Metro East Sun

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.

Babcock signs pledge to enact term limits and oust Madigan from power

By Angela Underwood | Aug 11, 2018

Republican state House candidate Micheal Babcock believes term limits are a necessity for the Illinois government to get back on track.

Babcock claims Hoffman's $45,500 donation to Bristow's campaign is the 'ultimate political inside game'

By Angela Underwood | Aug 10, 2018

Illinois State Board of Elections records show that Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville), the former right-hand man to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, recently donated $45,500 to the re-election campaign of state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Godfrey) -- a donation that doesn't sit too well with her Republican opponent Michael Babcock.

Babcock busy on campaign trail with Rauner and Bost

By Angela Underwood | Jul 27, 2018

Between being present while Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes a bill and stumping with Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), House candidate Mike Babcock has been busy.

Patton blames Springfield's 'powerful elite' for manipulating 'broken system for their personal gain'

By Angela Underwood | Jul 7, 2018

Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton, who is vying for the 56th Senate District seat, said he has sat back like so many others believing the chaos in Springfield would work out.

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.

McCarter bids farewell to Senate

By Angela Underwood | Jun 13, 2018

Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) quoted a pop icon during his outgoing speech on the last day of the legislative session.

From North Cook News

Rooney ensures that general education credits will transfer between Illinois schools

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) has Illinois students' best interest in mind.

From South Cook News

Motor fuel tax bill fails to move forward

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

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

From South Cook News

Meier accuses Davis of lying about adolescent counseling bill

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

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 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.

GOP voices concern about political patronage bill involving Metro East Sanitary District

By Angela Underwood | Jun 11, 2018

For a number of years, the Metro East Sanitary District has been a hallmark of political patronage and a lack of competence, according to Sen. William Haine (D-Alton).

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.

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.

Equal-pay legislation passes Senate despite opposition from GOP

By Angela Underwood | Jun 7, 2018

Equal-pay legislation was as unpopular in the Senate as it was in the House.

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.