Past Programming

Legislators Brief Businesses on Budget Stalemate

From Springfield: at the Illinois Manufacturers and Retailers annual Business Day gathering, executives hear legislators discuss how poisoned personal relationships continue to plague negotiations on a new Capital Budget and state Operating Budget.

Recorded May 7, 2008.  Aired the week of May 12, 2008.  50 minutes.

Ending "Pay-to-Play" Politics in Illinois Government

From the State Capitol in Springfield: state legislators join with a political reform organization to announce an agreement to end what they call "pay-to-play" relationships.

Recorded April 30, 2008.  Aired the week of May 5, 2008.  35 minutes.

John Fritchey (D):

Illinois State Representative

From Chicago: State Representative John Fritchey discusses the state's finances with our contributing correspondent, Jeff Berkowitz.  Representative Fritchey talks about his desire to increase funding for education, how to catch up on the state's pension obligations, and his thoughts on the possibility that Senator Obama will be the next President.

Video Courtesy of Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded March 6, 2008.  Aired the week of April 28, 2008.  30 minutes.

Christine Radogno (R):

Illinois State Senator

From Chicago: Illinois Channel Contributing Correspondent Jeff Berkowitz interviews Republican State Senator Christine Radogno.  We hear Senator Radogno's views on the state's finances, her observations from having served with Senator Barack Obama in the legislature, and whether she is considering a run for Governor in 2010.

Video Courtesy of Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded March 30, 2008.  Aired the week of April 21, 2008.  30 minutes.

Senate Republicans' Plan to Boost Illinois' Economy

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Republican Senators brief reporters on a list of steps they say would boost the Illinois economy, create jobs, and enhance the state's ability to attract new business.

For more information, click here.

Recorded April 3, 2008.  Aired the week of April 14, 2008.  30 minutes.

Republican Medicaid Reform Proposals

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Republican Senators propose changes they say would cut down on waste and fraud in the Medicaid system, which is one of the fastest growing segments of the state budget.

Recorded March 12, 2008.  Aired the week of March 24, 2008.  25 minutes.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross:

Governing Illinois and Statehouse Relations

From the City Club of Chicago: Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross talks about his legislative agenda, the personal divisions between the legislative leaders and Governor Blagojevich, and why the legislature needs to pass its first Capital Budget in nine years.

Video Courtesy of CAN-TV.

Recorded January 23, 2008.  Aired the week of March 10, 2008.  35 minutes.

Reaction to the Governor's FY 2009 Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: following the Governor's Budget Address, lawmakers and others offered their reaction to the proposed budget.

Recorded February 20, 2008.  Aired the week of February 25, 2008.  1 hour.

Legislative Leaders Forum

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Northwestern University in Evanston: in a forum moderated by Northwestern University President Henry Bienen, Illinois' four legislative leaders discuss current issues within the state and the importance of civic participation in the democratic process.  We hear comments from Senate President Emil Jones, Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, House Speaker Michael Madigan, and House Minority Leader Tom Cross.

Recorded January 23, 2008.  Aired the week of February 4, 2008.  1 hour & 15 minutes.

Reflecting on Senator Obama's Experience & Judgement

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Republican State Senator Kirk Dillard, a friend and former colleague of Senator Obama, gives his perspective of Senator Obama's judgement, his ability to work across party lines, and how Senator Obama's experience in the state senate might apply to his being President.

Recorded January 17, 2008.  Aired the week of January 28, 2008.  15 minutes.

Lawmaker Called to Active Duty in Iraq

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Rep. Jim Watson discusses his recent call to active duty in Iraq and how he will continue to serve as a member of the legislature during the nine months he will be serving overseas.

Recorded January 17, 2008.  Aired the week of January 28, 2008.  10 minutes.

Illinois House Gaming Committee:

Gambling Expansion in Illinois

From the State Capitol in Springfield: the Illinois House Gaming Committee hears testimony concerning House Bill 4194.  This is a bill that would expand gambling in the state of Illinois and create a new Gaming Commission.  Parts of the bill would also designate gaming funds to go to increase the purse at Illinois horse racing tracks.

Recorded January 8, 2008.  Aired the week of January 14, 2008.  1 hour.

Senator Emil Jones, Jr. (D)

Illinois Senate President

Video Courtesy of CAN-TV

Recorded December 6, 2007.  Aired the week of December 17, 2007.  40 minutes.

Senator Frank Watson (R)

Illinois Senate Minority Leader

Video Courtesy of CAN-TV

Recorded December 10, 2007.  Aired the week of December 17, 2007.  50 minutes.

Vacancies on Health Facilities Planning Board

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a press conference held by Republican Senator Bill Brady.  Senator Brady tells reporters why he feels healthcare planning in Illinois is being jeopardized by vacancies on the Health Facilities Planning Board.

Recorded October 9, 2007.  Aired the week of October 15, 2007.  10 minutes.

Illinois House of Representatives Committee of the Whole:

Testimony on FY 2008 State Budget Vetoes

From the State Capitol in Springfield: the Illinois House of Representatives meets in a Committee of the Whole to hear testimony on the impact of Governor Blagojevich's veto of some $483 million from the FY 2008 budget, which was passed in August.  The vetoed funds include programs for bridge construction, social service agencies, and veterans, to name just a few.  This hearing is part of the annual Fall Veto Session, when legislators decide whether or not to override gubernatorial vetoes.

Recorded October 1, 2007.  Aired the week of October 8, 2007.  1 hour & 5 minutes.

Capitol Politics and the Legislative Agenda

From the Farm Progress Show in Decatur: Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson talks about this summer's prolonged legislative session and the Governor's recent decision to file suit against House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Recorded August 28, 2007.  Aired the week of September 3, 2007.  10 minutes.

Delays in Capital Funding for Schools

From the State Capitol in Springfield: leaking roofs, one-room libraries, and over-crowded classrooms: these are all part of what Superintendents from three school districts say is the result of the state failing to pass a capital spending bill for the past several years.  We also hear from legislators who discuss the political problems that continue to hold up a capital spending bill.

Recorded August 21, 2007.  Aired the week of August 27, 2007.  35 minutes.

Illinois House Welcomes Former Speaker Robert Blair

From the State Capitol in Springfield: former Illinois House Speaker Robert Blair returns to the State Capitol to view the recently renovated House Chamber.  Former Speaker Blair was the last House Speaker to oversee a renovation of the Chamber.

Recorded July 31, 2007.  Aired the week of August 20, 2007.  10 minutes.

Negotiations on State Operating & Capital Budgets

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we go one-on-one with lawmakers and journalists to hear the inside story of negotiations on forming a new state budget.  We hear why an expansion of gambling may be the lynchpin to a new budget and hold the key to increased spending on Illinois' infrastructure and schools.

Recorded August 8, 2007.  Aired the week of August 13, 2007.  25 minutes.

Issues Behind the Budget Deadlock

From the State Capitol in Springfield: lawmakers, journalist Aaron Chambers, and Comptroller Daniel Hynes discuss reasons behind the continuing deadlock in efforts to create a new state budget and what would happen if state government is forced to shut down.

Recorded July 31, 2007.  Aired the week of August 6, 2007.  30 minutes.

State Budget Process and Negotiations

From Addison: Republican Senators Dan Cronin and Carole Pankau discuss the ongoing deadlock in trying to pass a new state budget.  This summer, the Illinois legislature set a new record for the length of time they have met without passing a permanent state budget.  The lawmakers' presentation was part of a larger event organized by Americans for Prosperity.

Recorded July 28, 2007.  Aired the week of August 6, 2007.  30 minutes.

Electric Rate Relief Agreement:

Legislative View

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Representative John Bradley comments on the recently passed electric rate relief agreement and what it will mean for residents and businesses in Southern Illinois.  Rep. Bradley chaired the House's Committee of the Whole meeting earlier this year which examined the rising cost of electricity.

Recorded July 24, 2007.  Aired the week of July 30, 2007.  15 minutes.

Fiscal Year 2008 State Budget Negotiations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: our one-on-one interviews with lawmakers who tell us about the policy divisions that have kept the legislature from passing a new state budget.  We also hear from Dan Long, Executive Director of the Commission on Government Forecasting & Accountability, who tells us how much new money is coming into the state budget from the growth of the economy.

Recorded July 18, 2007.  Aired the week of July 23, 2007.  35 minutes.

Increasing Passenger Rail Service in Illinois

From the State Capitol in Springfield: members of the Illinois House Railroad Safety Committee hear testimony looking into whether the state should push for increased passenger rail service in Illinois.  Among the issues before the committee is whether there is evidence that potential passengers would use railroads for transportation if service was increased.  One of those testifying is David Laney, Chairman of the Board for Amtrak.

Recorded April 20, 2007.  Aired the week of July 9, 2007.  1 hour.

Gaming and Budget Negotiations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: as the legislative session goes into overtime, we talk with: Rep. Lou Lang, Chairman of the House Gaming Committee, on what new revenues might come from a gaming expansion; House Budget Negotiator Rep. Gary Hannig, who tells us where the budget process now stands; and Associated Press Correspondent Christopher Wills, who shares his insights on how the overtime session is causing some strained legislative relations.

Recorded June 7, 2007.  Aired the week of June 11, 2007.  25 minutes.

Review of the Spring 2007 Legislative Session

From the State Capitol in Springfield: on what should have been the last day of the Legislative Session, we talk with legislators and lobbyists about the budget stalemate.  We also hear their thoughts on why the Gross Receipts Tax failed, what the future may hold for healthcare, and how rising electric rates affected this year's legislative agenda.

Recorded May 31, 2007.  Aired the week of June 4, 2007.  20 minutes.

2007 House vs. Senate Softball Game

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Springfield: lawmakers from the House and Senate battle in the annual legislative softball game.  This game is a long-standing tradition with Illinois legislators that is held each year near the end of the Spring Session.  Our thanks to contributing correspondent Matt Jones who tells us not only about the sluggers on the field, but shares some thoughts with the heavy hitters on the sidelines.

Recorded May 23, 2007.  Aired the week of June 4, 2007.  20 minutes.

Illinois House Meets in the Committee of the Whole:

Testimony in Favor of the Gross Receipts Tax

From the State Capitol in Springfield: House members meet in a Committee of the Whole to debate the Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax.  In this panel, Governor Blagojevich defends his proposed Gross Receipts Tax and explains how it would allow the state to increase spending on healthcare and education.

Recorded May 9, 2007.  Aired the week of May 14, 2007.  40 minutes.

Illinois House Meets in the Committee of the Whole:

Testimony in Opposition to the Gross Receipts Tax

From the State Capitol in Springfield: House members gather in a Committee of the Whole to hear testimony on the Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax.  Testifying against the tax in this panel are the Presidents of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, and the Commercial Club of Chicago's Civic Committee.

Recorded May 9, 2007.  Aired the week of May 14, 2007.  40 minutes.

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D):

The Gross Receipts Tax and the Legislative Agenda

From Springfield: House Speaker Michael Madigan speaks to a gathering of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.  Speaker Madigan discusses the Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax and how he intends to make that issue the focus of a Committee of the Whole hearing in the House of Representatives.

Recorded May 2, 2007.  Aired the week of May 7, 2007.  15 minutes.

Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R):

The Gross Receipts Tax and the Legislative Agenda

From Springfield: the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association hear from Senator Frank Watson, the Republican leader in the Senate.  Senator Watson discusses his caucus' opposition to the Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax.

Recorded May 2, 2007.  Aired the week of May 7, 2007.  10 minutes.

Senate Testimony from Those Favoring the Gross Receipts Tax

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a joint committee hearing between the Senate Education and Senate Revenue Committees, in which Senators hear testimony on the Governor’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT).  The tax would be based on a business’ top line - revenues - instead of its profit, as is the case under current law.  During this hour of testimony, Senators hear from those supporting passage of the GRT.

Recorded April 18, 2007.  Aired the week of April 30, 2007.  1 hour.

Senate Testimony from Those Opposing the Gross Receipts Tax

From the State Capitol in Springfield: in this second hour of testimony before the joint committee hearing of the Senate Education and Senate Revenue Committees, Senators hear from those opposed to the Governor’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). Among those testifying against the GRT are small businessmen, who say the GRT would drive them out of business.

Recorded April 18, 2007.  Aired the week of April 30, 2007.  1 hour.

Opposition to Statewide Franchise for AT&T

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: we hear from municipal officials and television programmers who oppose House Bill 1500, legislation that would allow AT&T to launch its television service statewide without having to first negotiate agreements with local communities.

Recorded March 22, 2007.  Aired the week of April 2, 2007.  40 minutes.

Gross Receipts Tax, Borrowing, and Pensions

From Springfield: Senator Christine Radogno, one of the leading Republican spokespersons on the state budget, discusses the Governor's proposals to create a Gross Receipts Tax, borrow money to pay down the pension debt, and lease the lottery.

Recorded March 20, 2007.  Aired the week of March 26, 2007.  35 minutes.

Property Tax and School Funding Reform in Illinois

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee for Elementary and Secondary Education.  Members of the committee hear from witnesses concerning House Bill 750.  The bill is an education financing reform bill that, in part, would increase funding for education as well as increase taxes on individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations.  However, in exchange, it would provide for property tax relief.

Recorded March 20, 2007.  Aired the week of March 26, 2007.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

Rally for Increasing Transportation Funding

From the State Capitol in Springfield: noting the lack of a Capital Spending Bill for the last three years, business groups, labor organizations, and lawmakers rally on behalf of a legislative effort to spend $25 billion over the next five years to improve Illinois' transportation infrastructure.

Recorded March 14, 2007.  Aired the week of March 19, 2007.  40 minutes.

Reforming the Budget Process

From Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Senate Republicans discuss their proposals to reform the budget process to increase both accountability and transparency.  These proposals come in the wake of past years when the state budget would be passed just hours after it arrived on legislators' desks and after budgets were found to contain millions of dollars in undesignated funds.

Recorded March 8, 2007.  Aired the week of March 19, 2007.  15 minutes.

Opposition to Proposed 2007 "Assault Weapons" Ban

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: members of the Illinois State Rifle Association and legislators brief reporters on their efforts to kill legislation that would increase regulation on so-called "Assault Weapons."

Recorded March 14, 2007.  Aired the week of March 19, 2007.  25 minutes.

Rep. Arthur Turner on Public Service

From Southern Illinois University in Carbondale: Representative Arthur Turner speaks on his 26 years of service in the Illinois legislature and the impact the average citizen can still have on the legislative process.  Representative Turner spoke as the 2007 recipient of the Ralph Dunn Public Service Award, named for the former House member who served 22 years in the Illinois legislature.

Recorded February 19, 2007.  Aired the week of March 19, 2007.  40 minutes.

Legislative Reaction to the Governor's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: members of the legislature and others offer their reaction to the Governor's budget plan.

Recorded March 7, 2007.  Aired the week of March 12, 2007.  50 minutes.

House Bill 1750:

Effort to Rollback Electric Rates

From the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Springfield: the House meets in a rare Committee of the Whole to consider the impact of increased electric rates since deregulation took effect January 1.  Our coverage will bring you extended portions of this debate, which began at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, and continued into the early hours of the following morning.

Recorded February 27, 2007.   Aired the week of March 5, 2007.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

House Bill 1500:

Cable Competition in Illinois

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol in Springfield: lawmakers unveil legislation that would allow AT&T to roll out a new television service around the state without having to first negotiate with communities.  Supporters of the bill say this would bring competition to cable companies and lower costs to consumers.

Recorded February 22, 2007.   Aired the week of February 26, 2007.  40 minutes.

Opposition to House Bill 1500

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we speak with Terry Miller, an attorney with the city of Naperville and opponent of House Bill 1500, who questions some of the assertions made by the bill's supporters.

Recorded February 22, 2007.  Aired the week of February 26, 2007.  5 minutes.

Sen. W. Russell Arrington and the Modern General Assembly

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield: former governor Jim Edgar, former legislator Jim Nowlan, and author Taylor Pensoneau discuss the legacy of Illinois State Senator W. Russell Arrington.  This panel marks the release of Mr. Pensoneau's book, "Power House: Arrington of Illinois."  The book and discussion highlight Sen. Arrington's career in the Illinois legislature from 1945 to 1973.

Recorded February 21, 2007.  Aired the week of February 26, 2007.  1 hour & 10 minutes.

Funding Education, Pensions, and Property Tax Relief

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Senator James Meeks (D) introduces legislation which he says will address school under-funding, put additional funds into the state's ailing pension systems, and offer property tax relief.

Recorded February 8, 2007.  Aired the week of February 12, 2007.  35 minutes.

Tougher Standards on Teen Drivers

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Secretary of State Jesse White and State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington announce legislation that will require more time behind the wheel in order for teens to receive their drivers license.  This legislation would also put further limits on the hours that teen drivers will be allowed on the roads.

Recorded January 24, 2007.  Aired the week of February 5, 2007.  25 minutes.

Opening Session:

Illinois Senate

From Springfield: the swearing-in ceremony of Senators serving in Illinois' 95th Legislature.  First, Governor Rod Blagojevich opens the Senate, as Senators go about electing a President.  We then hear comments from the newly elected Senate President and from the Minority Leader.

Recorded January 10, 2007.  Aired the week of January 22, 2007.  1 hour & 5 minutes.

Opening Session:

Illinois House of Representatives

From Springfield: following a General Election held every two years, a new legislature is formed.  On opening day, House members elect their leader, the House Speaker, as well as a Minority Leader.  We listen in on those selections and the inaugural speeches of the two newly-elected House leaders.

Recorded January 10, 2007.  Aired the week of January 22, 2007.  50 minutes.

Illinois Economy and Legislative Process

From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with Senator Steve Rauschenberger, who leaves the Illinois legislature in January after serving 14 years in the Senate.  For eight of those years, Senator Rauschenberger served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  We speak with him about the Illinois economy, the budget process, and the insights he learned during his one-year term as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Recorded November 29, 2006.  Aired the week of December 11, 2006.  20 minutes.

Legislative Agenda

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senate Majority Leader Emil Jones talks with reporters about the agenda for the legislature's Fall Veto Session.  Among the topics, Senator Jones discusses his opposition to extending the price freeze on electric rates.

Recorded November 14, 2006.  Aired the week of November 20, 2006.  5 minutes.

Implications of Extending the Electric Rate Freeze:

House Committee on Electric Utility Oversight

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a portion of a hearing held by the House Committee on Electric Utility Oversight.  The Committee met to consider the issues involved in extending the ten-year-old electric rate freeze that is scheduled to expire at the end of 2006.  During this portion of the hearing, legislative members question Frank Clark, Chairman of ComEd, and members of his management team about the impact of a rate freeze extension on ComEd and its customers.

Recorded October 9, 2006.  Aired the week of October 16, 2006.  1 hour and 5 minutes.

Policy Initiatives to Benefit the Disabled

From Peoria: State Representatives and advocates for the disabled discuss their efforts to raise awareness of the issues faced by those with disabilities and some of their policy initiatives that might be offered in the state legislature.

Recorded August 16, 2006.  Aired the week of September 11, 2006.  40 minutes.

Proposed Solutions to High Fuel Prices

From the State Capitol in Springfield: House Republican Leader Tom Cross is joined by other Representatives in offering the House Republicans' solutions to higher fuel costs, including a call for a Special Session of the legislature to cut the state's sales tax on gasoline.

To view a copy of the House Republican Motor Fuel Task Force Executive Report, click here.

Recorded August 23, 2006.  Aired the week of August 28, 2006.  30 minutes.

Wineries and Tourism in Southern Illinois

From the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center in Whittington, Illinois: State Representatives Kurt Granberg and Brandon Phelps discuss their recent hearings with Southern Illinois winery owners.  The Representatives discuss the growth of the wine industry in Southern Illinois and other ideas under development which may increase tourism in the region.

Recorded June 21, 2006.  Aired the week of July 3, 2006.  10 minutes.

Questions Concerning State Hiring Practices

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senator Bill Brady meets with reporters to explain why he wants the Attorney General to investigate the Blagojevich Administration's approach to filling state jobs.  Some media reports allege the administration engaged in hiring practices that violated civil service rules.

Recorded June 1, 2006.  Aired the week of June 12, 2006.  15 minutes.

Political and Legislative Leadership in Illinois

From Southern Illinois University in Carbondale: House Republican Leader Tom Cross discusses bills, budgets, and the legislative process in Illinois from his perspective as one of the state's four legislative leaders.

Recorded April 24, 2006.  Aired the week of June 5, 2006.  45 minutes.

Illinois State Budget

From the State Capitol in Springfield: lawmakers and Budget Director John Filan discuss the budget process and their thoughts on this year's $56 billion budget.  They talk about what happens next year when the state will have to resume making its pension payments.

Recorded May 3, 2006.  Aired the week of May 8, 2006.  30 minutes.

Review of the Spring Legislative Session

From the Union League Club in Chicago: a panel reviews actions thus far in the Illinois Legislature during this Spring Session.  Among those speaking are Senator James Meeks (I) of Calumet City; Rich Miller, Publisher of "Capitol Fax;" and Kristen McQueary, Government & Political Reporter with the Daily Southtown.

Recorded April 25, 2006.  Aired the week of May 1, 2006.  1 hour and 30 minutes.

Questioning Problems in Cook County Voting

From Springfield: Representative Jim Durkin, leading Republican on the House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee, discusses his call for hearings to determine why election results were so delayed in Cook County during the March Primary.

Recorded April 11, 2006.  Aired the week of April 17, 2006.  10 minutes.

Senator Meeks & AFSCME Call for Increased Government Staffing

From Springfield: Senator James Meeks, who is considering running for Governor as an Independent, and Henry Bayer, head of AFSCME Council 31, call for legislative funding to increase staffing at state agencies, which they claim is so low it is creating dangerous conditions.

Recorded April 5, 2006.  Aired the week of April 10, 2006.  20 minutes.

Senator Dan Rutherford (R) on WFMB-AM

From Springfield: Senator Dan Rutherford, who is also the Republican candidate for Secretary of State, gives WFMB-AM's Sam Madonia his assessment of legislative developments in the Spring session and changes he would bring to the Secretary of State's office if elected.

Recorded April 6, 2006.  Aired the week of April 10, 2006.  40 minutes.

House vs. Senate Annual Softball Game

From Springfield: Illinois House and Senate members square off on the softball diamond in the annual legislative softball game.  This long-running tradition is held every Spring as the legislative session nears its end.  In addition to the legislators on the field, the sidelines are filled with members, former members, staffers, and administrators.  We take a look at this legislative slice of life.

Recorded April 4, 2006.  Aired the week of April 10, 2006.  20 minutes.

Reaction to Proposed Motor Fuel Export Tax

From Springfield: Republican and Democratic lawmakers object to a proposal that would apply a tax of one cent-per-gallon to fuel refined in Illinois, but exported to other states.

Recorded March 28, 2006.  Aired the week of April 3, 2006.  12 minutes.

Regulating Protests at Military Funerals

From Springfield: legislators push for passage of a bill that would keep demonstrators from disrupting funerals of service personnel.  The bill would set limitations on how close any demonstration can be to the service.

Recorded March 27, 2006.  Aired the week of April 3, 2006.  18 minutes.

Rally in Support of "Assault Weapons" Ban

From Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich, legislators, and family members of gun-violence victims rally in support of House Bill 2414, which would ban certain semi-automatic guns, which bill supporters call “assault weapons.”

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 23, 2006.  Aired the week of March 27, 2006.  40 minutes.

Illinois Channel Legislative Profile:

Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R)

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Springfield: Illinois Channel Contributor Bernard Sieracki talks with Senator Frank Watson, leader of the Senate Republicans.  Senator Watson shares his views on government and what he sees as the fundamental differences between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to solving society's problems.

Recorded March 22, 2006.  Aired the week of March 27, 2006.  35 minutes.

Electric Deregulation & Electric Rate Pricing