North Cook News

From Prairie State Wire

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

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

The $38.5 billion budget passed without a revenue estimate is not what it seems.

Harris says Illinois is not the 'wasteland' that some people want you to believe

By Angela Underwood | Jun 4, 2018

It was that time again for Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights).

From Prairie State Wire

GOP fails to keep vetoed bill from going back to governor's desk

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

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

Bill would take healthcare waivers out of governor's hands

By Angela Underwood | Jun 4, 2018

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 | 6 years ago

Changing up leadership and opening confidential records goes against GOP beliefs.

From Will County Gazette

Batinick points out that calculator given to him by Democrat has small subtraction sign

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) was thankful for a gift that was given to him by a Democratic colleague during the May 29 House floor debate.

From Prairie State Wire

Breen and Bellock question partisan task force

By Angela Underwood | 6 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.

From Prairie State Wire

Having a professional license but not being a legal resident is absurd, according to three GOP lawmakers

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

After barely passing by five votes and pulled for consideration, a Democrat-sponsored bill debated on May 28 came back two days later and passed, but not without a heated GOP debate.

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

16 GOP lawmakers argue against progressive income tax in Illinois

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sixteen Republican state representatives stood to oppose a progressive income tax.

Harris reminds House that Memorial Day is about the men and women who have died serving the country

By Angela Underwood | May 30, 2018

State Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) honored the fallen, not veterans, on Memorial Day.

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.

Morrison and GOP peers refuse to fund taxpayer-subsidized abortions in budget

By Angela Underwood | May 29, 2018

With the fiscal year 2019 budget hanging in the balance, Rep. Thomas Morrison (R-Palatine) and his GOP peers held an impromptu press conference Tuesday rejecting taxpayer-subsidized abortions.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Special Olympics gold medal winner visits House

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Rep. Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale) pointed out a special constituent in the balcony above her at the May 21 House floor debate.

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 Chicago City Wire

GOP lawmakers urge against extending Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority term limits

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Extending term limits for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority board is a bad idea, according to three Republican lawmakers.

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.

Rooney gives nod to bill covering teacher-recruitment program

By Angela Underwood | May 25, 2018

Sen. Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) said Republicans have changed their minds on an education program to recruit teachers.

Harris praises Illinois for EPA site reuse awards

By Angela Underwood | May 24, 2018

Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) said what is right about Illinois this week is the use of reclaimed land.