Pat Quinn Maintains His Tax Hiking Reputation

Appointed in 2009 when predecessor Rob Blagojevich was impeached, Governor Pat Quinn stood for election. Right after his only election, Quinn convinced losing Democrats to increase the state income tax by 67%. Lots of them got cushy state jobs. Now … Continue reading

Althoff Comments on FOIA Modification Bill She Sponsored

From State Senator Pam Althoff: In response to recent e-mails and phone calls I have received regarding my yes vote on House Bill 3796, I would like to explain why this legislation, will in fact, increase access to public records … Continue reading

Roll Call for Bill to Allow Conservation District to Issue More Non-Referendum Bonds

The House roll call for SB 3341 has now been posted on the Illinois General Assembly web site. You can see it below: Those voting for the bill who represent part of McHenry County are Sponsor Mike Tryon Tim Schmitz, … Continue reading

Slots That Aren’t Defined as Slots Might Be Coming Our Way

The new slot machine legislation going into effect on New Year’s Day goes under the label of “sweepstakes.” The Tribune’s Joseph Ryan has written a major story on what most legislators probably thought was a  minor bill. Let’s test that … Continue reading

Mike Tryon, Pam Althoff & Karen McConnaughay Cast More Votes for Gambling Expansion Bills Than Other Legislators Representing McHenry County

For the last week and a half, McHenry County Blog described gambling expansion bills that passed the Illinois General Assembly, plus the bill that would allow four new casinos (Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan-area and Danville), which passed only the State Senate. … Continue reading

Social Clubs Throughout Illinois Would Get Permission to Install Slots If Senate Bill 2371 Signed

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction.  There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan area casinos) … Continue reading

Electronic Vouchers Would Be Used to Feed Slots under Senate Bill 2234

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Internet Gambling on Horse Racing Approved after Pilot Program Lapses

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Bill Allows Company Running State’s Slot Machine Operation Also to Manufactured and Install Slots

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Liquor Stores, Fraternal & Veterans Organizations Near Schools Approved for Slots

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Legalize Gambling on Poker Runs under HB 2520

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan-area casinos) that … Continue reading

Off-Track Betting Parlors Would Get Slot Machines under House Bill 1570

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan area casinos) … Continue reading

No State Oversight on Electronic Raffle Machines in House Bill 1140

This article started with a press release from the Illinois Church Action Council on Alcohol and Addiction. There are so many bills expanding gambling (despite the loss of the one to give Chicago, Danville, Rockford and the Waukegan area casinos) … Continue reading

When Your Electric Bill Goes Up, Who’re Gonna Thank?

It won’t be Ghostbusters. The Senate roll call of override of Governor Pat Quinn’s Senate Bill 9. which overrides an Illinois Commerce Commission decision,  is below: Besides two of three State Senators representing McHenry County–Pam Althoff and Karen McConnaughay–potential candidates … Continue reading

District 300 Reminds of Legislative Forum Tonight at Jacobs High School

A note from District 300’s Allison Strupeck: This is a reminder that the D300 Legislative Reception is tonight (Jan. 22) in the commons area of Jacobs High School (2601 Bunker Hill Dr, Algonquin), as hosted by the D300 Board Legislative … Continue reading

Cross, Gaffney, Schmitz Vote Against Easing Recording Prohibition

I have written how reformer State Rep. Jeanne Hurley got snookered into sponsoring a bill in 1957 to prohibit reporters like Jack Mabley from using tape recordings of legislative corruption. Hurley married Paul Simon and is Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s … Continue reading

Huntley Tea Party Gun Conrol Forum Tonight Taking on Life of Its Own

Here are the latest details of tonight’s event at the Huntley Park District Building, where both candidates for the 14th District congressional seat–Randy Hultgren and Joe Walsh–will be courting Republican primary voters, as will State Senate candidate Karen McConnauhay and State … Continue reading