Karen Kidd Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Waukegan library workers see hope in ending sex abuse at jobs

By Karen Kidd | Jul 26, 2017

Remaining silent is no way to address workplace sexual harassment, two Waukegan Public Library employees told the Lake County Gazette recently.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

Drury bid for governor called drag for Dems, possible pick-up for GOP

By Karen Kidd | Jun 28, 2017

The Illinois Democratic Party would be better off if Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) did not run for governor in 2018, the co-host of a Chicago-area radio show said recently.

McConchie vents anger at school funding bill, hopes for Rauner veto

By Karen Kidd | Jun 25, 2017

Without a veto, Chicago Public Schools will get the lion's share of funding in legislation currently on the governor's desk at the expense of poorer districts elsewhere in Illinois, Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorne Woods) said on a radio talk show recently.

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'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 14, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said recently.

Wauconda mayor cheers inclusive memorial vote as he departs

By Karen Kidd | Apr 14, 2017

Wauconda Mayor Frank Bart didn't see his preferred successor win in the recent election, but he leaves office with the consolation that the township's Heroes of Freedom Memorial will be more inclusive.

McConchie: State legislators gleeful to have pay reinstated, though budget remains elusive

By Karen Kidd | Apr 10, 2017

The jubilant moods of Illinois state legislators who want to be paid, despite their ongoing failure to reach a balanced budget for the state, is that a Cook County judge's recent decision agreeing with them is sad but expected, a Republican state legislator recently said on a Chicago-area conservative talk show.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Now is time for U.S. tax code reform, House subcommittee chair Roskam says

By Karen Kidd | Feb 20, 2017

Fresh from a tax tour through Chicago suburbs, the Congressman from Illinois' 6th District who has been newly named to an important House subcommittee says the time is now for the overhaul of the nation's tax code.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Sente tied to 'Madigan's Folly' bill in recent ad

By Karen Kidd | Oct 11, 2016

A mailer recently put out by a political action committee asks a million-dollar question in an effort to slam one of the relative few incumbent Democrats running opposed for the Illinois state House.

Blumenthal cites Maine's welfare reforms as model for Illinois

By Karen Kidd | Aug 16, 2016

Maine's successful welfare reforms could be a model for Illinois, the Republican challenger in the State House District 58 race said during a recent interview.