Illinois Briefs - 12/14/11

Farmers Benefit From Tax Deal

(Springfield, IL)  --  Farm advocates say they're pleased with the tax deal lawmakers sent to Governor Quinn yesterday.  Kevin Semlow with the Illinois Farm Bureau says family farmers are getting a big break thanks to an increase in the exemption level in the Illinois estate tax.  Semlow says that will help farmers keep their farms in tact when there's an unfortunate loss of a loved one.  He says now many farmers won't have to sell parts of the land to pay the estate tax.  Semlow says they're also pleased with a provision that extends sales tax exemptions, credits, and deductions granted to agri-fuels.

Lawmakers Rollback Regulations On Small Cemeteries

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers are coming to the rescue of small cemetery operators who complain 2010 regulations are too harsh.  The Senate passed a bill yesterday which reduces licensing fees so they're more in line with other professional fees.  It also removes the fingerprint requirements necessary for

licensure and increases the cost of death certificates.  Operators of the small cemeteries say regulations implemented after the Burr-Oak Cemetery scandal were too costly.  In fact the stricter regulations forced many smaller entities to shut down. The new bill, which is headed to Governor Quinn's desk, is designed to help them stay in business.

Governor Quinn Applauds Lawmakers On Tax Deal

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is applauding lawmakers for passing a tax plan that keeps big companies in Illinois and gives tax breaks to working people.  The general assembly passed two bills this week.  One gives 100-million dollars worth of tax incentives to Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  Both companies had threatened to leave Illinois unless lawmakers acted quickly.  The other bill increases the earned income tax credit for low-income workers and raises the standard exemption for all workers.  Quinn calls lawmakers' efforts a bipartisan way to protect jobs, boost the economy and improve the state's business culture.

Champaign Wants Third Opinion On Pepper Spray Incident

(Champaign, IL)  --  The city of Champaign wants one more expert opinion on whether a police officer used unnecessary force in a pepper spray incident earlier this year.   The Illinois State Police and the FBI have already determined the officer in question did not violate policy, but several City Councilmen question the rulings.  They say the Illinois State Police's initial review wasn't conducted properly and the FBI investigation only focused on finding federal civil rights violation.  They're calling on authorities to establish a clear definition of resisting arrest as well as a clear policy on how officers should handle a resisting suspect.

Illinois' Prepaid Tuition Plan Sinking Fast

(Springfield, IL)  --  The College Illinois! Prepaid tuition program is sinking fast and if lawmakers don't act soon, it could be completely drained by 2022.  A new study reveals the program needs one point six billion dollars to stay afloat for the next 25 years.  The program allows parents to lock-in lower tuition rates for their children to attend a state university.  But if no new contracts are sold, the state won't be able to keep its end of the bargain.  The commission that runs the program has put a temporary freeze on new contracts until they can determine what changes need to be made and how they can implement the changes.   

Whooping Cough On Rise

(Springfield, IL)  --  Whooping cough is on the rise and health officials say people should make sure they have proper vaccinations in order to ward the illness off.   More than eleven-hundred cases have been reported across the state.  Most have occurred in Chicago and the surrounding collar counties.  Children are particularly susceptible to the illness.  Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough.  The cough gradually turns severe, followed by a high-pitched "whoop."  Anyone who thinks they may have whooping cough or have come into contact with someone who has it should seek medical attention right away.

Milliken University Gets Ten-Thousand-Dollar Grant

(Decatur, IL)  --  Milliken University is getting ten thousand dollars to help pay for its iSmartGirls Discovery Day Camp.  The two-day camp provides hands-technology training for sixth- through eight-grade girls.  Ninety girls will be able to attend the camp early next year.  PPG Industries donated the money in an effort to help, quote, "enrich the program for girls" and give them insight into advanced science and technology.

Illinois Air Quality Down In 2010

(Springfield, IL)  --   Illinois' air quality was good in 2010 but according to the state's Environmental Protection Agency, it's worse than it was in 2009.  The EPA issued its annual report Monday.  Air quality in 2010 came in at good to moderate 91-percent of the time compared to 96-percent in 2009.  EPA officials say the slight dip in air quality is nothing for residents to be concerned about.  They say air quality is still at a healthy level and pollutants are on a steady decline.