Written by Heather Niemetschek

On June 4, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 1287, including three amendments that made up the Democrats’ version of a workers’ compensation reform package. But the overarching theme of the debate was whether the amendments could be called “reform” at all.

A careful review of HB 1287 shows the House passed a bill lacking the cost-saving reforms Illinoisans desperately need.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has remained adamant for months that reform of the workers’ compensation laws in Illinois is one of the most important structural changes the General Assembly must address this session before the governor will consider revenue increases.… Continue Reading

Written by Fran Eaton, Illinois Review

The drive to pass same-sex marriage in Illinois has drawn support from far and near. Last week, wealthy homosexual activists began pouring cash into state lawmakers’ campaign coffers. In addition to the money from Equality Illinois (story HERE), several nationally-known marriage redefinition funders rewarded Illinois GOP House members for supporting, and signing on as co-sponsors of, SB 10 – the gay marriage bill.

For example, Tim Gill, founder of Quark Industries, which he sold in 2009 to spend more time in promoting LGBT legislative efforts, sent Republican State Reps.

Last Friday, Equality Illinois showed its gratitude to two Illinois House Republicans who broke ranks and declared their support for legalization of gay marriage in Illinois. The organization’s appreciation was in the form of $5,000 checks to State Reps. Ron Sandack (HERE) and Ed Sullivan (HERE).