Friday, December 21, 2012
Patch contacted 10 newly elected representatives to find out what they plan to do to help curb gun violence in our country in the wake of last week's mass killing in Newtown, CT. Those who actually wanted to discuss the issue say it's time for a change.
When members of the 113th Congress take their seats in January, one of the top items on their agenda very well could be a new look at federal gun control laws. In the wake of the Newtown, CT, tragedy of one week ago today, President Obama on Wednesday set a January deadline for his administration to "create concrete proposals" to curb gun violence in the United States. Obama also called on Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 to "pursue the possibility of limiting high-capacity ammunition clips" and to "close a gun show loophole that allows people to purchase firearms from private dealers without a background check." What will come of this renewed debate is yet to be seen, but what is certain is that …
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Here is a wrap-up of some of the latest political news.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Thursday, April 5, 2012
U.S. Dick Durbin (D-IL) has introduced legislation that would allow private student loan debt to be discharged in bankruptcy. The bill does not include federal student loans. This may be a boon to some senior citizens who are more concerned about having money for student loans rather than for golf or cruises. These senior citizens are still paying their college loans; others are paying costs incurred when they returned to college later in life; and others are strapped with loans they co-signed for their children who cannot, in this job market, afford to pay their loans. The Washington Post reported that new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that Americans 60 and older still owe about $36 billion in student loans, …
Saturday, January 21, 2012
GovTrack.us, an independent legislative tracking project, keeps tabs on elected federal lawmakers.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Saturday, January 21, 2012
When it comes to perfect attendance for congressional votes, two Illinois suburban members of the U.S. House of Representatives rank high. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13th) and Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-14th) have missed fewer than 1 percent of roll calls, according to data from GovTrack.us, an independent legislative tracking project. GovTrack.gov computed that Rep. Peter Roskam (R-6th) missed 2.6 percent of 4,479 roll call votes since Jan 4, 2007. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) missed 2.5 percent of roll call votes. All suburban congressmen placed above the national average when compared with the attendance of their colleagues. The national average of missed roll call votes for all House members is 3.89 percent. Biggert, a Republican from Hinsdale, …
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rick Veenstra launches exploratory committee for the 8th Congressional District.
A DuPage County prosecutor is exploring a possible bid for Congress. On Thursday morning, Assistant DuPage County State's Attorney Rick Veenstra announced that he is exploring a campaign for Congress in the newly drawn Illinois 8th Congressional District. Veenstra stressed he is not a confirmed candidate but is merely testing the waters. “I’ve been out talking with people in the new district, with the community and party leaders to get their feelings on a possible run,” Veenstra said Thursday afternoon as he drove back from the State Fair in Springfield, which is one of the early kickoff events of a new electoral season. The 8th Congressional District, which stretches from O’Hare Airport to Elgin and up to Wheeling, is a new construct by …
Stewart Levine
4:49 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
I agree Steven. If these kids are stupid enough to take out 100k in student loans and end up getting wasted and having orgies throughout college, then cant find a career, why should tax payers bail them out? more ›