Illinois Summary - 10/26/11

Quinn Says Smart Grid Changes Don't Go Far Enough

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn says big utility companies are creating a scheme to recoup money that the Illinois Commerce Commission rejected.  He doesn't like changes to the Smart Grid bill that are supposed to impose stricter performance standards on the companies.  Quinn says when you look at the fine print of the bill, it allows the electric companies to recoup up to one million dollars a year for ten years after the ICC ruled against that plan.  Quinn says lawmakers should recognize the scheme and uphold his veto.  

Regional Superintendents Hopeful About Salary Reinstatement

(Springfield, IL)  --  Regional superintendents say they're hopeful they'll be paid by December 1st.  Lawmakers boosted that hope yesterday when they took steps to reinstate the superintendents' salaries.  A House committee pushed

out two bills that create revenue streams for the 44 elected officials who haven't been paid since July 1st.  Bob Daiber, with the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendent of Schools, says this could mean there's a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Budget Reduction Bill Passes House Committee

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state is strapped for cash and at least one of the constitutional officers is looking for creative ways to cut back.  State Treasurer Dan Rutherford wants to reduce his office budget by two-percent and he wants lawmakers to codify the reduction through legislation.  Rutherford says he's performed a careful analysis of the treasurer's office budget and identified common sense ways to reduce operational costs.  Disconnecting office phone lines, closing satellite offices, and reorganizing staff are among the ways he's saving money.  His proposal passed a House committee yesterday and now heads to the floor for a full vote. 

Tenaska Comes Up For Another Vote

(Springfield, IL)  --  Another proposal to increase electric rates is on the table in Springfield.   A measure to bring a Tenaska coal gasification plant to Central Illinois passed in a Senate committee yesterday.   If lawmakers approve the measure, customers will pay for the cost of construction.  Supporters of the bill say the increase is small in comparison to what prices will be in five years if the plant is not built.  Plus, it's expected to put about 25-hundred people to work. 

Quinn Challenges Lawmakers On Gaming

(Springrfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is challenging lawmakers when it comes to gambling expansion.  In a press conference yesterday, Quinn sent a message to the General Assembly telling them to stop playing games and "bring it on."  He says he won't support the current gaming bill that should've been on his desk by the end of June.  The governor says if lawmakers were satisfied with their, quote, "masterpiece" they would've sent it to him on time.  But the fact that it was pulled out of the record is a clear indication that even lawmakers knew the bill was flawed. 

Belleville Representative Steps Down

(Belleville, IL)  --  State Representative Tom Holbrook is giving up his seat in the legislature to take a new state job.  He's been appointed as the new chairman of the Pollution Control Board.  His new gig will pay 50-thousand dollars more than the 70-thousand he receives as a legislator.  Holbrook has served the state's 113th House District since 1995.  He says it was an honor represent the people in his district but the new job will give him the chance to serve the people in the entire state, not just his district. 

AFL-CIO Wants Smart Grid Override

(Springfield, IL)  --  Officials with the American Federation of Labor Organizations are applauding the legislatures move to advance the Smart Grid bill.  Union President Michael Carrigan says the new technology will create jobs, attract new business to the state, and ensure that ComEd and Ameren customers have service restored quickly after power is lost.  A bill designed to protect customers and  impose stricter performance standards for the utility companies passed out of committee yesterday.  Lawmakers will vote on a complete override of the Governor's veto before session ends on November 8th.

Donate To Cancer Research

(Quincy, IL)  --  Faculty, staff, and students at Quincy University are making a fashion statement while raising money for cancer research.  Seventeen men and women shaved their heads for donations that will benefit the Saint Baldricks Foundation.  The group raised more than 10-thousand dollars which will be used to find cures for childhood cancers.  Anyone who'd like to contribute to the cause can do so online at StBaldricks.org.