Prairie State Wire

House unanimously passes workplace safety bill for healthcare professionals

By Angela Underwood | May 28, 2018

Workplace safety for healthcare professionals is a priority for the state House of Representatives.

Breen, other GOP lawmakers question spending $16 million without revenue estimate

By Angela Underwood | May 28, 2018

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) wanted to know why the House was voting on a $16 million program without the budget revenue estimate.

GOP members pay their respects during annual Memorial Day tribute

By Angela Underwood | May 28, 2018

Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo), Senate Minority Leader William Brady (R-Bloomington) and Gov. Bruce Rauner reminded Illinoisans of the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers at a Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance ceremony last week.

House honors fallen military members for Memorial Day

By Angela Underwood | May 26, 2018

At the May 23 House floor debate of HR1119, which honors those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, President Abraham Lincoln’s words from the Gettysburg Address filled the chamber.

Illinois Finance Authority expansion a bad idea, say 2 GOP lawmakers

By Angela Underwood | May 25, 2018

Three Republican lawmakers debated at length over expanding the authority of the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA).

House passes $63 million bill for state employee back pay without a revenue estimate

By Angela Underwood | May 25, 2018

Why would a Democrat appropriate for $63 million in this fiscal budget when there still isn’t a revenue estimate? That was the question some Republican lawmakers asked Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Smithton) at the Thursday House floor debate when he backed HB4290, which pays the oldest Prairie State bill.

Cabello criticizes Carroll at death-penalty hearing

By Angela Underwood | May 24, 2018

Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney) said the recent hearing over the reinstated death penalty was simply a dog and pony show.

Short-term insurance bill advances in Senate

By Angela Underwood | May 23, 2018

The Senate Insurance Committee unanimously approved an amendment Tuesday to regulate temporary, limited-length plans.

GOP senators continue to grill Rauner's budget director over paying pension deficit

By Angela Underwood | May 23, 2018

Hans Zigmund, new director of Gov. Bruce Rauner's Office of Management and Budget, had more explaining to do to three Republican lawmakers.

Bill allowing medical marijuana to be administered on school grounds awaits Rauner's signature

By Angela Underwood | May 22, 2018

If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs off on HB4870, medical marijuana can be administered on school grounds.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Illinois Municipal League director shares concerns about fund cuts

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole had no problem telling senators he was not pleased with a proposal to continue cuts to local governments.

Gun bill vetoed by Rauner returns to Senate floor with changes

By Angela Underwood | May 21, 2018

Gun legislation vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner brought on a healthy debate May 16 to the Senate floor.

From Chicago City Wire

Resolution rejecting federal infrastructure plan a bad idea, 2 GOP lawmakers say

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A Democrat's demand for the federal government to bring a better infrastructure plan to the table did not go over well with two Republican lawmakers.

Demmer questions immigration legislation

By Angela Underwood | May 21, 2018

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) doubts a Democratic-sponsored immigration bill will work.

From Carbondale Reporter

Bryant calls for SIU president's resignation after attempt to transfer $5 million to Edwardsville campus

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Apologizing for using explicit language during her point of personal privilege, Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) made one thing clear—Southern Illinois University (SIU) President Randy Dunn should resign immediately.

Jesiel debates future protections offered by ERA amendment

By Angela Underwood | May 20, 2018

The proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the state's constitution that tied in a committee vote raised questions with Rep. Sheri Jesiel (R-Winthrop Harbor).

House floor fervently honors McCain

By Angela Underwood | May 19, 2018

Godspeed Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

From Quincy Reporter

Rauner announces $6 million partnership with Quincy for new well

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A $6 million partnership between Illinois and the City of Quincy is bringing fresh water to the veterans home.

GOP senators say slow down on proposal dealing with class size goals

By Angela Underwood | May 15, 2018

Too fast and too soon is what three GOP lawmakers expressed about Democrat-sponsored legislation that could alter the newly based $350 million evidence-based funding formula.

With new resolution, Ives scoffs at economists' proposal to raise property taxes

By Angela Underwood | May 15, 2018

“Illinois families currently face one of the highest tax burdens in the nation,” Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) writes in HR1072, a new resolution filed today in response to a recommendation by three economists who propose raising property taxes to pay down the state's billion-dollar pension debt.