Lake County Gazette

From Prairie State Wire

GOP Senators say enough is enough with graduated income tax proposal

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Seven Republicans took the podium at an impromptu press conference to reject yet another Democrat imposed tax hike.

From Prairie State Wire

Rep. Spain works with Democrats to stop unfair map redistricting

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Gerrymandering gives way to unfair party control, according to Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria).

From Illinois Valley Times

Demmer, Jesiel seek answers during hearing on bill offering recompense to adolescents in foster care

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Sympathy for the plight of foster children did not keep Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) and Rep. Sheri Jesiel (R-Winthrop Harbor) from questioning Illinois' offer of recompense to adolescents.

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner signs bipartisan Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

"Can you hear me now?" will no longer be the question in the Prairie State. Gov. Bruce Rauner was loud and clear Thursday when announcing the Small Wireless Facilities Development Act, which he signed with Republican lawmakers at this side.

Jesiel questions why more money is needed for teacher mentoring

By Angela Underwood | Apr 12, 2018

Rep. Sheri Jesiel (R-Winthrop Harbor) had some serious questions about why certain school districts need more money for teacher mentoring during a recent House Appropriations Committee Hearing for Elementary & Secondary Education.

From Kane County Reporter

House panel backs Wheeler measure to expand sites required to post sex trafficking notices

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) will do whatever it takes to help stop sex trafficking in the state.

From Prairie State Wire

House Republicans blast Democrats' progressive tax plans

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Joined by three of his GOP peers, House Republican Leader Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) made one thing clear – Democrats are about to put the nail in Illinois' coffin.

Jesiel questions Democratic-sponsored bed-hold bill

By Angela Underwood | Apr 6, 2018

Rep. Sheri Jesiel (R-Winthrop Harbor) took issue with Democratic-sponsored legislation that says the state would pay 100 percent on bed holds.

From Prairie State Wire

Harold wins Republican nomination for Attorney General

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

It will not be the first time Erika Harold will hear “the winner is.”

From Prairie State Wire

Pritzker wins Democratic nod for governor

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

It’s official -- J.B. Pritzker is the Democratic candidate for governor despite coming under heavy fire from the press and public in recent months.

McConnaughay wants to ease process for Humans Services Department patients to get IDs

By Angela Underwood | Mar 19, 2018

Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) wants to make it easier for patients released from Department of Human Services (DHS) custody to obtain a state identification card.

Wheeler worried bump-stock bill, other gun legislation being rushed through

By Angela Underwood | Mar 8, 2018

Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) wanted to know why gun legislation was being rushed through the House Judiciary Criminal Committee last week.

From Prairie State Wire

Firearm magazine bill honoring slain officer clears House panel despite being called rushed

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

At a Feb. 27 House Judiciary Criminal Committee meeting, proposed legislation regarding firearm magazines, which was brought before them in honor of Chicago police commander killed earlier in the month, had some committee members calling the legislation rushed and disrespectful to the 53-year-old commander.

Lake County voters may get to decide if sanitary district should dissolve

By Angela Underwood | Mar 6, 2018

Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) has proposed an amendment to an 80-year-old Illinois law that would allow Lake County voters to decide in November whether to dissolve the Fox Lake Hills Sanitary District.

From Rock Island Today

House backs bill requiring gun purchases be videotaped, new dealer licensing fee despite opposition by three GOP legislators

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Reps. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) all spoke out against SB1657, a bill presented by Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) on behalf of Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) that mandates that gun dealers licenses will require $1,000 fee every five years, videotaping of firearm owner's identification (FOID) card purchases and background checks for employees who sell firearms.

From Prairie State Wire

Bill to ban bump stocks advances after emotional debate in House

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

In light of the recent mass shooting at a Florida high school, five GOP lawmakers fervently expressed their feelings on proposed gun legislation.

From Prairie State Wire

GOP House members say Democrat peers using Florida shooting for political gain

By Angela Underwood | 6 years ago

Four GOP House members made it clear the Parkland School shooting in Florida should not be why gun bills pass in Springfield.

Harassment controversy goes beyond Madigan case, Wilcox says

By Angela Underwood | Feb 28, 2018

Craig Wilcox said the recent harassment controversy in which gubernatorial candidates and state representatives are asking House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) to resign due to his lack of timely response to an alleged sexual harassment complaint goes beyond just the speaker's case.

Althoff’s rescue squad referendum question passes Senate

By Angela Underwood | Feb 22, 2018

Sen. Pamela Althoff’s (R-McHenry) proposed referendum question regarding rescue squads in her district could go on the ballot.

Morrison adds details to proposal for special housing for sexually trafficked children

By Angela Underwood | Feb 21, 2018

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) wanted more details Tuesday about proposed legislation that would provide housing for sexually trafficked children.