The Majority Report

Governor Signs Law Ending Legislative Scholarship Program

A long-standing tradition of legislators awarding scholarships in Illinois has ended today as Governor Quinn signed a measure passed by the Illinois Senate and House in May.

While many legislative scholarships were awarded to deserving students through fair, transparent processes, some were not and, over the years, the program had come under scrutiny to a point where many legislators stopped their participation entirely. More >

Trotter clean energy legislation subject of rally in Chicago

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Donne Trotter (D - Chicago) to advance a clean energy project on the southeast side of Chicago was the subject of a rally urging Governor Quinn to sign the bill into law. The legislation was passed by the General Assembly in May.

The Chicago Clean Energy rally, held at the Thompson Center on Monday, July 9, was attended by legislators and members of the Chicago City Council as well as representatives from organized labor and the community. More than 150 residents attended and all urged Governor Quinn to sign Senate Bill 3766 into law. More >

Sullivan's Unemployed Vets' Hiring Initiative Becomes Law

State Senator John Sullivan's legislation offering an incentive to businesses that hire unemployed veterans was signed into law this week. The new law gives business owners a tax credit when they hire a veteran who served on active duty after 9/11 and has been unemployed for at least four weeks. It also allows local governments in Illinois to reduce the property tax burden on surviving spouses of soldiers who have died while on active duty. More >