Capitol Cast: Illinois

What does the Illinois Treasurer do? We speak with Treasurer Mike Frerichs about his role in Illinois state government and some of the programs his office oversees.

The Illinois Senate was back in the Statehouse and passed some significant legislation while the House continued to hold remote committee meetings. The CNI team discusses some of the major developments.

Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki talks with Gov. JB Pritzker about the state's budget for the upcoming fiscal year, whether the pandemic has affected his relationship with lawmakers, and whether his use of executive authority over the past year has redefined the powers of the governorship.

On the anniversary of Gov. JB Pritzker's statewide disaster declaration, the Capitol News Illinois team discusses how the pandemic has affected everyday life in Illinois, and how close the state is to emerging from it.

The CNI news team discusses the election of a new Democratic Party state chairwoman, the state's staggering pension debt, pushes to reopen more activity in the state and other news of the week.

A new survey of Illinois school districts shows a large and persistent teacher shortage that is getting worse in many parts of the state. The Capitol News Illinois team takes a close look at the numbers statewide and in some particular regions.

Governor JB Pritzker delivered his third budget address since taking office and longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigned from the General Assembly. The Capitol News Illinois team discusses the budget and the significance of Madigan's departure.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, discusses the new House Rules, the new state party chairman and the future of the Republican Party in Illinois.

Acting Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discusses the state of agriculture in Illinois, the emerging market for industrial hemp, the impact of COVID-19 on the ag industry and prospects for the new Biden administration.

Newly-elected Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaks with Capitol News Illinois' Peter Hancock about the challenges now facing the state and how he plans to approach his new job.