Illinois Lawmakers - WSIU Public Television

WSIU Home Page Pledge Online WSIU Home Page
TV Main Page Radio Main Page SIRIS Main Page Learning Main Page Events Main Page About Us Main Page Support Main Page
WSIU TV Links

Now on WSIU TV

Full TV Schedule...

Talk to Us
Talk to WSIU Television

Do you have a comment, question or show idea for WSIU Television?

Do you want to purchase a DVD or VHS copy of a show?

See the "About Us" page for our address and phone numbers or, if you prefer, send us an email.

Illinois Public Television's premiere production covers the Illinois statehouse as lawmakers look to tackle some tough issues during the spring legislative session. Veteran statehouse correspondent Jak Tichenor brings you all the updates every Wednesday during the month of May.

Catch the broadcast on WSIU Public Television, Wednesdays at 11pm and Sundays at 6pm.

When streaming video and program details become available, they will be posted below

May 7, 2008

Illinois Lawmakers are advancing legislation to end the state's so-called "pay to play" system of rewarding political contributors with lucrative state contracts.

Two of the bill's sponsors, Senators Don Harmon (D) Oak Park and Kirk Dillard (R) Hinsdale, join host Jak Tichenor for an onset interview to discuss the details of the bipartisan agreement during this week's Illinois Lawmakers program on WSIU Public Television. Under the proposed legislation, anyone with state contracts in excess of 50-thousand dollars would be banned from contributing to the office-holder who let the contract or is making the decision on the bid. Anyone violating the law would lose their contract(s) and repeat offenders could be permanently banned from doing business with the state.

Also appearing on this week's program:

State Representatives Lou Lang (D) Skokie and Brent Hassert (R) Romeoville discuss the recent unsuccessful attempt to put an amendment on the November ballot allowing Illinoisans to recall public officials.

Senate Higher Education Chairman Ed Maloney (D) Chicago and House Higher Ed. Committee member Dan Brady (R) Bloomington address declining state support for higher education and the critical need for a capital bill to deal with over $3-billion dollars in deferred maintenance projects at state universities and community colleges.

House Insurance Committee Chair Mike Boland (D) East Moline and Senate Republican Insurance Committee Spokesman Bill Brady (R) Bloomington provide their insights into the state's growing mortgage crisis and rising gasoline prices.

Political columnist Bernard Schoenberg of Springfield's State Journal-Register newspaper offers his views on the ongoing gridlock in Springfield and how this year's spring session is likely to run well past its scheduled May 29th adjournment deadline.

The next edition of Illinois Lawmakers, airing Wednesday night (May 14) at 11:00, will focus on efforts to pass the state's first capital program in nearly nine years.

Illinois Lawmakers is the state's longest-running television program providing continuing coverage of the Illinois General Assembly and is a production of the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council.