George Wiebe
PAR internGeorge Wiebe covers state government for the Chicago Sun-Times through the University of Illinois Springfield's Public Affairs Reporting program.
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House Speaker 'Chris' Welch's charity taking money from donors with a stake in Springfield decisionsHis Black Excellence in Bleu has raised more than $1 million since it was formed last year, some of that from groups with a stake in his legislative decision-making. Unlike campaign contributions, such giving is harder to track. -
Under proposed legislation, Illinois would explore the viability of reducing reliance on the state’s gas tax by putting in place a “road usage charge,” essentially a tax on the number of miles driven. -
Disagreements over property taxes and public funding have driven the discussion of the Bears’ desire to leave century-old Soldier Field, where the team has played since 1971. -
Gov. JB Pritzker waved off concerns that a fiery House Democratic caucus meeting that tanked one of his prized legislative priorities would throw off his party as it faces a budget crunch and a second Trump administration. -
Lawmakers also passed an energy bill and legislation transferring land to the state’s first federally recognized tribal nation in the final days of the 103rd General Assembly before new members are sworn in Wednesday.
