© 2025 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service since 1975
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to balance Illinois' budget by creating or raising a patchwork of taxes and fees. He says they're a bridge to get Illinois through until voters have a chance to consider whether to change the state Constitution to allow a graduated income tax.NPR Illinois reporters have been examing his ideas.

State Week: Tobacco 21, Gender Pay Gap, Pritzker's Tax Proposals

State Week logo
Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois

The Illinois General Assembly was busy this week, passing legislation intended to fight gender pay inequity, teach LGBT history, and raise the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

The panel also discusses NPR Illinois' recent series examining Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed tax increases and expansions.

Sean Crawford hosts with Charlie Wheeler, Brian Mackey and Jaclyn Driscoll.

Brian Mackey hosts The 21st Show and formerly reported on state government.
The former director of the Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) graduate program is Professor Charles N. Wheeler III, a veteran newsman who came to the University of Illinois at Springfield following a 24-year career at the Chicago Sun-Times.
Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.
Related Stories