BY MIKE CETERA
* Since April 2, 2008
There's a lot of goofyness going on in Springfield. Yes, this is both an understatement and hyperbole.
But the big announcement from the other day got us thinking -- perhaps we should help folks tune in a bit more to what lawmakers are doing in Springfield.
This, of course, will serve as either a wonderful sleeping agent for our insomniac crowd or a healthy service for voters. Or both. Or neither.
Anyway.
Each week our fine public servants are in session, we'll post updates on contested bills passed out of the General Assembly. We hope you can use this to cast judgment on the people who serve you.
HB4232: Reorganizes the State Board of Education:
Terminates the term of each member of the State Board of Education who is in office on the effective date of the amendatory Act and provides for new appointed members to take office. Provides for successors to be appointed for terms of 6 (instead of 4) years. Establishes a Nomination Panel to provide a list of nominees to the Governor for appointment to the State Board. Provides that members of the Nomination Panel must be appointed by majority vote of the following appointing authorities: the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State.
House approved: 86-21
Fox Valley yes votes: Chapa LaVia, Cross, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
Fox Valley no votes: Dunn
HB4391: Limits how doctors can prescribe medication:
Provides that licensed prescribers may not knowingly prescribe medications for a patient via the Internet, World Wide Web, telephone, facsimile, or any other electronic means unless (1) the patient has been physically examined by the prescriber or has been given a documented patient evaluation, including health history and a physical examination, to establish the diagnosis for which any legend drug is prescribed; (2) the prescriber and the patient have discussed treatment options and the risks and benefits of treatment; and (3) the prescriber has maintained the patient's medical records.
House approved: 79-28
Fox Valley yes votes: Chapa LaVia, Cross, Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard, Schmitz
Fox Valley no votes: None
HB5699: Changes teacher eligibility:
Allows a teacher receiving a disability, occupational disability, or disability retirement benefit to engage in limited or part-time employment as a teacher for an employer under either the Downstate Teacher Article or the State Universities Article of the Code (was, merely under the Downstate Teacher Article) without loss of benefits under specific circumstances.
House approved: 75-33
Fox Valley yes votes: Cross, Dunn, Lindner, Pritchard
Fox Valley no votes: Chapa LaVia, Schmitz
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Great addition, should prove an interesting, informative and perhaps even enlightening thread to keep track of what business and activity is happening in Springfield (or locally).
Might wish to consider doing the same at the County Board and Municipal levels also. Just a thought...
Nice addition to the blog.
We need the reps to make sure Roddy releases the OSLAD funds. The money has been appropriated and is not a penny more than was funded last year. For some reason unknown to those with common sense, the boy gov had decided to hold up the grant money.
Since you are keeping tabs...
what are your thoughts on HR0892?
Should the state recognize the Hispanic or Caucasian nurses too? What about the Eastern European Nurse that helped during the birth of my child? She for sure deserves her own special day!
Any thoughts on HR0629 where instead of sending felons to prison we should allow them to join the national guard or air force instead of serving their prison sentences. Great Idea! Just what the country needs, felons with some military training and government issued weapons!
what about the time spent on HJR0092? Congrats to Israel from the whole state of Illinois!
At a function today in Springfield Rep. Sidney H. Mathias said in this biannum there are 6000+ bills and resolutions before the house! that is staggering!
I'd commend adding House Bill 1826 to the roster, along with positions taken by local politicians (House & Senate) on this long overdue measure.
Currently there are no local co-sponsors listed, I plan to make a few phone calls concerning this. Along with advocating for support/co-sponsorship of this legislations.