legislation: April 2008 Archives

BY MIKE CETERA

The Legislature wasn't in session last week, so no roundup of how your local lawmaker voted. Instead, check out this interesting piece about some politicians looking to appease unions -- again -- at the expense of taxpayers.

Some lawmakers are trying to add tollway workers and others to an alternative pension formula that was supposed to be used only for retired law enforcement officers, writes columnist Kristen McQuery of the SouthtownStar.

The alternative formula is a sweeter, softer, cushier pension offering that takes into consideration the dangerous, stressful occupations of policemen and women. In general, it allows them to retire with 25 years of service at age 50, earning up to 80 percent of their pay - and their pay rises annually to reflect a cost of living adjustment.

Throughout the years, the General Assembly, to please labor unions, has added state pilots, conservation officers, corrections officers, Department of Revenue inspectors, secretary of state investigators and several other clout-heavy professionals to the formula.

BY MIKE CETERA

Highlights from the legislative week that was:

* Teachers in "hard-to-staff" schools could get a $20,000 bonus.
* Legislation fails that would have allowed gay partners of some teachers to collect death benefits.
* Legislation fails that would have restricted how gun owners sell or give away firearms.
* Minimum wage could be increased for minors.

How did your lawmakers vote on these issues and more? Read all about it after the jump. Find previous votes here.

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.

BY MIKE CETERA

Dave Parro and I took on the recall amendment point-counterpoint style on today's Viewpoint page. Read Dave's column here; mine here.

Who's right? Is recall a good idea or a terrible one, as I argue?

BY MIKE CETERA

Highlights from the legislative week that was:

* Are higher gas prices on the way in Kendall, DeKalb counties?
* More red-light cameras could be installed.
* Defining "serious mental illness" apparently is controversial.
* Member initiatives get another look.
* See other action here.

Read all about it after the jump.

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.