Category: Illinois Legislature

Pritzker to give financial aid to illegal and undocumented students

January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker to give financial aid to illegal and undocumented students The governor’s directive will also provide state financial aid to transgender students. Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides qualifying students an opportunity to apply for MAP Grants For the first time in Illinois, eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial…

Education, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Taxes

Hurley, Cunningham and O’Shea Host Local Seniors for New Year’s Eve at Noon Pizza Party

January 3, 2020January 3, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley, Cunningham and O’Shea Host Local Seniors for New Year’s Eve at Noon Pizza Party State Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, recently partnered with Sen. Bill Cunningham and Ald. Matt O’Shea to host a New Year’s Eve at noon pizza party to give local seniors an opportunity to gather and celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. “My…

Chicago, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics

Congresswoman Kelly Votes to Lower Drug Prices for Illinois Families

December 12, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Congresswoman Kelly Votes to Lower Drug Prices for Illinois Families Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a member of the Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, released this statement Thursday Dec. 12, 2019 regarding the passage of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3): “Too many…

Business, Health, Illinois Legislature, News

Welch Statement on Student Athlete Endorsement Act

November 14, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Welch Statement on Student Athlete Endorsement Act State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement Wednesday after the Legislature adjourned the fall legislative session without the Senate passing House Bill 3904, the Student Athlete Endorsement Act: “I’m very disappointed that we were not able to get this reform that brings equity and fairness…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Sports

Gov. Pritzker Statement on Legislation to Cap Insulin Costs

November 14, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Gov. Pritzker Statement on Legislation to Cap Insulin Costs Springfield, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement after both chambers of the General Assembly passed legislation to cap insulin costs for Illinois families. “Skyrocketing prescription drug prices are an enormous burden for too many Illinois families, and this legislation will significantly lower out-of-pocket…

Illinois Legislature, Releases

Iris Martinez announces candidacy for Cook County Circuit Clerk

October 17, 2019October 17, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Iris Martinez announces candidacy for Cook County Circuit Clerk Illinois Senator Iris Martinez announced Thursday (Oct. 17, 2019) that she will be a candidate in the Democratic Primary for the office of Cook County Circuit Court Clerk, succeeding Dorothy Brown who announced in August that she will not seek re-election. Martinez was elected to The…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics

Illinois Joining Forces to Host Veteran’s Resource Fair as Part of Chicago Warrior Week

September 12, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Joining Forces to Host Veteran’s Resource Fair as Part of Chicago Warrior Week From September 14-21, Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), will join other state-wide and regional Veteran Service Organizations for the first annual Chicago Warrior Week, a week-long series of events designed for veterans that will highlight the programs and resources available to help…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Veterans, Veterans Column

Pritzker announces major step towards sale of Thompson Center

August 27, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker announces major step towards sale of Thompson Center Governor Pritzker issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Technical and Project Management Expertise Governor JB Pritzker today announced a major step toward the sale of the James R. Thompson Center (JRTC). The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will issue a Request for Proposals…

General Topics, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics

Pritzker signs bill raising minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 to address statewide teacher shortage

August 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker signs bill raising minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 to address statewide teacher shortage Taking another step to address the statewide teacher shortage, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation today raising teachers’ minimum salary to $40,000. “As Illinois children head back to school this week and next, this new law says to them and their…

Education, Government, Illinois Legislature, News

Harper’s Anti-Hunger Bill Signed into Law

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Harper’s Anti-Hunger Bill Signed into Law A measure to expand options for people experiencing food insecurity spearheaded by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, recently became law in Illinois. “Far too many Illinoisans don’t have a place to prepare, store or cook food in order to receive necessary sustenance,” State Rep. Sonya Harper said. “Unfortunately, overly-restrictive…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News

Hurley measure to protect victims of stalking and domestic violence sent to governor

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley measure to protect victims of stalking and domestic violence sent to governor In an effort to expand protections for survivors of domestic violence, stalking and other crimes, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, passed legislation to ensure timely enforcement of emergency no contact orders. “Currently, it is a possibility that emergency no contact orders issued…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics

Republican legislators criticize Pritzker Gas Tax

June 13, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Republican legislators criticize Pritzker Gas Tax Governor Pritzker’s doubling of the Illinois Gasoline Tax causes damage to Illinois economy coalition of Republican legislators argue in an Op-Ed commentary By Republican State Representatives Transportation is a vital part of the Illinois economy. When it comes to Interstate highways, Illinois has the third most Interstates in the…

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

Speaker Madigan applauds adoption of bipartisan balanced budget

June 1, 2019June 1, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Madigan applauds adoption of bipartisan balanced budget Legislative report: The Illinois General Assembly approved a bi-partisan budget on Saturday that Speaker Michael J. Madigan predicted will off-set much of the state’s outstanding deficits and shortfalls “Two years ago at this time, Illinois stood on the edge of a cliff. Billions of dollars in debt…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Taxes

Pritzker Applauds Cannabis law, passes Illinois House

May 31, 2019May 31, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker Applauds Cannabis law, passes Illinois House The Illinois House approved the legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis, sale of recreational Marijuana (Cannabis), a vote appaluded by Gov. JB Pritzker. “The state of Illinois just made history, legalizing adult-use cannabis with the most equity-centric approach in the nation. This will have a transformational impact on our state,…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Taxes

Petroleum Marketers: Raising taxes on gas and cigarettes will hurt businesses across Illinois

May 31, 2019May 31, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Petroleum Marketers: Raising taxes on gas and cigarettes will hurt businesses across Illinois New taxes will be disastrous for gas stations and convenience stores, particularly along border As lawmakers prepare to head home for the summer, one of their final acts before leaving the Capitol includes potentially doubling the state’s motor fuel tax and raising…

Business, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Taxes

Sandoval cosponsors legislation to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in Illinois

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Sandoval cosponsors legislation to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in Illinois Proposal includes provisions for expungement, equitable participation in the industry. The Illinois Senate on Thursday May 30, 2019 voted 38-17 to approve the legislation after about 40 minutes of debate. It must still pass the Illinois House. Recreational cannabis could soon be legal in Illinois under…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News

“Fair Tax” approved by Illinois House, now goes to voters

May 28, 2019May 28, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

“Fair Tax” approved by Illinois House, now goes to voters Leaders Also Announce Property Tax Relief Task Force As Part of Fair Tax; Bipartisan, Bicameral Task Force to Make Recommendations for Property Tax Relief. The “Fair Tax” law will be presented to Illinois Voters in a binding referendum in the November 2020 elections Governor JB…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Taxes

Teamsters Local 727 criticize Pritzker plan to impose 6% parking tax

May 22, 2019May 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Teamsters Local 727 criticize Pritzker plan to impose 6% parking tax Pritzker’s Proposal for State Parking Tax in ‘Rebuild Illinois’ Plan Will Do Real Harm to Illinois Business Climate. Confiscatory parking tax targets City and unreasonably burdens Chicago workers and businesses The “Rebuild Illinois” capital plan recently released by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a 6%…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Taxes, Transportation