After frenzied ‘lame duck’ session, 103rd General Assembly is sworn in
Ceremonies held at Old State Capitol, University of Illinois Springfield
Tag: Illinois General Assembly
How 23-year-old Nabeela Syed wants to make space for more people in Illinois state politics
PALATINE — Nabeela Syed was a senior in high school when she decided to go into politics. It was 2016 and former President Donald Trump was campaigning on banning immigration from Mexico, African nations and Muslim-majority countries. “Just seeing how Trump was growing in popularity, and the kind of support he was getting,” Syed said.
Assault weapons to be banned in Illinois: House passes bill — and Pritzker vows to sign it ‘immediately’
“The people of the great state of Illinois have been waiting decades for legislation just like this,” said bill sponsor state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield. “Let them wait no longer.”
After stepping down as minority leader, Durkin to exit Illinois House
Suburban Republican says party has moved too far right.
GOP party leaders pick Tom Bennett to fill Barickman’s Illinois Senate seat
State Rep. Tom Bennett of Gibson City was chosen Saturday by local Republican party chairs to fill the state Senate vancy in the 53rd District that was created by the resignation of Jason Barickman.
Pritzker: Hike cabinet pay to ‘bring, retain great people’
The Senate will consider that legislation Sunday night. Pritzker’s request expanded to include raises in the 10% range for six constitutional officers and a $13,000-a-year raise.
Illinois Democrats push to further expand abortion, gender care access
Bill contains legal protections for providers, out-of-state patients.
House advances assault weapon ban, Senate giving it ‘extensive review’
Pritzker expresses support, watches debate from House chamber.
Scott Bennett Funeral Scheduled For Krannert Center on December 19
State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign will be remembered at a funeral at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, December 19 at 10 A.M. Owens Funeral Home in Champaign, which is handling the arrangements, says the public is invited to the funeral at the Krannert Center, which will follow a
State Senator Bennett passes away from brain tumor
URBANA – Colleagues are remembering State Senator Scott Bennett for his wit, his work on public safety, and his Central Illinois upbringing. In a statement Friday afternoon, his wife Stacy says Bennett succumbed to complications of a large brain tumor. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says the 45-year-old Champaign Democrat was pronounced dead Friday afternoon
Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers last week passed significant legislation dealing with electric vehicle manufacturing incentives and the availability of hygiene products for prisoners in the state’s correctional system. But some weightier issues, including a possible assault weapons ban, will wait until a lame duck session scheduled for early January. Last week, lawmakers wrapped up a
‘Timing is right’: Barickman leaving Illinois Senate in January
BLOOMINGTON — Less than a month after winning an uncontested new term in office, State Sen. Jason Barickman said Monday he’ll resign instead of taking office again next year. The Bloomington Republican said it was not an abrupt decision. “Your kids develop so quickly. One year is quite different than another. I have really struggled
State lawmakers pass measure limiting state investment in Russian assets
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House gave final passage Wednesday to a bill aimed at prohibiting state investment in assets tied to Russia and Belarus in retaliation for their participation in the war in Ukraine. House Bill 1293, by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, urges the state’s five retirement systems to divest their holdings in companies domiciled
Lawmakers announce bipartisan plan to pay down remaining unemployment debt
SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers on Tuesday announced a bipartisan plan to use state revenues to pay down the remaining $1.4 billion in debt taken on by the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the agreement is expected to move through the General Assembly this week before lawmakers adjourn for the year.
Welch, poised for another term as speaker, reflects on growing House majority
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, who recently announced he has the support for another term as House speaker, says he looks forward to governing with an even larger supermajority than he had during his first two years. “Expanding our caucus was definitely a priority of mine,” he said during an interview with