41 bills in Illinois Senate as Friday legislative deadline approaches

The House, on a 65-40 vote, approved a proposal stating that each parent in a pregnancy “has a duty” to split pregnancy-related costs.

Illinois House approves plan creating parity in pregnancy expenses

Illinois could soon require intended parents to pay at least 50% of a pregnant person’s medical expenses.

House sends 41 bills to Senate as Friday legislative deadline looms

The House, on a 65-40 vote, approved a proposal stating that each parent in a pregnancy “has a duty” to split pregnancy-related costs.

Representative Margaret Croke on House Bill 2477 and splitting pregnancy costs 50-50

Analysis of Gov. Pritzker’s FY24 budget

On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. Pritzker outlined his $49.6 billion proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Millions of dollars could be going to early education, child care and support for low-income families.

Lincoln Park Gets New Preschool Across From Zoo For 200 Students

A preschool is now open inside a renovated office building across from Lincoln Park Zoo.

Chicago Public Schools opens early learning center in Lincoln Park

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continues to expand its offerings of early learning programs with the latest effort landing in Lincoln Park.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Sweeping Reproductive Rights Protections Into Law

Governor JB Pritzker signed HB4664, a reproductive rights and gender affirming care omnibus bill that protects health care providers and their patients from legal attacks by neighboring states and expands health care access and options across the state. 

State legislatures are coming back. These are the lawmakers to follow.

These state lawmakers are among thousands of Republicans, Democrats and independents gearing up for an energetic and contentious set of legislative sessions that start kicking off in dozens of capitals this month.

OTL #839: Demolition’s impact on Chicago, Rep. Margaret Croke on the state of politics, FORTS! is back at The Filament Theatre

Mike Stephen talks to sociologist David Schalliol about the societal impact of demolishing buildings in Chicago, discusses the state of politics in Springfield during this polarized time with State Rep. Margaret Croke (D-12th), and plays audio of his experience at the immersive FORTS! experience at the Filament Theatre in Portage Park.

Inside ASID’s fight to expand designers’ practice rights

Kaufman, who is an ASID member, lobbied for what would become Illinois House Bill 4715, meeting with her state representative, Margaret Croke, and state senator, Laura Fine, at least once a year for the past several years. Kaufman’s argument centered on the plight of small women-run businesses like hers being stymied by bureaucracy and outdated perceptions of designers.

Illinois House Democrats launch new working groups addressing top issues

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the creation of four new working groups Monday to help find solutions to critical issues for the state. The new groups will try to address serious concerns about the future of reproductive health following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, firearm safety, mental health awareness, and the rise of online extremism.

Readout of White House Meeting with State Legislative Leaders on Holding Gun Manufacturers Accountable | The White House

Today, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director, and White House officials from the Domestic Policy Council and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs convened a meeting with state legislative leaders from New York, Delaware, California, and Illinois to discuss how states are leading the way in efforts to hold gun manufacturers accountable.

Best Of: New Illinois law requires dementia training for EMTs

A bill passed this month in Illinois will require training Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to look out for these signs of dementia. It’s the first training requirement of its kind in the country. The 21st was joined by the leader of the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois, one of the bill’s sponsors, and someone whose mother has been diagnosed with dementia.  

Gun-makers have long been shielded from liability after mass shootings. That’s starting to change — and Highland Park has noticed.

As Highland Park officials ponder their legal response to the Independence Day mass shooting that killed seven people and injured dozens more, a slow-moving case just over the state line suggests one possible path.

Illinois latest state to recognize interior design as distinct profession

Illinois has become the newest state with legislation to strengthen the interior design industry with the passage of House Bill 4715, which was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 10.

Illinois Passes Legislature Defining Scope of Interior Designer

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) announce today the passage of House Bill 4715. 

Old Town Art Fair Returns This Weekend With 200+ Artists, Music And Food

The event is expected to draw 10,000 visitors to the heart of the neighborhood to appreciate work from local and nationally acclaimed artists.

Mayor Lightfoot, Governor Pritzker, & Lt. Governor Stratton, Among Other Civic Leaders, ‘Cutting the Ribbon’ to Officially Unveil Aids Garden Chicago

Much anticipated ‘Park for All’ on Chicago’s lakefront now open for reflection, remembrance, and relaxation; just in time to celebrate Pride Month

Lawmakers react to Supreme Court draft leak and possible impact on primary elections

Some lawmakers believe it will cause voters to switch parties for the upcoming primary elections; while others don’t see a change happening due to laws that protect abortion rights in Illinois.

Governor Pritzker Announces $250 Million in Grant Awards for Small Businesses

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our small businesses and nonprofits faced unprecedented challenges as they struggled to make payroll, keep the doors open, and continue providing the services our residents rely on. The Back to Business grant program was able to provide millions of dollars in grant funding to help organizations get through these difficult times and emerge in a position of strength.

Governor Pritzker Announces $250 Million in Grant Awards for Small Businesses

“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our small businesses and nonprofits faced unprecedented challenges as they struggled to make payroll, keep the doors open, and continue providing the services our residents rely on. The Back to Business grant program was able to provide millions of dollars in grant funding to help organizations get through these difficult times and emerge in a position of strength.”

Pritzker, Illinois Democrats talk about potential overturning of Roe v. Wade

Governor Pritzker today condemned the reported Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, allowing states to enact even more restrictive anti-choice laws that would deny woman’s access to reproductive health care.

Pritzker reaffirms Reproductive Health Act as Supreme Court attempts to remove Roe v. Wade

Gov. JB Pritzker and several other Illinois officials responded on Tuesday saying that the draft opinion to strike down Roe v. Wade is a step in the wrong direction for women’s reproductive rights.

Gov. Pritzker Speaks Out Against Overturning of Roe v. Wade, Affirms Reproductive Rights

“Reports that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe vs. Wade are devastating. Women will die if Roe vs. Wade is overturned – women who are forced to give birth knowing it will kill them, women who will seek abortions in back alleys, and more,”

New Illinois law requires dementia training for EMTs

A bill passed this month in Illinois will require training Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to look out for these signs of dementia. It’s the first training requirement of its kind in the country.

Illinois Legislature Passes First-In-The-Nation Dementia Training for EMTs

The chief sponsors of House Bill 4388 were Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Margaret Croke.  The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan majorities in both chambers – the Illinois Senate on a vote of 53-0-0 and the Illinois House on a vote of 98-11-2.

Can A New State Law Stop Dangerous Drag Racing On DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Expressways?

The bill was introduced after a crew of drivers shut down part of the Eisenhower to race and perform stunts, freezing traffic and blocking access to Rush University Medical Center, State Rep. LaShawn Ford said.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Up Across US as Crimes Reported in Chicago Area: Police

“Catalytic converter theft is not a problem that simply affects Chicago. Up and down Illinois, communities are feeling the effects of these crimes,” said Illinois Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago. “We cannot allow our state to become a place where drivers feel unsafe just parking outside.”

Illinois Moves Closer To Accepting Crypto for Taxes, but Not Considering Legal Tender Status

Illinois state Rep. Margaret Croke hopes for clearer guidance at the federal level in the wake of President Biden’s recent executive order.

Illinois politicians react to indictment of Michael Madigan: ‘Another chapter in the sad story of corruption’

Illinois legislation would allow digital currency as a form of payment

A measure at the Illinois statehouse that would allow for a state agency to set up rules regarding payment using cryptocurrency has been passed one chamber and is on to the next.

The Texas abortion ban created a ‘vigilante’ loophole. Both parties are rushing to take advantage

Days later after Kavanaugh spoke, state Rep. Margaret Croke (D) introduced her bill in Illinois, similar to the one in California, that allows private individuals to take to court anyone involved with making, shipping or selling firearms that can be linked to an injury or death in the state.

States weigh Texas-style enforcement for guns, schools after Supreme Court abortion ruling

“If the Supreme Court is going to say that this is an option for people to have when it comes to stopping something they don’t like…then I’m going to take advantage of that and use that same logic,” said Rep. Margaret Croke, a Democrat who represents a portion of Chicago in the state legislature, and the lead sponsor on the bill.

Could Gun Restrictions Modeled on Texas’s Anti-Abortion Law Work?

How many states are considering bounty laws for guns? So far, three states — California, Illinois, and New York — are considering proposals, though each is at a different stage of development.  

WGN Chicago – Expanding Fertility Treatment Coverage In Illinois

State Rep. Margaret Croke talks about new law which expands insurance coverage for fertility treatments in Illinois.

Rep. Kam Buckner Pushes Legislation to Hold Funders of January 6 Capitol Insurrection Accountable

Representative Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) recently announced that he is re-introducing legislation to prevent funders of the insurrection on January 6, 2021, from doing business with the state of Illinois.

CPD 18th district holiday tradition pushes through pandemic

It was Christmas as usual for more than 100 Chicago children who might not have otherwise had much of a holiday celebration.

Coverage expands for fertility treatments in Illinois

State Rep. Margaret Croke (D-12th) talks about her efforts to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatments in Illinois.

Here are the new laws taking effect Jan. 1 in Illinois

Some insurance plans in Illinois will be required to provide coverage for infertility treatments for LGBTQ people, prospective single parents and women with certain health conditions.

New Healthcare Laws Expand Infertility Treatment Coverage, Create Unused Medicine Repository

Another law taking effect Saturday deals with insurance coverage for fertility treatment.

Illinois bill aims to give guns the SB8 treatment

A bill currently in the Illinois House of Representative’s Rules Committee would give private citizens the right to sue over the damage done by guns.

Illinois Senate repeals abortion parental notification

State Rep. Margaret Croke (IL-12th) joins Steve Bertrand on Chicago’s Afternoon News to talk about how the Illinois Senate repealed the Parental Notification Act.

Legislators look to repeal state law requiring parental notification when minors seek abortions

State Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) talks about why she supports changing a law that requires pregnant people under 18 to notify a parent or guardian before having an abortion.

This State Representative Is Out to Make Illinois the Next Crypto Hub

As federal agencies struggle to agree on digital asset jurisdiction, state legislators are leading the way on cryptocurrency regulation, and Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke (D-12th district) is the latest example.

Missouri Governor: “We Can Correct” Issues Caused By “Sanctuary” Law

Illinois lawmaker proposes a gun violence “heartbeat bill.” State Representative Margaret Croke, a Democrat, modeled the legislation off the new abortion law in Texas. 

VIDEO: WMBD Peoria - Rep Croke's 'Protecting Heartbeats Act'

“There needs to be some sort of liability that hits pocket books when it comes to gun violence.”

VIDEO: WGN Chicago – Rep Croke talks about HB4156

State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12) introduced HB4156, a bill to protect Illinoisans from gun violence and hold those putting more guns onto our streets accountable.

Illinois lawmaker proposes gun violence “heartbeat bill”

An Illinois lawmaker is responding to the Texas abortion restrictions with a different kind of “heartbeat bill.” It’s called the “Protecting Heartbeats Act.”

'Protecting Heartbeats Act': Illinois gun bill inspired by Texas abortion law

A new bill in Illinois would let people sue gun manufacturers for gun violence.

RADIO: Proposed legislation in Illinois would allow victims of gun violence to sue the manufacturer

Suburban activist, Chicago lawmaker hope allowing civil suits against illegal gun sellers will ‘send a message’

State Rep. Margaret Croke’s legislation would allow Illinois residents to bring a civil suit against the manufacturer, importer or dealer of a firearm if they, or a loved one, are hurt or killed as a result of the unlawful discharge of a gun in the state.

Illinois lawmaker says victims of gun violence should be allowed to sue gun dealers, makers

An Illinois lawmaker is calling out other state’s controversial abortion laws through the “Protective Heartbeats Act.”

Bill would allow Illinoisans to sue gunmakers, dealers over gun violence

It’s just a bill: The Protecting Heartbeats Act

Today, State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12) introduced HB4156, a bill to protect Illinoisans from gun violence and hold those putting more guns onto our streets accountable.

Crypto ATM Firm Coin Flip Is Opening a Brand New Office in Chicago

Bitcoin ATM operator Coin Flip is growing like crazy. The company is now opening a new office in the old Post Office area of Chicago, Illinois.

Story from Policy & Regulation OPINION State of Crypto: Federal Regulations Are Coming Into Focus

May was a pretty eventful month on the U.S. regulatory front (and on the crypto front generally). The Biden Administration is finally moving beyond broad statements and beginning to hint at what the industry can actually expect from new crypto regulations…

State Rep. Margaret Croke wants to make Illinois a leader in the FinTech industry

State Rep. Margaret Croke joins Anna to talk about why she’s sponsoring legislation to allow financial service companies that deal with crypto-assets to apply for a charter through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Banking, just like any other financial institution….

Illinois could expand infertility care definition to include LGBTQ parents under new proposal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — A proposal to expand the state’s legal definition of infertility is gaining momentum in the statehouse…

New Bill Could Expand Healthcare For LGBTQ Couples, Singles In Illinois

A new bill in Springfield seeks to expand fertility healthcare for LGBTQ adults and single women. Specifically, it would mean that health insurance providers would have to cover fertility treatments for LGBTQ individuals — not just straight couples. Reset brings on the lawmaker spearheading the effort.

LGBTQ, single prospective parents in Illinois would have access to fertility benefits under proposed law

“This is an anti-discrimination bill,” said Croke, the mother of a 15-month-old son. “Having my child was the best thing that ever happened to me, and the idea of taking that away from someone just because of who they love is cruel.”

Illinois moves to create special charter for digital assets trust | Payments Dive

Illinois angles to get a jump on other states, and an edge in attracting new business, by creating a new special banking charter for digital asset trusts.