As negotiations for an economic stimulus plan stall in Washington, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s preparing state agencies for budget cuts of 5% this fiscal year and 10% next year. The governor also warned residents of some tough fiscal medicine in the future.

“Without help from Republicans in Washington, that translates directly into potential layoffs and a massive reduction of essential services for families across our state,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “That will deepen our economic recession and cause pain for all Americans.”

An Illinois House committee investigating House Speaker Michael Madigan for possible ties to a ComEd bribery scheme was this week granted permission to call witnesses by the U.S. attorney’s office.

Lawmakers across the state are urging residents to fill out their census forms by the Sept. 30 deadline. Illinois’ census response rate currently stands at about 70%, making it one of the highest-performing U.S. states.

In sports, Northwestern football fans may be happy to see the return of the Big Ten Conference, but Pritzker is standing strong on his postponement of all school sports this fall.

Guests

Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ | @dmihalopoulos
Craig Dellimore, WBBM Newsradio | @CraigDellimore
Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune | @PetrellaReports
Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ | @Crayestout

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