From Chambana Sun

If governor gives nod, teachers' salaries will rise $8,000 in 4 years

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Raising teachers’ salaries almost $8,000 in four years could be become law if Gov. Bruce Rauner agrees.

Out-of-state residents at IMSA rejected by GOP

By Angela Underwood | Jun 7, 2018

Opening up the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) to out-of-state residents has some GOP lawmakers concerned.

Oberweis rejects blatant special-interest bill

By Angela Underwood | Jun 6, 2018

Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) hates the idea of special-interest legislation.

From Prairie State Wire

Despite Senate raving about $38.5 billion bipartisan budget for FY2019, the numbers don't add up

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

The $38.5 billion budget passed without a revenue estimate is not what it seems.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP fails to keep vetoed bill from going back to governor's desk

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A bill vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner will be going back to his desk.

From North Cook News

Bill would take healthcare waivers out of governor's hands

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Postponed consideration for a health insurance bill that would strip the governor’s ability to file for a federal waiver was finalized without GOP approval during the May 29 House floor debate.

From Metro East Sun

Democrats send altered Child Death Review Team Act to governor's desk

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Changing up leadership and opening confidential records goes against GOP beliefs.

From McHenry Times

Despite opposition from Illinois State Rifle Association, gun licensing bill sent to Gov. Rauner's desk

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

It is still unclear whether Gov. Bruce Rauner will sign the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act into law.

Minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Illinois now in the hands of the governor

By Angela Underwood | Jun 4, 2018

If Gov. Bruce Rauner approves SB 2332, the minimum age to purchasing tobacco in Illinois will rise from 18 to 21 years old.

From Rock Island Today

GOP lawmakers question whether agency boards that control water and sewage rates should include unelected officials

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Allowing non-elected board members to control water and sewage rates is questionable, according to three GOP lawmakers.

From Prairie State Wire

Breen and Bellock question partisan task force

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

During the May 28 House floor debate, state Reps. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) and Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) wanted to know why a Democrat-proposed task force was clearly partisan in membership.

From Prairie State Wire

Having a professional license but not being a legal resident is absurd, according to three GOP lawmakers

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After barely passing by five votes and pulled for consideration, a Democrat-sponsored bill debated on May 28 came back two days later and passed, but not without a heated GOP debate.

GOP House reps give their nod to pension limitations

By Angela Underwood | Jun 2, 2018

With billions of dollars in looming pension debt, almost every GOP state House member approved a bill during the May 28 House Floor debate that limits the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

From Prairie State Wire

Several GOP lawmakers reject bill that would prevent state from reversing local districts' denial of charter schools

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Allowing local school districts to deny charter school applications is not ideal, according to three GOP lawmakers.

From Prairie State Wire

Lang resigns as House Deputy Majority Leader after being accused of sexual harassment

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After being accused of sexual harassment by activist Maryann Loncar today -- and a day after he helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the state House -- Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) resigned from his leadership role as deputy majority leader.

From Prairie State Wire

16 GOP lawmakers argue against progressive income tax in Illinois

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sixteen Republican state representatives stood to oppose a progressive income tax.

From Prairie State Wire

After heated debate and vote, D’Amico postpones drone bill for consideration

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A heated debate over drones May 25 had the full attention of the House, with almost a dozen Republican lawmakers arguing the proposal.

Breen rises against HB 40 funding, says babies are not bargaining chips

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

Babies are not bargaining chips, according to Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard).

Ives and GOP peers refuse to fund taxpayer-subsidized abortions in budget

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

With the end of the spring legislative session looming and the budget yet to be passed, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and her GOP peers held an impromptu press conference Tuesday rejecting taxpayer-subsidized abortions.

Special Olympics gold medal winner visits House

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

Rep. Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) pointed out a special constituent in the balcony above her at the May 21 House floor debate.