Effect on State Revenue With State Income Tax Rate Dropping

Gov Elect Rauner Names Members of his Administration.

The Associated Press reports Gov-Elect Rauner has selected Former State Senator James Meeks, a Democrat who supported Charter Schools and school choice, to serve as Chairman of the State Board of Education.

Randy Blankenhorn, who was the head of Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, is going to serve as Sec of Transportation

Tim Nuding, who served as Sen Christine Radogno's Chief of Staff, is going to serve as Budget Director.

Three former aides to former Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels, who Mr Rauner has described as one of his favorite governors, will join the Rauner Administration.

Grant Hammer, who worked for Treasurer Rutherford, will serve as the Director of Community Affairs.   And Grant Hammer's wife, Jennifer, will serve as Gov Rauner's Special Counsel and policy advisor for Healthcare and Human Services.

Rauner says "Illinois is in a Death Spiral" as Transition Team Releases Report on Illinois' Condition.

Statement from Bruce Rauner, January 9, 2015

“The state of Illinois is in a death spiral and in desperate need of a turnaround. I look forward to reviewing these recommendations to ensure my administration can hit the ground running,” said Bruce Rauner. “I appreciate the hard work from Evelyn and the transition team, and am ready to work with all levels of government, business and civic leaders and residents throughout the state to bring back Illinois.”

A full copy of the report can be found here.

Science of Memory: Fallibility of Eyewitness Identification.

Republican House Leader Jim Durkin's Statement on Leslie Munger as Comptroller

“Leslie Munger is a smart choice for Illinois Comptroller. I witnessed first-hand her work ethic and became friends with her immediately.  Leslie is honest, driven and dedicated to improving Illinois. She brings to the office 25 years of business experience in the private sector that will serve the taxpayers well. While no one can take the place of Judy Baar Topinka, I know Leslie Munger will do a great job as Comptroller and leading the charge to merge the two offices of Comptroller and Treasurer. Judy Baar Topinka would be proud of this appointment.”

-                                                                              Jim Durkin

Gov-Elect Rauner Selects Leslie Munger to fill Comptroller's Position.

Following his swearing-in next week, Gov Rauner will appoint Leslie Munger from Lincolnshire to Comptroller position. She is a businesswoman with MBA from Northwestern University.

Munger ran for the Illinois Legislature in November 2014, and came close to defeating Carol Sente (D) in the 59th House District.

Munger is a wife and mother of two boys, Tom and Andrew.

Brad Cole, The New Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League