Among the things supermajority Democrats have done during the redistricting process which irritate Republicans is to hire an expert witness to bolster their case.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
State Rep. Brady says Illinois should opt-out of extra unemployment benefits
Illinois should join states around the nation opting out of extra federal unemployment benefits, at least that’s the word from one local lawmaker.… MORE
Three hours before redistricting hearings, legislative Democrat’s propose a new map for Illinois Supreme Court
Not even three hours before redistricting hearings began, legislative Democrats proposed a new map to redistrict the Illinois Supreme Court. Only six of the seven districts are in play, as Cook County is its own district.… MORE
Remap hearings underway in Springfield
Republican lawmakers’ frustrations over the way supermajority Democrats are doing redistricting in Illinois continued into the first two hearings at the Capitol Tuesday.… MORE
Hearings on the first version of legislative maps are Tuesday and Wednesday
If anything in the every-ten-years redistricting looks like the familiar playbook, State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) says it’s this.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker accused of gamesmanship
Illinois Senate Democrats say the governor is within the bounds of the rules by withdrawing Prisoner Review Board nominees before a deadline, then renominating the same people so as to start a new clock – and avoid questions from Republicans on a confirmation committee.… MORE
Final week of the spring 2021 legislative session brings budget pressures
The final week of session is here for the spring 2021 edition of the Illinois General Assembly.… MORE
Rep. LaHood: No need for another investigation into deadly riot at U.S. Capitol
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) is explaining why he voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.… MORE
Illinois Senate passes sex education bill
A sex education curriculum which has passed the state Senate either helps keep kids safe and not become parents in middle or high school — or it’s flat-out filth. It depends on who’s speaking.… MORE
Safety concern for state workers “nonsense”
There’s a word Illinois Republicans have for the state’s unemployment agency’s performance: unacceptable. … MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…