On the Newsstand
New law to help speech pathologist shortage
State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s measure, House Bill 2605, will make it easier for speech pathologists to practice in Illinois schools by eliminating a redundant state certification requirement. The measure was signed into law on Friday. “This new law streamlines the ...
Connor fights to stop sudden rate spikes from big insurance companies
State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is combating outrageous rate hikes from big insurance companies by passing legislation which prevents them from taking advantage of their customers with sudden and unfair premium increases. "Reliable, affordable medical care is the bedrock of ...
Congresswoman Kelly introduces Women and Minority Equity Investment Act
Legislation seeks to provide Shark Tank exemption to allow women and minority-owned businesses to grow Congresswoman Robin Kelly introduced the Women and Minority Equity Investment Act (H.R. 3633); the legislation will make a commonsense tweak to existing Small Business Administration ...
Fair Pay for teachers passes
Springfield - Local schools would be in position to recruit and retain the best teachers under a bill recently passed which will raise teacher salaries over the coming years. "Teachers hold one of the most important positions in our society, ...
Batinick to host Free Senior Fair July 25th
Plainfield-State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is hosting a senior fair on Thursday, July 25th. The event will be held at St. Mary's Immaculate Church in Plainfield, 15629 South IL-59, from 9AM-Noon. The event is free, open to the public, and ...
Bipartisan initiatives to encourage economic development, job creation
State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined her colleagues on both side of the aisle to support significant business initiatives that will encourage economic development in Illinois. The vital bipartisan measures that will create tax credits, new jobs and apprenticeship programs which ...
Resolution introduced to allow DREAMers to serve in military
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced H. Res 468, a resolution supporting DREAMers in the military. The resolution calls on the Secretary of Defense to authorize DREAMers to serve in the armed services. Allowing DREAMers to serve would improve military readiness ...
Crucial medical coverage expanded for breast cancer patients
State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is demanding big insurance companies provide comprehensive coverage of breast cancer screenings, passing legislation that will require health plans to cover potentially lifesaving diagnostic tests. "It's shameful that insurance companies squeeze every penny out of ...
Hastings champions landmark infrastructure revitalization plan
State Senator Michael E. Hastings made the following statement after the signing of legislation that would modernize Illinois’ infrastructure and provide the South Suburbs with new jobs. “The South Suburbs will see some long-needed infrastructure repair under this capital bill. ...
Foster payer State Amendment passes House
An amendment offered by Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) to highlight the unequal distribution of federal transportation funds passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of an appropriations package for the Department of Transportation. The legislation now awaits action in ...
Property tax relief for local homeowners passes
State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, passed a measure to provide local homeowners with property tax relief by establishing a yearly property tax refund process. "Property taxes never seem to stop rising," Connor said. "We need to rethink our taxing structure ...
Tax relief for the middle class, affordable health care, good-paying jobs
State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport outlines his focused in Springfield. His efforts have been on developing good-paying sustainable jobs, improving access to health care and taking steps toward fair taxes for middle-class families during the spring legislative session. "My focus ...
Photo contest for 2019 Cream of the Crop
thetimesweekly.com Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young photographers to submit their photos for the 2019 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest before the June 26 deadline. The contest encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in ...
Legislation to combat human trafficking heads to Governor
More will be done to combat human trafficking in Illinois if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation sponsored by State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris). Senate Bill 1890 would require employee training for law enforcement offices and hotel employees and would increase ...
Crucial I-80 bridge repairs in statewide construction plan
Included in a statewide construction plan that addresses hospitals, schools and roadways will be funding dedicated to repairs ensuring the long-term safety of the I-80 bridge spanning the Des Plaines River. The plan passed with support from State Senators Pat ...