The Latest Breaking News from Illinois General Assembly

Hotlines for abortion patients among latest Illinois efforts to ‘expand reproductive health access’ in face other Midwest states’ bans

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Democrat-led Illinois General Assembly have expanded abortion rights in Illinois. Another expansion announced Monday creates a family planning program for people who are otherwise not eligible under Medicaid.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 1, 2023

Legislation aims to deter book bans at public libraries by withholding grants

Legislation aimed at discouraging public libraries from banning books has been introduced in the Democratic-controlled Illinois General Assembly amid largely partisan battles around the country over what books and school curricula are suitable for children.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 9, 2023

Editorial: Dozens of sheriffs say they won’t enforce Illinois’ assault weapons ban. Did they forget their oaths of office?

The horrific mass shooting at Highland Park’s Fourth of July parade last year demanded swift, resolute action — and the Illinois General Assembly delivered.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 19, 2023

Asian Americans are making a big mark in Illinois politics

A long history of structural racial inequality blocked Asian Americans from political participation. With Tuesday’s wins, we’ll be able to advocate for our communities so that it will not be possible to make policies “about us without us.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 10, 2022

Lightfoot’s extra pension payments don’t let Springfield off the hook, Civic Federation says

State laws created the police, fire, laborers and municipal employees pension funds, and state lawmakers have a responsibility to consolidate, reform and fund local pension plans, says Civic Federation President Laurence Msall.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 4, 2022

State Sen. Emil Jones III pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges

Jones allegedly agreed to protect the red-light camera company SafeSpeed from legislation in the Illinois General Assembly in exchange for $5,000 and a job for an unnamed associate. Then, the state senator allegedly lied to the FBI about it.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 23, 2022

Quitting time? Pritzker says embattled state Sens. Emil Jones III, Michael Hastings ‘must resign from their offices’

Jones, who is facing federal bribery charges, and Hastings, accused of abuse by his estranged wife, have stepped down from Senate leadership posts, but Pritzker said that’s not enough: “Resigning only their leadership roles falls short of what the public should expect.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2022

Pritzker calls threat to abortion rights ‘actual emergency’ for voters to prevent — promises further legislation

The event also highlighted that the pledge Pritzker made on June 24 to call the Illinois General Assembly back into session in Springfield to “further enshrine” reproductive rights remains unfulfilled.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 30, 2022

Illinois leaders delay special session on reproductive rights

CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly are pushing back a planned special legislative session aimed at increasing legal protections for abortion providers and patients in Illinois.

Chicago Tribune · Jul 5, 2022

Save lives by making opioid overdose reversal medications readily available

As a pharmacist who has worked across the state for more than two decades, I’ve seen the harsh impact of the opioid crisis first-hand. I urge Gov. Pritzker to sign Senate Bill 2535 without delay and help more at-risk patients be prepared in an emergency overdose situation.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 12, 2022