Illinois Legislature Archives

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison after Corruption Conviction A federal judge in Chicago today sentenced former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael J. Madigan to…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Illinois Legislature, Law, Media Bias, News, Politics

Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced an Oak Forest manufacturer has been selected to participate in and receive state funding through the Made in Illinois Grant Program. “To keep up with big business, small-scale local manufacturers need support to help them thrive and achieve their goals,” said…

Business, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk. “Donating an organ is a beautiful and selfless act,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Workers need to be treated with respect,…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program. “Excessive and flat-out unfair prices are being set on prescription drugs with no accountability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….

Baby Boomers, Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Seniors

State GOP Chair Salvi applauds Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

State GOP Chair Salvi applauds Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed the House of Representatives with the unwavering support of Illinois Republicans. A big thank you to Congressman Darin LaHood, Congressman Mike Bost, and Congresswoman Mary Miller for their leadership. This landmark legislation locks in key provisions of the Tax Cuts…

Democrat, Economy, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Republican, Taxes

Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $1.6 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use path in the Village of Frankfort. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations. “In missing persons cases, every second and small piece of information is paramount,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation works to give law…

Crime, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Police, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program. “When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin By Ray Hanania Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who believes he can buy any election, any time for any amount of money, wants to buy the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Pritzker has pushed his Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, to run for the…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Senator Michael Hastings, Taxes

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6 “It’s time for new energy and leadership in Springfield,” said Illinois. State Senate 6th District candidate Nick Uniejewski Community organizer and policy analyst Nick Uniejewski launched his campaign for Illinois State Senate in the 6th District, challenging incumbent Senator Sara Feigenholtz in the Democratic primary, today…

elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration The countdown is on! The Illinois State Fair is marking 100 days until the opening of the 2025 Fair with a special “100 Days Out” Celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. State…

Entertainment, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Weather

Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025

April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025 Join State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and State Senator Mike Porfirio to discuss legislative updates, the impact of federal changes on Illinois, and the continued efforts to fight for working families. The Town Hall meeting will be held on April, 19 2025 beginning at 12 NOON. It…

Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

Lisa Hernandez Responds to Governor’s State of the State: Cost of Living is My Top Priority

February 20, 2025February 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lisa Hernandez Responds to Governor’s State of the State: Cost of Living is My Top Priority SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, outlined her strong commitment to cutting the cost of living for everyday Illinoisans in her response to Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address. “While we again face a…

Economy, Government, Illinois Legislature, News

Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in tribute resolution

January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 News Editor No Comments

Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in Tribute Resolution Video: State Rep. Cyril Nichols was one of the hardest-working members of the Illinois General Assembly. Despite his dedication to the needs of residents of his diverse 32nd House District that ran from Chicago to Bridgeview, we did not get the backing of the leadership…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Crime, elections, Festival, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Videos

Lisa Hernandez to Serve as Deputy Majority Leader, Continuing Fight for South Suburban Communities

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 Press ReleaseChicago No Comments

Lisa Hernandez to Serve as Deputy Majority Leader, Continuing Fight for South Suburban Communities State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, will continue in her new term as Deputy Majority Leader, fighting for south suburban communities in upcoming budget and legislative talks. Hernandez issued the following statement: “I am honored to serve my community as Deputy…

Crime, elections, Festival, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Plan to Allow Leftover College Savings Funds to Be Used For Retirement Signed Into Law

August 5, 2024August 5, 2024 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Plan to Allow Leftover College Savings Funds to Be Used For Retirement Signed Into Law Treasurer Michael Frerichs Thanks Governor, Lawmakers for Bipartisan Approval Parents who don’t use all the money in their Illinois 529 College Savings Accounts (Bright Start and Bright Directions) are now able to roll over the…

Education, Government, Illinois Legislature, News

The Mike Madigan I know did much for the Southwest region

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 Ray Hanania No Comments

The Mike Madigan I know did much for the Southwest region By Ray Hanania I was first introduced to Mike Madigan in 1978 by then Chicago Mayor Michael A. Bilandic. The mayor told me, a cub reporter at the time, to keep an eye on him because he was a “rising star.” As it turns…

Blogger, Commentary, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

View the solar eclipse from Cahokia Mounds on April 8

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

View the solar eclipse from Cahokia Mounds on April 8 Visitors are invited to view the April 8 solar eclipse from Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville. Although the site is not in the path of totality, a spectacular partial solar eclipse will be visible beginning at 12:43 p.m. and continuing for just over…

Culture, Education, Entertainment, Illinois Legislature, News