Scott T. Holland

I’m not in the predictions game, but if 2026 turnout matches 2022, Bailey can only prevail by convincing a lot of folks to switch sides.

Illinois is very much a “what’s in it for me?” state, and forcing taxpayers to cough up (only?) nine figures of infrastructure spending to grant a valuable private business entity’s real estate wishes won’t benefit lawmakers.

The business of running the state has far more impact on readers’ lives than the political machinations of election season, but it’s important to understand how campaign considerations can affect legislation and other Springfield decisions.

Surely some very smart people have handy explanations for these calculations being so significant in the average Illinoisan’s property tax obligation.

That’s not to say slower is inherently safer, or even logical, but speed limits are set through municipal ordinance, and that’s precisely the type of topic that draws residents to meetings.

Pritzker isn’t responsible for people lacking shelter, but he chose to lay down the marker, and things have only gotten worse.

Because lawmakers vote on spending plans in such massive amounts, it’s a virtual certainly the minority party will find enough objectionable allocations to oppose the overall plan.

The more power the state gives local governments to generate their own revenue, the less the municipalities would need to rely on getting a cut of income taxes.

More than 100 vendors will be present, many offering free samples of their locally produced food and beverages. Tickets are just $5, but admission is free for kids 10 and younger, as well as veterans and active-duty military members, teachers, and first responders.

'Affordable housing' is somewhat of a nebulous concept for people who aren’t in the market as buyers or sellers.

Medication is only one piece of the health care puzzle. There are people who choose between an X-ray and new shoes for the kids. Or those who go to work sick because they can’t make ends meet without every last hour on the time card.

On one level, this entire debacle sheds useful light on the legislative process to taxpayers and voters who rarely spare a thought for Springfield.

Are you willing to lose out on restaurant loyalty rewards tied to your phone number or email address? Would you get a test your doctor recommended if you thought that might make your grandkids ineligible for basic medical coverage?

Kudos to all involved, including teacher Paul Ritter, and here’s hoping more students and lawmakers have productive conversations about a better future for everyone in Illinois.

It beggars belief how any lawmaker could sign off on transportation projects only necessary in the name of a private development in one tiny part of Illinois while broader efforts like the School Construction Grant Program have simply gone unfunded since fiscal 2004.