Illinois State Rep. Michael Zalewski Explains Blockchain's Appeal
An Illinois representative wants the Prairie State to be a leader in blockchain technology. But 23rd district Rep., Michael Zalewski says that the next step is to build a program that proves the technology works.
“We need to find something small like a pilot program that touches a small portion of the economy, like real estate transactions,” Zalewski told Cheddar. “If we do that, if we show a little bit of success, I think it’ll really paint the evidence down the line.”
Illinois has received blockchain and cryptocurrency fairly well, being home to the CBOE and CME, which trade Bitcoin futures. But not every government branch or financial institution is excited about the technology, given that the SEC has continued to issue warnings about the lack of regulations in digital currencies.
Zalewski says, however, that Illinois finds appeal in the technology behind digital coins.
“It allows us to hold information in an individualized way,” he said. “We want to make our government more efficient and leaner, and this has the opportunity to do that for us.”
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/will-chicago-become-the-capital-of-crypto).
Speaker Kevin McCarthy plans to force a vote Tuesday on the far-right effort to oust him from his leadership position and insists he will not cut a deal with Democrats to remain in power, setting the stage for an extraordinary and unpredictable showdown on the House floor.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to three federal firearms charges filed after a plea deal imploded, putting the case on track toward a possible trial as the 2024 election looms.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing an extraordinary referendum on his leadership of the House after Rep. Matt Gaetz, a longtime critic, moved to launch a vote to oust him from the helm.
The office of Montana’s Republican attorney general is appealing a landmark climate change ruling that said state agencies aren't doing enough to protect 16 young plaintiffs from harm caused by global warming.
