GOP lawmakers want state’s air fleet grounded

SPRINGFIELD — When top brass at the Illinois Department of Corrections wanted to tour three downstate prisons last week, they boarded a taxpayer-owned helicopter and spent the day in the air.

Corrections’ chief S.A. Godinez and a handful of his subordinates made stops at lock-ups in Pinckneyville, Sumner and Robinson to view the daily operations of the facilities they administer.

Expressway measure could put state in fast lane to grab land

‘Quick-take’ bill may nullify legal fights over property in Will County for 47-mile Illiana

When Judy Lucker-Mierzwa and her husband, Gene, moved into their “dream home” in rural Will County six years ago, they imagined savoring the solitude amid the cornfields while romping with grandchildren in their wooded backyard.

Follow that Bill: 5/5/2012

Federal Bills
S. 1753 and H.R. 3241 — The International Travelers Bill of Rights requires travel Web sites to advise consumers of the health and safety risks of overseas travel including State Department warnings. S. 1753 filed Oct. 20, 2011, by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). H.R. 3241 filed Oct. 24, 2011, by U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.).

Teachers protest as Madigan, Quinn float pension proposals

Illinois cities and schools would lose hundreds of millions of dollars under a pension proposal from House Speaker Michael Madigan, The Associated Press reported this afternoon.

Madigan wants to consider dipping into a tax stream that provides about $1.4 billion for local government. He would use that money to pay state costs for providing pensions for teachers.

DCC clears 2nd hurdle to stay open

Springfield, Ill. — End-of-session disputes Wednesday, including a remarkable confrontation between Illinois House leaders, complicated the General Assembly’s efforts to control rising pension costs and pass a painful state budget.

Lottery determines Senate terms for November election

SPRINGFIELD — Less than six months before Election Day, candidates vying for state Senate seats found out Thursday exactly how long they’ll be serving.

State senators serve either 2- or 4-year terms depending on an every-10-years lottery, which was overseen by Secretary of State Jesse White Thursday in Springfield.

Rezin reviews legislative session for residents

Illinois’ income tax increase, deficit spending, jobs and unemployment, pension reform, Medicaid and expanded gambling were among the topics in state Sen. Sue Rezin’s talk Tuesday before residents in Peru.

About a dozen people came to Peru’s city hall to hear the Morris Republican review the state’s legislative session that ended May 31.

State budget completed but problems remain

Pension reform and budget cuts were the topics of discussion Wednesday as five state legislators addressed Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce’s legislative luncheon at Grand Bear Lodge in Utica.

Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said the General Assembly accomplished much of its agenda this year, though some unfinished business remains.

Park funding measure may get another vote this year

Illinois Department of Natural Resources is in a tight space, but state Rep. Frank Mautino expects a solution is in sight.

A funding bill that failed to pass the state Senate this spring will likely be called for another vote — either this summer if the Legislature is called back into session, or in the fall veto session.

ComEd ‘Smart Grid’ technology topic of ‘Town Hall’

MORRIS — State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and Rep. Pam Roth (R-Morris) will host a town hall meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today at Morris City Hall. The featured speaker will be Anne Pramaggiore, president and chief executive officer of ComEd.