Karen Kidd Stories | Kankakee Times

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

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'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

GOP official says Kankakee lawmaker benefited from $8.5 million in state contracts

By Karen Kidd | Jan 9, 2017

A GOP press secretary has suggested a Kankakee lawmaker won $8.5 million in state contracts and is also now suing to get her legislative pay restored.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Investigations announced into alleged Kankakee County pay for votes scheme; Parkhurst calls on Cloonen to denounce voter fraud

By Karen Kidd | Oct 6, 2016

Lindsay Parkhurst, the Republican candidate for the District 79 state House seat, has called on her opponent, state Rep. Kate Cloonen (D-Kankakee) to denounce allegations of voter fraud revealed this week.

Parkhurst critical of proposed Great Lakes Basin Railroad project

By Karen Kidd | Aug 29, 2016

Lindsay Parkhurst, the Republican candidate in Illinois House District 79, came out against the proposed Great Lakes Basin Railroad project and a supporter of the opposition group Block GLB Railroad in a recent post on her Facebook page.