Illinois State Senate
State Government: Elected Officials | State Legislative Bodies
Recent News About Illinois State Senate
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Illinois becomes only state in Midwest to prohibit adults under 21 from buying tobacco
“Tobacco 21” was vetoed by the former governor as a burden on stores, but the new governor just made Illinois the 11th state to tell young adults they may not buy tobacco products until they are 21. -
Illinois House unanimously passes education efficiency bill
By reducing administrative bloat in Illinois school districts, the bill would enable property tax relief while ensuring education dollars reach students and classrooms first, rather than bureaucrats. -
Pritzker’s $3.4B income tax hike can fund less than 4 months of state pension costs
Without reform, Illinois’ pension problem will continue to force tax hikes while crowding out the core services residents need. -
ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR LAURA FINE: Fine celebrates women in public office
To honor women in public office, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) passed a resolution declaring March 28, 2019, as Celebrating Women in Public Office Day in Illinois. -
Another bill favored by trial bar advances in Illinois; Would repeal 'special interrogatories'
A bill that would repeal a requirement that jurors understand what are sometimes complex instructions in civil litigation before arriving at verdict is advancing in the State House. -
State passes bill lifting 25-year statute of repose for occupational disease lawsuits
The state has passed a bill that lifts restrictions for when workers suffering from occupational disease, such as asbestos, must file suit against an employer. -
The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association needs a makeover
Illinois trial lawyers and the fellow travelers in the legislature could star in a series called “This Old House and Senate,” explaining in minute detail how to turn one of the most prosperous states in the union into an economic basket case in only a matter of years with exorbitant taxes, onerous regulations, and predatory courts. -
Trial-lawyer bill would lift filing restrictions in asbestos claims; Critic says proposal would create unlimited liability
A bill that would reverse a 2015 state Supreme Court decision by allowing workers with latent diseases to sue their employers will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon. -
Pritzker, Madigan pledge progressive income tax hike by May
Pritzker’s first budget address exalted the graduated income tax as a solution to the state’s fiscal problems. Despite evidence to the contrary, the governor is urging state lawmakers to speedily advance the measure. -
Lawmaker's bill aimed at stopping gun-rights sanctuary counties
Critic says Illinois politicians want to 'disarm the public' -
Pritzker signs statewide $15 minimum wage into law
Estimates from the governor’s office suggest the minimum wage increase will add $1.1 billion to the state payroll, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers. -
The astounding reversal on Illinois’ pension crisis
Governor J.B. Pritzker has made his position clear on pensions: No reforms. Not necessary. Just pay them. Nobody in the Democratic party, which holds supermajorities in both the House and the Senate, has voiced any dissent. -
McCarter: national security, economic development factor prominently in role as ambassador to Kenya
As former Illinois state senator Kyle McCarter prepares to assume the role as U.S. ambassador to Kenya, terrorist threats in the eastern African nation remain heightened three weeks after a deadly attack at a Nairobi hotel and office complex. -
Asbestos lawyer-turning-judge and his firm are big contributors to MC bench
EDWARDSVILLE – Among nine circuit judges who considered Barry Julian for associate judge, five received campaign contributions from Julian, partner Randy Gori, and the Gori Julian firm. -
Company suing UCB, CVS for violating False Claim Act responds to DOJ's motion to dismiss
The company suing drug maker UCB and retailer CVS filed a response to a U.S. attorney's motion to dismiss the suit for allegedly wasting the government’s time, arguing that its kickback claims have merit. -
Can Pritzker keep promise to stop Illinois gerrymandering?
Illinois House Republicans are out with an independent mapmaking plan. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker is on the record saying he’ll reject a legislative map drawn under political influence. The 2020 census is just around the corner, after which Illinois must redraw its district lines. -
THOMPSON COBURN LLP: U.S. Senate confirms former Thompson Coburn partner Tom Jayne to Railroad Retirement Board
Thompson Coburn extends its congratulations to our former partner Tom Jayne, senior general attorney with BNSF Railway Company and a recent Presidential nominee for a key position on the Railroad Retirement Board. -
Lame duck General Assembly pushes for state government pay hikes
In the final hours of the 100th General Assembly, some state lawmakers are pushing to send a bill to incoming Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would give pay raises to state department heads. -
Ald. Burke indicted over alleged attempted shake down; Property tax appeal law firm at heart of charges
Powerful Chicago Ald. Ed Burke was indicted Thursday on a charge of attempting to shake down the owner of a Chicago fast food restaurant seeking to renovate their establishment. And at the center of the charge stands Burke's law firm, which has built a huge business specializing in appealing property tax assessments. -
New law in Illinois will allow local law enforcement to take poorly treated pets into custody
Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keeven has long subscribed to a simple credo when it comes to the basis on how he thinks law enforcement policies and practices should be enforced.