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Andersson's plea to wait on workers' comp vote goes unheeded

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

The House passed a workers' compensation reform bill on Wednesday despite vehement objections from Republicans like Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva), who argued that negotiations on it had not concluded.

Taxpayers must be part of property tax reform talk, McConnaughay argues

By Hoang Tran | Jun 27, 2017

Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) argued on Tuesday that if Illinois wants true property tax reform, it can't leave out the most important person: the taxpayer.

Rauner urges political unity to save the future of Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jun 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

McConnaughay says GOP measures would end exodus of people, jobs

By Hoang Tran | Jun 15, 2017

Republican lawmakers have come up with a way to stop the flow of businesses and residents leaving Illinois, but they need Democratic help to turn the shutoff valve, Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) on Thursday.

Rauner, GOP bemoan budget breakdown, blame bickering Democrats

By Hoang Tran | Jun 9, 2017

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

'Soup sandwich' bill no way to feed business growth in Illinois, Breen argues

By Hoang Tran | Jun 1, 2017

A "soup sandwich" measure that would punish even good businesses is not the kind of thing Illinois needs on its plate right now, Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) argued in the House on Wednesday.

Andersson's efforts to stop 'detrimental' school funding measure fall short

By Hoang Tran | May 31, 2017

An education funding reform bill passed the House on Wednesday despite major reservations from Republicans. Many House members, including Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva), found the measure overly Chicago-centric.

Andersson calls funding bill based on dropout rate too costly

By Hoang Tran | May 31, 2017

School districts experiencing an unusually high rate of high school dropouts would receive extra funding under a bill that passed the House on Wednesday despite the financial fears of several Republicans, including Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva).

Immigration effort passes House despite criticism from Andersson, Skillicorn

By Hoang Tran | May 30, 2017

A bill to prohibit local law enforcement agencies from enforcing what many Democrats call unfair federal civil immigration laws passed the House on Monday despite major concerns from Republicans such as Reps. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) and Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee).

Andersson argues home care overtime bill would cost $12 million

By Hoang Tran | May 26, 2017

Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) joined other House members on Thursday in questioning the wisdom of a bill that would remove a limit on the number of hours a home caretaker may work.

Andersson stresses need for unity on budget: 'Let's end this impasse'

By Hoang Tran | May 26, 2017

Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) told his colleagues on Thursday that the time to quarrel over the budget is over and the time to come together is now.

Wheeler shepherds one-vote township caucus bill through House

By Hoang Tran | May 25, 2017

A Senate bill introduced to the House by Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) that would amend the township code to allow only one vote per member of a caucus for a township office passed on Wednesday despite some objections from within her own party.

Andersson applauds concept, rejects practice of forced freshman admissions

By Hoang Tran | May 25, 2017

A House bill that would force state universities to allocate a percentage of their admissions spots to first-time freshmen garnered the ire of many Republicans on Tuesday, including Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva), who asserted that the government should not interfere with the public university admission process.

GOP rep chides chamber: Pick a revenue number and get budget going

By Hoang Tran | May 19, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) chastised the House for its lack of progress on a state budget estimate, calling it a failure of the chamber.

Way to thank farmers for winter crop walls might be blowing in the wind

By Hoang Tran | May 16, 2017

Farmers or land owners who grow crops in the name of safety would get additional compensation thanks to a bill presented to the Senate on Monday.

Wheeler laments silence, stubbornness on other side of aisle over budget

By Hoang Tran | May 10, 2017

When the House returned to work after a brief break, Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) said you wouldn't know if from where he stood.

Business bill described as punishing loyalty to Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Apr 25, 2017

A contentious bill designed to penalize Illinois businesses that move a portion or all of their operations out of state would actually be punishing compliant businesses, Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) argued recently.

State senators tout 'Taxpayer Bargain' budget plan

By Hoang Tran | Apr 19, 2017

State Sens. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) and Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) have unveiled a Taxpayer Bargain budget plan they say calls for spending reductions, protections for elementary and secondary education, pension reform, restructuring and legislative accountability.

Durkin demands Democratic help ending budget crisis

By Hoang Tran | Apr 10, 2017

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is urging Democrats in Springfield to work with his party to formulate reforms to get Illinois back on track.

Property tax relief bill seen as leaving towns on shaky ground

By Hoang Tran | Apr 7, 2017

State Rep. Steven Reick (R-Woodstock) reluctantly agreed on Thursday to vote for a House bill that changes or creates property tax exemptions for some Illinoisans after expressing his concerns that passage could undermine local governments and conflict with state law.

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