(Springfield, IL) – November 29, 2011. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton today announced key changes to the Senate Democratic staff. Ex-Senate staffer David Gross will succeed Andrew Manar as Chief of Staff. Manar is running for an Illinois Senate seat located in Springfield. “I especially want to acknowledge the contribution of Andy Manar, who has … Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) – November 19, 2011. In a significant boost to Chicago Democratic State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s election chances, Chicago’s newly minted mayor and the state’s powerful House Speaker have rolled out their backing for the first-term North Side lawmaker. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — June 28, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that overhauls of Illinois’ workers’ compensation system and claimed that the new law will save Illinois businesses between $500 and $750 million dollars. Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) — June 23, 2011. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) announced today a joint House-Senate Revenue Committee review of the state business tax structure in the months ahead. This joint effort will be led by State Rep. John Bradley and State Senator Toi Hutchinson. Madigan said he … Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) – June 16, 2011. The Illinois Senate will return to Springfield in a regular session next Wednesday, June 22, to approve the state capital construction program eagerly sought by Governor Pat Quinn. Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) – June 1, 2011. The proposal to add five new casinos and add slot machines at horse racing tracks awaits Governor Pat Quinn’s signature. But Quinn said today at a press conference in Springfield that he has concerns, calling the bill “excessive”. The Governor wants to examine the bill thoroughly – under a … Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) — March 31, 2011. A budgetary battle could be brewing in the state Capitol, but not necessarily between Republicans and Democrats. Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) — February 14, 2011. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has gotten behind Senate President John Cullerton’s legislative effort to oust appointees of ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich or Governor Pat Quinn whose terms have expired or whose appointment has not received the consent of the senate. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — February 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn‘s Administration is seeking to launch a “grassroots” campaign to build legislative support for a $8.7 billion bonding bill that would pay the Illinois’ overdue bills. Quinn’s staff started today reaching out to lobbyists and key state vendors asking them to sign a letter to lawmakers advocating … Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) — January 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn said he would give his signature to a 67% personal income tax increase. Continue reading
(Springfield, IL) – January 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and top legislative Democrats in Springfield say they have an agreement that will erase Illinois’ $15 billion deficit, send more money to Illinois schools and limit state spending for three years. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — November 30, 2010. In 1996, Illinois and 14 other states approved “Defense of Marriage of Act” laws to outlaw same-sex marriages and to refuse to recognize such marriages recognized in other states, but Illinois today partially undid that injustice. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) – November 19, 2010. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) have charged a few select lawmakers with reforming the state’s Medicaid program and workers’ compensation system – by January 3. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. In the fund-raising period July 1 through October 3, 2010, Senate President John Cullerton’s senate Democratic fund outraised Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno’s GOP senate committee two to one. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2010. With 20 days remaining until the November 2, 2010 general election, appointed State Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) is so far leading GOP challenger and 41st Ward Alderman Brian Doherty in the late campaign money fund-raising phase. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) – October 6, 2010. State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) announced this week that he has been tapped by the Illinois senate president to take the lead role in the implementation a new state budget law. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) – July 30, 2010. Without fanfare, horns or trumpets, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday quietly signed a bill to reform the DuPage water board and ditch its tax without apparently securing support from the legislation’s sponsor to back a state pension bond bill. Quinn penned his approval of the measure, Senate Bill 580, that … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn on Tuesday stretched his executive authority—along with his goodwill with Illinois lawmakers—and rewrote legislation to eliminate the requirement that Illinois residents must declare a party affiliation when voting in a primary election, and in doing so likely guaranteed its doom. Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — June 15, 2010. Most Democrats are in a defensive crouch as the November 2010 elections approach. Not Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago). Cullerton, who is serving his first term as Senate President, says he is looking to add seats this year to his current 37-22 super-majority in the Illinois Senate. At … Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2010. Who would have ever thought that Democrats Governor Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) might have squeezed from the ultra-conservative Wall Street Journal the headline–”In Praise of Illinois.” But, yep. Last month, Madigan and Cullerton engineered legislative approval of an astounding pension-reform … Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) February 8, 2010. Comptroller Dan Hynes has extended an olive branch–and a chance for victory in November–to Governor Pat Quinn. Hynes has signaled that he is willing to consider the Lt. Governor’s post if it is offered, according to Dave McKinney at the Chicago Sun-Times: A source in the Hynes camp told the … Continue reading
(Chicago, IL) — November 13, 2009. Americans are pissed. Incumbents are in trouble. And Independents are breaking towards Republicans as the 2010 elections approach. It’s morning in America–circa 1994. Approximately 2/3rds of Americans think the country is on the wrong track. At least 9 out 10 say economic conditions in the country are fair or … Continue reading