Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The bill to legalize same sex marriage has stirred a debate among legislators on both sides of the aisle.
While only one Senate Republican voted in favor of the same sex marriage bill that gained approval of the Illinois Senate, Rep. Renée Kosel, R-New Lenox, foresees significant debate in the House of Representatives. "It's a bipartisan issue. I'm not supporting it," she said, but the bill has advocates on both sides of the aisle. "I haven't done a head count, but it's close," said Kosel, who represents the 37th District, serving all or portions of New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park and Orland Park. Personally, Kosel said the bill runs counter to her faith. At the same time, what concerns her is how the bill would affect religious organizations. The legislation becomes problematic in regard to the religious liberty of church …
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Rep. Renée Kosel (R-New Lenox) spoke out about the state's $95 billion pension crisis and the havoc it creates for school districts.
Rep. Renée Kosel, (R-New Lenox) who currently serves as the Assistant Republican Leader in the House, shared insights about the state's $95 million pension crisis. In regard to a Dec. 6 finance committee meeting at New Lenox School District 122, she suggested a "grandfather" clause instead of the proposed retroactive, phase-in by local school districts' in regard to teacher pensions. Read: NLSD122 Approves Estimated Tax Levy Resolution: Not All Board Members Agree She said something has to be done. The state can't afford to continue paying these pensions. In any case, the prospect of passing it to the locals is a "non-starter." If switching to the locals is part of the solution, then you let them know up front, not throwing it on them …
Friday, December 7, 2012
One school of thought for nixing the state's $95 billion unfunded liability is requiring local school districts to pay more for teachers’ retirement benefits while increasing employee contributions.
The proposed pension reform legislation was a topic for discussion at the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education Special Finance Committee meeting Thursday. A number of proposals floated around Springfield this week during veto session, but one proposed by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, (D-Northbook) found some bipartisan support. Howard Crouse, vice president of PMA Financial Network, Inc., Naperville, conducted a financial planning presentation at the finance committee meeting. He said it looks like the state is planning on Jan. 7 or Jan. 8, 2013 to implement a program that shifts the burden for pension reform on the backs of the local districts. The program is expected to begin July 1, 2013. Sign up for the New Lenox Patch …
laura
8:04 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
A Lori C.: No, I do not at all consider it ironic that you pray to Jesus for your Jewish friends. True open-mindedness does not assume that Jews would reject, be offended by or think anything untoward of your gracious offer of help via your prayers. That is my point: We all can use it from whatever well-intended source is willing to offer that help, whether via prayers, good karma or simply open-… more ›