Illinois Legislature

The Morning Cram [56th quadrennial peaceful revolution edition]

Shelly Baskin — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:12:43 +0000

From NPR: Winning matters. Having earned a second term, President Obama will attempt to build on and expand the agenda from his first, launching new initiatives on tax policy, education and immigration. But having won the popular vote by a bare majority — and still facing a divided Congress — Obama may find it difficult to gather momentum for his policies.

Plan ending free IL retiree health insurance goes to Quinn

Todd Hatton and The Associated Press — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:02:21 +0000

Longtime Illinois state employees could be on the verge of losing the free health insurance they get in retirement. The state Senate approved legislation ending the benefit yesterday. It now goes to Governor Pat Quinn, who is pushing to cut retirement benefits.

Illinois Senate Rejects Limits on Closing Facilities

Todd Hatton and The Associated Press — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:56:04 +0000

The Illinois Senate has rejected a proposal to limit the governor's power to close prisons and other state facilities. The bill would have required legislative approval before a governor could shut down facilities.

Illinois House Ends Free Health Insurance for Retirees

Todd Hatton and The Associated Press — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:55:11 +0000

Longtime Illinois state employees would no longer be able get free health insurance when they retire under legislation approved yesterday by the state House.

Liberal groups lash Illinois governor on Medicaid

Todd Hatton and The Associated Press — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:56:41 +0000

A national liberal advocacy group is criticizing Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's proposed solution to the state's Medicaid crisis. Families USA is issuing a report Wednesday estimating job losses of more than 25,000 if Illinois cuts Medicaid spending by 2 point 7 billion dollars. That's a reaction to Governor Quinn's call for the Legislature to stop pushing unpaid Medicaid bills into future years.

Pension Boost Amendment in Illinois

Shelly Baskin and the associated press — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:22:21 +0000

A top Illinois Democrat says pension boosts for public employees should require more support in the General Assembly before becoming law. House Speaker Michael Madigan is proposing a constitutional amendment to require a three-fifths vote of the House and Senate for any legislation that increases retirement benefits. A simple majority is required now. The state owes its pension systems $80 billion. The Legislature would have to approve the idea by May 6 to put the question before voters in the November election.

Abortion, Ultrasound Battle Rages on Illinois House Floor

Todd Hatton — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:17:08 +0000

A legislative battle over abortions and ultrasounds has reached the Illinois House floor. Abortion opponents want to require that women be given the option of seeing an ultrasound image of their fetus before undergoing an abortion. Unlike proposals in some other states, it would not force women to obtain an ultrasound. Abortion-rights advocates are fighting the bill.