Economy: Fiscal Cliff Looming Over Illinois Lawmakers
The package of tax increases and spending cuts known as the ‘‘fiscal cliff’’ takes effect in January unless Congress passes a budget deal by then. The economy would be hit so hard that it would likely sink into recession in the first half of 2013, economists say. Illinois’ Democratic lawmakers are facing their own description [...]
In Midst of Controversies, Congress Theater Tries to Survive
After battling the city for its unsafe conditions, the Congress Theater’s owner, Eddie Carranza, attempted to redevelop the aged theater but the process hit a snag in September when he broke with his development partner, the startup company Doejo. The landmark theater has drawn increasing criticism from local neighbors who say noise, security problems and [...]
No End In Sight For Gridlock In Washington, Experts Say At Event In Chicago
Why is there political gridlock in Washington? William Daley, who became President Obama’s Chief of Staff in 2011, blames congressional Republicans. Daley succeeded former Congressman Rahm Emanuel in the White House when Emanuel won the election to replace Daley’s brother Richard M. Daley as Chicago mayor. Too facile, argued Republicans to Daley’s assertion on a [...]
Be Your Own Lobbyist with POPVOX and Be Heard in Congress
“There oughta be a law,” but how does a regular citizen or small community group tell their elected representatives about the law or issue? A novel approach that is quicker than letter writing or trying to use official websites is available now. POPVOX is the answer for individuals or groups with a gripe that want [...]
Integration or Deportation? Congressional Candidates Spar on Immigration Reform
Robert Dold, the Republican candidate for Illinois’ 10th Congressional District, said immigration is “100 percent a federal government issue” and cited increased drug trafficking as a major problem at the Mexican border. At a debate held in Glencoe last Thursday, illegal immigration was a topic over which Dold and Democratic candidate Dan Seals disagreed. “As [...]
Tea Party-Endorsed Republican Newcomer Takes on Schakowsky
Republican Joel Pollak is said to be the new face of the local GOP establishment, but as a candidate for U.S. Congress from Illinois’ 9th District, he must beat Democratic powerhouse Jan Schakowsky on Nov. 2 to be the new face in that congressional seat. Schakowsky, an incumbent who won 74 percent of the vote [...]
