South Cook News

From Prairie State Wire

National labor law attorney: Legal marijuana doesn't give employees a 'get out of jail free card'

By Angela Underwood | 5 years ago

Since Illinois has become the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, national labor lawyer and legal analyst Michelle Lee Flores suggests the Prairie State began to prepare for employment law issues.

Constituents call out Rep. DeLuca for abortion vote

By Angela Underwood | Jun 7, 2019

Two self-proclaimed "South Side Irish Catholics," Pat Hickey and Mike Houlihan, believe Illinois state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) turned his back on the faith by voting "yes" to Senate Bill 25.

Lack of residential placement options keeps DCFS' foster kids in hospitals longer than needed

By Angela Underwood | Aug 15, 2018

Committee members in the Senate Human Services Hearing heard at length earlier this month about how children in the custody of the Illinois Department Children and Family Services (DCFS) are being kept in hospitals beyond medical necessity.

Forum sheds light on Cook County Tax Assessors office

By Angela Underwood | Jul 25, 2018

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform's (ICPR) Executive Director Mary Miro said there is an unfair burden of taxes placed on some homeowners and minority communities in Cook County.

From Prairie State Wire

Before Janus v. AFSCME, there was Harris v. Quinn fighting for 1st Amendment rights

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Pamela Harris said June 27 was a day to celebrate economic liberty and the restoration of the First Amendment rights to millions of workers and their families.

From Chambana Sun

Joint Senate and House Higher Education Group touts 'groundbreaking' legislation

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After 17 meetings, the Joint Senate and House Higher Education Group is setting new standards for state-funded schools.

From Prairie State Wire

Bill that would bolster legislative inspector's ability to look into sexual harassment claims sent to Rauner

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

House majority leader Michael Madigan’s (D-Chicago) chief of staff, head political operative and appointed House leader have stepped down or been fired since being accused of sexual harassment in the past few months, making HB 138 more timely than ever.

Motor fuel tax bill fails to move forward

By Angela Underwood | Jun 13, 2018

A gut and replacement that became the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) bill stalled on the last day of the legislative session.

Meier accuses Davis of lying about adolescent counseling bill

By Angela Underwood | Jun 13, 2018

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) accused Rep. William Davis (D-Chicago) of lying about HB 1445, which would allow adolescents to be seen by a counselor for up to 12 sessions, instead of five, without informing their parents or guardians, it sure seemed like it.

From Kane County Reporter

Pritchard praised after his final bill passes unanimously

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore) will be missed on the House floor by Rep. William Davis (D-East Hazel Crest).

Butler points out 'hypocrisy' of Thorn Creek Basin bill

By Angela Underwood | Jun 12, 2018

Before he voted for a Democratic-sponsored bill, Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) pointed out the "hypocrisy" in altering a 101-year-old piece of legislation.

From Rock Island Today

Despite GOP's concerns, gun bill passes Senate

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) rose during the May 30 Senate floor debate and argued against a firearm bill.

From Prairie State Wire

Medical cannabis for short-term pain is questionable, some GOP lawmakers insist

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A bill allowing for temporary access to medical cannabis in order to battle the opioid epidemic is in the hands of the governor.

From SE Illinois News

Righter and House GOP members question Firearms Restraining Order Act

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) and some state representatives had a slew questions during a new firearm act debate.

Brady renames overpass in honor of fallen Burbank police officer

By Angela Underwood | Jun 8, 2018

Burbank Police Officer Patrick Michael Righi-Barnard will never be forgotten if state Sen. William Brady (R-Bloomington) has anything to do with it.

From Prairie State Wire

Despite GOP concerns, graduate research assistants one step closer to being able to unionize

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A bill to amend the Illinois Labor Relations Act to allow graduate research assistants to unionize concerned three GOP lawmakers during the May 30 House floor debate.

From Prairie State Wire

Despite Senate raving about $38.5 billion bipartisan budget for FY2019, the numbers don't add up

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

The $38.5 billion budget passed without a revenue estimate is not what it seems.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP fails to keep vetoed bill from going back to governor's desk

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A bill vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner will be going back to his desk.

From Prairie State Wire

Breen and Bellock question partisan task force

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

During the May 28 House floor debate, state Reps. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) and Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) wanted to know why a Democrat-proposed task force was clearly partisan in membership.

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.