Politics

IL House To Take Up Concealed Carry Law

John Walker and The Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:42:41 +0000

The Illinois House is expected to vote on a compromise plan on concealed weapons that has generated the opposition of Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn says the bill is a "massive overreach" because it would curb local firearms regulations. He points to Chicago's ban on assault-style weapons, which would be eliminated by the law. The House Judiciary Committee endorsed Speaker Michael Madigan's plan 13-3.

Mayor Teresa Cantrell on New Mayfield City Website

Chad Lampe — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:42:09 +0000

The Mayfield City website is pretty unique among city sites in our area. Some of the new features include videos of Mayor Teresa Cantrell highlighting the city's strengths, a section for kids, and a calendar of summer festivals. Chad Lampe speaks with Mayor Cantrell about the development of the site and gets an update on Mayfield happenings. Click here to see the new website.

IL Speaker: House Guns Vote On Friday

John Walker and The Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:28:43 +0000

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says legislation allowing the carrying of concealed guns will get a vote tomorrow . The Chicago Democrat emerged from a private meeting of his caucus late yesterday afternoon saying he believes there are sufficient votes to adopt a plan. Madigan says the measure incorporates most of the items city of Chicago officials wanted in a gun-carry bill.

Lower Tier Candidates May Cause Problems for Democrats in US Senate Race

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:19:52 +0000

Now it's Heather French Henry's turn.

The former Miss America has joined a list of half a dozen party activists or leaders waiting for Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes to decide whether she'll run in 2014 against Mitch McConnell for his U.S. Senate seat.

If Grimes runs, she's likely to get enough support to clear out the field. Otherwise, the Democrats have potential candidates known within political circles, but who may be not instantly recognizable with the majority of voters—former state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gorman or environmental activist Tom FitzGerald, for example.

IL Senate Panel Endorses Ammunition Limit

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:27:13 +0000

Parents of two Sandy Hook elementary students killed by a Connecticut gunman last fall testified in favor of limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. The Illinois Senate's Executive Committee voted 12-3 Monday to advance legislation banning magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Mark Barden is the father of seven-year-old Daniel Barden. Daniel was among 20 children fatally shot Dec. 14 in Newtown, Conn.

Tea Party Activist Sues Kentucky Governor Over Medicaid Expansion

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Tea party activist David Adams is once again suing Governor Steve Beshear over the Affordable Care Act.

Adams first sued Beshear to block him from implementing a state-run health insurance exchange. That suit is pending. And now, Adams is suing to stop Beshear from expanding Medicaid.

IL Lawmakers Face Tough Votes Before Adjourning

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:18:00 +0000

With just two weeks left in the legislative session, Illinois lawmakers have a full plate of controversial issues to tackle. They're scheduled to consider two major pension overhaul proposals aimed at addressing the worst pension problem nationwide and they must approve a budget that could contain some difficult cuts. Lawmakers are also scheduled to take up legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry, which has passed the Senate and awaits a House vote.

IL State Workers Worried Over Pension Debate

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:16:44 +0000

Anxiety and anger are growing among Illinois state employees and retirees who wonder what will happen to their pocketbooks if lawmakers make expected changes to the state's pension systems. Workers spent their careers paying into their pension funds what the law told them to pay. But the state for decades skipped or shorted its required payments.

IL Democrats Push For High Capacity Ammunition Ban

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:15:15 +0000

Top Illinois Democratic leaders, including Gov. Pat Quinn, are urging lawmakers to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines in that state. Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton and state Sen. Dan Kotowski spoke Sunday at a news conference in Chicago with parents of children killed last December in a Connecticut school. Kotowski introduced legislation late last week that would ban the sale, delivery and possession of magazines that accept more than 10 rounds.

ILL Lt. Gov. Simon Promotes College Scorecard Measure

John Walker and The Associated Press — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:39:21 +0000

Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon wants to see all colleges and universities in Illinois feature a link to the federal College Scorecard on their websites. She's encouraging the Illinois House to pass a joint resolution to encourage institutions in Illinois to link to the scorecard. The resolution also urges schools to work together to design and publish an Illinois College Scorecard with data that supplements the federal data.