SE Illinois News

From Prairie State Wire

Several GOP lawmakers reject bill that would prevent state from reversing local districts' denial of charter schools

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Allowing local school districts to deny charter school applications is not ideal, according to three GOP lawmakers.

From Prairie State Wire

Lang resigns as House Deputy Majority Leader after being accused of sexual harassment

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After being accused of sexual harassment by activist Maryann Loncar today -- and a day after he helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the state House -- Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) resigned from his leadership role as deputy majority leader.

Phelps Finnie stands with GOP lawmakers in opposing abortion funding in budget

By Angela Underwood | May 30, 2018

With the budget deadline nearing, Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-Elizabethtown) stood proudly with Republican lawmakers at an impromptu press conference Tuesday rejecting taxpayer-subsidized abortions.

Righter seeks answers on House resolutions held up in committee

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) called out Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) at the May 24 Senate floor debate.

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois gaming legislation to allow for more gambling stuck in committee

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

State Rep. Robert Rita (D-Blue Island) had the House Executive Committee’s full attention Monday over non-riverboat gaming legislation.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP members pay their respects during annual Memorial Day tribute

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo), Senate Minority Leader William Brady (R-Bloomington) and Gov. Bruce Rauner reminded Illinoisans of the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers at a Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance ceremony last week.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP senators continue to grill Rauner's budget director over paying pension deficit

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

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

From Prairie State Wire

Bill allowing medical marijuana to be administered on school grounds awaits Rauner's signature

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs off on HB4870, medical marijuana can be administered on school grounds.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Illinois Municipal League director shares concerns about fund cuts

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole had no problem telling senators he was not pleased with a proposal to continue cuts to local governments.

From Prairie State Wire

Gun bill vetoed by Rauner returns to Senate floor with changes

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Gun legislation vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner brought on a healthy debate May 16 to the Senate floor.

From Chicago City Wire

Resolution rejecting federal infrastructure plan a bad idea, 2 GOP lawmakers say

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A Democrat's demand for the federal government to bring a better infrastructure plan to the table did not go over well with two Republican lawmakers.

From DuPage Policy Journal

GOP-sponsored disability-related bill passes House, but dies in Senate

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Popular in the House, a Republican-based bill to broaden the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Act failed in committee due to Democrats' denial.

From Carbondale Reporter

Bryant calls for SIU president's resignation after attempt to transfer $5 million to Edwardsville campus

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Apologizing for using explicit language during her point of personal privilege, Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) made one thing clear—Southern Illinois University (SIU) President Randy Dunn should resign immediately.

From Prairie State Wire

House floor fervently honors McCain

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Godspeed Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Senate approves bill transferring Landowner Grant Program oversight to Petroleum Resources Board

By Angela Underwood | May 18, 2018

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Springfield) is cleaning up language and making changes in a natural resources bill.

Righter proposes amendment regarding school board elections

By Angela Underwood | May 15, 2018

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) has introduced legislation to amend the School Code regarding school board elections.

From Prairie State Wire

Ives foretells bleak bankruptcy future for Illinois municipalities

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

What is most important, your job, your home or your pension asked Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton).

From Prairie State Wire

Senate backs bill to end longtime governor's office budget practice

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

The practice known as offshoring, in which salaries of some government employees are paid out of other agencies’ budgets, is closer to becoming a practice of the past in the governor’s office following actions in the Senate on May 3.

From Prairie State Wire

1115 Medicaid waiver will help launch 10 health care initiatives, Rauner says

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Gov. Bruce Rauner said Illinois will be the national leader in mental health services.

From Chambana Sun

Democrats seek to increase union footprint in higher education

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Grad student teaching assistants have no business being union members, according to three GOP senators.