02-Pol

Bristow bill would close legislative pay loophole

SPRINGFIELD — In response to recent, high-profile reports of politicians timing their resignations in order to squeeze a full paycheck out of taxpayers, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, has introduced legislation to prohibit legislators from receiving a full month of pay if they do not serve the entire month.

“In any other job or career, no one would expect to be paid a full month’s salary for completing just one day of work. This practice is totally unacceptable, and it must stop,” said Bristow. “This is a loophole that we have seen exploited that not only weakens the public’s trust in their elected officials but disrespects the taxpayers of Illinois, and it’s time to close it.”

Bristow has introduced House Bill 4131 which will change the rate of pay for members of the Illinois General Assembly, ending the current law that would allow legislators to be paid for an entire month of work, even if they only serve one day of that month.

Bristow’s legislation closes that loophole, requiring legislators to follow the same pay structure as most other state employees and establishes prorated pay for those who do not complete their term. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Illinois Senate and represents a collaboration with the Illinois Comptroller’s office.

“As I go door-to-door in communities across the Riverbend region, I hear from people that they want a more efficient, transparent and ethical government,” said Bristow. “We need to end special perks for politicians, and while I’ll continue my work to improve our government and save our state money, this is one the most glaring issues that we must fix.”

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via Alton Telegraph

January 17, 2020 at 09:19PM

January 17, 2020 0

Learn How to Comment on Legislation | Alton Daily News

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There are a variety of ways to have your voice heard on pending legislation in Illinois. One of those is by filling out a witness slip. It’s a method that not everyone knows about, so one local representative will be holding a seminar on Thursday to explain the process.

State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) will be hosting the seminar at the Edwardsville Public Library from 6-7pm.

Click here for Stuart’s comments

She tells The Big Z anyone can attend the event, not just those that live in her district.

(Copyright WBGZ Radio / www.AltonDailyNews.com)

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January 14, 2020 at 06:27AM

January 14, 2020 0

Yingling seeks legislative ideas

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ROUND LAKE BEACH – With the start of the legislative session less than a month away, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is asking residents to share their thoughts and ideas for legislation he should introduce in the upcoming session.

“When it comes to working on legislation, the most important feedback I get is from my constituents,” Yingling said. “My work in Springfield revolves around directly helping our community, which is why it is crucial for me to hear from residents so we can find solutions together.”

Yingling consistently works to be an accessible representative who involves his constituents in the legislative process. He regularly holds events aimed at giving residents an opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions on the issues facing the state, including his Coffee with Sam events and town halls. Yingling also regularly meets one-on-one with constituents in his office, discussing solutions to problems that could potentially be fixed through legislation.

Residents can reach out to Yingling with legislative ideas at his constituent service office at 847-231-6262 or email RepSamYingling@gmail.com.

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Region: Lake County,Letters,Region: Suburbs,Opinion

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January 11, 2020 at 06:45PM

January 11, 2020 0

State Rep. Wants Lessons On ‘Sexting’ To Be Apart Of Sex Education

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State Rep. Wants Sexting To Be Apart Of Sex Education | WBBM-AM

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A state lawmaker from Rockford is proposing children in Illinois schools be taught about the dangers and consequences of “sexting.”

State Representative Maurice West said children are now exposed to cellphone technology at younger and younger ages and may feel comfortable sharing explicit photos, not realizing how their lives could take a turn for the worse in doing so.

"Five, 10, 15 years from now, this can hurt you. This can come back and haunt you when you try to go into a career, when you try to go in to get a job. Let’s say you even try to get into politics," he said.

Representative West said his proposal would not cost schools any more money, because the sexting lessons in 6th through 12th grades could be folded into already-required sex education classes.

He said a constituent gave him the idea for the proposed law.

"Even though that this is a topic that may make adults uncomfortable, we have to address the elephant in room. We have to have these conversations with our youth," Rep. West said.

He said it’s really needed, because of how comfortable students are getting with cellphone technology at younger ages.

"I remember having my first phone as senior in high school, but now my goddaughter is eight and she got an iPhone for her birthday," he said.

West said children need to understand that sending someone an explicit photo of themselves or others could get them into criminal trouble, or in the very least, follow them through life as they try to get into schools or look to advance in their careers.

"Once it’s out, there’s nothing you can do about it. You have zero control," Rep. West said.

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January 9, 2020 at 08:21PM

January 9, 2020 0

Bristow to Host Coffee and Conversation in Granite City Jan. 17 | RiverBender.com

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GRANITE CITY – To help meet with local residents and learn about their thoughts or concerns with local and state issues, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, will be at Duke Bakery in Granite City on Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for Coffee and Conversation.

“As we look towards the spring legislative session, I want residents to have the opportunity to talk with me about what they want to see done in state government and listen to any ideas on potential legislation that could be introduced in the new year,” said Bristow. “I want to hear from citizens about their ideas and their thoughts so I can be the strongest voice possible for our communities in Springfield.”

Bristow regularly hosts coffee and conversation events to provide residents with every opportunity to meet with her and share their concerns. Bristow will be at Duke Bakery’s Granite City location at 3202 Nameoki Rd. on Friday, Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public and no reservation is required.

“Coffee and Conversation events are a way for me to talk with residents but to also help support one of our great local businesses,” said Bristow. “I look forward to talking with many old and new friends over coffee or a donut.”

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via RiverBender.com

January 9, 2020 at 06:46AM

January 9, 2020 0

State rep, Habitat for Humanity host utility bill clinic

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State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, and Habitat for Humanity of La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties are hosting the Citizen Utility Board’s utility bill clinic 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 717 Chambers St., Ottawa.

Bring copies of gas, electric and phone bills for a free one-on-one bill analysisby a Citizen Utility Board expert. Learn how to avoid scams, be energy efficient and understand utility policy.

RSVPs are required. Call the Citizen Utility Board at 312-263-4282, ext. 111, or email events@citizensutilityboard.org with the subject line "Ottawa 1/9."

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via | The Times

January 8, 2020 at 06:48AM

January 8, 2020 0

Rep. Kifowit hosting information meeting on new state laws Jan. 16

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Area residents are invited to learn about new state laws going into effect at an information session hosted by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library, located at 555 S. Eola Road in Aurora.

“This past year, we enacted a large number of new laws that will begin to affect our community starting in January,” said Kifowit. “This event will help inform residents about the new laws and touch on how residents can keep track of new bills as they go through the legislative process.”

Among the pieces of legislation Kifowit will highlight is a measure to protect students from being questioned or detained by school supervisors without the presence of their parent, guardian or mental health professional. She also passed a bill to streamline the process of the Secretary of State to issue drivers licenses or identification cards with the word “veteran” to qualified veterans and passed legislation to give voters the opportunity to choose an elected local library board.

Also at the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate and understand the Illinois General Assembly (ILGA) website so residents can track bills going through the legislative process and share their thoughts.

“Residents may have questions about how these new laws will impact them and their families,” said Kifowit. “This is an opportunity to ask questions, and the feedback I receive will assist me as I continue my work in Springfield.”

For more information about the event, or to RSVP, please contact Kifowit’s full-time constituent office at 630-585-1308 orRSVP@ILDistrict84.com.

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January 7, 2020 at 09:40PM

January 8, 2020 0

Rep. Moeller: You’re Invited for Coffee and Conversation

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Neighbor News

State Rep. Anna Moeller starts up her Coffee and Conversations meeting during the 2020 legislative session to talk with constituents.

By Cassie Calloway, Neighbor

Jan 6, 2020 8:26 pm CT |

Rep. Moeller: You're Invited for Coffee and Conversation

ELGIN — Got something on your mind about what’s going on in Springfield? Rep. Anna Moeller wants to hear about it.

The state representative for our area is inviting constituents to join her one Monday each month for the length of the legislative session for updates and discussion:

State Rep. Anna Moeller is inviting local residents and business owners to help her better advocate in Springfield this spring, over coffee.

Rep. Moeller, D-Elgin, has scheduled five Coffee and Conversations meetings during the 2020 spring legislative session. All of the meetings will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Blue Box Café, 176 E. Chicago St., in Elgin:
· Monday, Jan. 13
· Monday, February 10
· Monday, March 9
· Monday, April 13
· Monday, May 11

Each meeting will give Moeller a chance to update constituents on the issues being debated in Springfield as they develop, and let constituents share their perspective on state and local issues.

"I can best serve the 43rd House District and the people of Illinois when I am talking and meeting regularly with them, explaining our debates in Springfield and seeking their input on my positions on key issues," Moeller said. "I encourage everyone to join me for these lunch discussions at the Blue Box for a lively back and forth over coffee."

Questions? Contact Rep. Moeller’s district office at 847-841-7130 or staterepmoeller@gmail.com.

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State Rep. Gives Back for the Holidays

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The Holidays are best spent at home and with family, but what about those who don’t have that same luxury? Local legislators are doing their part to spread Christmas cheer.

During the Christmas and the holiday season, state Rep. Monica Bristow, joined fellow legislators, local leaders, and non-profit organizations to help give back to those in need across the Metro East and RiverBend Region.

Throughout the month of December, Bristow joined more than 50 other local groups in collecting toys and cleaning supplies for RiverBend Family Ministries’ Christmas Baskets. Parents were able to come and pick out toys for their kids and also receive a basket of cleaning supplies. Bristow also spent time volunteering for the Salvation Army.

During her holiday open house, Bristow collected socks for school board member Rosetta Brown’s Socks for Tots drive as well as participated in Lilly and Taylor Freer’s Cookies and Cocoa event to benefit the United Way’s Community Christmas.

(Copyright WBGZ Radio / http://www.AltonDailyNews.com)

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January 1, 2020 at 05:01AM

January 1, 2020 0

Working for Illinois Caucus

House Downstate Democrats work for the good people of Illinois

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