Mike “Mish” Shedlock, who runs the blog “MishTalk.com,” believes imposing more taxes on Illinoisans with the biggest pensions can solve the pension crisis.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office has lost or terminated 21 staffers in the wake of the passage of a contentious budget plan and an unpopular tax hike on July 6, which many saw as a major political defeat for Rauner and many GOP lawmakers.

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is bringing in a "champion" to fight for Illinoisans.

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

The Statehouse was on security lockdown earlier today after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the Lt. governor's office and the House gallery. Rauner was not in the building at the time of the threat.

On Independence Day, the Senate approved three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.

The Illinois House passed a contentious and divisive tax revenue bill on Sunday vigorous debate and little Republican support.

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

In a surprise announcement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) resigned her position and the Senate effective Saturday.

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) chastised the House for its lack of progress on a state budget estimate, calling it a failure of the chamber.

State Sens. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) and Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) have unveiled a Taxpayer Bargain budget plan they say calls for spending reductions, protections for elementary and secondary education, pension reform, restructuring and legislative accountability.

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is urging Democrats in Springfield to work with his party to formulate reforms to get Illinois back on track.

Several Republican representatives will announce their support for a comprehensive pension reform bill that is meant to improve the pension problems in the state, including the pension crisis in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said on Friday.