Illinois Summary - 10/18/11

Topinka Says State Worse Off Than Expected

(Springfield, IL)  --  Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says the state's budget is holding steady and it isn't going to get better any time soon.  Topinka says lawmakers need to be budget conscious as they head back to session next week.  She says lawmakers will need to cut just as much from the budget if they intend to pass a supplemental plan to avert Governor Quinn's proposal to shut down seven state facilities.  Topinka says if lawmakers keep the budget flat, without adding any new programs for the next few years, they can bring the state out of debt.

Quinn Seeks Major Changes In Gambling Bill

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn says he's not opposed to more gaming in the state but he won't approve a gaming bill that takes oversight away from the Illinois Gaming Board.  He says lawmakers need to go back to the table and

create a bill that isn't too top heavy.  He wants them to remove slots at airports and race tracks across the state.  Gaming is expected to be a priority issue at veto session next week. 

Lawmakers Pull Support From Quinn's Gaming Plan

(Springfield, IL)  --  Springfield state Representative Raymond Poe says he won't support a gaming bill that doesn't allow slots at racetracks.  He says the only reason he voted for the original bill was because it helped build the agriculture community.  Governor Quinn says gambling at racetracks is too much and he won't support a measure that includes it.  Quinn's version would still allow five additional casinos across the state.

Union Calls For Overturn Of Smart Grid Bill

(Peoria, IL)  --  The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is calling on lawmakers to overturn Governor Quinn's smart grid veto.  Governor Quinn says he won't support a bill that one, raises rates on electrical customers and two, doesn't force the companies to improve service.  Charles Yancey, with IBEW Local 649 says the new technology would allow the companies to pinpoint exactly where the problem is and restore service much quicker.  And as far as prices go, he says he doesn't know anyone who wouldn't pay three dollars more a year for better service.

Ameren Natural Gas Prices Remain Steady

(Peoria, IL)  --  Ameren Illinois says the price to heat your home will stay about the same as it was last winter.  Ameren's Scott Glaeser says an increased supply and a sluggish economy mean customers won't see much of an increase in prices.  Ameren customers paid an average of 61-cents a therm during the last season.  This year, that price is expected to be about 62-cents a therm. 

Quinn Moves Forward With Worker's Compensation

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is moving forward with advances to the workers compensation system.  He's appointed two dozen new arbitrators to the workers compensation advisory board.  The members will review cases across the state.  The new board members come with the expectations of reviewing the cases fairly.  It comes after many workers across the state were awarded thousands of dollars for minor injuries.