Illinois Summary - 10/19/11

Regional Superintendents Lobbying Lawmakers To Reinstate Pay

(Springfield, IL)  --  Regional superintendents say they're hoping to be paid by the end of the month.  The 44-elected officials haven't been paid in nearly four months.  There are at least two options circulating on how to pay the superintendents.  One is an override of the governor's veto and the other is to pass a measure to pay them from the corporate personal property tax fund.  Bob Daiber, with the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, says they don't care how the pay in reinstated, they just want to be paid retroactively and receive benefits.   

Home Heating Safety Tips

(Springfield, IL)  --  Ameren Illinois is offering tips on how to save on heating costs this winter.  Spokesperson Leigh Morris says customers should install carbon monoxide detectors, change furnace filters at least once a month, and

use compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent ones.  Morris says replacing older heating systems with more modern and efficient ones will also save money.  Plus Ameren offers up to 200-dollar rebates on high efficiency gas furnaces.  Customers can get more tips and information at ActOnEnergy.com. 

Gaming Bill Dead After Quinn Outlines Vision

(Springfield, IL)  --  More gambling in the state doesn't seem likely since Governor Quinn announced he doesn't want slots at racetracks.  Political Scientist Kent Redfield says gaming bills usually only pass if the leaders, governor, gaming officials, and horseracing officials are on board and it doesn't appear to be that way now.   Lawmakers with agricultural interests say they can't support a bill that doesn't benefit the ag community.  The Senate Executive committee is expected to address the issue next Monday.

Cellini Defense Slams Prosecution Star Witness

(Springfield, IL)  --  Slamming the witness's credibility seems to be the strategy defense attorneys are taking in the case against former Springfield power broker Bill Cellini.  Stuart Levine has been on the stand all week.  He's admitted to participating in the scheme to shake down a Hollywood producer but Cellini's attorneys say Levine is an admitted drug abuser who has experienced some memory loss.  They say Levine's testimony is unreliable.  The defense team says Cellini didn't participate and in fact, tried to warn the others off of any unethical schemes.  

Political Scientist Wonders If Quinn Closure Plan Is A Bluff

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to give him more money to avert a plan to shut down seven state facilities but the question is, where is the money coming from?  Political Scientist Kent Redfield says he wouldn't be surprised if Quinn reneged on his plan.  Redfield says Quinn has a lot of discretion so there's really no need to shut down the state facilities.  He says the governor has lost quite a bit of trust and support among lawmakers which limits his ability to leverage in the General Assembly. 

Report Puts Illinois Economy On Top In The Midwest

(Springfield, IL)  -- Illinois is still a good place to do business, despite its financial troubles and a recent income tax hike.  Crain's Business Magazine puts the state in first place when it comes to business climates in the Midwest.  Illinois has the second-highest corporate tax rate compared to neighboring states but Chicago still attracts educated workers from across the region.  CEOs who participated in the report say the city's location and transportation system are some of the greatest draws.