Here’s what’s happening in the State of Illinois

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By almost any measure, 2014 was a very good year for Bruce Rauner and family.

The head of the household was elected governor to cap a year in which Bruce and Diana Rauner reported earning $58,286,607. Tax forms released late Friday by the governor’s office report that amount, mostly from capital gains, but also from dividends, interest, and the line reading, “rental / royalties / S corporations / trusts / etc.”

Details of the sources of income were not included.

The first couple paid more than $15 million in federal taxes and almost $3 million to the state. They are due about $2.5 million in refunds, which the Rauners elected to apply to 2015 taxes.

A news release says the Rauners and their foundation donated about $3.3 million to charity. That is not quite six percent of the family’s income.

Asked if anybody could give an on-the-record interview about the news, Rauner communications director Lance Trover e-mailed the following response: “Nah. Thx.”

In other State news, United Auto Workers members have overwhelmingly approved a new labor agreement at Mitsubishi Motors as the plant prepares for closure.

President Rod DeVary has confirmed the ratification vote, done over a 24-period at the UAW hall in Bloomington, was approved by a 697-to-103 margin. Mitsubishi struck a tentative deal with union leadership last week after about two months of talks. The talks began after Mitsubishi announced it will halt production at the plant in Normal at the end of November.

DeVary added he has not heard a positive update on a potential new buyer for the plant, but he hopes someone will be found.