Capitol Cast: Illinois

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its 2019 regular spring session after passing a budget with $1 billion in new spending,a $45 billion capital improvements plan and sweeping legislation on recreational marijuana, reproductive health rights and much more. Analysis from University of Illinois at Chicago political science professor Christopher Mooney, and a roundtable discussion with the Capital News Illinois team of Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Rebecca Anzel.

As lawmakers head into the final week of the 2019 session, all of the big issues remain on the table: the budget; a capital plan; graduated income taxes; and possible legalization of recreational marijuana, to name just a few.

Roundtable discussion of legislative efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, a proposal to put betting windows inside major league sports stadiums, and pressure on lawmakers to liberalize the state's abortion laws.

Interview with Illinois state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch who talks about his bill to require diversity on Illinois corporate boards of directors, and about the social justice and equity agenda in general at the Illinois Statehouse.

The Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for a graduated income tax in Illinois. Now it's on to the House, where rounding up 71 votes could be difficult.

Preview final stretch of 2019 session. Gov. Pritzker's budget proposal and legalization of marijuana. Interviews with GOP Sen. Dale Righter, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford and House Majority Leader Gregory Harris.

Medicaid-funded nursing homes; Illinois population decline; Legislative effort to dissolve some local units of government in McHenry County. Round-table discussion with the Capitol News Illinois team.

Deadline week at the statehouse: Illinois House and Senate work through a mountain of bills in a rush to meet a deadline for passing bills to the other chamber. Plus, a round table discussion with the Capitol News Illinois reporting team.

Analysis of Lori Lightfoot's mayoral victory in Chicago, and what it may mean for Illinois state politics. Interview with University of Illinois - Chicago political science professor Christopher Mooney. Plus, a recap of the week's statehouse news with Capitol News Illinois reporting team.

Interviews with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin; Round table discussion with Capitol News Illinois reporting team.