Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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…
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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…
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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…
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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….
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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 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…
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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…
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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…
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Welch’s Law Aimed to Help Consumers Freeze their Credit and Prevent Identify Theft State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is highlighting a new law that protects consumers from data breaches and identity theft by making it easier for fraud victims to obtain a credit freeze. “Some 5 million Illinoisans found their personal information compromised following…
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Former Federal Prosecutor to lead independent probe of legislator conduct Former Federal Prosecutor and Executive Inspector General Maggie Hickey to Lead Independent Investigation of the Illinois House of Representatives and charges of workpalce harassment and legislative conduct House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced today that Maggie Hickey, a former federal prosecutor and former inspector general for…
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Children under 18 can get free meals through state program The Illinois State Board of Education promotes the “Summer Food Service Program” (SFSP) to provide healthy meals and snacks to Children. Families can find sites by texting “Foodil” to 877-877 The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will provide healthy meals and snacks this summer to…
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May Illinois Unemployment Rate declines 5th month in a row The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate decreased by -0.1 percentage point to 4.3 percent in May and nonfarm payrolls increased by +8,600 jobs over-the-month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and…
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Senator Tom Rooney to upcoming town hall events in Arlington Heights June 19, 21 WHO: State Senator Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) – District 27 WHAT: Senator Rooney will host a FREE town hall event. WHEN: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 7pm WHERE: Arlington Heights Village Hall 33 South Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Senator Tom Rooney…
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Nybo bill to increase transparency in State ethics investigations signed into law ELMHURST — As more sexual harassment allegations surface in the Statehouse, State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) cosponsored an initiative to help eliminate bias in the handling of legislative ethics complaints and give victims the confidence to step forward. With overwhelming bipartisan support, the…
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