BY MIKE CETERA
Highlights from the legislative week that was:
* Rich people don't have to worry about higher income taxes -- for now.
* Lawmakers could get booted from office early. See our arguments for and against.
* Legislation would force anyone charged with a felony to submit a DNA sample.
How did your lawmakers vote on these issues and more? Read all about it after the jump. Find previous votes here.
HJRCA42: Constitutional amendment would double state income tax for high earners to raise money for schools, infrastructure
Combines an individual's income with that of his or her spouse. Provides that in any such tax imposed upon individuals ($250,000 or more), the rate shall be the higher of (i) 6% or (ii) twice the rate imposed upon individuals (under $250,000).
House denied: 52-60
Fox Valley yes vote: Chapa LaVia
Fox Valley no vote: Cross, Pritchard, Schmitz
Did note vote: Dunn
Excused absense: Lindner
HJRCA28: Constitutional amendment would allow for recall elections
Provides for elections to recall State executive branch officers and members of the General Assembly. Provides for successor elections to fill the vacant term of a recalled officer or member.
House approved: 75-33-3
Fox Valley yes votes: Chapa LaVia, Cross, Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
Fox Valley no votes: none
HB4290: Requires DNA samples from all people arrested on felony charges
Provides that every person arrested for committing a felony shall have a sample of his or her saliva or tissue taken for DNA fingerprinting analysis, at the time of booking, for the purpose of determining identity and for certain other specified purposes.
House approved: 98-12-1
Fox Valley yes votes: Chapa LaVia, Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
Fox Valley no votes: none
Absent: Cross
HB4132: Requires that certain communities receive annual financial audits
Provides that municipalities having bonded debt in the amount of $5,000,000 or more and municipalities with a population of 200 or more that have bonded debt in any amount or that own or operate a public utility (instead of all municipalities that have bonded debt or that own or operate a public utility) shall be audited annually.
House approved: 83-32
Fox Valley yes votes: Cross
Fox Valley no votes: Chapa LaVia, Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
HB4714: Convicts can qualify for state-funded medical assistance only after their release from custody
Provides that an inmate of a penal institution maintained by the State or a unit of local government may qualify for medical assistance only after he or she has ceased to be an inmate of such an institution, but the inmate may apply for medical assistance in advance of his or her discharge or release from the institution.
House approved: 66-49
Fox Valley yes votes: Lindner
Fox Valley no votes: Chapa LaVia, Cross, Dunn, Pritchard, Schmitz
HB6302: All properties in Cook County shall be reassessed in 2008.
Requires that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, on or before October 1, 2008, the county assessor shall reassess all residential property in the county for which 2008 is not the general assessment year.
House approved: 79-32-2
Fox Valley yes votes: Chapa LaVia
Fox Valley no votes: Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
Absent: Cross
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