Gov. J.B. Pritzker says allowing the state to tax richer people at a higher rate is the only way to return financial stability to Illinois. We speak with supporters and opponents of the governor’s top legislative priority.
Daniel Biss

Brace yourselves, Illinois residents. The matchup between Gov. Bruce Rauner and venture capitalist J.B. Pritkzer virtually guarantees incessant campaigning and political ads leading up to the Nov. 6 general election.

Democratic gubernatorial front-runner J.B. Pritzker came under intense scrutiny during an hourlong candidate forum Wednesday on “Chicago Tonight” – the final such event before the March 20 primary election. Watch the discussion and videos from a post-event press conference.

Republicans have spent years trying to thwart House Speaker Michael Madigan. As allegations of sexual harassment by those in Madigan’s inner circle continue to swirl, leading Democrats are joining that chorus.

Amid forecasts that Illinois’ race for governor could break national spending records, two Democratic candidates have released information that begins to show just how much money each has to help fund their campaigns.

Mere days after parting ways with his original running mate, the Democratic gubernatorial hopeful announced the Rockford lawmaker would join his ticket.

It was only last week that gubernatorial candidate and Democratic state Sen. Daniel Biss named Chicago’s 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as his running mate. On Wednesday, the two went their separate ways.

The state senator jumped into the crowded field vying for the Democratic nomination for governor a month ago. He joins us in discussion.

Casting himself as a progressive alternative to affluent candidates, state Sen. Daniel Biss has entered the race for Illinois governor.

A bill prohibiting employers from screening job applicants based on wage or salary history advanced out of the Senate’s Labor Committee this week.

State lawmakers hope newly passed legislation will help better prepare Illinois high schoolers for the rigors of a college education.

Are lawmakers any closer to a budget agreement? We speak with two legislators about the progress in Springfield.

Illinois lawmakers react to Gov. Pat Quinn’s state of the state address, and discuss what to expect from the upcoming spring session.

Gov. Pat Quinn set a July 9 deadline for a pension committee of lawmakers to come up with a compromise. We check in with two of the members to see what the likelihood of comprehensive reform is. See how House and Senate members voted on pension bills.

Pension reform made some strides before the General Assembly went on Spring Break. What was done, and how much closer is Illinois to comprehensive reform? Carol Marin and four state legislators discuss the developments.

The veto session ended with several big ticket issues still unresolved. We preview what is expected to be addressed at the beginning of the year.