To be clear, lawmakers (and their staffs) are working far more often than between the gavels. If nothing else, they should be responding to the constituent calls and emails I urge readers to generate.

Our family spent a few days together over Christmas. We had a pizza and ice cream supper for Joe’s 57th birthday one night, then on Christmas, we had a 10:30 brunch.

So while telling others what to do remains more satisfying than getting off my duff and making something happen, I’ll err on the side of practicality.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek writes that he is holding out hope that people can imitate the lesson of a swan.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that New Year's Day resolution may not always be followed, but they do serve a purpose.

Turning bills into laws is only one step in a lengthy process. Money is usually required, and simply getting people talking about an issue is no guarantee those conversations will lead to action.

That we’re still on the improvement path seven years later isn’t the most encouraging, but it does show a commitment to actually addressing problems.

Some districts will seize these new opportunities. But not every Illinois school is equipped to offer such options.

What a joy it is to me when we can be with our loved ones. Let us remember the reason for the season.