Illinois Summary - 11/25/11

Wife Of Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley Dies

(Chicago, IL)  --  The wife of former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has died.  A family spokesperson says Maggie Daley died last night after a long battle with cancer.  Her husband and other family members were with her.  Daley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.  She had been hospitalized several times over the last few months for an infection.  She was 68.

Public Hearing For Campaign Financing

(Springfield, IL)  --  The public is getting a chance to weigh in on whether they'd like to see a public financing system for Illinois' elected officials.  A Task Force is considered the measure, which would allow candidates to access taxpayer dollars that have been set aside specifically for running campaigns.  Supporters of the

measure say it will help keep candidates honest while opponents argue it diminishes a voter's first amendment right to choose which candidate they want to support.  Voters are encouraged to attend a hearing at the state Capitol on Monday If they'd like to provide input.

Police Crack Down On Illegal Parking

(Springfield, IL)  --  Holiday shoppers may want to think twice before parking in a handicapped parking space.  Police will be out in full force today to catch those who violate parking laws.  Fines for parking in the space without proper license plates or a placard start at 350 dollars.  Secretary of State Jesse White says the mission is not to make money or give tickets but to make sure those who are disabled have access to designated parking spaces.

What's Next For Gambling

(Springfield, IL)  --  A plan to add more gambling in the state is still in limbo.  The measure failed when lawmakers voted during veto session a few weeks ago.  House sponsor Lou Lang says he's garnered enough support for the bill to get a passing vote, but he's not sure if he'll have time to call it when they're in Springfield next week.  He says the focus of session on Tuesday will be passing a new tax plan for the state's major businesses.  Lang says he'll ask for a vote on the bill if they have time, otherwise it will have to wait until they come back to session at the end of January.

Big Business Tax Breaks Coming Soon

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers are headed back to Springfield next week.  They're expected to pass a bill that gives big tax breaks to Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  The proposal is designed to keep the companies in Illinois.  Both have threatened to take their business elsewhere because of the state's, quote, "unfriendly" business climate.  Part of the concern is the state's higher corporate income tax rate which took effect in January.