Capitol Cast: Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker talks about the accomplishments of the 2021 session, legislative redistricting and the prospects of an energy bill that would transition Illinois to a carbon-free power industry.

A look at the state of mental health care in Illinois, including discussions with experts and lawmakers.

Gov. Pritzker announces a path to full reopening while also revising his budget proposal by adding $350 million for K-12 education. And the controversies over redistricting continue at the Statehouse. CNI's Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Sarah Mansur discuss.

The Capitol News Illinois team discusses Gov. Pritzker's energy proposal, a new report on a COVID-19 outbreak at a veterans home, landmark health care reform legislation and emergency housing assistance.

State Rep. Tim Butler, the ranking Republican on the House Redistricting Committee, talks about the GOP's proposal for an independent redistricting commission.

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.