http://senatormccann.comThe official website of Illinois State Senator Sam McCann, representing the 50th District, in central Illinois.en-USCopyright © 2012 Sam McCann | Illinois State Senator | 50th District | All Rights Reservedadmin@change.meSPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) to help veterans receive a college education is headed to the Governor’s desk.Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=319http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=319SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) opposed legislation Friday legalizing the use of marijuana for some chronically or terminally ill Illinois residents. House Bill 1 passed the Senate 35-21 Friday. It passed the House last month and now goes to the Governor for his signature. Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=318http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=318SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) was among a bi-partisan list of legislators Thursday supporting pension reform that brought all interested parties to the table. Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=317http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=317SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate Thursday passed legislation naming a rest area along Interstate 55 in Montgomery County for fallen Illinois State Trooper Kyle Deatherage. Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) sponsored the legislation in the Senate. Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=316http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=316SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) joined historic preservation group Landmarks Illinois Tuesday to recognize two Central Illinois sites the group lists among the 2013 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=315http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=315The Illinois Senate approved more than 120 bills this week in anticipation of the April 25th deadline to move Senate bills to the Illinois House for review by lawmakers in that chamber. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=314http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=314I was saddened to learn this morning of an apparent shooting in Manchester in Scott County, with reports of a possible five fatalities. At this time please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers. News reports indicate that a suspect is in custody. Additionally anyone with information is being asked to call the Illinois State Police at 217-786-6677.Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=313http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=313The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today the plan to reopen the Florence Lift Bridge to traffic on April 22, 2013, weather permitting. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=312http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=312Highlights in the Illinois Senate during the week ending April 12, included a committee hearing on expanded gambling that turned heated at times and a key reform that takes aim at past abuses of state grant programs. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=311http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=311Improved market conditions allowed Illinois to achieve a near record-low interest rate on construction bonds sold April 2. But that good news was tempered by a report from the University of Illinois showing that the state's economic growth continues to lag behind the rest of the nation. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=310http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=310With the deadline now passed for legislative committees to complete their initial review of legislation, lawmakers returned to their districts to listen to local concerns, gain feedback and offer insights on the status of key legislative issues.Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=309http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=309The Red Cross is excited to present the latest in a series of apps for iPhone and Android. The Tornado App has a number of features that provide real-time, audible alerts and information so people can take action before a tornado strikes, even when they aren't paying attention to the weather. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=308http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=308Although both the Illinois Senate and House took up pension law changes during the week ending March 22, State Sen. Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) said the measures considered still contained serious constitutional flaws and questionable policy proposals. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=307http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=307Rather than focus on this obstacle, I see the Speaker’s comments as an opportunity. They can be a catalyst to begin the conversation that brings equity and parity to public school funding in Illinois. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=306http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=306State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) said the Senate Republican Caucus recently did some “homework” of their own--undertaking a thorough review of data provided by the Illinois State Board of Education to learn more about the state’s distribution of education resources. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=305http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=305Senator Sam McCann is reminding all K-12 students in the 50th Senate District of a fast-approaching deadline to “Doodle 4 Google” which offers an opportunity to win a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=304http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=304Illinois Senate Republicans today acknowledged there is a “free lunch” in education funding—but State Sen. Sam McCann said the Caucus’ in-depth examination of the state’s system of school funding shows it is Chicago that is receiving it. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=302http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=302Senator McCann Speaks on the education funding inequalities throughout the state. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=303http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=303In his annual budget message delivered March 6, Gov. Pat Quinn laid out a $35.6 billion General Funds spending proposal for the coming year. An increase of $1.2 billion over FY13 levels. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=301http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=301“I wish the current administration would have curbed its spending addiction by now. But that has not been the case...These numbers are unacceptable and unsustainable.” Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=300http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=300State Sen. Sam McCann (R-Springfield) joined several of his downstate Senate colleagues in a Feb. 26 meeting with Department of Corrections (DOC) Director S.A. Godinez Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=298http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=298A new financial analysis from a Chicago-based business group began setting the stage for Governor Quinn's annual budget message scheduled for March 6.Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=299http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=299Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=297http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=297One day after a House lawmaker proposed a pension reform plan that would rely on the indefinite extension of the Democrats’ 2011 income tax hike, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute released a poll revealing that the vast majority of Illinois voters oppose a permanent increase in the income tax.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=296http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=296udget outlooks from both the Governor's Office and the Legislature's own bi-partisan financial forecasting agency were on tap Friday, Feb. 15, when the Illinois Senate's two budget writing committees held a joint hearing in ChicagoFri, 15 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=295http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=295On Wednesday, February 6, Illinois legislators were treated to a preview of Governor Pat Quinn's 2013 legislative agenda when he delivered his "State of the State" address. Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=293http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=293“I was happy to spread awareness on such an important issue.” Said Senator McCannThu, 07 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=294http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=294All eyes will be on Gov. Pat Quinn February 6, when he delivers his annual State-of-the-State message before a joint session of the legislatureFri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=292http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=292Sam McCann of Carlinville holds his daughter, Katherine, while he is sworn in as the State Senator for the 49th District during inaugural ceremonies January 12 in the Senate Chambers of the State Capitol Building.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=25http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=25Senate lawmakers worked late into the final night of the 96th General Assembly January 11 as Democrat legislators pushed through the massive 67 percent income tax hike they needed to pass before the new 97th General Assembly convened on January 12.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=26http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=26Senate members returned to their districts this week, as reaction to the recently signed 67 percent state income tax increase continues to pour in from taxpayers, political commentators and editorial boards across Illinois, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=27http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=27Significant reforms to the state’s Medicaid program, including many that had long been sought by Republican lawmakers, were signed into law during the week, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=29http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=29February 6 marks the centennial of the birth of Ronald Reagan, Illinois’ only native-born president.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=30http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=30Senator Sam McCann is announcing contact information for his legislative offices in Carlinville and Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=31http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=31Senator Sam McCann has been named to five Illinois Senate committees by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont for the 97th General Assembly.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=32http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=32Governor Pat Quinn’s annual budget address is scheduled for Feb. 16 and Republican lawmakers are looking forward to receiving more detail about the Governor’s fiscal proposal, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=33http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=33Senator Sam McCann listens to the discussion of a bill during the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee’s first meeting of the year February 15.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=34http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=34Governor Pat Quinn’s budget plan for next year relies on spending $1.7 billion more than last year, a $1.5 billion deficit, and more borrowing to make up the difference, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=35http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=35Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=36http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=36As expected, Governor Pat Quinn’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal relied on $8.75 billion in borrowing to pay for what Senator Sam McCann says is a $1.7 billion increase in state spending.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=37http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=37A week after Governor Pat Quinn unveiled his budget plan for the coming fiscal year, more questions than answers surfaced as lawmakers, editorial writers and the public tried to sort through the numbers, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=38http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=38Senator Sam McCann welcomes Alan Gilmore (at left), CEO of the Jersey County Business Association, to the Capitol March 2.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=39http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=39Ending a costly unfunded mandate on state universities in Illinois is the aim of legislation cosponsored by Senator Sam McCann to eliminate a sometimes controversial legislative scholarship program.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=40http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=40A decision by the Attorney General to make information available to the public about citizens with Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) cards incited a firestorm of controversy during the week at the Illinois Capitol, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=41http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=41Senator Sam McCann says he supports the Illinois State Police’s refusal to release Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card records to the public.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=42http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=42Senator Sam McCann and Senator Darin LaHood of Peoria (at right) welcome 2011 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Jackie Driscoll to the Senate Chambers in the Capitol Building, as part of the annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day activities March 9 in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=43http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=43Senator Sam McCann welcomes Gillespie FFA students to the Capitol Building March 9 as part of the annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day activities in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=45http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=45Senator Sam McCann welcomes Hillsboro FFA students to the Capitol Building March 9 as part of the annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day activities in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=44http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=44Senator Sam McCann welcomes North Greene FFA students to the Capitol Building March 9 as part of the annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day activities in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=47http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=47Senator Sam McCann welcomes Morrisonville FFA students to the Capitol Building March 9 as part of the annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day activities in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=46http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=46Senate Republican leaders laid the groundwork during the week for budget cuts that will total between $4 billion and $6 billion, some of which Senator Sam McCann says he thinks he could support and others he knows he can not.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=48http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=48Illinois is broke and the reality is that unless a new direction is adopted, the worst is yet come, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=49http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=49Senate Republicans unveiled a series of spending and revenue adjustments March 17 that Senator Sam McCann said will put Illinois on firm financial footing and allow for the roll back of the 67% income tax increase enacted during the lame-duck legislative session in January.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=50http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=50Lacking support for his massive $8.75 billion borrowing proposal, Governor Pat Quinn is now floating a new $2 billion “emergency” borrowing scheme, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=51http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=51Senator Sam McCann met with electric cooperative officials March 25 at MJM Electric Cooperative in Carlinville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=67http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=67Senator Sam McCann welcomes nursing students from Millikin University in Decatur to the Senate March 29 as part of the Illinois Nurses Association Political Action Committee Student Nurse Political Action Day activities in Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=52http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=52The first in a series of public hearings about the state’s redistricting process began March 28, and lawmakers responded to an alarming letter from a top Caterpillar, Inc. executive to Governor Pat Quinn that was leaked to the public last weekend, kicking off a busy week at the Illinois Statehouse, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=53http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=53Senator Sam McCann says he is pleased that the Illinois House passed legislation April 5 cutting the pay of state legislators and he hopes that his proposal to cut the pay for lawmakers and constitutional officers gets the same kind of support.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=56http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=56Senator Sam McCann welcomes students from the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), both in Jacksonville, to the Capitol Building April 6.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=55http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=55Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=54http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=54Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=57http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=57Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=59http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=59Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=58http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=58Five students representing Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC) stopped by to visit with Senator Sam McCann, Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville in the Capitol April 6.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=65http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=65Senator Sam McCann congratulates Avery Gregurich of Pleasant Hill High School for being one of just 18 finalists statewide in the “Poetry for the President” contest held to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Ronald Reagan.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=63http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=63Senator Sam McCann congratulates Cameron Lind of North Elementary School in Taylorville for winning the Elementary School Division of the “Poetry for the President” contest held to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Ronald Reagan.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=62http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=62Senator Sam McCann talks with residents and staff from The Village at Morse Farm in Carlinville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=68http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=68Senator Sam McCann welcomes students from across Illinois to the Howlett Building in the Capitol Complex April 12.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=61http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=61Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=60http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=60Senator Sam McCann is reminding 49th District residents that his office is available to help people fill out Circuit Breaker forms.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=64http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=64Senator Sam McCann talks with students from the Student Government Association at Lincoln Land Community College outside the Senate Chambers.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=66http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=66Extending property tax breaks to veterans is the aim of legislation sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and approved April 15 by the Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=69http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=69Senator Sam McCann talks with supporters in the Capitol Rotunda April 15.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=71http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=71Senate lawmakers worked this week to meet an April 15 deadline to move all Senate bills to the House, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=70http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=70Lawmakers worked in their districts during the week though many legislators attended redistricting hearings scheduled throughout the state, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=72http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=72Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville listen to budget testimony during a meeting of the House Appropriations-Human Services Committee April 28 in the Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=73http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=73Amid reports that the state might cut funding for the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville pledged their support for the schools during the House Appropriations-Human Services Committee meeting April 28 at the Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=75http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=75Citizens in central Illinois impacted by the recent severe weather will be able to talk with Illinois Department of Insurance employees May 3 at Girard City Hall, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=74http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=74Senator Sam McCann (standing, second from left) and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Litchfield (standing, at left) met with area residents May 3 at the Girard Municipal Building about damages from the April 19 tornado.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=77http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=77Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=76http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=76Sixth-grade students from St. Mary School in Taylorville explained their project to Senator Sam McCann during TECH 2011, a demonstration of school technology May 5 in the State Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=79http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=79Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=78http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=78With a month to go until the General Assembly’s scheduled May 31 adjournment, Senate Democrats advanced a handful of budget measures that Senator Sam McCann said would lock Illinois into a permanent tax increase, and quite possibly force tax hikes higher than the 67 percent increase already passed this year.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=80http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=80Senator Sam McCann talks with Karen Fesler, Executive Director of Pittsfield Main Street, at the Capitol May 10, as part of Illinois Main Street Day.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=82http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=82Senator Sam McCann talks with Judy Tighe, Executive Director of Jacksonville Main Street, at the Capitol May 10, as part of Illinois Main Street Day.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=81http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=81Possession of a synthetic designer drug sold as bath salts or plant food but snorted for a cocaine-like high would be illegal, under legislation sponsored by Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=83http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=83After a week full of Committee meetings, Senate Democrat lawmakers waited until Friday afternoon to skip the Committee process and rush through budget proposals that would increase state spending, lock the state into a permanent 67 percent tax increase and very likely force higher tax increases in the future.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=84http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=84Senator Sam McCann welcomes the Perry Family from Tower Hill to the Senate May 18.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=86http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=86Senator Sam McCann is hosting a Tele-Townhall event May 18 to give you the opportunity to ask questions about the important issues currently affecting you and your neighbors.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=85http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=85Senator Sam McCann welcomes Matthew Daniel, a 5th-grade student at St. Ambrose School in Godfrey, to the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=87http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=87Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville were guests of the Taylorville Optimist Club May 19.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=89http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=89Senator Sam McCann talks with David Fuhler, General Manager of WBBA 97.5 FM Radio in Pittsfield, Friday afternoon after the Illinois Senate adjourned for the week.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=88http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=88As the spring legislative session winds toward a scheduled May 31 adjournment date, Democrats released their first version of a long-anticipated legislative redistricting map, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=90http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=90Senator Sam McCann welcomes Chelsie Greenwalt, a 6th-grade student at the Middle School in Carlinville, to the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=91http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=91Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville (not pictured) joined a large coalition of legislators, consumer advocates, environmental organizations, business groups, unions and government agencies at a State Capitol press conference May 25 to support “The Electric Generation Modernization Act,” comprehensive energy legislation that includes the Tenaska clean coal plant project in Taylorville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=93http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=93Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville joined a large coalition of legislators, consumer advocates, environmental organizations, business groups, unions and government agencies at a State Capitol press conference May 25 to support “The Electric Generation Modernization Act,” comprehensive energy legislation that includes the Tenaska clean coal plant project in Taylorville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=92http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=92Senator Sam McCann welcomes Katie Bowen, a student at Staunton High School, to the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=94http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=94Senator Sam McCann will be in Taylorville June 6 to meet with residents.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=96http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=96New legislative boundaries that will strongly influence the direction of the Illinois General Assembly for the next 10 years were rammed through the Senate by Democrat leaders May 27, despite a much fairer option proposed May 26 by Senate Republicans, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=95http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=95Possession of synthetic “designer drugs” that mimic cocaine and marijuana would be illegal, under legislation sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and approved May 28 by the Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=98http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=98Senator Sam McCann says workers’ compensation reform passed by the Senate May 28 is a first step, but more must be done to provide a system that protects employees in a cost-effective way for employers.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=97http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=97Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=99http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=99The Illinois Senate adjourned for the summer just after midnight June 1 after a busy week during which lawmakers sent to Governor Pat Quinn a budget, redistricting maps, workers’ compensation reform, and a massing gaming expansion, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=101http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=101Senator Sam McCann will host a Town Hall meeting in Staunton, Thursday, June 9.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=100http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=100A high-stakes game of “chicken” between Senate Democrats and the rest of Illinois lawmakers has prompted Governor Pat Quinn to call for a special legislative session, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=102http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=102Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville will be meeting with federal and state officials June 15 about the future of the 183rd Illinois Air National Guard Fire Department.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=103http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=103The confusion continues for state workers and retirees, who are wondering if they will be covered under new health insurance plans.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=104http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=104Senator Sam McCann met with local, state and federal officials June 15 about the future of the 183rd Illinois Air National Guard Fire Department at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=106http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=106Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=105http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=105Lawmakers will return to Springfield June 22 to end the impasse that left capital road construction funds in limbo, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=108http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=108The Benefit Choice Period has been extended to Monday, June 20 for employees and retirees to select a health care plan.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=107http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=107Lawmakers returned to Springfield June 22 to end the stand-off that left capital road construction funds in limbo, passing a “clean” capital bill that will ensure road construction and other projects will continue without interruption, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=109http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=109The bulk of the “cuts” Governor Pat Quinn made to the state budget June 30 will not reduce the state budget, but instead push the state deeper into debt, by further delaying payments on state Medicaid obligations, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=110http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=110On June 30, the Macoupin Economic Development Partnership partnered with the Mayor's Association to host a Legislative Update in Brighton.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=111http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=111On July 7, at the VFW Hall in Staunton, Katie Bowen was presented with a flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=112http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=112A report recently issued by a state financial oversight commission shows state budget growth in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 was almost completely reliant on revenues from the Democrats’ January tax hike, rather than from economic growth or job creation, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=113http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=113Senator Sam McCann welcomes teachers from across Illinois to the Senate July 13. The teachers are participating in a three-day “We the People” Summer Institute at the University of Illinois-Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=114http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=114Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings July 18-20 to meet with 49th District residents.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=115http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=115The Illinois Supreme Court announced July 11 it had upheld the constitutionality of a law passed in 2009 to fund the state’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure improvement program, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=116http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=116Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a Town Hall meeting July 26 in Hardin.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=117http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=117Possessing dangerous synthetic “designer drugs” that mimic cocaine and marijuana is now illegal, under a new law sponsored by Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=118http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=118Possessing dangerous synthetic “designer drugs” that mimic cocaine and marijuana is now illegal, under a new law sponsored by Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=119http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=119Citizens in Macoupin, Montgomery and Christian counties can learn more about saving money on their utility bills at free Citizens Utility Board clinics August 10 and 11, sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=120http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=120A new audit released by the state’s Auditor General shows that Illinois’ net worth deficit is now the largest among all 50 states and the state’s general fund deficit is a record $9.2 billion, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=121http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=121Senator Sam McCann has moved his district office from the south side of the Square to 220 N. Broad Street in Carlinville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=123http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=123An August 3 ruling by a state appeals court will allow state workers, dependents and retirees to temporarily keep their current health insurance plan, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=122http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=122Applications for the 2011 Governor's Home Town Award program are now available at www.ildceo.net, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=124http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=124Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a Town Hall meeting August 23 in Barry.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=125http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=125Following news reports highlighting alleged abuses of the state’s legislative scholarship program, Governor Pat Quinn acted to end the controversial program, a move long advocated by most Republican Senators, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=126http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=126Senator Sam McCann will host a Town Hall meeting August 25 in Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=127http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=127The state’s top fiscal officers and GOP legislative leaders spoke out August 18 against renewed calls for borrowing, cautioning against the potential costs of an additional money grab, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=128http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=128Veterans returning home from military service overseas, or from mobilization by the President, would pay less for fishing and hunting, under a new law sponsored by Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=129http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=129A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Illinois lost 24,900 jobs in July—more than any other state in the nation, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=130http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=130Citizens in the 49th District can learn more about budgeting and finances at free seminars September 13 and September 22, sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=132http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=132State employees and retirees learned this week that they will be able to keep their current health insurance plans through Fiscal Year 2012, and a state commission began to review the implementation of the state’s federally-required health care exchange, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=131http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=131Governor Pat Quinn announced September 8 the closing of several state facilities and employee layoffs during a press conference in downtown Chicago. The announcement included the Jacksonville Developmental Center, which has served severely developmentally challenged residents for 160 years.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=133http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=133Governor Pat Quinn announced September 8 the closing of several state facilities and employee layoffs during a press conference in downtown Chicago. The announcement included the Jacksonville Developmental Center, which has served severely developmentally challenged residents for 160 years.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=134http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=134Help Senator Sam McCann, Representative Jim Watson and Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard tell Governor Pat Quinn to “Quit Playing Political Games with the Disabled and Handicapped Citizens in Our Community!”Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=135http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=135Legislation that proponents say is needed to improve and modernize Illinois’ electric utility system was vetoed September 12 by Governor Pat Quinn, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=136http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=136Citizens in the 49th District can learn more about budgeting and finances at free seminars September 22, sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=137http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=137Lawmakers met during the week to continue discussions about the potential costs associated with the state’s forthcoming health benefits exchanges, while news reports highlighted a recent survey that suggests Illinois’ business climate comes up short for business executives, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=138http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=138Senator Sam McCann talks with Bill Kelly, executive director of the Route 66 Heritage Project, September 24 at the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in downtown Springfield.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=139http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=139A report from The Civic Federation this week about Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) budget confirms what Senator Sam McCann and Senate Republicans have been saying for months—despite the Democrats’ January tax hike, the state’s deficit and bill backlog continues to grow.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=140http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=140Senator Sam McCann comments on his visit to the Elm City Center in Jacksonville October 5. According to the Center's Web site, ECC helps people with disabilities be independent and live in the community.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=141http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=141The Legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CoGFA) held its first public hearing during the week on Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 state employees, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=142http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=142Legislative hearings are proceeding on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed closure of seven state facilities, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=143http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=143Consumers with questions about insurance can get help from a statewide toll-free hotline, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=144http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=144Lawmakers will return to Springfield October 25 to begin the fall 2011 veto session, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=145http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=145Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville will be attending the Prairie Council on Aging’s third annual Senior Day on November 1 in Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=146http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=146Senator Sam McCann told a panel of state lawmakers October 24 that Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to close the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) does not make sense.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=148http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=148Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=147http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=147Senator Sam McCann told a panel of state lawmakers October 24 that Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to close the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) does not make sense.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=149http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=149Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville welcome the Carlinville Clay Busters youth trapshooting organization to the Senate October 26.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=151http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=151Senator Sam McCann has earned a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Policy Institute for his support of legislation designed to strengthen the state’s job climate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=150http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=150Dorothy Schwartzkopf and Glenn Robson (at right), employees at the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC), stopped by the Capitol October 27 to meet with Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=152http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=152Lawmakers finished the first week of the fall Veto Session passing “smart-grid” legislation, as work continues on other major issues, such as pension reform, gaming and business tax incentives, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=153http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=153Senator Sam McCann talks with Elizabeth (middle) and Emilee (right) Birdsell, students at Staunton Elementary School, about legislation being considered by the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=154http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=154Efforts to keep the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) open are moving in the right direction, and the citizens of Jacksonville and Morgan County have been the driving force behind that forward momentum, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=156http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=156Senator Sam McCann reacts to the ruling November 10 by the state Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to recommend that the Jacksonville Developmental Center remain open. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=155http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=155Lawmakers finished up the last week of the fall veto session November 10, but legislators have to return to Springfield November 29 to address outstanding issues relating to the state’s budget and business incentives, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=157http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=157On November 14, at 6:40 p.m., I will be hosting a Telephone Town Hall to discuss state issues that are on your mind.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=158http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=158Senator Sam McCann will host an open house from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. December 1 to celebrate the opening of a new legislative office in Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=159http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=159Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield November 29 to discuss several outstanding issues, including ongoing budget concerns and proposed tax breaks for two major Illinois employers; however, a new report shows the state’s annual pension obligation is set to increase by $1 billion in the next fiscal year, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=160http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=160Threatened closures of seven state facilities – including the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) – were averted when lawmakers returned to Springfield November 29 and approved a compromise plan that rearranges the state budget but does not increase total spending for the cash-strapped state, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=161http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=161Senator Sam McCann was on hand December 7 as AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza (at left) presented the Central Illinois FoodBank with an “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award.”Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=164http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=164Senator Sam McCann was on hand December 7 as AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza (at left) presented the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center in Jacksonville with an “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award.”Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=165http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=165State lawmakers will return to Springfield December 12 and try once again to approve a package of tax law changes designed to prevent several major employers from fleeing the state, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=162http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=162A package of tax law changes designed to keep thousands of jobs in Illinois and provide relief for low-income workers is another step toward the changes needed in Springfield, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=163http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=163Following the passage December 13 of legislation targeting job creation and retention, many Illinois lawmakers are now calling for a more thorough review and possibly a rollback of state tax hikes that were passed just under a year ago.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=166http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=166Senator Sam McCann is congratulating 174 area high school students who were recently named “Illinois State Scholars” for the Class of 2012 by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=167http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=167More than 200 new laws, covering everything from local library boards to murder, will take effect January 1, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=168http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=168Budget projections released by the Quinn Administration during the week offer a bleak preview of the state’s fiscal situation, though Senator Sam McCann says a Senate Republican plan could serve as a commonsense road map to financial recovery.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=188http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=188It’s been a year since a lame-duck Legislature raised income taxes and Illinois’ fiscal outlook remains bleak, despite the fact that working families are now paying about $1,000 more in taxes that could be better spent on groceries, gas, and other necessities, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=187http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=187Senator Sam McCann says Governor Pat Quinn’s decision to close Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) shows a complete disregard for the unique needs of the residents who will be displaced.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=186http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=186Governor Pat Quinn announced plans during the week to close a state-run developmental center in Jacksonville and a mental health center in Tinley Park in 2012, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=185http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=185Area fire chiefs and members of the statewide Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 56 presented Senator Sam McCann with a plaque January 24 to thank him for supporting disaster preparedness through mutual aid.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=184http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=184Senator Sam McCann works with the Central Illinois Foodbank at its mobile food pantry January 21 at the Envelope Factory in Roodhouse in Greene County.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=183http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=183Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a Tele-Townhall at 7:00 p.m., January 30, and is inviting the public to participate in the event.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=182http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=182Governor Pat Quinn’s annual “State of the State” address February 1 will offer insight into his priorities for the upcoming legislative session, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=181http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=181Senator Sam McCan presents Bradley Hart of Hillsboro (at left) to the Senate Executive Appointments Committee January 30, for appointment to the position of Inspector General for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=180http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=180Senator Sam McCann presents Donald Stewart of Gillespie (at left) to the Senate Executive Appointments Committee January 30, for appointment as a member of the Illinois State Mining Board.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=179http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=179Senator Sam McCann and Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville (at left) listen to Governor Pat Quinn’s “State of the State” address, presented to a joint session of Illinois lawmakers February 1 in the chambers of the House of Representatives.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=178http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=178Senator Sam McCann issued a statement about Governor Pat Quinn’s “State of the State” address, presented February 1 to a joint session of Illinois lawmakers in the chambers of the House of Representatives.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=177http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=177Senator Sam McCann comments on Governor Pat Quinn’s “State of the State” address, presented February 1 to a joint session of Illinois lawmakers in the chambers of the House of Representatives.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=176http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=176In his State of the State address February 1, Governor Pat Quinn painted a rosy picture of state finances, while glossing over projections that the state is on track to face deficits exceeding the state’s entire annual General Funds budget, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=175http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=175Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville (at right) attended the February 7 meeting of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA), which heard testimony about Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to close the Jacksonville Developmental Center and the Tinley Park Mental Health Center.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=174http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=174Senator Sam McCann welcomes Ross Shotts (at right) of Carlinville to the Senate Chambers.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=173http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=173Illinois’ problems with job creation were highlighted during the week when long-time Illinois company Caterpillar acknowledged the state’s poor business and economic climate prevented them from considering Illinois for a significant expansion, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=172http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=172Senator Sam McCann talks with Newschannel 20's Capitol Reporter Andrew Hansen February 16 about legislation he is sponsoring to discontinue Firearms Owner’s Identification (FOID) cards.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=171http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=171Senator Sam McCann is asking Illinois citizens to contact their state lawmakers and voice their support for his proposal to discontinue Illinois’ Firearms Owner’s Identification (FOID) card program.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=170http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=170Governor Pat Quinn’s annual budget address is February 22 and Senator Sam McCann says he looks forward to an in-depth account of the Governor’s plan for Illinois’ finances, including more detail on how Governor Quinn proposes to accomplish the goals laid out earlier this month in his State of the State speech.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=169http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=169Senator Sam McCann issued a statement about Governor Pat Quinn’s budget speech, presented February 22 to a joint session of Illinois lawmakers in the chambers of the House of Representatives.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=190http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=190Despite Illinois’ well-documented fiscal challenges, Governor Pat Quinn proposed a budget February 22 that increases spending by almost $550 million, expands state programs, and offers no plan for paying a massive backlog of bills or rolling back the Democrats’ 2011 income tax hike, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=189http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=189Senator Sam McCann welcomes members of the Christian County Leadership Group to the Senate Chambers February 29.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=191http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=191Senator Sam McCann teams with Litchfield Fire Department Captain Joe Matesa (at right) during Fire Ops 101, a training exercise held February 27 for Illinois lawmakers.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=192http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=192Lawmakers spent much of the week in committees to meet a March 9 deadline, while Senate and House leaders agreed on a revenue estimate for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=193http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=193Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a Town Hall meeting March 13 in Jerseyville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=194http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=194Thousands of Illinois gun owners rallied at the Capitol March 7 as part of their annual Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD). Senator Sam McCann is one of several lawmakers who addressed the crowd. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=195http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=195Thousands of Illinois gun owners rallied at the Capitol March 7 as part of their annual Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD). Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=196http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=196Senator Sam McCann welcomes Bob and Ellen McBride of Jacksonville to his office in Springfield March 7, as part of Lobby Day activities for the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=198http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=198Senator Sam McCann was spoke on behalf of residents and workers at Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) before a legislative panel conducting a public hearing March 7 on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed closure of JDC.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=199http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=199Senator Sam McCann and Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard (at right) were among the state and local officials who spoke on behalf of residents and workers at Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) before a legislative panel conducting a public hearing March 7 on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed closure of JDC.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=201http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=201Senator Sam McCann spoke on behalf of residents and workers at Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) before a legislative panel conducting a public hearing March 7 on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed closure of JDC.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=200http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=200Setting the tone for cooperative, bipartisan budget negotiations, the Illinois Senate on March 7 adopted two legislative resolutions that set the state’s estimated general funds at $33.719 billion for the next fiscal year, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=202http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=202A series of Senate hearings focused on a statewide review of Illinois’ enterprise zones kicked off in Carbondale March 15, while a half-billion-dollar state bond sale earlier in the week prompted words of caution from a major bond agency, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=203http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=203The Senate approved nearly 100 Senate bills that now move to the House of Representatives for consideration, while a number of Senate Subcommittees met during the week to consider legislation targeting ethics, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=204http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=204Senator Sam McCann talks with Dave Awbrey (middle), President of Pittsfield Main Street, and Adam Johnson (at right), Executive Director of Pittsfield Main Street, at the Capitol March 27, as part of Illinois Main Street Day.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=206http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=206Senator Sam McCann reads a pamphlet at Jacksonville Main Street’s display at the Capitol March 27, as part of Illinois Main Street Day.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=205http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=205Citizens who have served in the military could request that a “Veteran” designation be placed on their state-issued ID cards, under legislation cosponsored by Senator Sam McCann and passed March 28 by the Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=207http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=207Youth with disabilities served by the Hope School in Springfield would be able to participate in employment programs, under legislation cosponsored by Senator Sam McCann and passed March 29 by the Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=208http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=208Protecting and promoting Illinois’ coal industry and the vital role it plays in the economy is the aim of a resolution sponsored by Senator Sam McCann and adopted March 29 by the Senate. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=210http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=210Senate lawmakers worked to meet a March 30 deadline for moving bills through the legislative process, addressing issues that range from criminal justice and procurement matters, to state financial reporting and veterans’ assistance, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=209http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=209Lawmakers worked in their respective districts this week, while two legislative bodies used the opportunity to hold statewide hearings on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed facility closures and the future of enterprise zones in Illinois, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=211http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=211Senate lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield April 17 and will turn their attention to legislation introduced by House lawmakers, having spent the first half of the legislative session considering and voting on Senate bills, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=212http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=212Senator Sam McCann listens to the discussion of a bill during the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee’s meeting April 17.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=213http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=213Senator Sam McCann talks with officials from the Central Counties Health Centers at the Capitol April 18, as part of Illinois Primary Health Care Association Advocacy Day.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=214http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=214Senator Sam McCann welcomes the Student Council from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) in Jacksonville to the Capitol Building April 18.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=215http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=215Senator Sam McCann welcomes 4-H members to the Capitol Building April 18 as part of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Legislative Connection event. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=216http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=216Senator Sam McCann welcomes 4-H members to the Capitol Building April 18 as part of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Legislative Connection event.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=217http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=217Senator Sam Sam McCann talks with residents and staff from The Village at Morse Farm in Carlinville. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=218http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=218Senator Sam McCann talks with residents and staff from Supportive Living Facilities.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=219http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=219Senator Sam McCann and Representative Norine Hammond of Macomb discuss the state budget and related issues – Medicaid, pensions, and the Governor’s plan to close Jacksonville Developmental Center and other state facilities – in an interview by Mark McDonald April 19 outside the Senate Chambers. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=220http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=220Medicaid and pension reforms took the spotlight during the week, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=221http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=221Senator Sam McCann welcomes students from Lake Land College Student Government Association to the Capitol Building April 19.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=222http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=222Senator Sam McCann welcomes students from Lincoln Land Community College to the Capitol Building April 19. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=223http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=223Senator Sam McCann welcomes students from the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) in Jacksonville to the Capitol Building April 18.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=224http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=224Legislation extending the use of Enterprise Zones won unanimous support in the state Senate April 26, capping off a busy week that also included a scathing audit of the state’s workers’ compensation program and a Comptroller’s report that Illinois is more than $9 billion behind in paying its bills, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=225http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=225More than $44.3 million has been allocated for road and bridge improvements in the 49th Senate District during Fiscal Year 2013, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=226http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=226Students from Carrollton High School explain their project to Senator Sam McCann during TECH 2012, a demonstration of school technology May 2 in the State Capitol. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=227http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=227Students from Hillsboro High School explain their project to Senator Sam McCann during TECH 2012, a demonstration of school technology May 2 in the State Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=228http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=228Students from the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville explain their project to Senator Sam McCann during TECH 2012, a demonstration of school technology May 2 in the State Capitol. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=229http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=229As Illinois lawmakers start the final push toward the scheduled May 31 adjournment, the Senate voted to eliminate the General Assembly Scholarship Program, and advanced a Constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult for lawmakers to increase employee pension benefits in the future, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=230http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=230Senator Sam McCann asked Illinois Department of Natural Resources biologist Herb Dreier to speak to fifth-grade students at Franklin Elementary School in Jacksonville May 7.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=231http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=231Senator Sam McCann welcomes members of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce to the Capitol May 9.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=232http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=232The Illinois Senate considered several contentious bills during the week, including a measure to reduce the healthcare subsidy for retired state employees, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=233http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=233Lawmakers debated and voted on legislation while behind-the-scenes negotiations continued on the budget, Medicaid and state pension reform, with less than two weeks left before the scheduled May 31 adjournment of the spring session, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=234http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=234Senator Sam McCann joined two of his Senate colleagues May 21 in endorsing a plan by the Illinois Policy Institute to reduce Medicaid expenditures by more than $2.7 billion without tax hikes and without rate cuts to hospitals.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=235http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=235Senator Sam McCann joined two of his Senate colleagues May 21 in endorsing a plan by the Illinois Policy Institute to reduce Medicaid expenditures by more than $2.7 billion without tax hikes and without rate cuts to hospitals. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=236http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=236Senator Sam McCann discusses proposed pension reform and Medicaid reform plans in an interview with host Eilee Pai Hong in the Rotunda of the Capitol.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=237http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=237Senator Sam McCann welcomes Katie Weller of Palmyra to the Senate chambers. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=238http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=238Senator Sam McCann welcomes Jacob Ury of Staunton to the Illinois Senate. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=239http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=239Senator Sam McCann welcomes Pastor Mike Fender of Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville to the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=240http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=240Senator Sam McCann issued a statement about a Fiscal Year 2013 budget plan presented May 23 by Senate Democrats.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=241http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=241Senator Sam McCann says he is working toward full funding for the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget, but a budget plan presented May 23 by Senate Democrats did not provide that. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=242http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=242After months of negotiations, the General Assembly advanced the first pieces of a massive Medicaid reform package, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=243http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=243During the final hours of the spring session May 31, the focus in the Senate was on a new state budget and funding for downstate facilities such as the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC). Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=244http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=244Illinois lawmakers wrapped up the 2012 legislative session May 31, making significant progress on Medicaid reforms that could result in billions in long-term savings, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=245http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=245Senator Sam McCann will be hosting meetings with residents June 20 in three Pike County communities.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=246http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=246Several years after Senate Republican lawmakers began pushing for major reforms to the state’s healthcare program for the poor, Governor Pat Quinn signed a sweeping reform package into law June 14 that will reduce state Medicaid liabilities by $1.6 billion, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=247http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=247Senator Sam McCann will be hosting a Mobile Driver Services Facility July 26 in Carrollton.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=248http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=248Several measures aimed at sexual predators, including one prompted by the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, were among the bills signed into law during the week, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=249http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=249Independence Day became the backdrop for signing legislation to benefit Illinois veterans, while the state began its new fiscal year July 1 with enactment of a $33.7 billion budget, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=250http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=250A bill eliminating Illinois’ scandal-ridden legislative scholarship program and a measure that will support Illinois’ veterans, benefit job creators and boost the state’s economy were among the bills signed into law this week, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=251http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=251Senator Sam McCann is reminding 49th District residents that he will be hosting a Mobile Driver Services Facility July 26 in Carrollton. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=252http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=252Despite a $2.3 billion increase in Illinois’ base revenues, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka reported little improvement in the state’s financial outlook in her recently issued final report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=253http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=253Senator Sam McCann is hosting an informational meeting about the closure of the Florence Bridge at 5:00 p.m., July 30 at the Pike County Farm Bureau at 1301 E. Washington in Pittsfield. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=254http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=254Law enforcement officials will be able to pursue drug dealers more effectively and judicial officers will benefit from increased protections when several recently-signed laws take effect, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=255http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=255Governor Pat Quinn is calling lawmakers back to Springfield August 17 to act on reforms to Illinois’ state employee retirement systems, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=256http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=256Legislation extending one of the state’s major economic tools, and measures affecting education, fire safety and housing assistance, were among the bills signed into law during the past week, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=257http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=257Senator Sam McCann is hosting a Children’s Health and Safety Fair August 25 in Jacksonville.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=258http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=258Governor Pat Quinn and his legislative allies failed to take action on reforms to the state’s five retirement systems, instead considering—and ultimately failing to pass—a limited bill that would have applied only to the General Assembly Retirement System, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=259http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=259As children head back to school, new laws were signed by the Governor during the week to keep kids healthy and safe both in the classroom and at home, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=260http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=260Illinois’ credit rating—already the second lowest in the country according to Standard & Poor’s—took another hit this week when Standard & Poor’s lowered it further, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=261http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=261Comments by House Speaker Michael Madigan that Democrat leaders may take advantage of some lawmakers’ lame-duck status to advance pension and cost-shift changes without Republican support, following the November election, prompted a quick response from Senate and House Republican leaders, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=262http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=262Eleven years ago, on September 11, 2001, the world as we knew it changed forever.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=263http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=263More than three years after it was approved by the Governor, video gaming is about to become available in hundreds of establishments across the state, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=264http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=264The Quinn Administration recently announced its intentions to push back completion of an important Medicaid reform that could save the state $350 million each year—an unnecessary delay that could blow a hole in the state budget, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=265http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=265The Teachers’ Retirement System’s (TRS) recent reduction in its expected rate of return on investments is another example of why Illinois voters responding to a recent poll overwhelmingly believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=266http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=266Though Illinois’ overcrowded prison system continues to be a public safety issue, Governor Pat Quinn announced October 2 that the Thomson Correctional Center had been sold to the federal government for $165 million, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=267http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=267A new study by the nonpartisan Civic Federation found that while the state’s bill backlog may shrink, Illinois’ fiscal situation is still “perilous,” according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=268http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=268Governor Pat Quinn’s decision to close Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) by October 31 shows a complete disregard for the unique needs of the residents who will be displaced, and leaves many of them vulnerable during the transition, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=269http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=269An annual audit of the state’s taxpayer-financed All Kids health insurance program shows the departments in charge of administering the program continue to struggle to implement previous audit recommendations, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=270http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=270Senator Sam McCann is urging Illinois residents interested in a career as a State Trooper to go on-line and fill out applications by November 19.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=271http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=271Senator Sam McCann and Representative Jim Watson of Jacksonville will be attending the Prairie Council on Aging’s fourth annual Senior Day on November 13 in Jacksonville. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=272http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=272A new national report that dissects Illinois’ dismal fiscal outlook echoes concerns that Republican lawmakers have been raising for years, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=273http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=273Governor Pat Quinn’s push to close a number of state facilities was recently bolstered by an arbitrator’s ruling, which found that the Quinn Administration has taken reasonable steps to work with union workers on closing the facilities, and should be allowed to proceed with shuttering the facilities, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=274http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=274Illinoisans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment on pensions, while concealed carry got a boost from voters in some counties, when Illinois voters cast their ballots November 6, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=275http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=275While a Chicago-based business organization has declared that state’s public pension problem is “unfixable,” Governor Pat Quinn is targeting an early January lame-duck legislative session as a possible time to push through pension law changes, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=277http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=277Illinois lawmakers are gearing up for the annual fall veto session beginning November 28, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=278http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=278Senator Sam McCann welcomes Eli Ten Eyck, a 7th-grade student at Pikeland Community School in Pittsfield, to the Illinois Senate.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=279http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=279Illinois lawmakers returned to Springfield for the start of the annual two-week veto session and addressed issues relating to education, prisons and the sale of ammunition, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=280http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=280Senator Sam McCann welcomes educators from Carlinville to the Capitol Building November 28.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=281http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=281Senator Sam McCann welcomes members of the Carlinville Association of Christian Home-school Education to the Senate December 4.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=282http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=282The Senate wrapped up its annual veto session December 5, acting on big issues such as legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license, while leaving other prominent proposals—such as gambling and pensions—until early next year, according to Senator Sam McCann. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=283http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=283Senator Sam McCann responded to the December 11 ruling by the United States 7th Court of Appeals that Illinois’ ban on carrying a weapon in public is unconstitutional.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=284http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=284Senator Sam McCann welcomes Representative Christopher “C.D.” Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville (at right) to the House of Representatives.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=285http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=285More than 150 new laws take effect January 1, according to Senator Sam McCann, including measures that target criminal activity, protect employee privacy, and provide revenue for state parks.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=286http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=286Tougher penalties are in store for a variety of offenses beginning in January, while victims of crime may find it easier to receive compensation for financial losses, according to Senator Sam McCann.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=287http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=287SPRINGFIELD- State Sen. Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) was sworn in as the State Senator for the 50rd District during inaugural ceremonies Jan. 9 in the Senate Chambers. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis administered the oath of office to McCann as the General Assembly convened its 98th biennial session.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=288http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=288Two years ago Illinois Democrats proposed a 67% income tax increase. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=289http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=289Governor Quinn's budget office has released three-year financial projectionsThu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=290http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=290State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) has been selected to be the ranking Republican member on the Senate Agriculture & Conservation committee.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:43 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=291http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=291Senator Sam McCann will host an Open House January 31 at his legislative office in Carlinville.Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:22:45 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=28http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=28While a Chicago-based business organization has declared that state’s public pension problem is “unfixable,” Governor Pat Quinn is targeting an early January lame-duck legislative session as a possible time to push through pension law changes, according to Senator Sam McCann.Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=276http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=276According to a report released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of employed in Illinois has continued to drop, increasing the state’s unemployment rate to 9.5 percent. Illinois’ unemployment now exceeds the national average. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=11http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=11FOID Requests (HB 1716/PA 97-0579): Allows public bodies to respond to a “recurrent requester” within a reasonable amount of time, similar to what is currently required for a commercial request. A “recurrent requester” has done one of the following in the previous 12 months: submitted 50 FOIA requests in the year; submitted 10 FOIA requests in a 30-day period; submitted 5 FOIA requests in a 7-day period. Exemptions are included for requests made by news media and non-profit, scientific or academic organizations.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=10http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=10In an August 27 Forbes article Columnist Avik Roy highlighted the role the Obama Administration is playing in attempting to block commonsense portions of Illinois’ Medicaid reform package that passed the General Assembly in January. The issue is over a statement from Obama’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that rejects reforms that very simply require that Medicaid applicants provide some nominal proof of eligibility.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=9http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=9In an August 27 Forbes article Columnist Avik Roy highlighted the role the Obama Administration is playing in attempting to block commonsense portions of Illinois’ Medicaid reform package that passed the General Assembly in January. The issue is over a statement from Obama’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that rejects reforms that very simply require that Medicaid applicants provide some nominal proof of eligibility.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=4http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=4This week President Obama proposed a federal payroll tax cut and reminded Illinois residents that they never saw the first payroll tax cut that went into effect across the nation in January.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=3http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=3In an attempt to set the stage for the legislature's annual fall veto session beginning in October, Governor Quinn announced plans to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 state employees.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=2http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=2Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=8http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=8Members of the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Study Committee met on Sept. 15 in Springfield to hear testimony from insurance industry representatives and consumer and healthcare advocates. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=7http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=7On September 12, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn vetoed Senate Bill 1652, a plan to modernize Illinois’ electric utility system that opponents say allows for excessive and burdensome cost increases for consumers. Opponents also argue that it gives Commonwealth Edison and Ameren too much autonomy when it comes to state oversight of utility regulation and rate increases.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=6http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=6On Friday, September 16, Senator LaHood was on hand as the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center broke ground the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center (JTSEC). Simulation training is the future of medical education, and this groundbreaking new facility is a tremendous step forward for the Peoria medical community.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=5http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=5Early this week, further evidence of the rough shape of Illinois business climate surfaced. A recently released survey completed by more than 300 business executives painted a grim portrait of how companies perceive Illinois’ business climate. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=14http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=14The same day Illinois made headlines for it’s poor business climate, Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross and fellow House Republicans unveiled a plan they say will attract and keep good jobs in Illinois.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=13http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=13 Work continued this week on the design and implementation of federally-mandated health benefits exchanges and concerns over the cost to the State of Illinois were raised. A special joint Senate and House committee met Sept. 21 in Chicago, to continue hearings on the impact of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). One purpose was to review a consultant’s report, released days earlier, which showed health insurance exchanges required by the new federal law could cost Illinois up to $89 million annually. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=12http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=12Illinois residents continue to respond to a proposal by Governor Pat Quinn that would shutter seven state mental health, developmentally disabled, and correctional facilities. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=17http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=17In January, Illinois taxpayers were sold the idea that a tax increase was the way to solve the state’s financial problems. However, in spite of the tax increase the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) deficit still exceeds the FY11 deficit. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=16http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=16On Monday, October 3, Senator LaHood got a tour of several schools in the Illinois Valley Central School District from District Superintendant Nick Polyak. The Chillicothe Independent was on hand as Senator LaHood took questions from a class of third grade students at South School. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=18http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=18 House Bill 3827, filed this week, will help to provide greater accountability for the City of Chicago and Cook County pension boards. The bill will also require pension boards statewide to refer any suspected fraud to the local authorities.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=21http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=21Though state revenues grow, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) cautions ‘clouds on the horizon’ in a monthly briefing issued this week.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=20http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=20The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) held its first public hearing this week on the Governor’s plan to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 state employees. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=19http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=19State Senator Darin LaHood recently met with representatives from the City of Galesburg and ADM officials to discuss the closure of ADM’s soybean processing plant in Galesburg and opportunities for the site once the facility is closed.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=22http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=22The citizens of Chester and Murphysboro were out in full force October 12 to support Chester Mental Health Center and Illinois Youth Center at Murphysboro. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=24http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=24 Abuses of State pensions continue to draw attention this week following recent reports revealing that union leaders have been collecting millions of dollars from publicly-funded state pensions not based on their time working for the public, but instead based on their time working for the union.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:40:02 GMThttp://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=23http://senatormccann.com/Home.aspx?nid=23