Articles filed under State Legislature

Show Articles : next 20

Editorial: Tanning salons no place for teensApr 15, 2013 12:00 AM
A Daily Herald editorial supports a bipartisan effort in the state legislature to keep anyone younger than 18 out of tanning parlors. For those who just have to be a little browner, the safer alternative is a spray tan.
Sweeping pension-cuts bill fails in state Senate; smaller teachers bill passes Mar 20, 2013 12:00 AM
The Illinois Senate Wednesday approved a plan to cut working teachers' pensions while rejecting a more sweeping plan, sending mixed messages about where the debate over one of the state's biggest financial problems will go next. A plan by state Sen. Daniel Biss to cut the pensions of public employees including teachers and lawmakers was defeated 30-23.
Strikes a lasting part of Senate Bill 7's legacy? Mar 10, 2013 12:00 AM
An education reform package pushed through the state legislature in the spring of 2011 was hailed as nothing short of historic — among its components, limiting teachers' ability to strike. Or so its authors thought. But two years after Senate Bill 7's passage — and a year after its implementation — many more strikes are occurring, making them a lasting part of the education reform package's legacy.
More pension proposals create less consensus Mar 4, 2013 12:00 AM
The growing number of proposals to cut pension costs offers lawmakers a buffet of ideas for addressing Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension debt, but each new plan that's hatched also could make consensus hard to find. Here's a snapshot of the competing plans.
Emanuel calling on suburban lawmakers to help with gun-control quest Feb 14, 2013 12:00 AM
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is enlisting suburban state senators' help in his push for tougher gun control legislation. Republican Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale told the Daily Herald that he was among “several” suburban senators contacted by Emanuel and asked to “help in strengthening the sentencing laws for those who intentionally, illegally use a firearm.”
Duffy mulls Taser legislation after friend's deathFeb 3, 2013 12:00 AM
The death of a friend he made on a quest to learn more about the needs of black communities has inspired a suburban state senator to look into authoring legislation regulating the use of stun-guns, or Tasers. “We need to look at stricter guidelines and training regarding the use and power of these weapons,” state Sen. Dan Duffy said.
Quinn signs bill giving undocumented immigrants access to licenses Jan 27, 2013 12:00 AM
Ivan Cuevas of Elgin said he's looking forward to the day he can get on the road and drive to work with no fear of being caught without a license. Thanks to Governor Pat Quinn's signature on a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, Cuevas soon will breathe easy on his commute. Quinn signed the bill into law Sunday, turning Illinois into the fourth and most populous state to take such a step.
Editorial: To our departing lawmakers, thank you Jan 10, 2013 12:00 AM
Fifteen suburban lawmakers left public office when the legislative session ended this week in Springfield. We owe them thanks for their dedication to what can be a frustrating job, a Daily Herald editorial says.
Illinois House OKs drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants Jan 8, 2013 12:00 AM
A proposal to issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants was approved by the Illinois House today. The bill, approved 65-46, goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has expressed support.
Schaumburg woman’s legislation passed; schools told to act Jan 4, 2013 12:00 AM
Though she faced skeptics, Erin Merryn's efforts have paid off. The Illinois Senate this week voted in favor of Erin's Law, which extends state-mandated sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education from secondary schools to include elementary and middle schools. "I faced a lot of skeptics who didn't believe we could get this done, but I knew in my heart we would," the Schaumburg woman said.
$275 million more for Illinos roads this yearJan 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Illinois could have $275 million more for road and bridge projects this year if lawmakers approve a Department of Transportation funding plan, according to a summary obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
Democrats to have open primary for Jackson seat Dec 15, 2012 12:00 AM
With one of the front-runners for former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s congressional seat facing felony gun charges, Chicago-area Democratic officials on Saturday failed to unite behind a single candidate.
Illinois lawmakers say they're close to gay marriage approval Dec 13, 2012 12:00 AM
State Sen. Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris said Thursday they believe the passage of gay marriage legislation is within "striking distance" come January. "People have seen the President coming out and supporting gay marriage," Steans said. "I think folks heard that."
Stand for Children jumps into school pension debate Dec 10, 2012 12:00 AM
An influential education reform group that has successfully worked to overhaul school policiies in states across the country — including Illinois — is now jumping into the debate over pension reform.
Suburban mayors might have to wait for pension reliefNov 25, 2012 12:00 AM
Suburban mayors looking for relief from their rising police and firefighter pension costs might have to wait in line. State lawmakers returning to the Capitol this week are focused on brokering a deal on cutting back teachers’ and state workers’ pensions. That yearlong debate has rarely included talks of solving local officials’ concerns at the same time.
Suburban mayors meet with Chicago mayor to talk pension strategyNov 20, 2012 12:00 AM
As the veto and lame duck legislative sessions downstate creep closer, suburban mayors and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are meeting to strategize on how to obtain approval of changes in public safety pensions that will reduce their cost. "Mayor Emanuel been very open with meeting with suburban mayors," Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod said. "It's been a great relationship."
New watchdog group aims to “reboot” Illinois government Nov 19, 2012 12:00 AM
A new government watchdog group aiming to inform and engage the state's citizens officially launched Monday. The inaugural edition featured an op-ed about pensions by Gov. Pat Quinn.
Indicted Democrat ready to get back to work Nov 8, 2012 12:00 AM
An indicted Chicago Democrat who won his seat back despite having been expelled from the Illinois House over bribery allegations said Thursday he's determined to work closely again with legislative colleagues, including those who turned against him. "Individuals, members of the party, tried to defeat me," Derrick Smith said. "But that's all over, that's in the past. Today I stand before you as a new man."
Editorial: What election does and doesn’t say to SpringfieldNov 8, 2012 12:00 AM
A Daily Herald editorial says it is shortsighted to presume that the new additions to the Democratic majorities in the state House and Senate are mere foot soldiers for the entrenched powers in Springfield.
Suburban Democrats make big gains at state CapitolNov 6, 2012 12:00 AM
Legislative maps drawn by Democrats paid off in the suburbs -- and the anti-Mike Madigan strategy of Republicans did not -- as House and Senate wins help secure the Democratic grip on power in Springfield.