Gov. Bruce Rauner's State of the State address included proposals for improving Illinois schools, reforms to the state's criminal justice system, support for St. Sen. President Cullerton's pension reform plan and criticism of state employee unions. Illinois labor leaders and African-American lawmakers did not have a positive reaction, while Illinois House Speaker expressed possible support for a new pension reform plan.

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted Monday to authorize staff reductions for the the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the president of Eastern Illinois University announced a series of immediate cuts, including the possible imposition of unpaid furloughs and layoffs.

It's a week into the New Year, and gyms across the country are packed with people who've vowed to get in shape.  Illinois Public Radio's Statehouse Bureau Chief Amanda Vinicky had resolved to be one of them ... but admits -- already, she's fallen short. Maybe Illinois' leaders will have better luck.  Vinicky asked around for their civic-minded resolutions. 

The Flash Index to the Illinois economy fell to 105.5 in December, from its November level of 106.1. Any reading above 100 reflects economic growth. But the December reading was the lowest in 2015 --- in fact the lowest reading since March, 2013.

Illinois’ top leaders have put off discussing how to resolve the state’s budget impasse until January. But given the state's growing deficit, they'll eventually confront the problem, including the need to find new revenue sources for state government.  The leading group for retirees is on the offensive over one particular tax break.