Category: Illinois Legislature

Challenging racist laws that restrict free speech

November 25, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Challenging racist laws that restrict free speech By Ray Hanania Letter I wrote to Illinois Representative David Harris of Arlington Heights (Republican) who introduced a bill last year to expand the existing anti-BDS law that prohibits Americans from criticizing a specific foreign country, Israel. I criticize Israel’s government and will continue to criticize Israel’s government…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Veterans

Harper Overrides Rauner’s Veto of Urban Agriculture Zones Bill

November 20, 2018November 20, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Harper Overrides Rauner’s Veto of Urban Agriculture Zones Bill State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, helped override the governor’s veto of her legislation that creates local urban agricultural zones across communities in Illinois to help residents grow their own produce. “I have been fighting for access to healthy food options and to expand urban agriculture on…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Politics

Madigan accuses Trump of attacking sexual harassment survivors

November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan accuses Trump of attacking sexual harassment survivors Madigan: Trump Administration’s Proposed Title IX Overhaul is an Attack on Sexual Assault Survivors Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, issued the following statement regarding Friday’s action by the Trump Administration’s Education Department that proposed new rules governing school sexual harassment and assault…

breaking news, Education, Illinois Legislature, National

Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21 Dozens of Democratic candidates running in the November 6, 2018 General election will be showcased at the annual Candidate’s Breakfast & Brunch on Sunday, October 21 hosted by The Arab American Democratic Club. The keynote speakers at the event are Illinois House Speaker Michael J….

breaking news, Editors Pick, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Statement from Chairman Madigan on sexual harassment

September 26, 2018September 26, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Statement from Chairman Madigan on sexual harassment Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, released the following statement Wednesday: “Addressing harassment, increasing access and ensuring equality of all forms are issues of great importance to the Democratic Party of Illinois, and the time and commitment that Comptroller Mendoza, Senator Bush and Representative…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Politics, women

Munger named interim DCEO director

September 21, 2018September 21, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Munger named interim DCEO director Takes business development role as McCarthy leaves for private sector Gov. Bruce Rauner today said that Deputy Gov. Leslie Munger would be taking on the new role of acting director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). She replaces Director Sean McCarthy, who has accepted a position…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Releases

Speaker Madigan, Clerk candidate Yarbrough to keynote Arab American Forum

August 30, 2018August 30, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Madigan, Clerk candidate Yarbrough to keynote Arab American Forum The Arab American Democratic Club (AADC) announced this week that Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and Karen Yarbrough, the current Cook County Recorder of Deeds and now the official Democratic candidate for Cook County Clerk, will be keynote speakers at the annual Candidate’s Brunch…

Chicago, Editors Pick, elections, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Madigan’s staff challenges report on gender diversity

August 14, 2018August 14, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan’s staff challenges report on gender diversity Statement from Chief of Staff Jessica Basham on Gender Diversity Statistics Jessica Basham, chief of staff for the Office of the Speaker, released the following statement Tuesday on diversity and the hiring of women: “While recent reporting by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform recognizes the importance of…

Illinois Legislature, Releases, women

Rick Lesser Slated as Candidate in 58th Illinois House District

August 7, 2018September 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rick Lesser Slated as Candidate in 58th Illinois House District “We need everyday people to fix Illinois for the sake of our children and grandchildren.” Rick Lesser, a successful small business owner and one of the leading estate planning attorneys in Illinois, announced his candidacy today for Illinois State Representative in the 58th District. Lesser was slated…

elections, Illinois Legislature, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Madigan urges extension of bill to protect women

July 30, 2018July 30, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan urges extension of bill to protect women Illinois Democrats Say Violence Against Women Act Must be Reauthorized Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, released the following statement supporting the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). “Twenty-four years ago, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act, a landmark piece…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, women

New lottery game would benefit families of fallen police officers

July 30, 2018July 30, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

New lottery game to benefit families of fallen police officers Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed a bill to create a new Illinois Lottery scratch-off game from which proceeds will fund police memorials, support for the families of officers killed or severely injured in the line of duty, and protective vest replacements for officers. “Our police…

Crime, Government, Illinois Legislature, News

Villanueva named successor to Tabares in 21st Illinois House District

July 24, 2018July 26, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Villanueva named successor to Tabares in 21st Illinois House District Community activist Celina Villanueva was named Monday night as the new State Representative for the 21st Illinois House district to fill the vacancy created when State Rep. Silvana Tabares who resigned to accept appointment as alderman of Chicago’s 23rd Ward. Villanueva, a youth engagement activist…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland

Governor vetos bill that would restrict interstate voting checks

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Governor vetos bill that would restrict interstate voting checks Veto of Bill No.: SB 2273. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner released the following statement in vetoing SB 2273 which would prohibit interstate checking of voter registration Today I veto Senate Bill 2273 from the 100th General Assembly, which would limit the State of Illinois to participation in…

breaking news, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Politics

Rauner vetos bill to reorganize Metro East Sanitary District

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rauner vetos bill to reorganize Metro East Sanitary District Gov. Rauner vetoes SB 2368. Stops manipulation of local government balance of power, in St. Louis region. Gov. Bruce Rauner today vetoed Senate Bill 2368, saying it was a politically motivated attempt to undercut the good work of the Metro East Sanitary District (MESD) Board of Commissioners….

breaking news, Government, Illinois Legislature

Term limits undermine the rights of voters to choose

July 13, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Term limits undermine the rights of voters to choose The push to impose term limits isn’t being done by the voters or the public. It’s being led by political candidates who just can’t seem to take control of government because they lack the support of the majority of voters. Term limits are wrong because it…

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Hurley Celebrates Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary

July 4, 2018July 4, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley Celebrates Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary With July marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Special Olympics, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, a board member of Special Olympics Illinois, is highlighting the organization’s legacy and commitment to transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics brings athletes of all ages and abilities…

Chicago, Illinois Legislature

Welch bill aims to guarantee Need-Based Higher Education grants for four years

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Welch bill aims to guarantee Need-Based Higher Education grants for four years To encourage more Illinois students to attend in-state colleges and universities, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, was the chief sponsor of legislation that stabilizes Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants and makes it easier for students to receive the grant for all four…

Education, General Topics, Government, Illinois Legislature

Lilly, Harmon host district forum on budget and state legislation

June 21, 2018June 21, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lilly, Harmon host district forum on budget and state legislation State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, partnered with state Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, to discuss the balanced budget signed into law earlier this month and new bills passed during the spring legislative session at their end of session town hall last week. “This was…

Features, Government, Illinois Legislature, Suburban Chicagoland