Karen Kidd Stories | Illinois Valley Times

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Other women allegedly complained about former state Rep. John Anthony

By Karen Kidd | Dec 27, 2016

The woman whose allegations of harassment got a former Illinois state representative fired from his job as an Illinois Department of Corrections administrator earlier this month wasn't the only person to allege the former lawmaker acted inappropriately.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Watchdog group: LaSalle County State’s Attorney should face perjury probe

By Karen Kidd | Oct 26, 2016

The LaSalle County State’s Attorney, who is pursuing a perjury charge against a Peru attorney, also should be investigated for the same charge, a member of a local citizens government oversight group said.

ISBE rejects delay motions, moves forward with Mautino case

By Karen Kidd | Sep 27, 2016

A public hearing in the Illinois State Board of Elections' (ISBE) case against Auditor General Frank Mautino will move forward despite attempts from both sides to delay it, including a motion by the Streator resident who filed the original complaint against Mautino concerning questionable spending of campaign funds.

Mautino scandal virtually ignored in state media, political realms

By Karen Kidd | Sep 10, 2016

Despite the controversy surrounding embattled Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino, whatever misdeeds he may have committed, the scandal apparently is not a big deal, if news media buzz and political heat are any indication, a vocal citizen journalist recently said on his blog.

Streator man says Mautino probes began with his decision to speak out

By Karen Kidd | Aug 31, 2016

Despite a federal criminal investigation underway and state lawmakers continually calling on Illinois's embattled Auditor General Frank Mautino to answer questions about prior campaign expenditures, the only person who has filed a complaint said he feels all alone.