Illinois Summary - 11/10/11

Gaming Proposal Fails In House

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's a no-go for more gambling in Illinois, at least for now.  Lawmakers attempted to incorporate some of Governor Quinn's suggestions into a new version of the gambling expansion bill but it came up two votes shy of what it needed to pass the House yesterday.  Quinn wanted stronger oversight of gambling along with restrictions on campaign contributions and a complete removal of slots at racetracks.  The revised version reduced slots and tightened oversight but did not address campaign contributions.  Sponsor Lou Lang says he's going to keep working on the bill and may call it for another vote today.

More Double Dipping Into Pension Funds

(Chicago, IL)  --  A loophole in the state's pension code allows some public workers to dip into multiple pension funds at the same time but lawmakers are working fast to address the issue.  State senators unanimously pushed a bill out of committee yesterday that prohibits double dipping.  Dozens of former

public employees are receiving large retirement salaries thanks to the loophole.  The new proposal is expected to pass in both the House and Senate today.

Light Cameras Headed To Governor Quinn

(Springfield, IL)  --  Driving just six miles over the speed limit in Chicago school zones could cost drivers 50 bucks.  It's part of a new deal that puts red light cameras in school zones.  The idea is to protect children and reduce fatalities but the cameras will likely bring in tens of millions of dollars to the city.  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised legislators for passing the measure, which is now headed to Governor Quinn's desk for final approval.

Plan To Avert Massive Layoffs

(Springfield, IL)  --  Today is the last day of session for this week and lawmakers have yet to deal with some of the most pressing issues.  The plan to avert a massive layoff of state employees is still lingering.  There have been several back room meetings but no plans have been announced publicly.  Governor Quinn says he'll move forward with his plan to close seven state facilities if lawmakers don't pass a supplemental budget.  That's not likely to happen this week so House Speaker Michael Madigan is calling lawmakers back to Springfield on November 21st.

Tax Breaks For Illinois Businesses Not Likely This Week

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers have considered the proposal to give tax breaks to major corporations but the measure hasn't had much movement.  In fact, it appears the bill won't gain any traction until at least November 21st.  Speaker Michael Madigan is calling lawmakers back to deal with several issues at that time.  The idea behind the tax proposal is to keep companies like Sears and Chicago's CME group in Illinois.  CME Chairman Terry Duffy says he won't wait around too long before making a decision.  The company is currently paying taxes on trades made outside of the state.  Duffy says that's an unfair burden that could be remedied if he moves his business elsewhere.

Faculty Association Ends Strike

(Carbondale, IL)  --  The strike at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is over.  The Faculty Association has reached a tentative deal with school administrators.  Details haven't been revealed but SIU Chancellor Rita Cheng says final documents will be signed in a few days.  Union members were on strike for one week but they will be back in the classroom today.  It's the first contract the union has had in almost a year and a half.

Reps Vote To Pay School Superintendents

(Springfield, IL)  --  A plan to pay school superintendents out of local property tax funds has cleared the House and is headed to the Senate.  If the Senate approves the measure, the superintendents will receive back pay plus a guaranteed paycheck until June 30th.  A task force will also be developed to analyze the regional offices of education and find a way to streamline the superintendents' duties if that's necessary.  They've been working for free since July 1st.