(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois House has passed legislation requiring public high schools to offer students of voting age the opportunity to register during the school day. Sponsors of House Bill 4339 say it was inspired by the vision of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. who said graduation should mark a young person’s full entry into civic life. Opponents of the measure say this is only the start of trying to mix school with politics. The bill goes to the State Senate for consideration.
(SPRINGFIELD) The State House unanimously passed legislation yesterday that requires shelters and rescues to provide transparency on where dogs available for adoption come from. House Bill 3648 will combat the practice of rescues purchasing dogs from out-of-state breeders or auctions before transporting them back to Illinois to sell. It now goes to the State Senate.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois House Republicans say they will not support any Chicago Bears stadium deal or other megaprojects legislation without some type of statewide property tax relief. In a letter sent yesterday to the Governor and General Assembly, the GOP lawmakers say they want property tax referendums to appear only on November ballots and they want an end to back-door referendums or bond rollovers that allow a rise in taxes without asking voters.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police and Capital Development Board broke ground yesterday on a new canine training complex in Springfield. The $8.9 million state investment consists of two new buildings, including upgraded kennels, training areas, and office space. While the ISP provides a 10-week, full-service canine training course to both State Troopers and local law enforcement agencies, the ISP currently has 64 canine teams that assist with missing person searches, drug & gun interdiction, officer protection, evidence recovery, and much more.