Illinois Valley Times

Freshmen legislators vent frustration at failure of budget deal

By Michael McGrady | Jun 1, 2017

Many freshmen lawmakers say the crash and burn they saw on Wednesday night came about because the Democrats don't know how to drive.

Manar attacks Kankakee Times for publishing school funding numbers

By Michael McGrady | May 26, 2017

Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is demanding a state investigation after the Kankakee Times reported on the anticipated district-by-district financial impact of his Senate Bill 1, which promises to change the state's formula for dispensing money to public schools.

Residents near Illinois Valley quarries impacted by proposed House legislation

By Michael McGrady | Apr 13, 2017

A proposal before the Illinois House of Representatives would take on public health and environmental concerns that stem from a decision to allow dumping of construction site debris into unlined quarries all across the state, including the Illinois Valley.

Illinois households saddled with $56,000 tax burden to pay government employees' retirement debt

By Michael McGrady | Apr 2, 2017

Taxpayers across Illinois are saddled with a major tax burden, a recent report from the Illinois Policy Institute concluded.