A group representing Illinois employers has raised questions about Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed merger of the Department of Labor and the Department of Employment Security.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Municipal group critical of bill to require all Illinois fire districts to levy foreign fire insurance fees
A measure at the Illinois statehouse that would require every fire district in the state to add a fee on out-of-state fire insurance policies is being called a tax increase.… MORE
Costello appointed to lead Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jerry Costello II, a former state lawmaker from southern Illinois, is the new acting director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. He had been head of the conservation police at the Department of Natural Resources since shortly after Gov. JB Pritzker took office.… MORE
Illinois officials prepare response infrastructure for COVID-19, say public risk remains low
The state’s public health officials said Friday the risk from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus from China, remains low for Illinois residents and the state is preparing in case the outbreak intensifies.… MORE
Federal officials to allow partial REAL ID application online, but Illinois leaders say it’s too late
The Department of Homeland Security announced it will allow a portion of the REAL ID application process to be completed online, but Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office said it was too little, too late.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers discuss ethics rules as some grow impatient
An Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform hearing Thursday got into the nuances of elected officials prohibited activities, including what kinds of elected or appointed positions already elected officials can take on, but a Republican state lawmaker said she was concerned by the seeming lack of urgency to address corruption.… MORE
Illinois sheriffs’ group opposes calls for ending cash bail system
Illinois lawmakers may soon take up more criminal justice measures, including plans to change or end the state’s cash bail system, a proposal that has divided Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers could remove religious exemption for child vaccination
State lawmakers could make Illinois the sixth state to remove a religious or philosophical objection to vaccines required to attend school.… MORE
Illinois public health officials briefing state legislature on coronavirus
By Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Public Health officials have been providing regular briefings to the General Assembly about the novel coronavirus from China and one lawmaker who has taken part in those briefings said residents should remain vigilant. China had reported 78,190 cases, including 2,718 deaths, to the World Health Organization as…… MORE
Illinois lawmakers look to allow parents to exempt kids from school shooter drills
Illinois lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would allow parents to exempt their kids from their school’s active shooter drills.… 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…