WBGZ Radio 3/2/2021 |
By Greg Bishop - Illinois Radio Network
Legislative leaders in the Illinois House differ on what is causing the state to see continued population decline, and how to reverse the trend.
The state lost nearly 80,000 people in the year that ended July 2020, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data. That’s 22,000 more than were lost the year before and the seventh consecutive loss of population in the past 10 years. Illinois led the nation in population decline for the past decade at 255,000.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, told the Economic Club of Chicago on Wednesday the state has been losing population for years. Without details, he said the state needs to support small and big businesses. He also said leaders need to unite on messaging.
SPRINGFIELD Former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, 78, announced Thursday, Feb. 18, he will step down from the state House of Representatives after 50 years in office.
“I leave office at peace with my decision and proud of the many contributions I’ve made to the state of Illinois, and I do so knowing I’ve made a difference,” Madigan wrote in a lengthy emailed statement.
His initial statement said he planned to retire by the end of the month, but by the end of Thursday, Feb. 18, the letter he submitted to the clerk of the Illinois House said his resignation was effective immediately, a spokesperson confirmed. His current term, which he won in November, would have ended in January 2023.
(The Center Square) – Legislative leaders in the Illinois House differ on what is causing the state to see continued population decline, and how to reverse the trend. The state lost nearly 80,000 people in the year that.
UpdatedMon, Feb 22, 2021 at 5:05 pm CT
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Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday signed House Bill 3653, a package of criminal law reforms sponsored by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. (Office of Gov. J.B. Pritzker)
CHICAGO Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a sweeping package of criminal law and police accountability reforms, making Illinois the first state in the nation to abolish cash bail for pretrial detention.
Pritzker held a signing ceremony Monday at Chicago State University with state lawmakers, law enforcement members and activists from community groups.
House Bill 3653, a criminal justice omnibus bill sponsored by the Legislative Black Caucus, passed the Senate 32-23 and the House by a vote of 60-50 with about an hour remaining in last month s lame-duck legislative session.