McLean County Times

Governor J.B. Pritzker has faced questions in national media about Illinois' approach to redistricting, as he commented on similar controversies in Texas. During interviews on programs such as Meet the Press and NPR, interviewers asked him about Illinois’ own partisan district maps. The Wall Street Journal noted that “no one knows more about partisan gerrymanders than Illinois Democrats.” When questioned about the issue, Governor Pritzker reportedly deflected and joked about the map’s appearance.

Illinois' current legislative district map was drawn by Democrats behind closed doors, according to critics. Under these maps, Republicans received a majority of votes for the Illinois House of Representatives but did not secure a majority of seats, resulting in a Democratic supermajority. Republican lawmakers have called for reforms like an independent redistricting commission—an approach used in other states—but these proposals have not advanced.

In another development, the final sentencing took place in the case involving Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and former House Speaker Mike Madigan. Madigan was convicted and sentenced for his role in a corruption scheme with ComEd. Last week, Jay Doherty, a longtime ComEd lobbyist and co-conspirator, received a one-year federal prison sentence. At sentencing, federal judge Manish Shah stated: “Longtime ComEd lobbyist Jay Doherty ‘played a criminal game that undermines all that the soft power that persuasion, organization and debate is meant to achieve, how civic, lawful democracy is supposed to work,’ said federal judge Manish Shah at Doherty’s sentencing.” The group known as the "ComEd Four" was found guilty of bribing Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation.

Residents are also being reminded by local legislators about unclaimed property held by the Illinois State Treasurer’s office. The office currently holds $5 billion in unclaimed assets from sources such as forgotten savings accounts and old utility deposits. An informational event will be held at Dominy Memorial Library in Fairbury on Wednesday August 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., where residents can check if they have any unclaimed property.

As of now, Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills stands at $1.8 billion—a figure that changes daily and does not include unfunded liabilities like pension debt.

Bunting, a Republican elected to represent Illinois’ 106th House District in 2023 after replacing Thomas Bennett, continues to update constituents on these state issues.

Other recent headlines include opposition from House GOP members to tax increases, new laws streamlining disability placard applications, rising electric bills affecting Central Illinois residents and businesses, and ongoing school bus safety discussions.