Illinois Summary - 7/5/11

Quinn Confirms Ballot Changes

(Springfield, IL)  --  Forget the U.S. Postal Service when it comes to election ballots.  Now military men and women serving overseas can get their ballot through e-mail.  Governor Quinn approved the new law yesterday as part of his plan to reform the election process.  He says it gives voters better access to the democratic process.

Top Illinois Republican Says Blagojevich Conviction Isn't End

(Springfield, IL)  --  Republican State party chairman Pat Brady says Rod Blagojevich's Democratic "enablers" are ignoring the need for fiscal and ethical reform.  He says Governor Quinn, quote, "had his head in the sand for six years" while he was lieutenant governor during the Blagojevich years.  Brady says corruption isn't limited to one party but the Republican's who've been guilty of unethical behavior are already out of office.  He says it's time for some of the state's top Democrats to do the same.

Lawmaker Says Rural School Districts Hit Hardest By Governor's Cut

(Springfield, IL)  --  A state lawmaker who is also the superintendent of a school district isn't happy with some of Governor Quinn's budget reductions.  Hutsonville Representative Roger Eddy says rural school districts will be hit hardest by an 89-million-dollar cut in school transportation funds.  The governor's budget director defends the governor's actions, saying it's a parent's responsibility to get their child to school.

State Treasurer Opens His Vault

(Springfield, IL)  --  State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is opening his vault to the public.  Rutherford says he hopes the tour is a unique and fun addition to a family's Springfield itinerary.  Visitors will some of the unclaimed property that's been left in the treasurer's care.  Tours will be available every half hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting next Monday.

Governor Quinn's Youth Job Initiative

(Chicago, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn is announcing his plan to develop youth today.  It's part of his jobs and economic agenda which will help the youth with jobs and internships. He'll provide more details at about 1:30 this afternoon at the Eden Place Nature Center Gazebo in Chicago.

Two Plead Guilty In Cocaine Ring

(Springfield, IL)  --  Two people say they're guilty of being a part of a Metro East cocaine ring.  Jessica Hernandez of Granite City pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine.  Luis Gonzalos Hernandez-Barahono pleaded guilty to numerous counts  --  including one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.  Hernandez-Barahono is an illegal immigrant also charged with one count of illegal entry after deportation.  Each faces ten years to life in prison.

Central Illinois Student Seeks National Leadership Position

(Bloomington, IL)  --  A Central Illinois student is running for vice president of the High School Democrats of America.  Seventeen-year-old Atticus Francken attends Normal Community High School where he's president of the Illinois High School Democrats.  His political experience reaches beyond the high school walls, though.  He recently served as campaign manager for Rob Fazzini's run for Bloomington Ward Eight.  If elected on the national level, Francken says he'd like to see the organization keep growing.