Illinois Summary - 7/6/11

Governor Quinn Has A Busy Day Ahead

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's a busy day for Governor Quinn.  He'll sign a bill designed to improve emergency response in missing person's cases.  That's at 10 a.m. in Elmhurst, then he'll shoot over to Naperville at 11:30 a.m. to sign a bill that will increase training for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  He'll wrap up his bill signing at 1 p.m. in Wheaton.  That's when he'll sign legislation that aims to strengthen transparency in local government.

Quinn Announces Summer Jobs And Internships For Youth

(Chicago, IL)  --  More than 25-hundred teens and young adults have a shot at making some cash.  The Illinois Conservation Corps will hire people to work at more than 100 not-for-profit agencies across the state.  It's part of Governor Quinn's job agenda.  Quinn says it's never too early to teach young people how to get started on a career path.  For more information, visit Jobs.Illinois.gov.

The Illinois Products Farmers' Market Offers LINK Incentive

(Springfield, IL)  --  LINK cardholders are in for a deal on the state fairgrounds this year.  If an individual spends 20 dollars on their LINK card at the Illinois Products Farmers' Market, they'll receive an additional ten.  Starting tomorrow, LINK cardholders are eligible to purchase fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, bread and cereals.  The Illinois Products Farmers' Market runs every Thursday evening through October 20th.  It is held in the Commodities Pavilion across the street from the Grandstand from 4 to 7 p.m.

No LIHEAP Cooling Assistance Available This Summer

(Springfield, IL)  --  Finding relief from the heat is not easy for some families.  The LIHEAP cooling assistance program isn't available to low-income people this year.  Molli Nickerson with Project NOW says the federal government is cutting funds to the program.  That means the state will only be able to assist with heating during the winter months.

Congressman Schilling Supports Free Trade Agreements

(Springfield, IL)  --  Congressman Bobby Schilling says he's backing a plan to expand free trade with three countries.  The deals are with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.  Schilling isn't so sure, though, how he feels about the move to do away with the ethanol tax credit subsidy.  He says he might support a gradual phase-out, but not ripping it out all at once.

Farm Service Agency Crop Certification Deadline Approaches

(Bloomington, IL)  --  It's almost time for farmers to certify crop acres for 2011.  John Evers with the McLean County Farm Service Agency says reporting crops is a requirement to stay in compliance with FSA contracts.  The deadline is July 15th.  For more information, contact your local FSA.  

Expert Weighs In On Insect Repellent

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's no fun being outside too long with all of the pesty bugs.  Now, one bug expert is weighing in on how you can keep mosquitoes away.  Illinois Entomologist Linn Haramis says Deet, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus have proven to be the most effective insect repellants.  As for those clip-on repellants that have come out in recent years, Haramis says those are somewhat effective as long as you're sitting still when you wear it.