SE Illinois News

From Prairie State Wire

House backs greater transparency in meeting postings, rejects measure aimed at school district statements

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Open and transparent government was a priority for Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) during House debate April 20.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP lawmakers join gun-rights advocates at Springfield rally

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

GOP lawmakers and thousands of Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) members rallied last week for gun rights in front of the Capitol in Springfield.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP Senators say enough is enough with graduated income tax proposal

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Seven Republicans took the podium at an impromptu press conference to reject yet another Democrat imposed tax hike.

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner signs bipartisan Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

"Can you hear me now?" will no longer be the question in the Prairie State. Gov. Bruce Rauner was loud and clear Thursday when announcing the Small Wireless Facilities Development Act, which he signed with Republican lawmakers at this side.

Righter sets stage for Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Angela Underwood | Mar 28, 2018

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) recently helped set the stage for Child Abuse Awareness Month. During floor debate March 14, Righter presented SR0994, a resolution proclaiming April as Prevent Child Abuse America Month in the state, on behalf of Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).

With GOP primary behind him, Windhorst focusing on winning 118th House District seat in November

By Angela Underwood | Mar 22, 2018

Massac County State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst came out on top in a three-way battle in the GOP primary in the 118th House District and will go up against Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-Elizabethtown) in the November election.

Bailey dethrones incumbent Reis in bid for 109th District House seat

By Angela Underwood | Mar 21, 2018

With 59.14 percent of the total vote and 1,171 ballots cast in his name, Darren Bailey is the new GOP frontrunner for the 109th District House seat.

From Prairie State Wire

Harold wins Republican nomination for Attorney General

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

It will not be the first time Erika Harold will hear “the winner is.”

From Prairie State Wire

Pritzker wins Democratic nod for governor

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

It’s official -- J.B. Pritzker is the Democratic candidate for governor despite coming under heavy fire from the press and public in recent months.

From Prairie State Wire

State Senate debates long and hard over gun legislation

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

After returning from a gun violence Senate Walkout on March 14 in remembrance of the month anniversary of the Parkland shooting massacre, five GOP senators had something to say about Democratic sponsored fire-arm legislation.

From Rock Island Today

Righter, Anderson fire off at gun-control legislation

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

After re-entering the Capitol after a March 14 Senate walkout in conjunction with a nationwidel protest against gun violence, two Republican senators fervently fired off their feelings over proposed gun control legislation.

Righter reviews Department of Healthcare and Family Services' proposed budget

By Angela Underwood | Mar 15, 2018

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) liked the idea of a 4 percent rate reduction and a $150 million decline in the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) budget proposal for fiscal year 2019.

Righter questions gun-related bill dealing with target explosive

By Angela Underwood | Mar 15, 2018

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) sought silence on the floor and answers regarding proposed gun-control related legislation.

From Southern Illinois News

Schimpf, Righter see issues with communications during Legionnaires' outbreak at vets home

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

While veterans watched live from the Quincy Veterans Home, Sens. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) and Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) discussed communications during the Legionella outbreak at the site and why the outbreak even occurred during a Senate-House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Monday.

Gun licensing bill advances despite Reis' opposition

By Angela Underwood | Mar 6, 2018

Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill) fought hard against proposed gun licensing legislation but to no avail.

From Prairie State Wire

Syverson, Righter help move hospital assessment program bills through Senate

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Sens. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) added their voices in support of a pair of Senate bills that had to pass together for the federal authorization of $3.5 billion needed to maintain the Illinois Hospital Assessment Program ending in June.

From Carbondale Reporter

SB2302 would extend tax increment financing in Marion

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

The city of Marion could grow even bigger due to recent legislation from Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

From Prairie State Wire

Governor's Office of Management and Budget director questioned by GOP committee members

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Hans Zigmund, new director of Gov. Bruce Rauner's Office of Management and Budget, had some explaining to do to three Republican lawmakers.

Severin offers to help state education board with school funding numbers

By Angela Underwood | Jan 29, 2018

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) offered Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) officials help in reaching out to schools during Monday's House Appropriations Elementary & Secondary Education Committee hearing.

Righter questions cost of contract at hearing on state's new Medicare program

By Angela Underwood | Dec 11, 2017

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said during a Senate Appropriations and Oversight Medicaid Managed Care hearing it was longest he ever sat in a meeting and did not say a word.