Illinois Briefs - 12/15/11

Quinn Eager To Sign Tax Deal

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn says he's looking forward to getting the tax bill lawmakers passed earlier this week.  He says he'll sign the proposal as soon as he gets it so the state's economy can turn around.  Most importantly, Quinn says he's excited about the tax breaks that working families will get.  He calls them the heart and soul of the state's economy and says they deserve to be rewarded.  The new law will increase the earned income tax credit for low-income workers.  It also increases the standard exemption for all workers.

Lawmakers Call For Repeal Of Corporate Income Tax

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers' holidays may be interrupted by one more trip to Springfield.  House GOP Leader Tom Cross says Democrats have introduced a bill to rollback the state's corporate income tax, effective January 1st.  He says Republicans support that proposal 100-percent and are more than willing to come

back to special session to make it happen.  In fact, Cross has introduced his own version of the plan.  His plan would scale back the current seven percent rate by one-percent in January and then back to four-point-eight-percent in 2014.  It also calls for an automatic point-two-five-percent rate drop if the unemployment rate rises by point-three-percent in a four-month period.

Senate Republican Support Corporate Tax Repeal

(Springfield,  IL)  --  Senate Republicans are backing a House proposal to repeal the corporate income tax hike that took effect earlier this year.  Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno says they hope state representatives are successful in the effort.  She says the tax hike is driving jobs out of Illinois and hurting families.  Radogno claims attempts to repeal the tax in the Senate have fallen on deaf ears.  She's calling on Democrats in both chambers of the general assembly to take a comprehensive look at the tax structure and take steps toward reform.

IDOT Wants Feedback On New Program

(East Saint Louis, IL)  --  The Illinois Department of Transportation is looking for your feedback on a new minority contracting program.  The Target Market Program identifies state-funded projects for bidding by minority and women-owned companies.  They're hosting several public meetings across the state.  One is being held today at Gateway Building in Peoria. Another will be tomorrow at the East St. Louis Public Library.  Both meetings start at 11:30 a.m.

Public Hearing On Campaign Finance Reform

(Chicago, IL)  --  A special task force is rounding out its plans on whether the state should implement a public financing system.  The idea is to create a system that is transparent and restores faith in government.  Supporters of the public financing option say it will reduce the appearance of corruption and even the playing field for candidates running for public office.  Those who'd like to express arguments for or against the system are invited to attend a public hearing today at 10:30 a.m. at the Thompson Center in Chicago.  The task force will submit its recommendations to Governor Quinn by December 31st.

St. Clair County Jail In National Spotlight

(East St. Louis, IL)  --  Inmates at the Saint Clair County Jail are in the national spotlight.  Not because they've done anything wrong.  This time they're trying to convince troubled teens to straighten up their behaviors so they don't end up in their shoes.  A&E brought its cameras into the jail over the summer to film an episode of "Beyond Scared Straight."  The show will air tonight at 9.

Judge Denies Motion To Reconsider Killer's Sentence

(Galesburg, IL)  --  A Knox County Judge has denied a motion to reconsider the sentence for convicted spree killer Nicholas Sheley.  Sheley was convicted of first-degree murder for the June 2008 death of Galesburg native Ronald Randall.  Sheley will serve life in prison for the crime.  His attorney claims the sentence is excessive and plans to file an appeal on the ruling by the end of the month.  Sheley is charged with five deaths in Whiteside County and two in Missouri.

Department Of Ag Hosting Christmas Contest

(Alton, IL)  --  The State Department of Agriculture is hopping on the social media bandwagon.  They're sponsoring a holiday contest designed to highlight products grown and made right here in Illinois but the only way to win is by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter.  This is the first year for the "12 Days of Christmas Contest."  Prizes all come from Illinois companies and include fudge, bratwursts, and a variety of pork products.  One lucky winner will be chosen each day.

Farmers Raise Big Money To Help Needy

(Moline, IL)  --  Farmers in Western Illinois are stepping up to help the needy this holiday season.  The "Bushels for Hunger" campaign raised more than 22-thousand dollars this year. That money was donated to the River end Food Bank.  The food bank will distribute the food to smaller food pantries in Western Illinois communities. Seventy-five farmers participated in the program this year.  They represent the Henry, Mercer, Stark, Rock Island, and White Side County Farm Bureaus.