News

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
When is a Tax Increase Called a Tax Cut? When the Governor Says So!

Last week I focused on process – the mess that the Democrats created and then rigged to pass their tax increase. This week I’ll talk a little more about what…


Friday, May 31, 2024
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning…

…While the whole wide world was fast asleep, as we once again slouched our way toward a 4:30 AM adjournment on Wednesday, Frank Sinatra’s classic recording of this great Mann…


Monday, February 26, 2024
Wishful Thinking, Shifting Tax Burdens, Highway Robbery, and Filing a Witness Slip

During last week’s annual Budget Address and State of the State Speech the Governor proposed an increase nearly $2.3 billion in spending over last year. While his revenue estimate results…


Tuesday, February 20, 2024
If Oprah Was Governor, Even She’d Be Ashamed Of This

When last year’s budget was rolled out, Speaker Welch said: “Today’s agreement proves once again that Democrats can produce a state budget that is both fiscally responsible and compassionate at…


Tuesday, February 13, 2024
A Taxpayer Subsidized Birthday Party, Next Week’s Budget Address and Why I Care So Much About Fixing DCFS

I know it’s hard to wrap one’s head around the idea of a $50 billion budget or $140 billion of unfunded pension liabilities. But here’s something I think most of…


Tuesday, January 23, 2024
New Bills for the Spring Session, More DCFS and Dial-a-Ride Info

Back at It, Sort Of  Last week we were back in Springfield for the first week of the Spring legislative session. We got the same amount of work done as…


Wednesday, January 10, 2024
The Ongoing Migrant Crisis, New Laws and Old Corruption, and Museum Pass is Now Available

Happy New Year: 2024’s First Legislative Update! Good Morning and Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a couple of quiet weeks with your loved ones. In this report, I…


Monday, November 20, 2023
The Governor Seems to Have Forgotten Who He Represents 

With the holidays coming up, I had intended for last week’s Reick Report to be the final one for the year. However, this week we had a major announcement from the Governor…


Monday, November 13, 2023
Money Swears, Honoring Veterans and Accentuating the Positive 

Turns Out We Didn’t – Legislative Update:  Last week’s newsletter was titled: “Second Week of Veto Session, Will We Get More Done Than Last Week (Which Was Nothing)?” As it…


Friday, November 3, 2023
Second Week of Veto Session, Will We Get More Done Than Last Week (Which Was Nothing) 

Legislative Update:  Last week the House met in Springfield for two days and is set to return next week for the final week of Veto Session, where a number of…