North Cook News

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.

Smolenski says 1-percent property tax cap an answer to exodus

By Angela Underwood | Aug 23, 2018

Residents' fear of losing their home is very real in Illinois, according to the Republican candidate for Illinois House District 55.

Bernas believes 1-percent property tax cap could keep residents in Illinois

By Angela Underwood | Aug 23, 2018

Jillian Rose Bernas said the fact that Illinois has the second highest property tax burden and combined tax burden in the nation is not something that happened overnight.

From South Cook News

Lack of residential placement options keeps DCFS' foster kids in hospitals longer than needed

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Committee members in the Senate Human Services Hearing heard at length earlier this month about how children in the custody of the Illinois Department Children and Family Services (DCFS) are being kept in hospitals beyond medical necessity.

Smolenski says Chicago Public Schools scandal another Springfield disappointment

By Angela Underwood | Aug 9, 2018

Republican state House candidate Marilyn Smolenski said a recent Chicago Tribune exposé on sexual abuse within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system is saddening and lawmakers should be doing more to ensure the safety of students.

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner signs law providing more funding for police officers and their families

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed House BIll 5513 into law, which provides additional funds for police officers and families.

Davie calls out Morrison on anniversary of tax hike

By Angela Underwood | Jul 19, 2018

Republican Senate candidate Barrett Davie said Illinois is not better off one year after lawmakers passed a historic 32-percent tax increase.

Davie calls attention to state debt, Lake Forest Days Parade

By Angela Underwood | Jul 13, 2018

Republican candidate Barrett Davie doesn’t see how he can lose in his run against Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) if the election comes to be about pocketbook issues.

Davie campaigns over holiday

By Angela Underwood | Jul 6, 2018

Senate Republican candidate Barrett Davie has been busy canvassing his district this holiday, noting on July 3 his plans to walk in Independence Day parades.

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.

Appalled by CPS abuse revelations, Davie calls for 'vigorous outside oversight'

By Angela Underwood | Jun 21, 2018

Somewhere along the way, Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) priorities moved from protecting students to shielding teachers, according to Republican state Senate candidate Barrett Davie.

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 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.

Rooney ensures that general education credits will transfer between Illinois schools

By Angela Underwood | Jun 13, 2018

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

From Prairie State Wire

Bill that would give AG more power pulled off House floor

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

A bill giving Attorney General Lisa Madigan more power was postponed for consideration after only passing by two votes.

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 Peoria Standard

Peoria could see millions of dollars in historic preservation tax credits

By Angela Underwood | 7 years ago

A $15 million historic preservation tax credit could turn Peoria and River Edge communities around, according to one state House member.

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.