News Progress

November 19, 2014 by Jerry Ginther NP Columnist That is how one of the old Thanksgiving Day songs begins, followed by “To Grandmother’s house we go.” We all learned that song as kids, sang it before the holiday in grade school, and identified with the fun of going to Grandma’s house for the day or weekend. Usually, aunts, uncles and cousins we had not seen often throughout the year would be present for the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Most would arrive early, and the ladies would all get busy in the kitchen to help with last minute … Read More

November 19, 2014 By Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist In less than three months, governor-elect Bruce Rauner has to present a budget that is balanced—and do so with $4 billion less available revenue than is in the present $35 billion general funds budget, because of the automatic January 1 rollback of much of the 2011 income tax increases. It will be a difficult task. Indeed, I think it will be nigh impossible. I wish it were otherwise as a lower tax burden would make our state more competitive. Some background: State government has already been trimming operating expenses. For example, state … Read More