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Tom Butala

State reps. seek alternatives to PARCC exam

Tue, 04/21/2015 - 4:02pm

Members of an Illinois House committee on Tuesday approved a resolution calling on the Illinois State Board of Education to reevaluate its use of the PARCC exam.

House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee members voted 15-9-1 in favor of the joint resolution sponsored by state Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood). The measure instructs the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct an analysis of the PARCC exam that Illinois school districts began administering this year to meet the federal Common Core standards.

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Rep. Schakowsky blasts Rauner’s budget plan

Mon, 04/20/2015 - 4:35pm

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) criticized Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner for his proposed cuts in the 2016 budget during a Monday City Club of Chicago event.

Schakowsky took aim at the governor’s proposal to reduce Medicaid spending by $1.47 billion. She argued Rauner’s budget would do away with breast and cervical cancer care and reduce funding for Illinois universities by 30 percent.

“That’s what you do, I guess, with a turnaround company,” the congresswoman said. “Bottom line matters and people don’t.”

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Q+A with state Sen. Pamela Althoff

Mon, 04/20/2015 - 4:05pm

In the wake of state lawmakers' bipartisan effort last month to address a $1.6 billion shortfall in the state’s budget for the current fiscal year, Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) is looking forward to tackling next year’s budget during the spring legislative session.

The senator said Gov. Bruce Rauner and her fellow legislators must demonstrate they can serve as responsible stewards of the state’s finances to restore Illinoisans’ trust in state government.

Byrd-Bennett takes leave amid federal investigation

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 4:29pm

On Friday Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced she will take a leave of absence amid the federal investigation of a $20.5 million contract CPS awarded to her previous employer.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Board of Education in June 2013 unanimously approved a three-year, $20.5 million no-bid contract with SUPES Academy for “leadership development services.” Byrd-Bennett worked for SUPES before CPS hired her as a consultant in April 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel selected Byrd-Bennett to be the school district’s chief executive six months later.

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County officials fear spike in jail population amid Rauner’s proposed health care cuts

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 3:55pm

Cook County Health and Hospital System officials are beginning to explore new funding options for community-based mental health care programs for at-risk residents as providers face potential budget cuts in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed fiscal year 2016 budget.

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Chicago Federation of Labor leader blasts Rauner’s right-to-work pitch

Thu, 04/16/2015 - 4:24pm

Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez blasted Gov. Bruce Rauner’s planned right-to-work zones while appearing at the City Club of Chicago on Wednesday.

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City Council affirms appointment of new Chicago health commissioner

Wed, 04/15/2015 - 4:25pm

Chicago Department of Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Julie Morita was made the permanent head of the department on Wednesday.

Aldermen approved her appointment with a 47-0 vote during Wednesday’s Chicago City Council meeting. According to the Mayor’s Office, Morita has been leading the development of the Healthy Chicago 2.0 plan since becoming acting director in January. City officials plan to release details of the four-year public health plan in August.

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City Council committee discusses Burge torture reparations ordinance

Tue, 04/14/2015 - 4:18pm

Members of the Chicago City Council Finance Committee on Tuesday held a hearing on expanding access to reparations and social services for persons tortured while in police custody under former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.

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Rauner appoints Rockford businessman as chairman of Finance Authority Board

Tue, 04/14/2015 - 3:44pm

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday announced the appointment of Rockford businessman and real estate developer Rob Funderburg, Jr. as chairman of the Illinois Finance Authority Board. He will succeed Bill Brandt, who announced his resignation from the board last month.

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Robert Blagojevich criticizes federal prosecutors

Mon, 04/13/2015 - 4:29pm

Robert Blagojevich appeared at the City Club of Chicago on Monday to promote his book, “Fundraiser A: My Fight for Freedom and Justice,” in which he shares his views on the scandal that landed his brother in prison and left him facing federal wire fraud charges.

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