THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
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Illinois Elections: House Elections Panel Approves Lou Lang Plan to Merge Governor and Lt. Governor in Primary Election
(Springfield, IL) — February 24, 2010. A divided House panel approved a bill that requires candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor to run as a team during the primary election. The legislation, House Bill 5820, sponsored by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie), which maintains the controversial office in the state constitutional line-up, drew … Continue reading
Illinois Elections: House Committee OKs Rep Elaine Nekritz Bill to Change Illinois Primary from February to March
(Chicago, IL) — February 24, 2010. An Illinois House panel has cleared the way to restore the Illinois primary election from February to March. The Illinois House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee voted unanimously, 9-0, for legislation, House Bill 4964, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Nekritz, who chairs the panel, to move the primary election … Continue reading
Rod Blagojevich to Talk “Ethics in Politics” at Northwestern University
(Chicago, IL) — February 23, 2010. From the Department of Believe It or Not, former Governor Rod Blagojevich is bringing his circus to Northwestern University to lecture students on–“Ethics in Politics”. From the Daily Northwestern: Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will speak to the Northwestern community at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2 at Cahn … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Senate President John Cullerton Backs Changes to Illinois Pension System
(Chicago, IL) – February 22, 2010. Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) is willing to change Illinois ghastly underfunded pension to keep the retirement tub from sinking further. Give Cullerton two-points for courage. Crain’s Chicago columnist Greg Hinz snared that precious pension morsel from Cullerton earlier today. The president of the Illinois Senate says he’s interested … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Owes Illinois School Districts $725 Million
(Springfield, IL) — February 22, 2010. The Illinois budget crisis monster is claiming another victim: local schools. From Amanda Reavy at the Springfield State Journal-Register: Illinois state government’s backlog of bills associated with kindergarten through 12th grade schools totals about $725 million, according to Carol Knowles, spokeswoman for Comptroller Dan Hynes. The backlog consists of … Continue reading
Govenor Pat Quinn Announces More Than $13 Million to Improve Broadband Access in Northern Illinois
(Chicago, IL) — February 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $13 million to improve broadband access in northern Illinois. The funding includes $1.3 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funds for the DeKalb Advancement of Technology Authority (DATA), which will leverage $11.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: House Committee Backs Rep Don Moffitt Bill to Lower Fire Station Loan Repayments
(Chicago, IL) — February 19, 2010. Since cash has run dry in local governments and in Springfield, Illinois lawmakers are pushing all sorts of borrowing bills this year, for universities, community colleges, Medicaid, etc. In the latest borrowing scheme, the Illinois House Fire Protection Committee yesterday approved, 4-0, legislation, House Bill 4710, sponsored by State … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Rep Carol Sente Wins House Approval, 90-16, to Ban Child Sex Offender Employment at “Fairs”; Conservatives, Liberals Oppose
(Springfield, IL) – February 18, 2010. The Illinois House yesterday overwhelming approved legislation that would ban child sex offenders from working at local municipal fairs. The bill, House Bill 4675, sponsored by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills), zoomed through the House, 90-16-6, with bipartisan support. However, the opposition, tiny as it was, was bipartisan, … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Christine Radogno Opposes Senator Donne Trotter’s $250 Million Medicaid Borrowing Plan
(Springfield, IL) — February 18, 2010. A chief Senate budget expert is proposing more debt to cope with the state’s current $13 billion deficit. The measure sponsored by State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) would allow most state universities to borrow up to 75 percent of the amount owed to them by the state. The schools’ … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: House Panel Oks Rep Don Moffit Bill to Ban Cigarette Lighters that Resemble “Goofy”, “Smurfs”, “Tinky Winky”, Etc.
(Springfield, IL) — February 16, 2010. From the Department of Your Tax Dollars at Work, an Illinois House panel yesterday approved legislation that would ban the sale of cigarette lighters that resemble “Goofy”, “Smurfs”, “Tinky Winky” and other cartoon characters. Uh, huh. The Illinois House Consumer Protection Committee found time yesterday to approve unanimously, 13-0, … Continue reading
Illinois Community Colleges: Senator Gary Forby Pushes Bill to Allow Community Colleges to Borrow at Twice Limit
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010 — A southern Illinois lawmaker is pushing legislation allowing community colleges to borrow twice their current limit. The proposal backed by State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) would allow the state’s 41 community colleges to increase their borrowing limit from 75 percent of the taxes permitted to be levied for … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Human Services Move Over, Illinois School Districts are the Newest Victims of Illinois Budget Crisis
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010. Move over Illinois human services, Illinois school districts are the next big thing in the Illinois budget cuts drama. Last year, Illinois budget cuts and budget pain fell disproportionately on human service programs, causing grief principally for Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, but to a lesser degree. But that … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Responsible Budget Coaltion Aims to Bring 3,000 to Springfield Rally for Income Tax Increase Push
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010. Here they come. Some 3,000 social service providers and clients, educators and students, faith leaders, seniors, consumer advocates, state and local government employees and others will descend on Springfield for rally in the state capitol on Wednesday, February 17. They are dressing up their call for an income tax … Continue reading
Illinois Governor Race 2010: GOP Lt. Governor Nominee Jason Plummer Says No Skeletons in Background
(Chicago, IL) — February 15, 2o10. Unlike Democrat Scott Lee Cohen, Republican Lt. Governor nominee Jason Plummer says his background is clean. “I don’t think there’s anything in my past,” 27-year-old Jason Plummer told the Daily Herald‘s Timothy Magaw. “I’m proud of what I’ve done. I’m proud of what my family’s done.” Heck, at 27, … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Senate Committe OKs DCFS Child Death Investigation Task Force Pushed by Senator James Clayborne
(Springfield, IL) — February 11, 2010. An Illinois senate panel yesterday unanimously approved legislation to create a state task force to review deaths of children linked to abused and neglect. The measure, Senate Bill 2533, sponsored by State Senator James Clayborne (D-Belleville) establishes an 18-month pilot program under the Illinois Department of Children and Family … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Fiscal Crisis Strikes Senators Dan Duffy, Pam Althoff; Reps Mike Bost, Mike Smith, Others
(Springfield, IL) — February 11, 2010. Illinois’ deadbeat status is now reaching into politicians’ pockets, as lawmakers face “past due” bills for office rent, medical charges and other payments. Some lawmakers are facing up to $10,000 in late payments and it’s starting to take its toll. State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Barrington) said the state has … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Senators Dale Righter, Chris Lauzen Push Bill to Limit Political “Robo” Calls
(Springfield, IL) — February 10, 2010. Sick of jumping up from the dinner table to answer political candidates’ automated telephone calls around election day? State Senators Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) and Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) have answered your call. Righter and Lauzen introduced legislation, Senate Bill 3135, on Monday that would prohibit political “robo” calls to individuals … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Senator John Millner Pushes Red Light Camera Bill, Claims Public Safety Boosted; Senator Dave Syverson Disagrees
(Springfield, IL) — February 10, 2010. Red light cameras may be coming to an intersection near you. State Senator John Millner (R-St. Charles) has introduced legislation streamlining operation of the cameras. Currently, only Chicago and nearby counties use the traffic-control tools. “The whole point of this legislation is to reduce traffic violations,” Millner said. “We’re … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: State Senator Iris Martinez Pushes Retroactive Sex Offender Registration
(Springfield, IL) — February 9, 2010. State Senator Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) yesterday introduced legislation to require retroactive sex offender registration in Illinois. The measure, Senate Bill 3084, would mandate a person to register as a sex offender who was not previously required to register. If Matinez’s legislation becomes law, previously unregistered sex offenders would have … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: State Senator Larry Bomke, State Rep Pat Verschoore See No Hope for Governor Pat Quinn’s Income Tax Plan This Year
(Springfield, IL) — February 9, 2010. The primary is over, but the waiting is not for Illinois lawmakers. The Illinois House and Senate return to Springfield this week, and lawmakers have low expectations. Many legislators say they doubt much of anything will happen during this legislative session. State Senator Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) said the state … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Senate President John Cullerton, Senator Christine Radogno Host Bi-Partisan Dinner at Pat Quinn’s House
(Springfield, IL) — February 8, 2010. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Senate Minority Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) will host a bi-partisan dinner of senators and staff at Governor Pat Quinn‘s house. The dinner at the Governor’s mansion in Springfield tonight, Monday, February 8, begins at 6:00 p.m. Good for Cullerton and Radogno.
Illinois Governor Race 2010: John Fritchey Says Scott Lee Cohen Replacement Should Come From Lt. Governor Candidate Pool
(Chicago, IL) — February 8, 2010. State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) is putting in his “two cents” and is recommending that Scott Lee Cohen‘s replacement be drawn from among those candidates who ran for Lt. Governor in the Democratic primary. According to a post on Fritchey’s Facebook page today: Now that Cohen is resigning the … Continue reading
Illinois Govenor Race 2010: Dan Hynes Extends Olive Branch–and Chance for Victory–to Governor Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) February 8, 2010. Comptroller Dan Hynes has extended an olive branch–and a chance for victory in November–to Governor Pat Quinn. Hynes has signaled that he is willing to consider the Lt. Governor’s post if it is offered, according to Dave McKinney at the Chicago Sun-Times: A source in the Hynes camp told the … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Farley Concedes, Ann Williams Wins John Fritchey’s House Seat
(Chicago, IL) — February 2, 2010. With 78% of precincts reporting, Democratic state representative candidate Dan Farley, a former Cook County assistant state’s attorney, has conceded to former Illinois assistant general Ann Williams in the state House race on Chicago’s north side to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey, according to a source. Attorney Ed Mullen, … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Opponents to John Fritchey’s County Commissioner Bid Post “Todd Stroger-John Fritchey” Campaign Signs
(Chicago, IL) — February 2, 2010. The weekend before election day is like Halloween–when all sorts of witches and goblins emerge to haunt candidates. And State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), who is giving up his House seat and seeking the spot on the Cook County Board being vacated by Commissioner Forrest Claypool, has been the … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Alderman Scott Waguespack Abandons Neutrality in Race to Succeed Rep John Fritchey to Back Ed Mullen
(Chicago, IL) — January 2010. Election fence sitters are jumping off their perches. In Chicago, Alderman Scott Waguespack (D-32nd) has abandoned his neutrality in the Illinois state house race to succeed John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side to back attorney Ed Mullen, according to a source. Waguespack’s campaign workers dropped Mullen’s campaign literature door-to-door on … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
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