The proposal comes as the Chicago region’s transit agencies are facing down an estimated $750 million fiscal cliff next year when COVID-19 relief money runs out — and amid conversations in Springfield about tying increased transit funding to major changes to the existing public transit structure.

Tuesday marked the first of at least six planned hearings about overhauling Chicago-area public transit agencies, proposed as part of legislation filed in May. That plan also calls for $1.5 billion in additional funding.

Democrats had their day in the limelight at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday. Next, it was Republicans’ turn to get into campaign mode, with an annual meeting of the Illinois GOP’s top leaders and a rally.

Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard has just called for new tax revenue to help fund the region's mass transit systems which currently have a $30 billion project backlog. Chairman Dillard joins us to discuss the need for new revenue and the impact of proposed cuts to transportation funding by Gov. Bruce Rauner. 

State Sen. Kirk Dillard is stepping down early from the position he’s held since 1993 in order to become the new RTA chairman. We talk to him about the transition and goals for the transit agency.

Watch web extra video clips of the Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates from the post-forum news conference.

Republican gubernatorial candidates  -- Bruce Rauner, Bill Brady, and Kirk Dillard – gave a brief news conference following the GOP Governor Forum. Read an article.

The Republican candidates for Illinois governor join us for a special one-hour candidate forum, moderated by Phil Ponce. Joining us are Bill Brady, Dan Rutherford, Kirk Dillard and Bruce Rauner. View timelines of the candidates' political careers and a behind-the-scenes slideshow, and read a recap of our live chat.

Republican Illinois gubernatorial candidates Bruce Rauner, Dan Rutherford and Bill Brady provide information regarding their charitable contributions. Read an article.

Republican Illinois Lieutenant Governor candidate Jil Tracy was the last candidate to release her tax return ahead of Tuesday's March 18 Primary. Read an article about the tax returns filed by Republican gubernatorial candidates and their running mates.

We are holding a special one-hour candidate forum, hosted by Phil Ponce, to give viewers an opportunity to meet the Republican candidates for Illinois governor. Chicago Tonight is partnering with the Mikva Challenge, a program that encourages Chicago youth to be active in the political process. During the forum, high school students from the Mikva Challenge will question the candidates about jobs, gun violence, education and more. View a slideshow and watch web extra videos.

Kirk Dillard officially announced his second run for Illinois governor on July 15, 2013.

With Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan opting to stay out of the governor’s race, Gov. Pat Quinn leads the cash dash among the 2014 gubernatorial contenders. Read an article.

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.