Taxpayer Freedom Caucus Formed by Illinois GOP House Members

Written by David E. Smith

Republicans may be in the super-minority in the Illinois General Assembly, but that isn’t stopping 20 Republican State House members from forming the “Illinois Taxpayer Freedom Caucus” to focus on structural and ethical reforms our state desperately needs.

Members include State Representatives John Cabello (Machesney Park), Joe Sosnowski (Rockford), Blaine Wilhour (Effingham), Dan Caulkins (Decatur), Brad Halbrook (Shelbyville), Chris Miller (Oakland), Allen Skillicorn (Crystal Lake), Darren Bailey (Xenia), Andrew Chesney (Freeport), David McSweeney (Barrington Hills), Amy Grant (Wheaton), Terri Bryant (Murphysboro), Randy Freese (Quincy), Dave Severin (Benton), Tom Morrison (Palatine), Tom Weber (Lake Villa), Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis), Dan Swanson (Alpha), Charlie Meier (Okawville), and Tony McCombie (Savanna).… Continue Reading

Student Privacy Bill in Springfield

Written by Laurie Higgins

State Representative Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) introduced the bi-partisan Pupil Physical Privacy Act (HB 4474), which if passed would require the following:

[A] school board to designate each pupil restroom, changing room, or overnight facility accessible by multiple pupils simultaneously, whether located in a public school building or located in a facility utilized by the school for a school-sponsored activity, for the exclusive use of pupils of only one sex.

37 State Lawmakers Decline Pensions While State Faces Unfunded Liability

Written by Scott Reeder

Four years ago, State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) walked into a state office and announced he didn’t want a pension.

“I got a blank look in response. The General Assembly has an incredibly generous pension plan, and I was told I was the first legislator to choose not to participate in more than 14 years. I guess I was a trend-setter because today one-fifth of the General Assembly doesn’t participate,” the Palatine Republican said.… Continue Reading