Initially, ChicagoTechNews.com planned on posting an article on the Illinois Politico Network and how it extends to the Chicago Tech Community this week.  But, the Illinois General Assembly would not let that happen.

As of today, July 1, 2009, the State of Illinois entered a new fiscal year without an operational budget.  Per the Illinois Constitution, the Governor is responsible for presenting a budget and the General Assembly is responsible for presenting and approving appropriations (via legislation) to fund that budget.  (more…)

On January 29, 2009, Milorad “Rod” Blagojevich, the 40th Governor of the State of Illinois was removed from office.  On January 14th of this year, he was impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives.  He was then quickly removed from office after an Illinois Senate trial that started on January 26th.  The final vote was 59 to 0.

It’s been a foregone conclusion that Blagojevich would be removed from office since he was arrested by the FBI on conspiracy charges on December 9, 2008.  His exit starts the end of an incredibly embarrassing period in Illinois government.  The Blagojevich saga has provided almost daily  fodder for national political pundits and comedians.  In a certain sense, it hit “the big-time” and  “rock bottom” simultaneously when the Governor’s antics were parodied on Saturday Night Live.

But, ChicagoTechNews.com is not a gossip column, or an Op-Ed tabloid.  It is designed for serious, credible, legible, public discourse.  So, what does “Blago’s” exit really mean for the Chicago technology community?  My guess is it is probably going to be good – or at least start an era of improved state governance. (more…)