Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Dan Lipinski voices opposition to Trade Promotion Authority

By Mark Reccek | Jun 15, 2015

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) released a statement June 12 after the House voted on the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA).

South Side Drainage Improvement Project to begin next Monday in Itasca

By Mark Reccek | Jun 15, 2015

The Village of Itasca South Side Drainage Improvement Project is set to begin Monday, June 22.

Lombard surface treatment project set to begin June 18

By Mark Reccek | Jun 15, 2015

The Village of Lombard's Preservative Surface Treatment Project is slated to begin this Thursday, weather permitting.

Fair Elections Now Act introduced by Illinois' Sen. Dick Durbin

By Mark Reccek | Jun 15, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Fair Elections Now Act on June 11.

High property tax, workers' comp rates concern state senators

By Mark Reccek | Jun 12, 2015

On Tuesday, the Senate held a "Committee of the Whole" hearing in which testimony was received from tax experts, as well as education and local government representatives, on the status of the state's property taxes. The Tax Foundation and the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois’ latest study, over a five-year period, indicates Illinois had the third-highest residential property tax rate in the nation, behind only New Jersey and New Hampshire.

Durbin co-authors bill to add part-timers to Student Loan Forgiveness Program

By Mark Reccek | Jun 12, 2015

Part-time university and college faculty may soon be eligible to participate in the federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program for public servants, with U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Al Franken (D-MN) introducing legislation on Thursday that would allow part-time faculty to participate.

State comptroller: No budget deal by July 1 would affect expenditures

By Mark Reccek | Jun 12, 2015

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger this week presented an outline describing how a failure to reach a budget agreement by July 1 will impact residents and organizations statewide. Munger stressed reform measures, indicating that the structural changes are critical to making the state more competitive. Reform, she said, should be a priority that comes before any discussion about new revenue.

Ill. lawmakers introduce Servicemember Student Loan Afforadability Act

By Mark Reccek | Jun 12, 2015

Durbin and Duckworth bill would make it more appealing for servicemembers to refinance student loans

Lombard unveils Village-Wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

By Mark Reccek | Jun 11, 2015

The village of Lombard has officially kicked off its first Village-Wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The initiative will develop the framework for a safe and accessible network of streets to connect bicyclists and pedestrians to destinations while meeting the needs of those in the community.

Draft wetland map public meetings set for June 23 and 25

By Mark Reccek | Jun 11, 2015

City accepting public comments through July 2

Senate panel unanimously approves anti-gang bill

By Mark Reccek | Jun 11, 2015

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) is combating gangs in Illinois and nationwide.

Warrenville receives bronze award from League of American Bicyclists

By Mark Reccek | Jun 11, 2015

The City of Warrenville, Illinois, was recognized Wednesday by the League of American Bicyclists with a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award.

Gypsy moth spraying slated to begin

By Mark Reccek | Jun 10, 2015

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be conducting aerial spraying intended to disrupt the reproduction of the Gypsy moths, the city of Warrenville said Tuesday.

DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup taking samplings for bioassessment

By Mark Reccek | Jun 10, 2015

The city of Warrenville said the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is conducting a bioassessment in DuPage and Cook counties from June to September. The workgroup will survey fish, macroinvertebrates, physical habitat and water column and sediment chemistry at 41 sites in the West Branch DuPage River watershed, which includes Warrenville.

Sen. Dick Durbin discusses growth of passenger rail service

By Mark Reccek | Jun 10, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) met with representatives from the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing growth of passenger rail service and the importance of the federal government's supporting the national transportation network.