Category: Illinois Legislature

Arab American Heritage Month, April, celebrated by elected officials

April 12, 2019April 16, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Arab American Heritage Month, April, celebrated by elected officials More than 100 elected officials and Arab American community leaders came together on April 10 to celebrate the revival of Arab American Heritage month, April. The commemoration of Arab American contributions to this country and their culture was codified in a state law introduced by Illinois…

Chicago, Entertainment, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Orland Park, Politics, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland

Willis, Welch bill to make hospital closure tougher passes House

April 10, 2019April 10, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Willis, Welch bill to make hospital closure tougher passes House State Reps. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, and Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, are continuing their push to keep Westlake Hospital open by passing legislation that makes it harder for wealthy health management companies to purchase local hospitals and then close down to pad profits. “Hospitals need every…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland

April proclaimed Arab American Heritage month by Cook County Board

March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

April proclaimed Arab American Heritage month by Cook County Board Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison introduces a proclamation honoring April as Arab American Heritage Month at the board meeting March 20, 2019, in coordination with the passage of a State of Illinois Law designating April as Arab American Heritage month. The Cook County Board on…

Features, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Religion

Speaker details actions taken to address sexual harassment

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker details actions taken to address sexual harassment In February 2018, the Office of the Speaker released a summary of past complaints of discrimination and harassment. That document included descriptions of two allegations involving Travis Shea. Both women were consulted prior to the release and requested confidentiality. To date, neither has given permission to disclose…

Illinois Legislature

Harper proposes measure to institute “Smarter Sentencing” in Illinois

February 27, 2019February 27, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Harper proposes measure to institute “Smarter Sentencing” in Illinois As part of her commitment to criminal justice reform, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is proposing a major overhaul of Illinois’ sentencing laws, easing reliance on unfair mandatory minimum sentences and providing judges with discretion to use alternative sentences. “We’ve seen how a so-called ‘tough on…

Chicago, Crime, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Pritzker names Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia to head Veterans Affairs

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker names Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia to head Veterans Affairs Governor JB Pritzker announced a new appointment to lead the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, nominating Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia to head the agency. “The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs has faced numerous challenges, and it’s a priority for my administration to ensure that our…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Veterans, Veterans Column

Legislative leaders release report on sexual harassment

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Legislative leaders release report on sexual harassment Legislative leaders release statements detailing steps to be taken in response to allegations of sexual harassment. Statements released by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, former legislator Barbara Flynn Curry, and Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, the chair and the minority spokesperson of the 100th General Assembly’s Illinois House Task Force on…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Releases, women

Illinois leaders denounce Trump’s campus harassment changes

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois leaders denounce Trump’s campus harassment changes Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, and leaders of the Illinois Democratic Party including Assistant Majority Leader Kelly Burke denounce President Donald Trump’s efforts to weaken Campus Harassment Rules for university and college students House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus are calling…