[Comments are now open.]
* Rachel Hinton…
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said Saturday he’s prepared to vote for an increase in the state’s income tax rate and said he’s working with “building blocks” to get to 60 votes in his fight to secure another term in the leadership post he’s held for nearly four decades.
“My pledge to the caucus, on state finances and also on redistricting, is to provide the same type of strong leadership that I provided to our caucus when we were fighting against Gov. [Bruce] Rauner,” Madigan said while making his case before the House Black Caucus to remain speaker. […]
A showing of that strong leadership may come if Gov. J.B. Pritzker asks the legislature to raise the state’s flat income-tax rate, which Madigan said is “very possible,” according to a recording of the closed candidate forum reviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I’m prepared to vote for that, presuming it’s the governor’s request,” Madigan said.
He acknowledged that could be a “very difficult issue for the caucus” as it tries to maintain services — and insisted a strong leader is needed to persuade others to vote for an increase.
There’s lots more, so go read the whole thing.
* Meanwhile, on the Republican side…
…Adding… ILGOP press release excerpt…
Chairman Schneider has selected the following State Central Committee members to serve on a committee that will recommend a process and timeline for choosing a successor Chairman at the party’s next meeting on January 9, 2021.
Mike Bigger - 18th Congressional District (Chairman)
Char Foss-Eggemann - 9th Congressional District
Fred Floreth - 13th Congressional District
Judy Diekelman - 2nd Congressional District
Schneider will serve as Chairman until the full State Central Committee chooses a successor Chairman.
*** UPDATE *** No endorsement…
Statement from Rep. Camille Lilly Regarding the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House Forum Today
“Today the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House met with the two candidates who expressed interest in presenting to the Caucus. Both Speaker Mike Madigan and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit addressed the caucus on how they would work with members and the collective body as whole to address the challenges facing our State. The discussion provided an opportunity for the caucus to ask questions expounding on the candidates vision, goals and experiences. This is the first time in decades that a process of this nature has been formed to engage the candidates seeking to become Speaker. The steps in our process are about democracy and fairness. We will continue to dialogue amongst ourselves and other members of the House as we approach the upcoming session. We are committed to working through this process in an open and transparent manner.”