Mark Reccek Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Kirk touts importance of U.S.-China relations in wake of leader's visit

By Mark Reccek | Sep 29, 2015

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) recently issued a statement regarding House and Senate leaders meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip to the U.S., as well as noting the impact China has on Illinois' trade market.

Warrenville accepts plans for Settlers Pointe subdivision

By Mark Reccek | Sep 28, 2015

The Warrenville City Council voted 7-1 Sept. 21 to accept a Plan Commission recommendation to rezone the former Musselman property from manufacturing to residential and approve preliminary plans for the proposed Settlers Pointe subdivision.

Naperville participates in annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

The Naperville Police Department took part in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, giving residents the chance to bring unused and unwanted prescription medications to the front lobby of the police department at 1350 Aurora Ave.

College of DuPage to name center for Afghanistan veteran

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

The College of DuPage Board of Trustees has voted to name the Homeland Security Education Center in honor of the late U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, Medal of Honor recipient, former Wheaton resident and graduate of Wheaton North High School.

Quigley partners with other members of Congress to announce Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

Four Illinois Democrat members of Congress -- Mike Quigley, Danny Davis, Tammy Duckworth and Bill Foster -- recently announced that LAF (formerly Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago) will receive a 24-month, $239,207 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant to help improve services for low-income seniors.

DuPage County continues to see tourism numbers rise

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) on Thursday announced that DuPage County tourism expenditures continue to rise, with 2014’s revenues and tax contributions at all-time highs for the third straight year.

Durbin addresses concerns with Medicaid and Medicare arbitration process

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently joined Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and a coalition of other senators in calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to prohibit the use of unfair pre-dispute arbitration clauses in contracts with long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

Public meeting to discuss plans for O'Hare Airport's future

By Mark Reccek | Sep 27, 2015

The city of Elmhurst and the Federal Aviation Administration will hold a public meeting Sept. 29 to discuss operations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Lombard to use digitial cameras to assess manholes

By Mark Reccek | Sep 26, 2015

The village of Lombard Public Works Department will use a digital-camera technology program to assess the condition of manholes throughout the village beginning Monday.

Downers Grove wants residents to be prepared for emergencies

By Mark Reccek | Sep 25, 2015

The Village of Downers Grove is calling on residents to be self-sufficient and prepared during times of emergencies.

Kirk: Political posturing against China won't do U.S. any good in long term

By Mark Reccek | Sep 24, 2015

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) commented this week on Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. and some of the problems facing China. "Over the past month, I have heard more than a few of my Republican colleagues and some of the candidates for president opine that President Xi’s visit should be canceled or somehow downgraded," Kirk said.

Glen Ellyn's Downtown Streetscape Plan available for viewing

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

The Glen Ellyn Village Board reviewed the 2015 Downtown Streetscape Plan at its August meeting. The report can be viewed at http://www.glenellyn.org/Economic_Development/Documents/Preliminary-CBD-Streetscape-Plan.pdf.

Cullerton hails signing into law of community-college severance-limit bill

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Dist. 23) applauded the signing into law this week of House Bill 3593, which limits severance and buyout packages for outgoing community-college personnel.House Bill 3593 amends the Public Community College Act with several reforms to address the College of DuPage’s severance package given to outgoing President Robert Breuder, which many critics derided as extravagant.

Quigley, Kelly introduce Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

Illinois U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Dist. 5) and Robin Kelly (D-Dist. 2) recently introduced the Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act in the U.S. House.The bill would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a voluntary code of conduct for licensed gun dealers and create a national good-neighbor certification for gun dealers who abide by a certain set of requirements.

Durbin: Latest probe of ITT Tech part of 'shameful' chain of events

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) released a statement this week after ITT Tech – a for-profit college already under investigation by at least 18 state attorneys general and being sued by two federal agencies – said it is now also under investigation by the Department of Justice under the federal False Claims Act.