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Illinois General Assembly
Quick Hit
by Ellyn Fortino
12:34pm
Fri May 24

West Siders Say Emanuel Has To Go, Vow To Push Back Against Lawmakers (VIDEO)

West Side parents and activists have pledged to vote out Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his “rubber stamp” aldermen who have not stood with the community against school closings.

“Aldermen, you have committed political murder upon yourselves,” said West Side activist Windy Pearson outside Edward C. Delano Elementary School Friday morning. “We have decided that it is time for all of you that have not stood strongly and firmly with us to go.”

The Chicago Board of Education unanimously approved the Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) plan to close 49 elementary schools and one high school at its monthly meeting Wednesday.

“The city of Chicago, CPS, Rahm Emanuel, non-elected school board, Mr. Vitale, this message is for you,” Pearson said. “We are the community. We are the stakeholders. We are the parents, the activists, the teachers, the voters, and we are registering individuals to become deputy registrars.” Read more »

Quick Hit
by Ashlee Rezin
7:17pm
Thu May 23

Environmental Activists Demand A Fracking Moratorium, Stage Sit-In At Quinn's Office

Environmental activists are ramping up advocacy efforts against hydraulic fracturing, commonly called “fracking”. Meanwhile, the Illinois House Executive Committee passed a regulatory compromise bill Tuesday and the full chamber is expected to take up the legislation any day now.

The oil and gas drilling technology, according to the bill’s opponents, is unsafe and damages the environment. But as the bill makes its way through the Illinois General Assembly, drilling companies have already leased land in Southern Illinois — reportedly about half a million acres around the New Albany Shale rock formation, according to the Star-Telegram.

“Fracking is not safe, it destroys communities; it endangers our water supply; it is not safe for the workers; and it is not an enriched fuel,” said Melody Lamar, a member of Illinois People’s Action.  “I’m so sickened by what I’ve seen from our legislators.”

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Quick Hit
by Aricka Flowers
2:51pm
Thu May 23

Concealed Carry Bill Headed For Full House Vote, Gun Control Advocates Say It's Time For An Appeal

As the Illinois General Assembly continues to wrestle with passing concealed carry legislation by their court-imposed deadline, the House bill introduced Wednesday by State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) passed a committee vote today. The bill, SB 2193, whizzed through the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-3 vote. The legislation is now headed for a full House vote. 

The bill could face opposition, though, as some lawmakers say the legislation is not restrictive enough and limits the power of local governments. 

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PI Original
by Ashlee Rezin
9:31pm
Wed May 22
1 comment

Board Of Ed Vote A 'Slap In The Face', Say CPS Parents (VIDEO)

Education

Parents and students affected by the Chicago Public Schools closures, consolidations and turnarounds are heartbroken by the board of education's vote to shutter 50 schools and turnaround and consolidate a number of others. Progress Illinois spoke to some of the many people who were at CPS headquarters today for the highly-anticipated vote.