Rockford 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 | 6 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.

From Prairie State Wire

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

By Angela Underwood | 7 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 | 7 years ago

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

From SE Illinois News

Rauner to decide if he should diminish his own power related to healthcare waiver

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

It is now up to Gov. Bruce Rauner to decide if he can file a federal healthcare waiver without the General Assembly’s approval.

From Prairie State Wire

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

By Angela Underwood | 7 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.

From Kane County Reporter

Pritchard praised after his final bill passes unanimously

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

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

From Rock Island Today

Despite GOP's concerns, gun bill passes Senate

By Angela Underwood | 7 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 | 7 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 | 7 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 | 7 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 Chambana Sun

If governor gives nod, teachers' salaries will rise $8,000 in 4 years

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Raising teachers’ salaries almost $8,000 in four years could be become law if Gov. Bruce Rauner agrees.

From Prairie State Wire

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

By Angela Underwood | 7 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 | 7 years ago

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

From North Cook News

Bill would take healthcare waivers out of governor's hands

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

Postponed consideration for a health insurance bill that would strip the governor’s ability to file for a federal waiver was finalized without GOP approval during the May 29 House floor debate.

From Metro East Sun

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

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

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 | 7 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.

Pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner legislation leaves Senate

By Angela Underwood | Jun 1, 2018

While three Republican senators had issues with legislation requiring specialized pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners throughout the state by a certain date, one did not.

From Prairie State Wire

Several GOP lawmakers reject bill that would prevent state from reversing local districts' denial of charter schools

By Angela Underwood | 7 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 | 7 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

Illinois gaming legislation to allow for more gambling stuck in committee

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

State Rep. Robert Rita (D-Blue Island) had the House Executive Committee’s full attention Monday over non-riverboat gaming legislation.