SE Illinois News

Charleston district TIF extension bill fails in House committee meeting

By Kyla Asbury | Jun 16, 2020

An Illinois House bill amendment that would have extended a tax increment financing (TIF) to a Charleston district received an unfavorable recommendation to the House floor during a recent Executive Committee meeting.

Mount Carmel suspends late fees and disconnections on water bills

By Kyla Asbury | May 12, 2020

Mount Carmel City Clerk Rudy Witsman announced that because of COVID-19 and its far-reaching effects on the economy and its citizens, the city is putting a hold on water bill late penalties and disconnects.

House Rep. Patrick Windhorst seeks to repeal or change FOID card system

By Kyla Asbury | Apr 9, 2020

Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) seeks changes to the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) system, saying it has been a major issue his constituents have called about with concerns.

Righter says Pritzker's budget plan isn't responsible governance

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 28, 2020

State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said that, while Gov. J.B. Pritzker referred to austerity during his budget address last week, the Governor's budget proposal did not reflect that.

Harrisburg senator wants state to focus on job creation

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 26, 2020

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is concerned with additional new spending in Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed budget.

From Prairie State Wire

Republican lawmakers disappointed in governor's budget proposal

By Kyla Asbury | 4 years ago

Illinois Republicans were disappointed after hearing Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal last week

From Prairie State Wire

Bipartisan group of lawmakers, fair-mapping advocates speak out against gerrymandering

By Kyla Asbury | 4 years ago

A bipartisan group of legislators and policy watchdogs met Thursday to discuss their commitment to bringing fair district mapping to state and local politics throughout Illinois.

Windhorst questions executive inspector generals on ghost payrolling

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2020

Illinois House Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) questioned several executive inspector generals regarding ghost payrolling during last week's Senate House Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform hearing.

From Prairie State Wire

Republican leaders would have liked more from Pritzker's speech, but will run with 'spirit of collaboration'

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

While House and Senate Republicans were critical of many aspects of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's State of the State address on Wednesday, most remain hopeful that he was sincere about bringing about a spirit of bipartisan collaboration.

From Prairie State Wire

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois urges passage of License to Work Act

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) recently held a press conference to show its support for a senate bill that would end the practice of suspending state motorists' driver's licenses for non-driving offenses.

Bailey opposes tax amendment with message from constituents: 'We don't trust you with our money'

By Kyla Asbury | May 31, 2019

House Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) strongly opposed an amendment to the state constitution that will change the state's income tax structure from a flat tax to a graduated tax.

Free market, taxpayers 'under attack in Illinois,' Rep. Severin argues in opposition of 'fair tax'

By Kyla Asbury | May 31, 2019

State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) opposed the graduated income tax amendment during the House session on Monday, calling for fiscal reform rather than driving more residents and businesses out of Illinois.

Windhorst says 'we need to add taxpayers, not taxes' before graduated income tax structure

By Kyla Asbury | May 31, 2019

House Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) said Illinois residents will continue to leave if the state changes to a graduated income tax structure.

Righter: Tobacco Products Under 21 bill 'is a step backward'

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 21, 2019

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) opposed a bill that decriminalizes possession of tobacco for individuals under the age of 21.

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois Family Institute, others plan Pro-life Rally and Lobby Day on Wednesday

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

The Illinois Family Institute is partnering with several other pro-life organizations to hold the Pro-life Rally and Lobby Day Wednesday at the state capitol.

Righter opposes bill that would allow illegal immigrants to withdraw guilty pleas

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 11, 2019

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) spoke out against a bill that amends the state's criminal code to allow for immigrants to withdraw guilty pleas if it affects their immigration status.

Righter speaks out against bill forbidding landlords from reporting illegal tenants

By Kyla Asbury | Mar 11, 2019

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) spoke in opposition of a bill that prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants if they discover they are in the country illegally.

From East Central Reporter

McCarter, Righter differ on consolidation bill

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

Two Republican state senators differ on whether dissolving townships will increase savings or costs for taxpayers.

Hardin County to use former state work camp as a jail

By Kyla Asbury | Nov 19, 2018

House Bill 130, which changes control from the state to the county for a closed down work camp in Hardin County, passed the House of Representatives on Nov. 15.

House recognizes Hodges for Summer Food Program

By Kyla Asbury | Nov 19, 2018

A House resolution adopted Nov. 15 honored Valarie Hodges, food service coordinator for Harrisburg schools, for her work with The Summer Food Program.