Metro East Sun

Democrats send altered Child Death Review Team Act to governor's desk

By Angela Underwood | Jun 4, 2018

Changing up leadership and opening confidential records goes against GOP beliefs.

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

Having a professional license but not being a legal resident is absurd, according to three GOP lawmakers

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After barely passing by five votes and pulled for consideration, a Democrat-sponsored bill debated on May 28 came back two days later and passed, but not without a heated GOP debate.

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.

From Prairie State Wire

16 GOP lawmakers argue against progressive income tax in Illinois

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sixteen Republican state representatives stood to oppose a progressive income tax.

From Prairie State Wire

After heated debate and vote, D’Amico postpones drone bill for consideration

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A heated debate over drones May 25 had the full attention of the House, with almost a dozen Republican lawmakers arguing the proposal.

Meier highlights retiring 4-H leader's accomplishments

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) shared some 4-H love at the May 22 House 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

House passes $63 million bill for state employee back pay without a revenue estimate

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Why would a Democrat appropriate for $63 million in this fiscal budget when there still isn’t a revenue estimate? That was the question some Republican lawmakers asked Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Smithton) at the Thursday House floor debate when he backed HB4290, which pays the oldest Prairie State bill.

Schimpf welcomes state's 4H leaders to Springfield

By Angela Underwood | May 23, 2018

Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Murphysboro) had dozens of friends with him on the Illinois Senate floor May 22.

Meier resolution dedicates highway to fallen medical helicopter pilot

By Angela Underwood | May 23, 2018

Rep. Charles Meier (R-Murphysboro) dedicated a piece of his district to a fallen pilot.

Meier dedicates bridge in Madison County to lifelong Pocahontas resident

By Angela Underwood | May 22, 2018

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) dedicated a bridge to a lifelong Village of Pocahontas resident.

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 Chicago City Wire

Rezin sees floodplain management bill through

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) refuses to let the waters rise too high.

Republican senators discuss budget cuts

By Angela Underwood | May 21, 2018

Although tough to do, cutting the overall state budget through local government and higher education must be done, according to three Republican senators.

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 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).