From the gay marriage debate to the state’s ongoing pension problem, Illinois lawmakers have their plates full as they return to Springfield. October 22 was the first day of fall session in Springfield, signaling the start of another legislative year…
Author Archive for Sara Browning
Peoria Residents Ready Themselves for New Health Care Law
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
Supporters and opponents weigh in on the nation’s new health care changes. State insurance markets designed to offer coverage for individuals and separate markets for small businesses with up to 100 workers are a central part of Barack Obama’s new…
Peoria Council Searches for Replacement to Fill Sandburg’s Seat
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
Following the death of Peoria City Councilman Gary Sandburg, council members are weighing in regarding who should fill the at-large seat. It has been over a month since the sudden and unexpected passing of Peoria City Councilman Gary Sandburg who…
Illinois is the final state to pass concealed carry legislagtion
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
House and Senate Majorities voted to override Governor Quinn’s changes to concealed carry legislation, giving Illinoisans the chance to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Last month, lawmakers raced to beat a July 9 deadline enacted by the 7th U.S. Circuit…
House & Senate pass concealed carry bill
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
In a move that could end Illinois’ ban on firearms, the House and Senate passed a measure allowing for the carry of concealed weapons. Just hours before the Illinois General Assembly adjourned for the summer on May 31, the House,…
End of Session Looms, Pensions Still a Problem
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
As Springfield lawmakers grapple for a pension fix by May 31, state workers anxiously anticipate expected changes. Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days leading up to a solution to Illinois’ pension liability. And this is one soap…
New Faces Come to Peoria City Council
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
One incumbent sails to victory, two former at-large council members return and the mayor welcomes two newcomers to the horseshoe. Peoria’s City Council election on April 9 was quite a game changer. With just 12 percent voter turnout, those who…
AFSCME Ratifies New Contract
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
Following fifteen months of debate and negotiations, the largest state employee union has approved its next three-year contract. Since July of last year, leading members of the American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13 have been…
Time Runs Out for Pension Reform: Now What?
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
Following the swearing in of several new members to the Illinois General Assembly early last month, some Peoria residents are losing faith in the passage of a “perfect” pension reform plan. The clock struck midnight for lawmakers in Springfield at…
Early Signs Point Toward City Council Elections
by Sara Browning • • 0 Comments
Candidates are lining up to run for Peoria District seats. It’s only January, but candidates for some Peoria District City Council races are already looking toward the spring elections. Sandberg Not Running for 1st District Gary Sandburg, a current at-large…