In 10 months after leaving state government, Nikki Budzinski earned more than $500,000 from a lobbyist, big-money Democratic groups that don’t disclose their donors, and political and labor organizations. Now she’s running for Congress.
Chuck Neubauer
Posted inInvestigation
Pritzker’s Personal Fortune Intersects With State Contracts
The governor’s promises to divest his vast portfolio of state contractors have not extended to his so-called blind trust, which has the governor’s money in at least a dozen companies with billions in state business
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Pritzker Orders Funds Released to Madigan-Sponsored Projects
Citing a BGA investigation, nine lawmakers requested a funding freeze in the wake of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 22-count federal indictment on charges he traded his office to enrich himself and his friends.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Pritzker Freezes Funds to Madigan-Sponsored Projects
Citing a BGA investigation, nine lawmakers requested the freeze in the wake of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 22-count federal indictment on charges he traded his office to enrich himself and his friends.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Follow-Up, Investigation
Projects With Madigan Ties Went to the Front of the Line in State’s Massive Rebuild Illinois List
The $45 billion statewide capital plan includes $4 billion in pet projects added by a handful of the state’s most powerful politicians, including the former speaker.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Top Legislators Blowing Past Limits in Illinois Campaign Finance Reform Law
Democrats violate the spirit of a law they authored. Republicans take advantage of loopholes in legislation they opposed. Both sides reap millions from big-money contributors and dole out cash to favored legislative candidates.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Poderosos Funcionarios Electos Exceden los Límites en Contribuciones Políticas
Los demócratas han destrozado el propósito de la ley que ellos mismos crearon. Los republicanos se han aprovechado de un resquicio legal al que ellos mismos se opusieron cuando la ley se creó. Ambos partidos han recaudado millones de dólares en contribuciones.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Lawmakers in Hot Water With Feds Get Campaign Cash That Helps Pay Defense Lawyers
In one of his last acts, now-retired Illinois Senate President John Cullerton OK’d sending nearly $100,000 to two state senators under federal investigation.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
ComEd Kept Paying Madigan Confidant After Retirement Announcement
The power company paid $361,000 in 2017 and 2018 to a clout-heavy ex-lobbyist whose home was raided by the feds in May.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Former Alderman’s Lobbying Deal Is Latest Target in Widening Federal Investigation
Federal investigators are looking into ex-Ald. Michael Zalewski’s contract with the village of Schiller Park. The subpoena followed reporting by the BGA and WBEZ detailing a previous search on Zalewski’s home.