History of Neglect Leads to Today's Pension Woes

Today marks the first in a multi-part series that will examine the history of Illinois' pension systems, how other states are dealing with their own pension woes, and potential solutions that will guarantee a secure retirement for our public employees.

Senate President John Cullerton has called on legislative leaders to make pension reform a major focus during the upcoming legislative session. The President has recently led the Senate in passing numerous pieces of legislation meant to shore up the retirement plans of thousands of teachers, university professors and state employees, including making this year's full pension payment without borrowing, while also cracking down on pension abuses by union leaders and advocating common sense reforms for future employees.

Read more about pension reform...

Senate Democrats looking for leadership from Governor in key speech

Several members of the Democratic Caucus spoke recently about what they expect from Governor Pat Quinn’s State of the State Address on February 1st.

The priorities of members are as diverse as the caucus itself. Job creation, fiscal responsibility, and the Governor's major legislative priorities are just a few items that members of the caucus look for Quinn to outline in his address.

Read what the members said...

State Legislators to examine CPS closures and ‘turnarounds’when session begins

Pablo Casals Elementary in Humboldt Park School is one of several schools that have recently been targeted by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for the district’s controversial ‘turnaround’ process, which removes and replaces all administration and faculty.

In response, lawmakers are asking Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to take community input before performing ‘turnarounds’ or closing schools. Legislators have called to slow down or halt school closures and ‘turnarounds’ because CPS is closing or turning around schools that have higher test scores then others that will remain open.

Read more how legislators are trying to halt school closures...

Measure Expands Cell Phone Ban to All Highway Construction Sites

Village officials in north suburban Bannockburn were surprised to learn that construction work on Route 22 and Waukegan Road did not meet the criteria for enforcing the ban on cell phone use in work areas. Since the construction project does not necessitate a reduction in the speed limit, local officials are not permitted to enforce the law that is common at work sites throughout Illinois.

A measure filed by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) would modify the existing ban by prohibiting motorists from using cell phones on any stretch of highway that is undergoing construction or maintenance.

Read more about measures to improve work-site safety...

Online Dating Regulation Coming to Illinois?

A recent Chicago Tribune news story highlighted a measure that would regulate the world of online dating.

The proposed bill would require online dating websites to clearly state to users that they do not perform criminal background checks before they can start using the sites.

State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) is the sponsor of the measure.

Read more about online dating regulation...