We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
Sorted by date Results 26 - 34 of 34
During the final hours of the fall Veto Session, the Senate Republican Caucus united in support of real ethics reform, standing in opposition to House Joint Resolution 93 – a measure that would create a Democrat-controlled commission to consider ethics reform. My colleagues and I unanimously opposed House Joint Resolution 93, arguing that if the desired outcome is real, substantial ethics reforms, the committee should be truly balanced. “With the cloud of scandal hanging over the Dome, we nee...
Senators and Representatives return to the Capitol November 12-14 for the second and final week of the fall Veto Session. Nearly two dozen committee hearings are scheduled for the week on a variety of issues including: red-light cameras, minimum wage, education, public health, taxes and the environment. Ethics reform continues to be the hottest issue before lawmakers. A number of proposals have been introduced since well-publicized allegations and indictments against several legislators...
During the upcoming fall veto session, during which we generally take action on bills vetoed by the Governor, Illinois lawmakers could also be asked to consider a proposal to consolidate suburban and downstate pension plans. The fall veto session is scheduled for October 28-30, and November 12-14. The recent proposal to consolidate about 650 suburban and downstate police and fire pension plans is already generating debate. Proponents say consolidating the funds will generate greater returns at...
As Veterans Day approaches I am asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol, November 4-15. Families are asked to submit photos and written stories (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11,...
Personal finance publication Kiplinger has ranked all U.S. states to determine which is the most, and the least, tax-friendly, based on the tax burden placed on residents. According to the publication, Wyoming is the most tax-friendly. Illinois takes the bottom spot least tax-friendly, primarily due to the property tax burden. According to Kiplinger, Illinois averages $2,048 in property taxes per $100,000 of home value, compared to $635 for Wyoming. Illinois wasn’t the only Midwestern state t...
Demonstrating a firm commitment to Illinois’ vast agricultural industry, a Taiwanese delegation recently announced their intention to purchase $2.2 billion in Illinois corn and soybeans over the next two years. On September 24 representatives from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, the Illinois Soybean Association, the Taiwan Feed Industry Association and the Governor came together to sign letters of intent to purchase $1.1 billion in soybeans and $1.1 billion in corn. Taiwan, currently I...
Illinois State Trooper Brooke Jones-Story was honored August 30 with the dedication of the Springfield Road Overpass on Route 20 in her honor. The dedication took place inside the Visitors Center – US Route 20 @ Browns Mill Road. After the dedication ceremony, there was a procession westbound on US Route 20 past the Springfield Road Overpass. Trooper Jones-Story was killed in the line of duty March 28 in an accident on US Route 20. The Aug. 30 dedication is one of several public celebrations of...
As students across Illinois head back to school, the Illinois State Police are reminding the public to be aware of school buses, crosswalks, and children walking or riding their bikes to school. Back to school is a good time for motorists to brush up on school zone traffic laws, and to avoid distracted driving. In school zones, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days when children are present. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk, and when a sc...
A new state task force will look for ways to provide property tax relief to homeowners and report its findings by the end of the year. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed legislation creating the bipartisan Property Tax Relief Task Force. The panel will be made up of lawmakers appointed by the four legislative leaders, and individuals appointed by the Governor. Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady appointed Senators Donald Dewitt, Dan McConchie, Dale Righter, Jil Tracy, and Craig Wilcox to serve...
