McHenry Times

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

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.

Skillicorn, GOP peers oppose taxpayer-subsidized abortions

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

With the spring session winding down, Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) and his GOP peers held an impromptu press conference Tuesday rejecting taxpayer-subsidized abortions.

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

House unanimously passes workplace safety bill for healthcare professionals

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Workplace safety for healthcare professionals is a priority for the state House of Representatives.

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

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 Prairie State Wire

House floor fervently honors McCain

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Godspeed Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Althoff sees tax lien, community college bills through

By Angela Underwood | May 18, 2018

Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) is taking care of tax lien and community college acts.

McConnaughay backs plan for Gold Star weekend, legislation to make it easier to obtain state ID cards

By Angela Underwood | May 17, 2018

Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) recently backed legislation to make it easier for residents to obtain state identification cards and a measure that would set aside a day to honor families of men and women who gave their lives while serving with the armed forces.

McConchie proposes amending liquor laws to aid craft distillers

By Angela Underwood | May 16, 2018

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) hopes SB2286 will spark some conversation about local craft distillers.

Skillicorn has concerns about lack of budget as spring session winds down

By Angela Underwood | May 15, 2018

Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) pointed out to his House peers last week that the spring session will be over in three weeks with no revenue estimate or budget approval in sight, yet lawmakers were exiting the Capitol a day early.

Reick rails against progressive tax on House floor

By Angela Underwood | May 11, 2018

Rep. Steven Reick (R-Woodstock) didn’t need to call an impromptu press conference to share his feelings on progressive income tax, instead using his point of personal privilege on the House floor Wednesday.

Senate backs McConnaughay bill for no-glare vehicle back-up lights

By Angela Underwood | May 10, 2018

Safer roadways are important to Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles), who introduced SB2511 to Senate floor debate April 17.

Skillicorn says revenue estimate is past due

By Angela Underwood | May 9, 2018

Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) used his point of personal privilege on the House floor Wednesday to say one thing – it is time for a revenue estimate.

From Prairie State Wire

Ives foretells bleak bankruptcy future for Illinois municipalities

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

What is most important, your job, your home or your pension asked Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton).

From Prairie State Wire

1115 Medicaid waiver will help launch 10 health care initiatives, Rauner says

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Gov. Bruce Rauner said Illinois will be the national leader in mental health services.

From Prairie State Wire

Bill to erase marijuana possession convictions from criminal records shot down by House

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A bill that would erase marijuana possession convictions from criminal records was rejected recently in the House.

From Prairie State Wire

House approves bill banning state agencies from paying bonuses to non-union workers

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) would bar state agencies from paying bonuses to non-union members or non-union contractors, and only allow state agency staffers to see extra pay.