issues
John Fritchey's Newsroom
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November 2008
Obama's pick for chief of staff known as 'Rahmbo'
Associated Press: November 7, 2008
October 2008
Constitutional Convention question has no simple answer
Galesburg.com, The Register-Mail: October 26, 2008
State constitutional battle unpredicatable as Springfield
Chicago Tribune: October 24, 2008
Pension mess requires a constitutional convention
thesouthern.com: October 22, 2008
Con-con backers say 'can-can'
Chicago Journal: October 16, 2008
AP Exclusive: Pharmacists pay for state bungling
Chicagotribune.com: October 8, 2008
Rep. Fritchey to Host Arts Funding Seminar
Press Release: October 8, 2008
September 2008
Illinois proposes reforms in litigation fund
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: September 30, 2008
Blagojevich can't expand state-subsidized health care without lawmakers' approval, appellate court rules
Chicago Tribune: September 27, 2008
Lawmakers in Illinois Make Ethics Top Priority
The New York Times: September 24, 2008
Daley letting huge Loop TIF die
Crain's: September 24, 2008
Editorial: At last, overdue reforms
Quad-Cities Online: September 23, 2008
Senate says no to gov's ethics package
Chicago Sun-Times: September 23, 2008
Constitutional Convention debate held at UIC
Chicago Flame Online: September 22, 2008
Rep. Fritchey to Host Senior Town Hall Meeting
Press Release: September 4, 2008
Rep. Fritchey to Host Town Hall Meetings
Press Release: September 3, 2008
August 2008
Our Opinion: Good ideas, wrong tactics on ethics bill
State Journal-Register: August 28, 2008
Ethics bill deadline is Friday
The Daily Journal: August 25, 2008
Ill. governor warned on ethics bill
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: August 25, 2008
New Ill. Senate president must cooperate with House
Morris Daily Herald: August 20, 2008
'Pay-to-play' is still Gov. Do-Wrong's motto
Chicago Sun-Times: August 6, 2008
Illinois ethics bill still awaits governor's signature
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: August 5, 2008
Ethics bill a step toward restoring trust in state government
Stateline: August, 2008
July 2008
Our Opinion: Enough ethics rhetoric, sign the bill
State Journal-Register: July 25, 2008
Fuel-siphoning may be surging, so sales of locking cas are soaring
Chicago Sun-Times: July 21, 2008

Lawmaker Aims To Toughen Up Gas Theft Penalties

WBBM 780: July 17, 2008
Stiffer Penalties Proposed for Gas Tank Bandits
Press Release: July 17, 2008
State Rep: Time to be cleaning up state government
Inside Lincoln Park: July 9-15, 2008
2nd-act twist:allowing for onstage smoking
Chicagotribune.com: July 10, 2008
June 2008
Local Students Honored in Annual Writing Contest
Press Release: June 24, 2008
Pay-To-Play Ban Proposed Depends on Blagojevich
Associated Press: June 14, 2008
Genocide education helps students get at root of evil
Medill Reports: June 10, 2008
Time to sign state ethics bill into law
thesouthern.com: June 4, 2008
Impeachment talk could reheat this summer
Associated Press: June 4, 2008
'Pay-to-Play' ban is passed
Chicago Tribune: June 1, 2008
May 2008
State Senate OKs ban on 'pay-to-play' cash
Chicago Sun-Times: May 24, 2008
Illinois May Ban Gassing of Pets
Chicagoist.com: May 13, 2008
Embattled Blagojevich's agenda could take hit with Rezko verdict
Daily Herald: May 11, 2008
Editorial: Ending pay to play
The Dispatch and The Rock Island: May 4, 2008
Reforms in health care may leave some in limbo
Rockford Register Star: May 2, 2008
Ethics bill near passage
State Journal Register: May 1, 2008
April 2008
Agreement Reached on Pay-to-Play Ban
Press Release: April 30, 2008
Illinois ethics package near agreement, over governor's opposition
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: April 29, 2008
Senators: Impeachment better than recall
State Journal Register: April 29, 2008
Chicago colleges lobby for Metra line discounts
Chicago Maroon: April 29, 2008
Gov's 'lack of ability' adds to current woes
Rockford Register Star: April 29, 2008
Pay to play on steroids
STLtoday.com: Spril 28, 2008
Constitutional Convention up to voters
Journal Star: April 28, 2008
Impeachment talk targeting gov heats up: 2 Dems
Chicago Sun Times: April 24, 2008
Whispers of impeachment grow louder at Capitol
Rockford Register Star: April 23, 2008
Showdown coming on Ill. reforms
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: April 23, 2008
Bill would raise minimum wage for 18 and under
State Journal Register: April 23, 2008
Is Illinois finally ready for reform?
Daily Herald: April 23, 2008
Democrats unveil plan to eliminate 'pay to play'
State Journal Register : April 16, 2008
Lawmaker and Hip Hop Legend Join Together to Urge Chicago to Stop the Violence
Press Release: April 13, 2008
Rezko Trial Highlights 'Pay-to-Play' Issue
STLtoday.com: April 9, 2008
Fritchey, Local Business Leaders Discuss the State of the State
Press Release: April 7, 2008
Blagojevich Playing Politics with School Funding
Press Release: April 1, 2008
March 2008
Bill Would Require Data on Local TIFs
SWNewsHerald: March 14, 2008
State Rep. Fritchey receives award for 100% pro-environment voting record
Press Release, Illinois Environmental Council: March 12, 2008
Senate should follow House's lead, undo moment of silence
Galesburg.com: March 6, 2008
State representative recovery from rare facial paralysis
State representative recovery from rare facial paralysis (cont.)
Inside: March 5-8, 2008
February 2008
Sheil Park raises cash for playground
Chicago Journal: February 28, 2008
Anti-gassing bill has local support
Edwardsville Intelligencer: February 26, 2008
Bringing transparency to TIF
Chicago Journal: February 21, 2008
Illinois may back off 'silence' requirement in schools
STLtoday.com: February 21, 2008
There should be no TIF-ation without representation
Austin Weekly News: February 21, 2008
Illinois Bill Would Ban Gas Chambers for Strays
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: February 15, 2008
Tax increment financing rules proposed
Inside: February 13-19, 2008
Bill Would Ban Use of Carbon Monoxide to Euthanize Dogs and Cats
Chicago Tribune: February 10, 2008
Bill Would Ban Putting Pets in Gas Chamber
Press Release: February 10, 2008
Bill Would Require Disclosure of TIF Funding Use
Sun-Times News Group Wire: February 9, 2008
Religion and Politics
The Daily Journal: February 9, 2008
Bill Seeks Disclosure of TIF Spending
Press Release: February 8, 2008
Fritchey annual Helping Hands Campaign a success
Lakeview: February, 2008
January 2008
'Present' votes defended by Ill. lawmakers
Stateline.org: January 25, 2008
Sheil Park Gets $50,000 Grant
Inside: January 23-39, 2008
Fritchey Helping Hands Campaign a success
Press Release: January 22, 2008
Rough ride for Illinois Governor
St. Louis Post Dispatch: January 22, 2008
Governor's 'activist' style riles just about everybody
State Journal-Register: January 20, 2008
Gov labeled madman and dictator -- by his own party
Chicago Sun-Times: January 18, 2008
Illinois ushers in enhanced Whistleblower Protection Act
Whistleblower Law Blog: January 18, 2008
Illinois lawmakers angrily OK governor's changes to transit plan
Chicago Tribune: January 18, 2008
Transit bill OK'd with free rides
State Journal-Register: January 18, 2008
House passes mass-transit bill with free rides for seniors
Chicago Tribune : January 17, 2008
Rep. Fritchey secures funding for Sheil Park
Press Release: January 15, 2008
Gov.says he also wants disabled to ride public transit for free
Examiner: January 12, 2008
State needs fiscally responsible leaders, not more taxes
Southtown Star (guest editorial by Rep. Fritchey): January 4, 2008
Local lawmakers not optimistic about January 2nd CTA session
Pioneer Press/Booster: January 2, 2008
New Year rings in new laws
Chicago Tribune: January 1, 2008
December 2007
Rep. Fritchey's End of Year Legislative Summary
Smoking ban needs better explanation
Southern Illinoisan: December 15, 2007
Where in the world is Rod?
Daily Herald: December 2, 2007
November 2007
Some IL schools keep moment of silence
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: November 28, 2007
Still hung up on healthcare
Peoria Journal-Star: November 25, 2007
Hollow victory for Blagojevich
Belleville News-Democrat (editorial): November 23, 2007
Fritchey offers alternative to school silence law
Pioneer Press/Booster: November 21, 2007
Who needs a legislature?
Chicago Tribune (editorial): November 20, 2007
Ignoring legislative rejections, Gov pushes healthcare plan
Chicago Sun-Times: November 19, 2007
Gov calls special session on transit funding
Chicago Sun-Times: November 19, 2007
'No' now 'yes' for healthcare plan
Chicago Tribune: November 17, 2007
Our Opinion: A 'sensible' reflection bill
State Journal-Register (editorial): November 16, 2007
Rep. Fritchey Speaks Out on Moment of Silence
Press Release: November 16, 2007
'Silence' mandate turns into a legal farce: Fritchey and Eddy announce plans to stop the madness
Chicago Tribune - Change of Subject: November 15, 2007
Council takes a stand
Chicago Sun-Times (editorial): November 15, 2007
Government should tighten belt; live within means
Inside Publications (special guest column by Rep. Fritchey): November 14, 2007
Another vote, another 'no'
Chicago Tribune (editorial): November 14, 2007
Panel kills healthcare move
Chicago Tribune: November 14, 2007
Local Firehouse Celebrates Renovation
Press Release: November 14, 2007
A message from Oregon
Chicago Tribune (editorial): November 12, 2007
Time is Right to Hold a Con-Con
State Journal-Register (guest op-ed) : November 10, 2007
Governor could target lawmaker panel
Rockford Register-Star: November 9, 2007
Illinois Governor in prison, another facing similar allegations
Belleville News-Democrat: November 7, 2007
Illinois Governor to Report to Prison
The Guardian: November 6, 2007
October 2007
Enough of pay-to-play already
Daily Herald: October 25, 2007
Protecting Illinois sleaze
Chicago Tribune: October 24, 2007
Now is the time for Illinois to approve ethics reforms
Pantagraph: October 24, 2007
Firing could boost acrimony in battle between lawmakers and Blagojevich
Belleville News-Democrat: October, 4, 2007
State construction bill includes more than roads, schools
Daily Herald: October 1, 2007
September 2007
Buzz about Con-Con begins
State Journal-Register: September 17, 2007
New State law puts onus on vandals, not property owners
Pioneer Press/Booster: September 12, 2007
Lawmakers say bridge needs great, but money for them still a question
Chicago Tribune: September 9, 2007
Rep. Fritchey to Host Town Hall Meetings
Press Release: September 4, 2007
August 2007
Health plan could be stretched
Chicago Tribune: August 31, 2007
Governor Signs Vandalism Bill into Law
Press Release: August 30, 2007
Local Projects Spared the Budget Axe
Press Release: August 27, 2007
Is Governor 'housekeeping' or trying to hide dirty laundry?
The Pantagraph: August 18, 2007
Property Tax Relief Bill Goes to Governor
Press Release: August 10, 2007
Letter from Rep. Fritchey regarding Property Tax Relief Bill
August 10, 2007
Senators approve budget
State Journal-Register: August 10, 2007
Illinois Ethics Vote Long Overdue
Peoria Journal Star: August 10, 2007
Critics say plan could hurt access to IDOT records
The Pantagraph: August 8, 2007
July 2007
Rep. Fritchey Kicks Off Reelection Campaign
Press Release: July 27, 2007
Fritchey Calls On Governor to Move Ethics Bill
Press Release: July 10, 2007
Knowing our friends (Top aide to Gov. fingered in pride parade slam of state reps)
Chicago Free Press: July 4, 2007
June 2007
Local Students Honored in Annual Writing Contest
Press Release: June 22, 2007
Reform 'pay-to-play' or we'll all pay later
Chicago Sun-Times: June 20, 2007
State Senate prez standing in the way of reform
Crain's Chicago Business: June 18, 2007
Illinois lawmakers call for overhaul of State constitution
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: June 8, 2007
Lawmakers to students: Shut up!
Chicago Tribune (Change of Subject blog): June 1, 2007
May 2007
Outdoor cafes could allow dogs
Pioneer Press/Booster: May 30, 2007
Scaled-back vaccine bill advances
Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette: May 30, 2007
Stop playing politics with property tax law
Letter to the Editor, Chicago Tribune: May 29, 2007
Healing the property tax wound
Letter to the Editor, Chicago Tribune: May 24, 2007
Illinois ready for reform, but is Emil Jones?
The Pantagraph: May 23, 2007
Don't let crunchtime smash ethics reforms
Chicago Sun-Times: May 23, 2007
Senate approves bill to protect pets in domestic abuse cases
State Journal-Register: May 23, 2007
Legislature Lets the Dogs Out, Sends Bill to Governor
Press Release: May 22, 2007
Pay for pay bill deserves chance in Senate
Herald & Review Newspapers: May 21, 2007
Jones should allow vote on contract bill
Daily Herald: May 21, 2007
Tribune urges Senate to approve House Bill 1
Chicago Tribune: May 14, 2007
Approval needed on bill targeting 'pay to play' politics
The Southern Illinoisan: May 13, 2007
Hearing may be death knell for tax proposal
State Journal-Register: May 6, 2007
Fix campaign finance laws, Illinois' image
Chicago Sun-Times: May 2, 2007
Ending pay to play
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: May 1, 2007
April 2007
House Approves Bill Targeting 'Pay to Play'
Chicago Sun-Times: April 26, 2007
House Backs Ban on Contractor Gifts
Daily Herald: April 26, 2007
Hynes Says Passage of Ethics Reform Bill Signals "Beginning of the End" for Pay-to-Play Politics
Press Release: April 25, 2007
ICPR Applauds IL House for Passage of Legislation Combatting "Pay to Play" State Contracts
U.S. Newswire: April 25, 2007
State bill targets corrupt officials' reelection bid
Chicago Tribune: April 21, 2007
Canines could covort in outdoor cafes
Pioneer Press/Booster: April 11, 2007
Abortion-consent bill is a reasonable one
Chicago Sun-Times: April 11, 2007
Criticizing Governor, Quinn returns to old populist ways
Chicago Tribune: April 11, 2007
Engine Co. 22 will renovate outdated firehouse kitchen
Inside Publications: April 4, 2007
March 2007
House rejects curbs on smoking with kids in cars
State Journal-Register: March 30, 2007
Bill allowing dogs in outdoor cafes advances
Chicago Tribune: March 30, 2007
Dogs May Soon Be Allowed to Dine Out with Owners
NBC5-TV Chicago: March 29, 2007
Man's Best Friend Gets a Seat at the Table
Press Release: March 29, 2007
House Passes Bill to End Pension Boondoggles
Press Release: March 28, 2007
Law: Court-Ordered Protection for Pets
Newsweek: March 5, 2007
Pay it again, Sam
St. Louis Dispatch: March 4, 2007
February 2007
Back to the scene of the crime
Chicago Tribune: February 27, 2007
Ethics reforms OK'd in House committee
Springfield Journal-Register: February 23, 2007
Ethics, campaigns converge in bill
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: February 23, 2007
House Approves Expanded Protection for Domestic Violence Victims
Press Release: February 23, 2007
Bill Puts Burden of Proof on Vandals
Press Release: February 21, 2007
Stroger backs off plan to dilute his power
Chicago Sun-Times: February 15, 2007
Illinois politicians can't play 'name game'
Quad-Cities Online: February 9, 2007
Pets might get added protection from abuse
Daily Herald: February 9, 2007
January 2007
Gov OKs bill targeting wannabe Irish judges
Chicago Sun-Times: January 31, 2007
Fritchey Annual Helping Hands Campaign a Success
Press Release: January 30, 2007
Reform in one felon swoop
Chicago Sun-Times: January 28, 2007
Bill Would Ban Corrupt Pols From Seeking Office
Press Release: January 25, 2007
Gov. Blagojevich SIgns Law Extending 'Good Samaritan' Protections
Press Release: January 25, 2007
Notification: It's time to use good sense
Chicago Sun-Times: January 24, 2007
Madigan's move on consent law isn't final word
Chicago Tribune: January 23, 2007
Attorney General asks court fo enforce abortion notification law
Belleville News-Democrat: January 21, 2007
Talking about Obama
State Journal-Register: January 18, 2007
An attack on 'pay-to-play' (editorial)
Chicago Tribune: January 3, 2007
December 2006
Pension system for public workers needs an overhaul
Chicago Sun-Times: December 10, 2006
Slippery When Cold / Foiled by the Fine Print
Chicago Reader: December 8, 2006
Stroger should embrace bill to limit pensions
Daily Southtown: December 5, 2006
County's sweet pension deal targeted
Chicago Sun-Times: December 3, 2006
Fritchey, Claypool Seek to End Pension Boondoggles
Press Release: December 3, 2006
November 2006
Fritchey Announces 5th Annual Helping Hands Campaign
Press Release: November 16, 2006
Blagojevich cash campaign brings back calls for reform
Daily Herald: November 12, 2006
Fullerton facelift moves forward
Pioneer Press/Booster: November 8, 2006
October 2006
Major Facelift Planned for Fullerton Avenue; Streetscape, New Lighting to Beautify Ashland to Racine
Inside Publications: October 25, 2006
Rep. Fritchey Presents Fire Department with Special Funding
Press Release: October 25, 2006
Illinois Politicians Get Out Vote on CAN TV
CAN TV Program Guide: Fall 2006
Major Facelift Planned for Fullerton Avenue
Press Release: October 19, 2006
Lawmakers look to cut board president's veto power
Daily Southtown: October 12, 2006
Measure Seeks More Balance for County Board
Press Release: October 11, 2006
Fritchey gets close look at Taiwan's trade, mass transit
Inside Publications: October 11, 2006
Area officials take on CTA
The DePaulia: October 10, 2006
Attempt to blunt court on abortion; plan would replace law on notification
Chicago Tribune: October 4, 2006
Bill gives girls options beyond parental notification on abortion
Belleville News-Democrat: October 3, 2006
New Abortion Notification Legislation Proposed
Press Release: October 3, 2006
September 2006
Rep. Fritchey Presents Parks with Special Funding
Press Release: September 27, 2006
Rep. Fritchey Congratulates Local Organization on Centennial
Press Release: September 26, 2006
Brown Line complaints aired
Pioneer Press/Booster: September 20, 2006
Using children as political couriers
Daily Herald: September 18, 2006
Rep. Fritchey to Host Arts Funding Seminar
Press Release: September 12, 2006
Rep. Fritchey to Host Town Hall Meetings
Press Release: September 5, 2006
Fritchey Calls for Expanded Payday Loan Protections for Military
Press Release: September 5, 2006
August 2006
Laws shield pets from domestic violence
USA Today: August 23, 2006
CTA should be forthright with riders about Brown Line
Letter to the Editor, Pioneer Press/Booster: August 17, 2006
Rep. Fritchey Presents Schools with Special Funding
Press Release: August 2, 2006
July 2006
State rep. McKeon to retire next year due to failing health
Crain's Chicago Business: July 31, 2006
New Illinois law lets diners take home leftover wine
Chicago Tribune: July 25, 2006
Proposed Illinois law would offer legal protection to pets
Belleville News Democrat: July 18, 2006
Fritchey Seeks to Expand Protection for Domestic Violence Victims
Press Release: July 14, 2006
Blagojevich proposal to reduce medical mistakes
Crain's Chicago Business: July 13, 2006
Sex-offender list altered, State to remove non-sex crimes
Chicago Tribune: July 3, 2006
June 2006
The Tax Vortex
Chicago Reader: June 30, 2006
Governor Blagojevich signs new law to make sure medicines on pharmacy shelves are safe
Press Release: June 27, 2006
Local Students Honored in Annual Writing Contest
Press Release: June 22, 2006
Non-sexual crimes vs. youth could rate separate registry
Chicago Sun-Times: June 19, 2006
May 2006
Knox, Monmouth already smoke-free
Galesburg Register-Mail: May 16, 2006
Governor Blagojevich Signs New Law Banning Smoking in College Dorms
Press Release: May 15, 2006
Mum's the Word: Mayor Daley and Michael Madigan stayed strategically silent on the latest attempt at property tax relief
Chicago Reader: May 12, 2006
House Defeats Tax Bill: Fight goes on during recess
Pioneer Press/Booster: May 10, 2006
April 2006
Doggie-bag the bottle too
Chicago Tribune: April 27, 2006
End 'pay-to-play' politics
Letter to the Editor, Pioneer Press/Booster: April 26, 2006
Students may need to put out their cigarettes
Northwest Indiana Times: April 26, 2006
Illinois and graft: Forever synonymous?
State Journal-Register: April 24, 2006
Ryan's conviction strengthens my argument for HB4073
Letter to the Editor, Northwest Indiana Times: April 22, 2006
Ryan verdict 'sends a signal'
Pioneer Press/Booster: April 19, 2006
Fritchey Calls for Immediate Passage of Ethics Bill
Press Release: April 17, 2006
Despite delay, Democrats say no major problems holding up budget
Belleview News Democrat: April 13, 2006
New law creates violent offender registry
Northwest Indiana Times: April 7, 2006
Peaceful Mourning: State Senate approves legislation to limit funeral protests
State Journal-Register: April 6, 2006
Legislature OKs New Criminal Database
Press Release: April 5, 2006
March 2006
Chanute bill sent to Governor (see: "Cigarette legislation passes House")
The News-Gazette: March 29, 2006
Ban on dorm smoking OKd by House, goes to Gov
Chicago Sun-Times: March 24, 2006
Illinois may ban dorm smoking
The Pantagraph: March 24, 2006
CTA backs down, says Armitage brown line station to retain historical flavor
Inside Publications/Lincoln Park: March 22, 2006
CTA under fire at meeting
Pioneer Press/Booster: March 15, 2006
February 2006
Crackdown on sex offenders could have unintended consequences
Belleville News Democrat: February 11, 2006
January 2006
3,700 eagles will be wintering in Illinois
Chicago Sun-Times: January 29, 2006
Governor takes keno off table to win support for capital bill
Daily Southtown: January 25, 2006
Blogs growing more political - and cunning
Quad-Cities Online: January 15, 2006
Keno proposal drawing fire
Chicago Sun-Times: January 11, 2006
Annual Helping Hands Campaign a Success
Press Release: January 10, 2006

Short agenda, light schedule faces election-year Legislature

Chicago Defender: January 6, 2006
December 2005
Turow still campaigning for more ethics openness
State Journal-Register: December 29, 2005
Join Fight Against Global AIDS and Extreme Poverty with the ONE Campaign
U.S. Newswire: December 9, 2005
November 2005
State legislators launch their own blogs
Stateline Midwest: November, 2005
Deja vu in Springfield
Chicago Tribune: November 13, 2005
Fritchey Hosts Events with Local Chambers
Press Release: November 9, 2005
NRA-backed bill shot down
Chicago Tribune: November 4, 2005
Fritchey bill aims to stop the political name game
Pioneer Press/Booster: November 2, 2005
October 2005
Bill targets changing name to get elected
Chicago Sun-Times: October 24, 2005
All Kids, ethics to dominate fall legislative session
Belleville News Democrat: October 23, 2005
Cullerton, Fritchey tackle Brown Line at town meeting
Pioneer Press/Booster: October 5, 2005
September 2005
Legislator wants to snuff smoking in state's dorms
Chicago Sun-Times: September 1, 2005
Legislator Seeks to Snuff Out Smoking in Dorms
Press Release: September 1, 2005
August 2005
Malpractice bill signed
State Journal-Register: August 26, 2005
Gov OKs limit on medical damages
Chicago Sun-Times: August 25, 2005
Hotels make beds cozier, but maid's day lot tougher
Chicago Tribune: August 23, 2005
Don't forget the ICE
Chicago Sun-Times: August 23, 2005
Cool idea could save lives
Letter to the Editor, Chicago Sun-Times: August 17, 2005
City should energetically back Jackson's Peotone plan
Letter to the Editor, Crain's Chicago Business: August 15, 2005
Local Hotel Workers Get a Break
Press Release: August 12, 2005
Blagojevich signs law requiring genocide education in public schools
ABC7-Chicago: August 5, 2005
CTA resists audit of its finances, State says
Chicago Sun-Times: August 3, 2005
Expanded Genocide Teachings Signed Into Law
Press Release: August 2, 2005