Illinois Summary - 7/8/11

AFSCME Hires Independent Arbitrator

(Springfield, IL)  --  An independent arbitrator is now in the mix between the state and AFSCME.  The union hired Edwin Benn to try to enforce the terms of its collective bargaining agreement with the state.  The move comes after Quinn put the brakes on pay raises for more than 30-thousand union workers.  Benn is giving both sides about a week to submit briefs on the cancelled pay raises.  In the meantime, union workers are planning to hold informational pickets regarding the pay freezes next Tuesday.

Illinois 23rd Most Obese State

(Springfield, IL)  --  More than a quarter of the people in Illinois are obese.  In fact, a recent report by Trust America's Health puts 27-percent of the population in that category.  That puts Illinois is in the middle of the pack in comparison to other states.  Statistics reveal that just 15 years ago, no state had an obesity rate over 20-percent but now all states except Colorado have over a 20-percent obese population.

Prices Slowly Inching Back Up

(Springfield, IL)  --  Gas prices are slowly easing back up as we head into the weekend.  The national average is four cents higher than it was last week.  Drivers in Illinois can expect to dish out an average cost of three eighty two per gallon.  Experts say the slight increase is caused by refinery problems in the Midwest.

Chase Settlement

(Bloomington, IL)  --   More than 25 Illinois municipalities and school districts will split two-point-two-million dollars.  It's part of a 92-million-dollar settlement with JP Morgan Chase.  The Attorney General's office says municipalities, school districts, and charities usually issue municipal bonds to fund capital projects.  Chase rigged the bids so that these entities paid more than they needed to.

Treasurer Vault Tours

(Springfield, IL)  --  Starting Monday, visitors to the capital can add a tour of the vault to their itinerary.  Tours will run every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. everyday next week.  A spokesperson for the Treasurer says the vault is all decked out and ready for public tours.

Illinois Legislators Attempting To Preserve Metro-East Flood Insurance Rates

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois' politicians are trying to work out a plan that would increase flood safety and stave off flood insurance increases in the Metro-East.  U.S. Representative John Shimkus says if flood insurance rates are raised it could cost area employers millions of dollars.  The move comes after the Corps said the local levee system is in need of repairs.  The Corps is expected to match local payments with the Southwest Illinois Flood Prevention District Council in a 161-million-dollar, five-year plan aimed at providing 100-year flood protection for the area.