Ben Szalinski
Ben joined CNI in November 2024 as a Statehouse reporter covering the General Assembly from Springfield and other events happening around state government. He previously covered Illinois government for The Daily Line following time in McHenry County with the Northwest Herald. Ben is also a graduate of the University of Illinois Springfield PAR program. He is a lifelong Illinois resident and is originally from Mundelein.
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Lawmakers vote to decrease funding for housing programs by more than $14M -
Attention turns to volatile FY26 forecast as uncertainty continues -
Governor won’t commit to serving full third term if reelected amid presidential rumors -
The governor announced he will run for another term. If elected next year, it would be his third term in office. -
New law comes after governor’s opposition stalled a broader measure last year -
Fiscal year 2026 budget allocates money to address Social Security compliance concerns -
Democrats monitoring Congress for actions that could force changes to budget -
Service cuts to begin in 2026 without financial help from state lawmakers -
General Assembly approved the partial ban at behest of retailers last year -
Measures passed in legislative session’s final hours
