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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) informed Senate Republicans this week that implementation of the state’s new school funding law will occur; a new measure would bring high-speed Internet access to rural school districts; a new proposal would give Illinois motorists the option to register their vehicles for more than one year; and Chicago makes Amazon’s top

Illinois residents can expect to see improved safety measures for children and Internet users in 2018 with new laws that help protect children in the foster care system, at day care and at school; as well as shield children and adults online. On Jan. 1, more than 200 bills covering a wide variety of issues became law. In addition to

1. Bail Reform Act of 2017 and State RICO Extension (SB 2034/PA 100-0001): Grants a right to counsel at bail hearings, provides for mandatory bail re-hearings on nonviolent offenses, and provides that any bail set should be non-monetary and that the court should address the risk in the least restrictive way possible. Also extends state RICO Act (“Illinois Street Gang And

SPRINGFIELD – As 2017 winds to a close, legislative action for the year may have wrapped up, but Illinois citizens will begin 2018 with more than 200 new laws taking effect. From bills to help veterans and reduce government waste, to a controversial law expanding taxpayer funding for abortions, legislation covering a wide variety of issues will become law at

Slight Improvement in Jobs A recent report by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) indicates a slight drop in the state’s unemployment from 5.0% to 4.9%. It’s not a huge change, but does represent an increase of 3,400 nonfarm payroll jobs. IDES adds that September job growth figures were revised upward showing a smaller decline in jobs, -7,900 rather

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation addressing sexual harassment complaints and providing tax credits for flood victims was signed into law by the Governor during the week. In other action, Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) announced appointments for the newly created Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention. Also during the week, the U.S. Small Business Administration

SPRINGFIELD, IL – On November 4, the Legislative Ethics Commission appointed a new Inspector General, and both chambers took up legislation during the week seeking to improve Statehouse sexual harassment policies. Also, female senators announced the creation of a bipartisan Women’s Caucus. Also during the week, with Veterans Day approaching, Senate lawmakers took time to recognize and honor the men

State lawmakers return to Springfield Nov. 7 for the final days of fall veto session. Lawmakers are expected to take up several pieces of new legislation and possibly vote on other legislation vetoed by the Governor. Also this week, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin to pour through thousands of surveys from across the state, advising them on

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Lawmakers returned to the Capitol this week for the Fall Veto Session with some controversial matters to consider. In addition to consideration of gubernatorial vetoes, lawmakers in both chambers introduced new gun control legislation and the Legislative Audit Commission released its second audit of the troubled Neighborhood Recovery Initiative (NRI). The Senate also honored a Navy Seal

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Lawmakers are preparing to return the Capitol next week for the beginning of the annual fall veto session, which could result in action on a number of bills vetoed by the Governor as well as legislation covering new issues. This week, Illinois officially submitted its bid to land the second headquarters for the Internet giant Amazon, and plans