Chicago Board of Ethics fines Paul Vallas
Former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas is being fined $10,500 for violating the city’s campaign finance rules. The Chicago Board of Ethics found that Vallas, who was defeated by Brandon Johnson in the April election, had violated a rule that limits campaign contributions from entities conducting business with the city. The board found that Vallas’ campaign accepted a $5,000 contribution, over and above the $1,500 cap on contributions to candidates for city office.
One Illinois city plans to use pandemic money to fight crime
One central Illinois city is using American Rescue Plan Act funds to combat violence. The Peoria City Council voted to use $1.2 million to go to violence prevention efforts related to environmental design. Some of the efforts include installing lights in alleys and porches as well as clearing out dead trees and shrubs in high-crime areas.
Illinois Board of Higher Education awards $400 million in grants
The Illinois Board of Higher Education has awarded $400 million in grants through the Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant Program to 45 institutions of higher education in Illinois. Officials said the goal of the program is to provide financial assistance to private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in Illinois for the construction, repair and renovation of infrastructure on campuses to provide equitable learning experiences to students across the state.
