State lawmakers in New Jersey proposed legislation on Friday intended to protect nail salon workers from unhealthy working conditions and abusive labor practices. The move followed calls for reform in the industry, and the imposition of stricter rules in New York.

Though budget stalemate grips Springfield, Gov. Rauner has pressed forward with the signing of two more important pieces of legislation authored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake). House Bill 2556 is a victory in the ongoing fight against human-trafficking, while House Bill 341 fixes a conundrum created by the new Medical Cannabis Pilot Program that would have put law enforcement officials at risk in the performance of their duties.

Governor Mary Fallin released the following statement today regarding justice reform concepts outlined by President Barack Obama after his visit to a federal penitentiary in El Reno, Oklahoma.