North Cook News

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.

Harris highlights Illinois school districts ranked by National Council for Home Safety and Security

By Angela Underwood | May 21, 2018

If House members were wondering whether Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) had something good to say this week, they would not be remiss.

From Chicago City Wire

Resolution rejecting federal infrastructure plan a bad idea, 2 GOP lawmakers say

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A Democrat's demand for the federal government to bring a better infrastructure plan to the table did not go over well with two Republican lawmakers.

From Prairie State Wire

House floor fervently honors McCain

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Godspeed Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Harris highlights state's No. 1 spot in construction of LEED-certified buildings

By Angela Underwood | May 18, 2018

This week, Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) noted environmental-related news as a positive Illinois attribute.

Harris highlights Chicago's top ranking in foreign direct investment strategy

By Angela Underwood | May 14, 2018

Never a man more true to his word, Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) used his point of personal privilege during the May 10 House floor debate to point out one more positive thing about the Prairie State among the pending doom and gloom.

Harris continues to find something good to say – this time it's about police officers

By Angela Underwood | May 9, 2018

Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) stayed true to his word and had another positive thing to say about the Prairie State – something he promised he would do until the session ends.

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.

House bill to create female-based council raises questions from GOP lawmakers

By Angela Underwood | May 8, 2018

A bill to form a female-based council to provide research support and public policy on issues affecting females had three GOP lawmakers questioning how such an assembly deals with abortion law and gender definition and equality.

Breen balks at allowing liquor zoning exemptions for Chicago

By Angela Underwood | May 8, 2018

Zoning exemptions for Chicago are par for the course, Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) said during House debate April 24 regarding HB5612, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Harris (D-Chicago).

From Prairie State Wire

Ford pulls 'Homeless Bill of Rights' after opponents question bill's mandates

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A proposed Homeless Bill of Rights was shot down in the House because of the many mandates it would impose on local government.

From Prairie State Wire

Security issues help sink Welch bill on releasing sales tax data

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

A Democrat-sponsored bill that would allow the state to release a business' confidential sales tax data was rejected by the House last week.

From Peoria Standard

Hammond calls rebate-card restrictions an added burden on retailers

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Proposed legislation that would make Illinois the first state to regulate retail business rebates was seen as a restraint that would drive business out of state, according to Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb).

From Chicago City Wire

GOP lawmakers say Ford bill amounts to another mandate cash-strapped schools do not need

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

GOP lawmakers said another Democrat mandate on education could cause further financial hardship on already cash-strapped school districts during House floor debate April 20.

Harris recognizes Leyden High School for national award

By Angela Underwood | Apr 30, 2018

True to his weekly positive point of personal privilege, Rep. Dave Harris (R-Arlington Heights) had something good to say about Illinois.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP lawmakers love the idea of transparency, but question statewide pension hearing broadcast proposal

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Broadcasting retirement system or pension fund hearings in real time and archiving the recorded video on a website for public access is a great idea, but not necessarily feasible to some GOP lawmakers.

From Prairie State Wire

Serious questions about skirting federal law fails to derail Excellence Fund legislation in House

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

HB4237, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) to alter the Illinois Excellence Fund, would seemingly undermine the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions placed on charitable contributions by the federal government and hamper private scholarship funding donations, according to some GOP lawmakers.

Bill to extend Illinois Health and Facilities Planning Act clears House despite GOP opposition

By Angela Underwood | Apr 23, 2018

Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) said the closest thing to eternity here on earth is a government program that ceases to end, like the Illinois Health and Facilities Planning Act.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Curran withstands ribbing from both sides of the aisle during debate of his first bill

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) proved he could stand with the best of them.