HB 2789 awaits the governor’s action.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Bill intended to watch out for bullied school kids awaits a vote in the Illinois Senate
In the year 2023, bullying means cyberbullying. … MORE
Illinois Senate Republicans introduce package of bills to fight crime, empower victims
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Republicans have a package of bills which they say will put the priority back on the victims. “Over the last several years,” said State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), “Illinois has seen policies and proposals that prioritize criminals, while seemingly making victims out to be second-class citizens. “This is…… MORE
Next mayor of Chicago addresses Illinois House and Senate
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House and Senate Wednesday welcomed the next mayor of Chicago to a rare joint session. Brandon Johnson called Chicago a union town and Illinois a union state. “Just look at our state constitution, where we grant workers the fundamental right to organize and to collectively bargain. Right there…… MORE
Hundreds of gun owners rally in Springfield
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Two days after Audrey Hale killed six people in a Nashville Christian school, the Illinois State Rifle Association put on its annual Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day, featuring a program at the BOS Center, a march down Capitol Avenue, and a rally in front of the statehouse. The group’s leader…… MORE
Bill in the Illinois General Assembly would curb the cost of insulin
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Backers of a bill to hold the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for a month’s supply brought out a retiree to make their case. “I (have been) insulin-dependent for well over twenty years, and this is needed legislation for a lot of people,” said Judy Johnson of Springfield. “I…… MORE
House bill requires Native American curriculum in Illinois public schools
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – You probably can’t write the history of Illinois without including Native Americans, but a bill which has passed the state House wants to make sure. “This bill highlights the true DNA of our state,” said sponsoring State Rep. Maurice West II (D-Rockford). “The word Illinois is derived from the Native…… MORE
Illinois Senate passes bill which could change the state flag
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) says her bill which could lead to a new state flag could do something many of us would think impossible. “It does get, I believe, people in the state excited about Illinois again.” The bill, which has passed the Senate, would create a commission to…… MORE
Illinois Freedom Caucus upset about legislation from supermajority Democrats
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Responding to book bans, putting menstrual supplies in both men’s and women’s rooms – what about fixing the pension system? During a busy week for moving legislation, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus – about a half dozen Downstate Republican representatives – say supermajority Democrats still have it all wrong.…… MORE
House passes bill for Illinois’ official state nut
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Given the abundance of possibilities, you would think it would be difficult to select Illinois’ official state nut. State Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington) says that’s not the case. “The wood of the black walnut tree is highly valued by furniture makers for its durability and attractive color, and the nuts…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…