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Stories by Peter Hancock — Capitol News Illinois

Advocates Await Action on Bill Protecting Rights of Immigrant Students in Illinois

The “Safe Schools for All Act” passed both chambers of the General Assembly. It would prohibit schools from denying any child access to a free public education based on their actual or perceived immigration status, or that of their parents.

Illinois Attorney General’s Office to Receive $15.7M Budget Increase for Operations

Kwame Raoul’s office has joined lawsuits challenging actions of the Trump administration as well as defending the state against legal actions the administration has filed against Illinois.

Despite Setbacks, Gun Rights Groups Continue Push to Overturn Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban

Gun rights advocates once again are asking a federal appeals court in Chicago to overturn Illinois’ ban on assault-style firearms and large-capacity magazines in a case that may be destined for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Despite Victories, Major Higher Education Policy Bills Stall in General Assembly

“You don’t get everything done in one year,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during a post-session news conference when asked about several of his initiatives that failed to pass this year. “Sometimes they (lawmakers) spend two years, four years, six years, trying to get something big done.”

Illinois Bill Aims to Lower Cost of Prescriptions, Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers

The bill, known as the Prescription Drug Affordability Act would put new regulations and impose new fees on a large but little understood segment of the prescription drug industry — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.

Illinois on Track to End Health Coverage Program for Immigrant Adults

The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, or HBIA, was launched in 2021. It covers qualifying individuals aged 42-64.

Illinois Regains Access to $77M in Federal Education Funds Following Judge’s Order

A federal judge in New York issued a preliminary order Tuesday blocking the Trump administration from cutting off states’ access to hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for public schools, including more than $77 million for Illinois.

New Study Suggests Changes to Illinois’ Community College-University Pipeline

The report says Illinois graduates who transferred from a community college take out, on average, 38% more debt than those who start at four-year schools. Transfer students also attempt an average of nine more credits during their college career than those who don’t transfer.

State Senate Leaders Split on Community College Bachelor’s Degree Proposal

The community college proposal is intended to make certain four-year degrees available through lower-cost institutions and more accessible to older, nontraditional students who don’t live near a four-year institution.

Pared-Back ‘Right to Play’ Bill Advances in General Assembly, Awaits Senate Action

The Illinois House gave its approval to legislation that would give high school athletes a limited right to compete in non-school events or on non-school teams during the same season in which they play for their school.

Amid Global Tariff War, Pritzker Vows to Be ‘Stable’ Trading Partner With United Kingdom

“Look, there are a lot of uncertainties at the moment, a lot of instability. There's no doubt,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “But this is a stable state. This is a state that thrives on certainty and allows our businesses to do well. And so we look forward to maintaining that status.”

Illinois Nursing Homes Seek Medicaid Rate Hike, Argue Current Formula is Forcing Facility Closures

Nursing home industry officials are urging Illinois lawmakers to increase the rates they receive from the state’s Medicaid system, arguing the current rates are outdated and are forcing many facilities around the state out of business.

Despite Trump Order, Illinois Won’t Require Voter Proof of Citizenship

President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to implement and enforce a nationwide requirement that voters show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when they register to vote.

Illinois Attorney General Joins Motion to Block Dismantling of US Education Department

The coalition of Democratic attorneys general is seeking a preliminary injunction to block the mass firing of half the agency’s employees, as well as the transfer of student loan management and special education services to other federal agencies.

Potawatomi to Reclaim Tribal Land in DeKalb County

More than 175 years after their reservation in Illinois was illegally sold at auction, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is now in line to get their land back.

Illinois’ Community Colleges See Nearly 9% Spike in Spring Enrollment

There was significant growth in several enrollment categories, including a nearly 20% increase in students enrolled in dual credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits.

In Remarks to Teachers Union, Pritzker Lashes Out at Trump’s Education Cuts

His remarks came just two days after the agency abruptly laid off 1,300 employees, or about half its workforce, including an estimated 50 workers in its Chicago regional office.

‘Right to Play’ Bill That Would Affect High School Athletes Advances in Illinois House

A House committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would give high school student athletes the right to participate in both school-sponsored teams and non-school teams in the same sport at the same time.

Illinois Groups Demand Release of $50M in After-School Program Funding

The organizations say tens of thousands of students are being denied access to services because the money is not being spent.

Illinois Students Remain at or Above National Average, According to ‘Nation’s Report Card’ Test

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, is a set of standardized tests administered every two years to a representative sample of fourth and eighth students nationwide. Because the tests are administered uniformly nationwide, it allows for accurate comparisons between states and over time.

Potawatomi Land Transfer in DeKalb County Clears General Assembly

Nearly two centuries after losing its reservation in Illinois in a land sale that most people now concede was illegal, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation could soon get its land back.

Pritzker Endorses Bill That Would Impose New Regulations on State’s Hemp Industry

Illinois lawmakers passed legislation in 2018 to allow the commercial production of hemp, the same year Congress legalized hemp nationwide through the 2018 Farm Bill.

Pritzker Education Policy Advisor Named to Head New Department of Early Childhood

Pritzker announced plans in 2023 to establish a new agency that would consolidate under one roof a host of state programs currently scattered across several other agencies that serve the needs of families with infants and toddlers. Those include oversight and funding of preschools, childcare centers, home visiting and early intervention programs.

Hemp Growers Push Back Against Proposed New Regulations

A legislative committee and the Illinois Department of Agriculture agreed recently to delay finalizing new regulations governing hemp production amid an outcry of protests from small, independent producers.

Illinois’ 17th District Looms Large in Tight Battle for US House

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen faces a challenge this year from Republican Judge Joe McGraw in what analysts say is the only "competitive" congressional race in Illinois. Sorensen narrowly won the seat in 2022 after the district was heavily redrawn, but he enjoys a big fundraising advantage over McGraw.

Illinois Supreme Court Rulings Address FOID Seizures, Hospital Room Privacy

The state’s highest court ruled Illinois can revoke a person’s FOID card once they’ve been charged with a felony and that patients in hospital rooms don’t have a universal expectation of privacy from police searches.
 

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