Illinois Summary - 7/11/11

Supreme Court Decision On Capital Plan Today

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state Supreme Court is making a big announcement today, and it's news that could put lawmakers back to work.  Justices will say whether the original Capital plan is constitutional.  The question at hand is does the plan violate a "single subject rule."  A lower court says "yes" because it has several funding options for construction projects, including a liquor tax and video gambling.  Quinn says if the bill is shut down, lawmakers will have to return to Springfield immediately to get a new plan passed.

AFSME Files Lawsuit Against Illinois

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois' largest union has filed a lawsuit against state.  The AFSCME Council 31says Governor Quinn violated their collective bargaining agreement when he refused to give raises to its workers.  But Quinn says his hands are tied.  He says lawmakers didn't include the raises in the budget, and he can't give the raises without legislative consent.  Union workers are planning to hold informational pickets regarding the pay freezes tomorrow.

Farmers Markets Accept LINK Cards

(Springfield, IL)  --  Fresh fruits and vegetables are now more accessible to low-income people.  Currently, 35 Illinois farmers markets accept LINK cards across 13 counties.  Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon says that's a promising trend, but the number could be higher.  She says there are more than 300 farmers markets across the state, and she's committed to helping expand LINK usage.  Simon says doing so will generate money for local economies and create jobs.

Regional Superintendents Working Without Pay For Now

(Springfield, IL)  --   Governor Quinn vetoed funding for Regional Superintendents across the state but as for now, their offices will remain open.  That's according to The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, which met with the Governor's staff Friday.  The IARSS says both sides agreed to the terms.  Quinn's staff says he wants to fund the salaries of the regional superintendents and their assistants.  There will be future meetings to work out the details.

More Than 16-Hundred Apply For Civil Union Licenses

(Springfield, IL)  --  The new civil unions law is benefiting more than 16-hundred couples in Illinois.  That's according to the gay rights group "Equality Illinois," which surveyed county clerks in all 102 counties.  Chief Executive Bernard Cherkasov says the high number shows just how important civil unions are to families across the state.  Some of those applicants had their civil union ceremonies right away, others are still being planned.

Governor To Sign Bill To Reduce Cancer Treatment Costs

(Chicago, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn is looking out for cancer patients.  He's signing a bill today that he says will help with treatment expenses. That signing will take place in Chicago.  Later this afternoon, Quinn will talk about a plan to boost the economy and create more jobs.  That will be at the Tinley Park Convention Center.