate Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader (D-Chicago)Rep. Travis Weaver (R-Edwards)Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, (D-Oswego)Sen. Terri Bryant, Assistant Senate Republican Leader (R-Murphysboro)ABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss why the legislature took so long to pass any bills and how the homeschool issue became the most talked about bill of the spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Beth Hundsdorfer joins Patrick to talk about Scott's Law, the battle over homeschooling regulation, and a federal investigation into the Illinois Department of Human Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of Illinois Lawmakers, host Jak Tichenor spoke with legislators about key issues at the Capitol. Discussions included reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker's budget proposal, mass transit reform, and the potential impacts from federal funding cuts to Medicaid and education. Other issues discussed include a proposed bill to ban cell phones in Illinois schools. Hosted by Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Sen. John Curran, Senate Minority Leader (R-Downers Grove)Sen. Cristina Castro, Majority Caucus Whip (D-Elgin)Sen. Ram Villavalam, Majority Caucus Whip (D-Chicago)Peter Hancock, Statehouse Reporter, Capitol News Illinois ABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Trade mission to Mexico by Capitol News Illinois

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick this morning to discuss Governor Pritzker's rare veto, transit funding, and why nothing seems to be happening at the Statehouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss some of Governor JB Pritzker's top legislative priorities and the mood in the legislature midway through the spring legislative session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Szalinski, Statehouse reporter at Capitol News Illinois joins Dane Neal on Let’s Get Legal to discuss the end of reimbursements for Illinois food programs.

An investigation by ProPublica and Capitol News Illinois discovered that children were being mistreated and neglected while being homeschooled. State Representative and Chair of the Adoption and Child Welfare Committee in the Illinois House, Terra Costa Howard, joins Dane Neal for Let’s Gel Legal. The two discuss homeschooling and the new bill that hopes to protect children’s […]

The Supreme Court opined for the first time that Trump administration officials may be exceeding their authority to reshape the federal government by refusing to honor completed contracts, even as lower-court judges started blocking efforts to fire workers, freeze funding, and cancel ongoing contracts. Meanwhile, public health officials are alarmed at the Department of Health and Human Services' public handling of Texas' widening measles outbreak, particularly the secretary's less-than-full endorsement of vaccines. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Stephanie Armour of KFF Health News join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: KFF Health News' “Future of Cancer Coverage for Women Federal Firefighters Uncertain Under Trump,” by Kylie Mohr. Joanne Kenen: ProPublica's “How Illinois' Hands-Off Approach to Homeschooling Leaves Children at Risk,” by Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois. Stephanie Armour: The New York Times' “Organ Transplant System ‘in Chaos' as Waiting Lists Are Ignored,” by Brian M. Rosenthal, Mark Hansen, and Jeremy White. Lauren Weber: The Washington Post's “Amid West Texas Measles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens,” by Fenit Nirappil and Elana Gordon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illinois lawmakers are returning for a short lame duck session starting Saturday and a new legislative session begins Wednesday. Capitol News Illinois reporters Peter Hancock, Andrew Adams and Ben Szalinski discuss some of the issues that could be addressed.

How do you keep a grocery store open in a small or low-income community? The answer might involve regulating big box stores like Walmart and Kroger. Guest: Molly Parker, investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois and a Local Reporting Network fellow at ProPublica. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you keep a grocery store open in a small or low-income community? The answer might involve regulating big box stores like Walmart and Kroger. Guest: Molly Parker, investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois and a Local Reporting Network fellow at ProPublica. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you keep a grocery store open in a small or low-income community? The answer might involve regulating big box stores like Walmart and Kroger. Guest: Molly Parker, investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois and a Local Reporting Network fellow at ProPublica. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you keep a grocery store open in a small or low-income community? The answer might involve regulating big box stores like Walmart and Kroger. Guest: Molly Parker, investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois and a Local Reporting Network fellow at ProPublica. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Citizens Club of Springfield convened in November with a panel of political reporters to discuss the 2024 election and what it means. The panel featured retired reporter and columnist for The State Journal-Register Bernie Schoenburg, Illinois Times reporter Scott Reeder and Peter Hancock from Capitol News Illinois. The discussion was moderated by Kent Redfield, professor emeritus from the University of Illinois Springfield.

"The Election is Over. Now What?" That was the name of the panel discussion held by the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs, featuring UIS professors Matthew Geras, Isabel Skinner and Jason Pierceson. Jennifer Fuller from Capitol News Illinois moderated the discussion which provided analysis on the outcome of the election and what we are likely to see in future elections.

Lawmakers are back home for the holidays after a quiet fall veto session in Springfield but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are sizing up the challenge of dealing with a projected $3.2-billion budget shortfall for the state's new fiscal year starting July 1.Guests include Senate Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie Sims, Jr. (D) of Chicago, Deputy Senate Republican Leader Sue Rezin of Morris, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel of Evanston, and Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain of Peoria. Capitol News Illinois reporter Peter Hancock provides an overview of the fall veto session's news with host Jak Tichenor.GUESTS:Sen. Elgie Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), Senate Caucus Appropriations LeaderSen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris), Deputy Senate Republican LeaderRep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), House Majority LeaderRep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), Deputy House Republican Leader ABOUT THE SHOW:“Illinois Lawmakers” is the longest-running television series offering continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly. Now in its 40th year of production, the series has found a new home with Capitol News Illinois. Learn more at capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News Illinois is a program of the Illinois Press Foundation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are sizing up the challenge of dealing with a projected $3.2 billion dollar budget shortfall for the state's new fiscal year that starts July 1. Guests include Senate Democrats' appropriations lead Elgie Sims Jr. of Chicago, Deputy Senate Republican Leader Sue Rezin of Morris, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel of Evanston, and Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain of Peoria. Capitol News Illinois reporter Peter Hancock provides an overview of the fall veto session's news with host Jak Tichenor.

Capitol News Illinois' Peter Hancock talks to reporters Andrew Adams and Hannah Meisel about two of our top stories this week: A look at 2024 ballot questions and jury selection in the trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Jerry Nowicki and Jennifer Fuller of Capitol News Illinois discuss how the organization started helping replace the loss of print statehouse reporting and how they have expanded into providing multimedia news coverage to supplement government coverage in Illinois media.

Biden bombs, Trump pounces in first debate of 2024 | Supreme Court rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media platforms | The unemployment rate in Kansas has been under 3% for 30 months | Sean Diller mourns the senseless loss of another progressive Colorado Democrat, as incumbent State Representative Elisabeth Epps was defeated in a primary this week | IL Gov JB Pritzker announces new Department of Early ChildhoodFrom Eugene Daniels at Politoco: Dems freak out over Biden's debate performancehttps://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”President Joe Biden stands on stage during a commercial break in a presidential debate at CNN Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICOBy EUGENE DANIELS06/27/2024 10:15 PM EDTUpdated: 06/27/2024 10:27 PM EDTPresident Joe Biden opened the debate with a raspy voice and disjointed, rambling answers, reigniting Democratic concerns about his age and ability to take on former President Donald Trump.Many of the president's answers were hard to follow. At one point, seemingly losing his train of thought, Biden said “we finally beat Medicare,” misspeaking about his own policy on earned benefits.In text messages with POLITICO, Democrats expressed confusion and concern as they watched the first minutes of the event. One former Biden White House and campaign aide called it “terrible,” adding that they have had to ask themselves over and over “What did he just say? This is crazy.”Another veteran Democratic operative texted, “Biden seems to have needed a few minutes to warm up. I wonder if the lack of an audience was the right decision. And poor guy needs a tea. Maybe a whiskey.”An attorney and Democratic activist from New Hampshire said, “Biden is toast — calling it now.”Biden's rambling answers provided Trump multiple opportunities to jump in with retorts. At one point, after an answer ostensibly on immigration, Trump said, “I don't know what he said at the end there. I don't think he knows what he said.”The president's performance was widely panned online and will likely reinforce the impression that he's lost a step. The 81-year-old president's age has long been a liability, with poll after poll showing even many Democrats concerned about his age.Biden aides and allies had hoped the on-stage split screen between the two men would help to focus voters' attention on the race. But during the debate, many Democrats have begun to doubt that strategy would actually work out in Biden's favor.A person familiar with Biden's health claimed that his performance is due to a cold. But the president's team hadn't mentioned that to reporters until Biden began to answer questions in the debate.One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”Better call the waaaambulance! Supreme Court rejects Missouri AG's petition trying to connect the government, to social media, to his own challenges and inadequacies.https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/26/scotus-rejects-suit-alleging-federal-government-bullied-social-media-into-censoring-content/SCOTUS rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media into censoring contentThe lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who were either banned or throttled by social media companiesBY: JASON HANCOCK - JUNE 26, 2024 9:15 AMThe U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected arguments by Missouri and Louisiana that the federal government violated the First Amendment in its efforts to combat false, misleading and dangerous information online.In a 6-3 decision written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court held that neither the states nor seven individuals who were co-plaintiffs in the case were able to demonstrate any harm or substantial risk that they will suffer an injury in the future.Therefore, they do not have legal standing to bring a case against the federal government.Plaintiffs failed to prove that social media platforms acted due to government coercion, Barrett wrote, rather than their own judgment and policies. In fact, she wrote, social media platforms “began to suppress the plaintiffs' COVID–19 content before the defendants' challenged communications started.”Plaintiffs cannot “manufacture standing,” Barrett wrote, “merely by inflicting harm on themselves based on their fears of hypothetical future harm that is not certainly impending.”The ruling overturns a lower court decision that concluded officials under Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump unlawfully coerced social media companies to remove deceptive or inaccurate content out of fears it would fuel vaccine hesitancy or upend elections.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called the federal government's actions “the biggest violation of the First Amendment in our nation's history.”But those arguments were greeted with skepticism by the court in March, with justices from across the ideological spectrum punching holes in the lawsuit and raising concerns about the consequences for public safety and national security.In an emailed statement, Bailey made no mention of the court's decision to dismiss the case, instead declaring that his office will continue to pursue evidence of social media censorship by the federal government.“Missouri is not done,” Bailey said. “We are going back to the district court to obtain more discovery in order to root out Joe Biden's vast censorship enterprise once and for all.”The lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who either were banned from a platform or whose posts were not prominently featured on social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and X, then known as Twitter.Among the co-plaintiffs is Jim Hoft, founder of the St. Louis-based right-wing conspiracy website Gateway Pundit. Hoft has built a career on promulgating false conspiracies on a wide range of topics, from the 2018 Parkland school shooting to former President Barack Obama's birth certificate.His company recently filed for bankruptcy as it faces defamation lawsuits in Missouri and Colorado filed by people who say they faced threats after being vilified by Gateway Pundit in false stories.Hoft claims claims that Twitter, in December 2020, censored content about the Hunter Biden laptop story at the urging of the federal government. But Barrett wrote that Twitter acted according to its own rules against posting or sharing “privately produced/distributed intimate media of someone without their express consent.”There is no evidence, Barrett wrote, that Twitter adopted its policy in response to pressure from the federal government.3. Kansas unemployment has been under 3% for almost 3 years runninghttps://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-for-second-consecutive-month-to-2-9-in-may/Kansas unemployment rate 2.9%BY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 24, 2024 3:30 PMTOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas was 2.9% in May, for an unprecedented 30 consecutive months with unemployment under 3%. The state's unemployment rate has remained under 3% since October 2021, after reaching double-digits in the twilight of Trump's presidency in 2020.In the past 12 months, Kansas' total nonfarm employment climbed by 24,000 jobs. The Department of Labor says that was due to a surge of 18,700 private sector positions and the addition of 5,300 government jobs.The average nominal hourly earnings in Kansas for private sector workers has increased 3.4% over the past 12 months to $30.09.4.  Go along to get along type wins Colorado blue seat primaryhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/25/camacho-leads-epps-in-closely-watched-colorado-statehouse-race/Camacho beats Epps in closely watched Colorado statehouse raceBY: SARA WILSON - JUNE 25, 2024 10:07 PM   Challenger Sean Camacho defeated Rep. Elisabeth Epps in the Democratic primary for state House District 6, according to early results from the Colorado secretary of state.Camacho was ahead with 63% of the vote, according to the results as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and Associated Press-subscribed outlets reported that the AP called the race for Camacho.Camacho was the establishment-backed candidate. Epps was the more progressive, yet controversial, first-term lawmaker. The race was seen as a bellwether among many state Capitol observers.Epps, who heads the Colorado Freedom Fund, won her first term in office in 2022 after another tough primary challenge from Katie March. During her two years in office, she championed progressive legislation including a ban on most semi-automatic firearms and a bill to allow overdose authorization centers. She also publicly criticized House leadership over their handling of floor speech and open meetings practices. She was reprimanded by House leadership after she joined pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber gallery during a special session last fall.Epps was backed by labor and grassroots groups including the AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 105.Camacho had endorsements from the Democratic establishment of Colorado, including Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg.Camacho vastly outraised and outspent Epps, according to campaign finance records. He also benefited from outside spending. Various committees spent over $120,000 for communications opposing Epps and over $250,000 supporting him. That included a series of negative mailers targeting Epps.5. IL Gov JB Pritzker signs bill creating new Depaartment of Early Childhoodhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-signs-bill-creating-new-department-of-early-childhoodPritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early ChildhoodGov. JB Pritzker holds up Senate Bill 1 after signing it into law, flanked by Reps. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, and Will Davis, D-Homewood (left) and lead Senate sponsor Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood (right). Pritzker said the agency is expected to be up and running in 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Tuesday, June 25, 2024New agency to bring multiple programs under one roofBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development.The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers.Speaking at a bill signing ceremony at a preschool in Chicago, Pritzker said the streamlined agency  should make it easier for new parents to access critical services for their children.“It's hard enough juggling all the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of parents,” he said. “And on top of that, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex bureaucracy to get the care that they and their children deserve.”  A chalkboard welcome sign for Gov. JB Pritzker inside Eyes On The Future Child Development Center in Chicago's far north side neighborhood of Rogers Park. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1 there, which will create the framework for a new state agency geared towards early childhood development. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)  Pritzker first unveiled his plan for a consolidated agency last fall, just as lawmakers were beginning their annual fall veto session, when he issued an executive order establishing an Office of Early Childhood within the governor's office. Read more: Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agencyThat order directed the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education to begin working on a transition plan to move the administration of their early childhood programs into a new agency.The formal bid to establish the new agency was part of Pritzker's budget proposal to the General Assembly in February, along with a second year of increased funding for those programs under Pritzker's Smart Start initiative.Under the plan, the new agency will take over the Early Childhood Block Grant program from the State Board of Education, which funds the Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs; the Child Care Assistance Program, Home Visiting programs, and Early Intervention Services currently housed in the Department of Human Services; and licensing of day care facilities, which is currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services.The legislation authorizing the new agency, Senate Bill 1, passed unanimously in the Senate in April, and last month passed with bipartisan support in the House, 93-18.“The foundation of a child's success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children's diverse needs.”  Gov. JB Pritzker poses for photos with early childhood advocates following a signing event for Senate Bill 1, which creates the Department of Early Childhood. Pritzker said the agency will immediately “make life simpler, better, and fairer for tens of thousands of Illinois families.” (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Much of the debate over the bill in the legislature focused on the cost of launching a new state agency. Lawmakers appropriated $14 million in the upcoming fiscal year for initial startup costs, which include such things as hiring executive staff and opening new office space.But administration officials were reluctant to provide estimates of how much the new agency would cost annually once it's fully operational, and whether those administrative costs would outweigh what the state is spending currently.Responding to questions from reporters Tuesday, Pritzker again declined to offer specific cost estimates but suggested consolidating the programs into a single agency could result in efficiencies and cost savings. But he did chide “people who want to complain” about how new state agencies will “cost...taxpayers.”  “I really don't think it will,” Pritzker said. “I think there's real efficiency and taking programs that are desperately located in different departments and bringing them all together.”Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Biden bombs, Trump pounces in first debate of 2024 | Supreme Court rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media platforms | The unemployment rate in Kansas has been under 3% for 30 months | Sean Diller mourns the senseless loss of another progressive Colorado Democrat, as incumbent State Representative Elisabeth Epps was defeated in a primary this week | IL Gov JB Pritzker announces new Department of Early ChildhoodFrom Eugene Daniels at Politoco: Dems freak out over Biden's debate performancehttps://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”President Joe Biden stands on stage during a commercial break in a presidential debate at CNN Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICOBy EUGENE DANIELS06/27/2024 10:15 PM EDTUpdated: 06/27/2024 10:27 PM EDTPresident Joe Biden opened the debate with a raspy voice and disjointed, rambling answers, reigniting Democratic concerns about his age and ability to take on former President Donald Trump.Many of the president's answers were hard to follow. At one point, seemingly losing his train of thought, Biden said “we finally beat Medicare,” misspeaking about his own policy on earned benefits.In text messages with POLITICO, Democrats expressed confusion and concern as they watched the first minutes of the event. One former Biden White House and campaign aide called it “terrible,” adding that they have had to ask themselves over and over “What did he just say? This is crazy.”Another veteran Democratic operative texted, “Biden seems to have needed a few minutes to warm up. I wonder if the lack of an audience was the right decision. And poor guy needs a tea. Maybe a whiskey.”An attorney and Democratic activist from New Hampshire said, “Biden is toast — calling it now.”Biden's rambling answers provided Trump multiple opportunities to jump in with retorts. At one point, after an answer ostensibly on immigration, Trump said, “I don't know what he said at the end there. I don't think he knows what he said.”The president's performance was widely panned online and will likely reinforce the impression that he's lost a step. The 81-year-old president's age has long been a liability, with poll after poll showing even many Democrats concerned about his age.Biden aides and allies had hoped the on-stage split screen between the two men would help to focus voters' attention on the race. But during the debate, many Democrats have begun to doubt that strategy would actually work out in Biden's favor.A person familiar with Biden's health claimed that his performance is due to a cold. But the president's team hadn't mentioned that to reporters until Biden began to answer questions in the debate.One prominent operative texted, “Time for an open convention.”Better call the waaaambulance! Supreme Court rejects Missouri AG's petition trying to connect the government, to social media, to his own challenges and inadequacies.https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/26/scotus-rejects-suit-alleging-federal-government-bullied-social-media-into-censoring-content/SCOTUS rejects Missouri lawsuit alleging feds bullied social media into censoring contentThe lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who were either banned or throttled by social media companiesBY: JASON HANCOCK - JUNE 26, 2024 9:15 AMThe U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected arguments by Missouri and Louisiana that the federal government violated the First Amendment in its efforts to combat false, misleading and dangerous information online.In a 6-3 decision written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court held that neither the states nor seven individuals who were co-plaintiffs in the case were able to demonstrate any harm or substantial risk that they will suffer an injury in the future.Therefore, they do not have legal standing to bring a case against the federal government.Plaintiffs failed to prove that social media platforms acted due to government coercion, Barrett wrote, rather than their own judgment and policies. In fact, she wrote, social media platforms “began to suppress the plaintiffs' COVID–19 content before the defendants' challenged communications started.”Plaintiffs cannot “manufacture standing,” Barrett wrote, “merely by inflicting harm on themselves based on their fears of hypothetical future harm that is not certainly impending.”The ruling overturns a lower court decision that concluded officials under Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump unlawfully coerced social media companies to remove deceptive or inaccurate content out of fears it would fuel vaccine hesitancy or upend elections.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called the federal government's actions “the biggest violation of the First Amendment in our nation's history.”But those arguments were greeted with skepticism by the court in March, with justices from across the ideological spectrum punching holes in the lawsuit and raising concerns about the consequences for public safety and national security.In an emailed statement, Bailey made no mention of the court's decision to dismiss the case, instead declaring that his office will continue to pursue evidence of social media censorship by the federal government.“Missouri is not done,” Bailey said. “We are going back to the district court to obtain more discovery in order to root out Joe Biden's vast censorship enterprise once and for all.”The lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Missouri and Louisiana, along with seven people who either were banned from a platform or whose posts were not prominently featured on social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and X, then known as Twitter.Among the co-plaintiffs is Jim Hoft, founder of the St. Louis-based right-wing conspiracy website Gateway Pundit. Hoft has built a career on promulgating false conspiracies on a wide range of topics, from the 2018 Parkland school shooting to former President Barack Obama's birth certificate.His company recently filed for bankruptcy as it faces defamation lawsuits in Missouri and Colorado filed by people who say they faced threats after being vilified by Gateway Pundit in false stories.Hoft claims claims that Twitter, in December 2020, censored content about the Hunter Biden laptop story at the urging of the federal government. But Barrett wrote that Twitter acted according to its own rules against posting or sharing “privately produced/distributed intimate media of someone without their express consent.”There is no evidence, Barrett wrote, that Twitter adopted its policy in response to pressure from the federal government.3. Kansas unemployment has been under 3% for almost 3 years runninghttps://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-for-second-consecutive-month-to-2-9-in-may/Kansas unemployment rate 2.9%BY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 24, 2024 3:30 PMTOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas was 2.9% in May, for an unprecedented 30 consecutive months with unemployment under 3%. The state's unemployment rate has remained under 3% since October 2021, after reaching double-digits in the twilight of Trump's presidency in 2020.In the past 12 months, Kansas' total nonfarm employment climbed by 24,000 jobs. The Department of Labor says that was due to a surge of 18,700 private sector positions and the addition of 5,300 government jobs.The average nominal hourly earnings in Kansas for private sector workers has increased 3.4% over the past 12 months to $30.09.4.  Go along to get along type wins Colorado blue seat primaryhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/06/25/camacho-leads-epps-in-closely-watched-colorado-statehouse-race/Camacho beats Epps in closely watched Colorado statehouse raceBY: SARA WILSON - JUNE 25, 2024 10:07 PM   Challenger Sean Camacho defeated Rep. Elisabeth Epps in the Democratic primary for state House District 6, according to early results from the Colorado secretary of state.Camacho was ahead with 63% of the vote, according to the results as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and Associated Press-subscribed outlets reported that the AP called the race for Camacho.Camacho was the establishment-backed candidate. Epps was the more progressive, yet controversial, first-term lawmaker. The race was seen as a bellwether among many state Capitol observers.Epps, who heads the Colorado Freedom Fund, won her first term in office in 2022 after another tough primary challenge from Katie March. During her two years in office, she championed progressive legislation including a ban on most semi-automatic firearms and a bill to allow overdose authorization centers. She also publicly criticized House leadership over their handling of floor speech and open meetings practices. She was reprimanded by House leadership after she joined pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber gallery during a special session last fall.Epps was backed by labor and grassroots groups including the AFL-CIO and SEIU Local 105.Camacho had endorsements from the Democratic establishment of Colorado, including Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg.Camacho vastly outraised and outspent Epps, according to campaign finance records. He also benefited from outside spending. Various committees spent over $120,000 for communications opposing Epps and over $250,000 supporting him. That included a series of negative mailers targeting Epps.5. IL Gov JB Pritzker signs bill creating new Depaartment of Early Childhoodhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-signs-bill-creating-new-department-of-early-childhoodPritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early ChildhoodGov. JB Pritzker holds up Senate Bill 1 after signing it into law, flanked by Reps. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, and Will Davis, D-Homewood (left) and lead Senate sponsor Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood (right). Pritzker said the agency is expected to be up and running in 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Tuesday, June 25, 2024New agency to bring multiple programs under one roofBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development.The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers.Speaking at a bill signing ceremony at a preschool in Chicago, Pritzker said the streamlined agency  should make it easier for new parents to access critical services for their children.“It's hard enough juggling all the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of parents,” he said. “And on top of that, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex bureaucracy to get the care that they and their children deserve.”  A chalkboard welcome sign for Gov. JB Pritzker inside Eyes On The Future Child Development Center in Chicago's far north side neighborhood of Rogers Park. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1 there, which will create the framework for a new state agency geared towards early childhood development. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)  Pritzker first unveiled his plan for a consolidated agency last fall, just as lawmakers were beginning their annual fall veto session, when he issued an executive order establishing an Office of Early Childhood within the governor's office. Read more: Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agencyThat order directed the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education to begin working on a transition plan to move the administration of their early childhood programs into a new agency.The formal bid to establish the new agency was part of Pritzker's budget proposal to the General Assembly in February, along with a second year of increased funding for those programs under Pritzker's Smart Start initiative.Under the plan, the new agency will take over the Early Childhood Block Grant program from the State Board of Education, which funds the Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative programs; the Child Care Assistance Program, Home Visiting programs, and Early Intervention Services currently housed in the Department of Human Services; and licensing of day care facilities, which is currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services.The legislation authorizing the new agency, Senate Bill 1, passed unanimously in the Senate in April, and last month passed with bipartisan support in the House, 93-18.“The foundation of a child's success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children's diverse needs.”  Gov. JB Pritzker poses for photos with early childhood advocates following a signing event for Senate Bill 1, which creates the Department of Early Childhood. Pritzker said the agency will immediately “make life simpler, better, and fairer for tens of thousands of Illinois families.” (Capitol News Illinois photo by Dilpreet Raju)Much of the debate over the bill in the legislature focused on the cost of launching a new state agency. Lawmakers appropriated $14 million in the upcoming fiscal year for initial startup costs, which include such things as hiring executive staff and opening new office space.But administration officials were reluctant to provide estimates of how much the new agency would cost annually once it's fully operational, and whether those administrative costs would outweigh what the state is spending currently.Responding to questions from reporters Tuesday, Pritzker again declined to offer specific cost estimates but suggested consolidating the programs into a single agency could result in efficiencies and cost savings. But he did chide “people who want to complain” about how new state agencies will “cost...taxpayers.”  “I really don't think it will,” Pritzker said. “I think there's real efficiency and taking programs that are desperately located in different departments and bringing them all together.”Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Heartland POD, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Heartland POD, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Lauren Boebert won't compete in special election to replace Rep. Ken Buck | MO voters favor abortion rights | Kansas GOP's flat tax favors the wealthiest 20% | JB Pritzker wants to end prior authorizations in mental health | Texas right-wing billionaires get their way ELECTION 2024Missourians back initiative to restore abortion rights by small margin, new poll findsThe St. Louis University/YouGov poll found many undecided voters as ballot campaign gathers signatures. The poll also found strong support for repealing the sales tax on food and sports wageringBY: RUDI KELLER - MARCH 13, 2024 6:00 AMhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missourians-back-initiative-to-restore-abortion-rights-by-small-margin-new-poll-finds/In June of 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established federal constitutional protections for abortion. Under current Missouri law, abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” This has made abortion virtually inaccessible in the state.Now, a group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is collecting signatures to put abortion rights on the November ballot. They must gather at least 171,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.A new poll shows plurality of Missourians support restoring abortion rights as they existed under Roe v. Wade, but a large undecided group holds the key to victory. The St. Louis University/YouGov Poll conducted in February found that 44% of those surveyed would vote for abortion rights after hearing the ballot language, while 37% were opposed. Almost one-fifth of voters, 19%, said they were unsure how they would vote.71% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans support the proposal.If the measure makes the ballot, poll director Steven Rogers said there are enough undecided voters to sway the result. A sports wagering initiative campaign is also underway and the poll found 60% of those surveyed back legal betting on professional sports.That poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between Feb. 14 and Feb. 26, with a 3.74% margin of error. Along with the major initiatives, the poll included questions tracking attitudes toward President Joe Biden, Congress, major Missouri political figures and the General Assembly.The poll also questioned voters about their choices for governor and their views on the biggest issues confronting the state as well as current legislative debates like school choice.37% of those surveyed said they approve of the job President Biden is doing, a rating similar to the findings in four previous surveys dating to July 2021. Gov. Mike Parson, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, has an approval rating of 52%, among the highest ever found by the poll. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking re-election this year, has an approval rating of 50%.The race to succeed Parson is wide open, at least for the August primaries. Without named candidates, the poll found 52% of those surveyed will vote for the Republican candidate for governor while 38% selected the Democrat.When those who said they would vote Republican were asked which candidate they preferred, “not sure” was selected by almost half of those polled. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the largest number of committed voters, with 28%, followed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at 10% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 8%.On the Democratic side, “not sure” was selected by 66% of respondents, with House Minority Leader Crystal Quade chosen by 21% and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra chosen by 4%.New Kansas flat tax proposal would mainly benefit state's top 20% of earnersBY: RACHEL MIPRO - MARCH 13, 2024 11:19 AMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/13/new-kansas-flat-tax-proposal-would-mainly-benefit-states-top-20-of-earners-analysis-shows/TOPEKA — A revamped flat tax plan touted by Kansas Senate lawmakers on Tuesday would cost the state nearly $650 million annually, give 40% of the benefits to the state's wealthiest 20%, and reap billionaire Charles Koch a half-million dollar windfall, according to independent analysis.During the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation hearing, Republican lawmakers claimed the bill, Senate Bill 539, would address Kansans' needs. Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who requested the bill's introduction said, “It is a product of listening to people and trying to come up with the best solution,”The state currently uses a graduated income tax rate: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. Couples filing together have those income amounts doubled.SB 539 would change income tax rates over six years, starting with a universal income tax rate of 5.7% in 2024, and reduced by .05% each year until 2029, which would set the rate at 5.45%. Under current law, the standard state deduction for income taxes is set at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would set the deduction at $4,000 for single filers in 2024 and increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers by the cost-of-living adjustment published in the Internal Revenue Code beginning in tax year 2025.However, researchers estimate the top 20% of earners – those with annual incomes of over $315,000 – would see nearly 40% of the benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research organization that favors a progressive tax system, estimated the plan would cost the state nearly $650 million annually once fully implemented.A Kansas household making less than $55,000 a year would see $237 in benefits. Billionaire Charles Koch would receive an estimated annual $485,000 in tax breaks under the proposal.The bill would also cut the standard tax rate for banks from the current 2.25% rate to 1.94% in tax year 2024, and down to 1.63% in 2025. For savings and loan associations, taxes would be reduced from the current 2.25% rate to 1.93% in 2024 and down to 1.61% in 2025. Other provisions include eliminating the state's 2% sales tax on groceries by July 1. Currently, the tax is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025.Earlier in the legislative session, a Republican-driven effort fast-tracked the 5.25% income tax plan that would have reduced tax collections by more than $300 million per year and primarily benefited the state's top earners. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the proposal in late January, characterizing it as “reckless.” Despite the GOP supermajority in the House and Senate, a veto override attempt failed in the House due to opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans who felt the proposal didn't do enough for the state's lower-income residents.Governor Kelly has said she will continue to veto “irresponsible flat tax proposals.”House panel opens hearings on Pritzker's health insurance reformsWednesday, March 13, 2024Bill seeks to reduce denials of coverage, improve provider networksBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/house-panel-opens-hearings-on-pritzkers-health-insurance-reformsSPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker's proposals for sweeping changes in the state's health insurance industry. The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395. They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called “step therapy” for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.Emily Miller, a senior advisor in Pritzker's office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.“Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry,” she said. “I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.”During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers. Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia. He said, “We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.”Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a “mental health crisis” among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been “artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our clinical time.”She said “I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.”The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.BY ROBERT DOWNENMARCH 8, 2024https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/08/tim-dunn-farris-wilks-defend-texas-liberty-election/West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks entered the 2024 primary election cycle wounded.Their political network was in the middle of a scandal over its ties to white supremacists. Republicans were calling on each other to reject the billionaires' campaign money. And their enemies believed they were vulnerable — one bad election day from losing their grip on the state.Instead, Dunn and Wilks emerged from Texas' primaries last Tuesday perhaps stronger than ever — vanquishing old political foes, positioning their allies for a November takeover of the state Legislature, and leaving little doubt as to who is winning a vicious civil war to control the state party.In race after race, more moderate conservative incumbents were trounced by candidates backed by Dunn and Wilks. Their political network made good on its vows for vengeance against House Republicans who voted to impeach their key state ally, Attorney General Ken Paxton, advancing more firebrands who campaigned against bipartisanship and backed anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Tuesday's election also paved the way for the likely passage of legislation that would allow taxpayer money to fund private and religious schools — a key policy goal for a movement that seeks to infuse more Christianity into public life.All told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by the two billionaires won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May. And, in a sign of how much the state party has moved rightward, five of their candidates beat incumbents in rematches from 2022 or 2020 — with some House districts swinging by double-digits in their favor. Of the candidates they backed, they donated $75,000 or more to 11 of them — six who won, and four who went to runoffs.Among the triumphant on Tuesday was Mitch Little, aided by at least $153,000 in Dunn and Wilks cash, who defeated Rep. Kronda Thimesch in a campaign that focused on Little's defense of Paxton from impeachment charges in the Senate trial last summer. Three days before he won, Little appeared at an event in Denton County with Paxton and, among others, Steve Bannon, the political operative who helped rally the far right behind then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016.And another Dunn and Wilks candidate, David Covey, stunned the state by winning more votes than House Speaker Dade Phelan — the No. 1 target of the state's far-right in part because of his role in the Paxton impeachment and refusal to ban Democrats from House leadership positions. Phelan now faces a runoff from Covey and the prospect of being the first Texas Speaker since 1972 to lose his primary.This election cycle, the billionaires' targets also overlapped with Gov. Greg Abbott, who poured more than $6 million into his quest to rid the Texas House of Republicans who defied his calls for school voucher legislation last year. Meanwhile, Paxton barnstormed the state as he sought retribution against incumbents who supported his impeachment. And, perhaps most importantly, former President Donald Trump was active in many contests — following the lead of Paxton and his other ally, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and offering late endorsements that bolstered right-wing candidates.We can't wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas' breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.Here's how the special election to replace Ken Buck will work in ColoradoLauren Boebert indicates she will not compete in special electionBY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 13, 2024 5:01 PMhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/13/special-election-to-replace-ken-buck-colorado/Colorado voters in the 4th Congressional District will vote in two separate elections on June 25: the congressional primary for November's general election, as well as a special election to immediately replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck, who announced on Tuesday that he is resigning and leaving Congress nine months ahead of schedule.It could add confusion to the a competitive and crowded race in Colorado's Eastern Plains.Buck had already announced his intention to retire and not seek reelection this year, but he surprised the political world this week by announcing that he would leave Congress on March 22, versus sticking around until the end of his term.That sets off a seldom-used process to fill a congressional vacancy via special election that, according to a decision announced by Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday, will coincide with the June 25 congressional primary election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining months of Buck's term, but would still need to win the party's nomination that day and then the general election in November to secure a full term in Congress.Each party will convene a special convention made up of party insiders to select one nominee for the special election. According to state statute, those special conventions need to happen within 20 days of the governor issuing a formal order for the special election, which hasn't technically happened yet.The 4th District leans more Republican than any in the state, so whoever wins the special Republican nomination will likely go on to win the special election, and whoever wins the Republican primary will likely go on to win the general election.That opens up a couple possibilities: The district will be represented by the same person from June 25 onward because they win both elections, or the winner of the special election will hand the seat off to the winner of the general election — almost certainly the winner of the Republican primary — early next year.The state Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that it will hold its special convention no later than April 1. The convention will include the district's central committee members and all the precinct organizers in the district. Ike McCorkle and John Padora have both signaled they will seek the Democratic special nomination.The state Republican Party has not yet made its special convention plans public and leaders did not reply to requests for comment Wednesday. That gathering will involve officers of the congressional district and the county chairmen in the district, according to party bylaws. The state party's assembly, where delegates will pick candidates to appear on the primary ballot, is already set for April 5 in Pueblo.Nine Republicans were vying for the Republican nomination in the district before Buck's early retirement announcement: current 3rd Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Mike Lynch and Richard Holtorf, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, former state lawmaker Ted Harvey, businessman Chris Phelen, businessman Peter Yu and Justin Schreiber.Those candidates can all put themselves forward to be considered for the special election nomination.Sonnenberg, Flora and Harvey have all indicated they will pursue the nomination.“This new vacancy doesn't change my race, nor my commitment to proving to Republicans voters why I am the strongest conservative voice to serve them in Washington. I look forward to earning this nomination and getting to D.C. as soon as possible,” Sonnenberg wrote in a statement.Flora wrote in her own statement that the district can't afford a “placeholder” between Buck's retirement and the new term next year.Holtorf has not indicated if he will seek the special nomination, but he called Buck's decision a “selfish move” that will “potentially create bias during the election cycle” in a statement Tuesday.Boebert, however, will not seek the special nomination. If she wins the special election, she would have to resign her current position representing the 3rd District, setting off a vacancy process in that district.“I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents' priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorado's 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative,” she said in a statement.She called Buck's announcement a “swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election.”With Buck's resignation, the GOP's majority in the U.S. House of Representatives will shrink to 218-213.The 4th District includes most of Douglas County and the Eastern Plains. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/