Thursday, May 23, 2013
70 mph on rural interstates not a done deal yet, as bill has its opponents.
By Steven Jack A bill to increase the maximum speed limit in Illinois could hit Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk for signature soon. Whether Quinn will sign it remains to be seen. The bill, introduced by Republican State. Sen. Jim Oberweis, would raise the speed limit on rural Illinois highways to 70 mph. The bill, which has passed both chambers of the state legislature, has been met with opposition due to safety concerns by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to the Chicago Tribune. “The progression of this legislation is a good example of what can be accomplished when lawmakers work together in a bipartisan manner for the good of our state,” Oberweis said. “It …
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would prohibit all teens 17 and younger from using UV tanning beds.
By Amanda Luevano Legislation to ban minors from indoor tanning beds was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday after being approved by the Illinois Senate. House Bill 188, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would ban Illinois minors age 17 and younger from UV tanning beds. Currently, minors ages 14 to 17 are allowed to tan if they provide a parent's signature. Spray-on tanning is exempt from the legislation, as is phototherapy, which applies to situations where a physician supervises tanning when it is necessary to treat a medical condition. Radogno said in a press release that she sponsored the bill to protect Illinois minors from the serious health risks involved with indoor tanning beds. “Not only do children …
Friday, May 17, 2013
Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.
By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …
Monday, May 13, 2013
Illinois state officials, non-profit administrators and union representatives will offer perspectives during the Illinois Pension Forum starting 4:30 p.m. Monday in Orland Park. Join us for our live blog and weigh in.
A forum on Illinois pension issues will be held 4:30 p.m. Monday at Century Junior High, 10801 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The following people are scheduled to speak: Join us for our live blog and offer your own thoughts on the points discussed. Patch’s live blog through Cover It Live will provide minute-by-minute updates from the meeting on this page starting at 4:30 p.m. Look in the Cover It Live window above, and you’ll see an area where you can join in and offer your comments and questions. The same rules apply as on finished articles on the site. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Join Patch! Create a free user account and join the discussion about the future of the area. You'll be subscribed to the free daily newsletter and breaking …
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A bill that has already passed the Illinois House could pave the way for limited prescriptions of pot.
By Steven Jack Illinois lawmakers may be poised to enact one of the toughest medical marijuana laws in the nation after a Senate Committee moved a bill Wednesday allowing those with a limited list of illness to obtain a prescription for the drug. The bill has passed the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn has said he is open to the proposal,reported the Chicago Tribune. The Senate Committee voted 10-5 even after law enforcement officials objected on the grounds that the bill does not include provisions for driving under the influence of marijuana, the Trib reported. The law would allow patients to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Sixty pot dispensaries would be set up throughout the state. The bill is sponsored by former State…
Monday, May 6, 2013
The agenda for this Monday's Village Board meeting.
Friday, May 3, 2013
The Illinois House Thursday approved a controversial plan to eliminate the state's $100 billion pension debt.
By Steven Jack The Illinois Senate may soon vote on House Speaker Michael Madigan’s pension reform plan that passed the House Thursday. The bill passed by a vote of 62-51 and seeks to eliminate the state’s $100 billion retirement system debt. Illinois ranks dead last in the nation when it comes to funding its public pension plan, according to WBEZ. The bill asks state workers for less in future cost-of-living increases, an increase in the retirement age for workers under the age of 46 and asks for more money to be taken from state employee paychecks. The bill may have difficulty making it through the Senate where Senate Leader John Cullerton supports a different plan that gives workers the option of pay increases or government-funded …
Saturday, April 27, 2013
The "Your Federal Taxpayer Reciept" widget, attached here, tells literally how much of your tax dollar went where.
- GOVERNMENT
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Saturday, April 27
Tax day came and went this month, but most taxpayers don't know where their money goes in the federal government. A new initiative from the White House is changing that. By entering information in the above form, taxpayers can see exactly what departments used their money This year marks the 100th anniversary of the modern income tax, instituted through the 16th Amendment in 1913. In 1913, instructions for the 1040 form were just one page. Today, instructions are 189 pages, along with dozens of additional schedules and forms. Click HERE for an interactive taxpayer receipt that shows how much of your tax dollars went to pay different aspects of the federal budget last year.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The Senate Executive Committee advanced the legislation in a Wednesday vote.
Is your new dog defective? No problem. Just get a replacement. A bill recently advanced by the Senate Executive Committee termed a "puppy lemon law" will allow for eactly that. Should the legislation pass, people who’ve bought a dog or a cat can get a replacement or refund if the animal requires veterinary care for some illnesses or conditions within 20 days of purchase. The law will also allow buyers to seek damages for veterinary costs.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
An open letter to the residents of Evergreen Park by Mayor James Sexton.
- OPINION
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Thursday, April 25
Dear Community Members: My wife Karen and I so value your friendship and wish to thank you for the support you’ve extended recently at the polls but especially over this last year when my personal health was briefly challenged through contraction of the West Niles Virus. Last month, we were both vividly reminded of what makes Evergreen Park one of the finest communities to call home. As we walked to Circle Park on an ordinary Saturday morning we didn’t know what to expect. We knew there would be some turnout for a run/walk memorial to Meg Donovan Moonan, but the overwhelming, heartfelt responsewas testament to the power of people in Evergreen Park. Thousands of people came in droves by foot, on bikes and pushing strollers to the emotional …
Tom Foolery
2:49 pm on Friday, May 24, 2013
"The bill also allows for Cook, the collar counties and two counties near St. Louis to opt out of the enhanced speed limit." That means we get the increased penalty with no benefit of increase in speed limit. It's a new tax, folks. So now, if you go the normal 75 on the DanRyan, you are a criminal. Hope the courts are ready. 9/10 of each new bill or law that is passed is probably a new tax, fee, … more ›