Dupage Policy Journal

From Prairie State Wire

Bellock questions on-the-fly presentation of drug-related proposals

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Amendments to bills related to a proposed opioid task force and heroin overdose statistics had Rep. Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) questioning the lack of due process by her peers in presenting legislation at a House Human Services Committee hearing last week.

From Chicago City Wire

McAuliffe, Connelly focus on pipes during hearing on Legionnaires' outbreak at vets home

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

While veterans watched live from the Quincy Veterans Home, Rep. Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) and Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) raised questions about the plumbing system at the vets home that was the direct cause for the Legionnaires' disease outbreak that has killed 13 people since 2015.

Breen sees problems with African-American equal pay bill

By Angela Underwood | Mar 12, 2018

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) said making pay equal and abiding by the Constitution could cause an issue when considering pay polices for African-Americans.

Advisory referendum on recreational use of marijuana should not be a priority, Nybo says

By Angela Underwood | Mar 7, 2018

Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) recently said asking voters whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana is not an important enough to place on the ballot as an advisory question.

House advances equal pay legislation despite criticism from four GOP legislators

By Angela Underwood | Mar 6, 2018

During a recent debate on the House floor about pay gap legislation, four GOP lawmakers said the proposal will not address real wage differential between the sexes as intended.

Breen, Wheeler and Andersson call proposed workers task force unnecessary

By Angela Underwood | Mar 6, 2018

Three Republican House representatives recently fought against creating a workers rights task force they say is not necessary.

Nybo-backed liquor zoning bill moves to the House

By Angela Underwood | Mar 6, 2018

Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) is trying to make it easier for municipalities to make zoning decisions for liquor-serving establishments within their region.

Harris, Wehrli question restrictions in proposed gun legislation

By Angela Underwood | Mar 5, 2018

Reps. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) and Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) had questions regarding the transportation of firearms and issues about grandfathering during last week's House floor debate on proposed legislation to set age restrictions on firearm ownership.

From Prairie State Wire

Bill to ban bump stocks advances after emotional debate in House

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

In light of the recent mass shooting at a Florida high school, five GOP lawmakers fervently expressed their feelings on proposed gun legislation.

From Prairie State Wire

Bellock, Demmer commend approval of $3.5 billion health care legislation

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Reps. Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) and Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) praised fellow lawmakers on the House floor last week after two health-care related bills they had worked on for over six months were approved.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP House members say Democrat peers using Florida shooting for political gain

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Four GOP House members made it clear the Parkland School shooting in Florida should not be why gun bills pass in Springfield.

Oberweis makes plea to stop special interest legislation

By Angela Underwood | Feb 27, 2018

Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) said at an impromptu press conference Tuesday that he was speaking from his heart about special interest legislation that his driving businesses out of the state he so loves.

From Will County Gazette

Batinick, Wehrli question pension-funding numbers at House panel hearing

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Reps. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) and Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) were not happy with the figures presented to them at a recent House Personnel & Pensions Committee hearing regarding amortization and pension buyout plans.

From Prairie State Wire

Ives and Skillicorn find fault with Rauner's budget address

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

In Wednesday’s 2018 budget address, Gov. Bruce Rauner said it is possible for Illinois to become the economic powerhouse of the Midwest.

Call for Madigan to step down as House speaker comes from both sides of aisle

By Angela Underwood | Feb 13, 2018

There is no partisan politics when it comes to sexual harassment, according to Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and Scott Drury (D-Highwood).

Bellock holds fast to concerns for safety net hospitals

By Angela Underwood | Feb 13, 2018

Rep. Patricia Bellock’s (R-Hinsdale) concern for safety net hospitals was just as apparent at Tuesday’s House Appropriations Human Services Committee hearing as it was at a previous hearing.

Batavia Bulldogs football team praised in Springfield

By Angela Underwood | Feb 7, 2018

Three Republican state lawmakers made it clear that the Batavia Bulldogs football team is a source of pride for Springfield.

Breen says tax-relief package will bring $1 billion back into Illinois

By Angela Underwood | Feb 7, 2018

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) has put together a tax relief package of three bills that he said will give Illinoisans immediate respite.

Khouri gains backing from three conservative groups

By Angela Underwood | Feb 5, 2018

DuPage County Board Member Tonia Khouri has been endorsed by three conservative groups in her bid to be the GOP nominee in the 49th House District.

Khouri campaign video focuses on supporting the community

By Angela Underwood | Feb 2, 2018

“Politicians are there when they need you, Tonia Khouri is there when you need her.” That is the opening line of a 30-second campaign video from Khouri, a DuPage County Board Member and 49th District candidate seeking to replace Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), who is retiring.