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State Week An analysis of the week in Illinois politics and government from the NPR Illinois Statehouse bureau.
State Week

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State Week

State Week

From NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

An analysis of the week in Illinois politics and government from the NPR Illinois Statehouse bureau.

Most Recent Episodes

State Week: Amid Rising Cases, Illinois Expands Vaccine Eligibility

Illinois will open vaccination elgibility to those 16 and older on Monday. It's a big step in the vaccine rollout. Illinois has also been setting daily records when it comes to administering the shots. But the state remains in a precarious position as cases and hospitalizations are headed in the wrong direction. There's also the challenge of convincing more people to take the vaccine. Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois joins our State Week panel.

State Week: Still Waiting For The Bridge Phase

While the state announced a Bridge Phase for reopening Illinois, not so fast. A rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has stalled the step toward a return to normalcy. We provide a status update on the pandemic in Illinois. We also discuss redistricting. No surprise that Republicans and Democrats are at odds over how to determine new legislative boundaries. And Chicago Teacher's Union members are closely watching a bill on the governor's desk. And they're not the only ones. Heather Cherone

State Week: Pritzker Takes His Shot; Black Caucus Success

Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined tens of thousands in Illinois getting vaccinated. But it happened on the same week COVID-19 cases are back on the rise, leading some to worry about a quick re-opening of the economy. The Governor also signed a major economic opportunity package from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. He also appears poised to sign a healthcare initiative to help Black and brown communities. We discuss that and more on this episode of State Week. Mike Miletich, Capitol Bureau Chief

State Week: Pritzker Unveils A Bridge Plan For Reopening

This week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he was optimistic that vaccine supply will allow the state to allow those 16 and older, outside of Chicago, to get their shots starting April 12. The governor also laid out a new "bridge" phase as part of the Restore Illinois plan. It's a step toward getting the state back to some sort of normalcy.

State Week: Optimism Building Amid Vaccine Ramp Up

In a week that marked the one year anniversary of the pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he's cautiously optimistic as more vaccines arrive. His administration even mentioned a return to holding conventions and trade shows this summer. Pritzker is also pleased that a windfall will be coming to the state as part of a federal coronavirus stimulus package. How might the state use that money? Our panel discusses where things stand in Illinois — on the public health front and with the state budget.

State Week: Illinois Democrats Choose New Party Chair

On this episode, we discuss Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who becomes the new Illinois Democratic Party Chair, replacing Michael Madigan. Gov. J.B. Pritzker supported her opponent and some view Kelly's ascension as a defeat for the governor. Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has been outspoken about his own party. It appears he'll face a primary challenge. We discuss his political future. And Illinois continues to fall behind when it comes to its pension obligations. We discuss it all on State

State Week: Madigan's Replacement Debacle

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's legislative district seat saw not just one, but two replacements within a week. And Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a large reform package dealing with crime and policing. The Chicago Sun-Times ' Rachel Hinton joins the panel.

State Week: Governor Presents His Budget; Madigan's Exit

Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a combined State of the State and State Budget address this week with proposals to fill the deficit left by the pandemic. And after 50 years in the state legislature, former House Speaker Michael Madigan resigned his district seat. Chicago Tribune State Government Reporter Dan Petrella joins the panel.

State Week: Why Illinois' Vaccine Rollout Lagged Other States

While Illinois expands eligibility to receive the new coronavirus vaccine, there are still questions about the speed of distribution so far. Also this week, the state Republican party has a new leader. Chicago Tribune Investigative Reporter Joe Mahr joins the panel.

State Week: Lawmakers Jump The Line For COVID-19 Vaccinations

More progress is being made in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, accompanied by more criticism of how it's been handled so far. State lawmakers have been authorized to receive vaccinations as part of Phase 1B of the rollout, which puts them alongside more at-risk groups. Capitol News Illinois 's Jerry Nowicki joins the panel.

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