Stories | Rockford Sun

Rockford Christian Schools announce expansion plans

By Karen Kidd | Jan 5, 2018

Planned expansion at Rockford Christian Schools, announced in November, are needed for the private education system to further its mission and has been a long-time coming, a Rockford Christian Schools official said during a recent interview.

Chicago should not receive a state bailout, Rep. Sosnowski says

By Karen Kidd | Jan 5, 2018

The city of Chicago is tens of billions of dollars in debt but the state should not bail out the city, an Illinois' 69th District State House representative said during a recent interview.

Sosnowski sees lesson in failed Student Access Bill

By Karen Kidd | Nov 12, 2017

The recently failed Student Acess Bill, which would have broadened financial aid available to students regardless of documentation status, was defeated because it was money the state doesn't have to spend, according to Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford).

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

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'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.