Statewide capital bill unlikely to come by construction season Statewide capital bill unlikely to come by construction season Thursday, March 7, 2019 The Illinois Department of Transportation was one among a variety of related local and state groups to talk about its funding needs for Illinois’ next major capital bill, which some lawmakers say they want by the end of the legislative session.
Illinois could lose extra congressional seat, billions of dollars if residents dodge census Illinois could lose extra congressional seat, billions of dollars if residents dodge census Wednesday, March 6, 2019 The loss of two congressional seats and billions of dollars in federal funding are only two of the problems facing Illinois if it cannot get all of its residents to respond to the 2020 census. This is the first part in a Capitol News Illinois series addressing Illinois’ efforts to prepare for the 2020 census and what the state stands to lose if its population is undercounted.
Statewide bag tax advances out of Senate committee Statewide bag tax advances out of Senate committee Wednesday, March 6, 2019 A bill levying a 7-cent tax on plastic and paper shopping bags advanced out of the state Senate’s revenue committee Wednesday with its sponsor promising to bring an amended proposal back to... Read more
Lawmaker: Illinois not doing enough to prevent suicides Lawmaker: Illinois not doing enough to prevent suicides Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Suicide is a problem both lawmakers and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention think Illinois can better address. The most recent data available show 1,474 Illinoisans died by suicide in... Read more
‘Tobacco 21’ bill stalls in Illinois Senate ‘Tobacco 21’ bill stalls in Illinois Senate Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Legislation raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Illinois was expected for a vote in the Senate Wednesday, but the sponsor decided to hold back because of hesitation on the part... Read more
New bill aims to crack down on illegal gun possession New bill aims to crack down on illegal gun possession Wednesday, March 6, 2019 A state senator is proposing legislation that would tighten gun ownership laws in Illinois and require law enforcement officers to confiscate weapons and ammunition from people who have had their... Read more
AARP-backed bill would penalize nursing homes for staff shortages AARP-backed bill would penalize nursing homes for staff shortages Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Senior care advocates promoted legislation Wednesday that is aimed at enforcing minimum staffing mandates, limiting the use of psychotropic drugs and heightening transparency for care violations... Read more
Black college enrollment down sharply in Illinois Black college enrollment down sharply in Illinois Tuesday, March 5, 2019 The number of African-American students enrolled at public colleges and universities in Illinois has fallen nearly 26 percent in recent years, while enrollment among other minority groups... Read more