Illinois Briefs - 11/28/11

Tax Package Scaled Back

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers are headed back to Springfield tomorrow.  The plan is to pass a massive tax package to keep several large companies from leaving the state.  A scaled-down version of the package will provide about 100-million dollars in relief for Chicago's CME Group Incorporated and Sears Holdings Corporation.  The proposal also extends breaks to thousands of other businesses.  Individuals will get an increase in the earned income tax credit.  The package is expected to cost the state 250-million dollars a year.

Maggie Daley To Be Laid To Rest

(Chicago, IL)  --  Chicago's former first lady, Maggie Daley, is being laid to rest today.  A public funeral service is being held at 10:30 a.m. at the Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Chicago.  More than one-thousand people paid last respects yesterday at a public wake.  Former mayor Richard Daley was on hand along with

current mayor Rahm Emanuel and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.  Mrs. Daley died Thursday night after a long battle with breast cancer.

Cellini Firm Doubled TRS Money

(Springfield, IL)  --  Bill Cellini's connections to former Governor Rod Blagojevich may have landed him a conviction but his investment firm reportedly made over seven hundred million dollars for the Teachers Retirement System.  The "Springfield Journal Register" reports the firm was given 788-million dollars to invest during the 17 years it managed TRS assets. Cellini supporters and officials with the TRS say the firm doubled that money to one-point-two-billion.  The teacher pension system fired Commonwealth Realty Investments after Cellini got arrested in 2009.  A jury found Cellini guilty on two corruption charges, including a plan to shakedown a Hollywood producer to shore up the former governor's campaign account.  He is seeking a new trial.

Lobbyist Relatives Received Legislative Scholarships

(Chicago, IL)  --  Some lawmakers and Governor Quinn are pushing to end the legislative scholarship program, partly because the free tuition waivers end up in the hands of the wrong people.  The "Chicago Tribune" reports the waivers went to two children and a nephew of Steven Preckwinkle.  He's a lobbyist for the Illinois Federation of Teachers.  He's also being scrutinized for taking advantage of a pension loophole by being a substitute teacher for one day.  Legislators say ending the scholarship program will get rid of the appearance of pay to play politics in Illinois.

New Police Camera Tracks Criminals

(Belleville, IL)  --  The eyes of Big Brother are watching in Belleville.  Police are tracking criminals down with a new license-plate reading camera system that's on an unmarked car.  A one-day sting last month picked up the plates of seven people with arrest warrants in St. Clair County and eight from other states.  The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is expressing concern about the new system.  Officials say it's not right for the department to run random plate checks when there is no proof of an obvious traffic violation.

Illinois Fires Football Coach

(Urbana, IL)  --  Illinois is looking for a new football coach.  The university fired Ron Zook yesterday after the team lost six straight games.  Athletic Director Mike Thomas says they're looking for someone who can provide new leadership and compete for championships on a more consistent basis.  Zook started the season with six straight wins before the latest losing streak.  He's been the head coach since 2005.  Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning will take over as interim head coach while a search begins for Zook's successor.

Farm Show Opens This Week

(Peoria, IL)  --  The state's largest farm show is set to kick off tomorrow at the Peoria Civic Center.  There will be more than one-thousand exhibits and 300 companies showcased in this year's show.  Showgoers will see farm equipment of all sizes on display and representatives will be on hand to explain the newest software technology for farmers.  The show runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Thursday.  Admission is free.