Illinois Summary - 7/21/11

State Republicans Sue Democrats Over New Legislative Map

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois Republican leaders are gearing up for a legal battle over the most recent legislative map.  They say the new map dilutes the minority vote and minimizes the voters' voice by pitting Republican incumbents against each other.  House Minority Leader Tom Cross says it's a blatant move by Democrats to regain the seats they lost in the last election.  GOP leaders in both the House and Senate filed a lawsuit yesterday, asking the court to rule in favor of drawing a new, more fair map.

IRS Warns Taxpayers About Tax Refund Scams

(Springfield, IL)  --  Tax scams are on the rise and the IRS says taxpayers should be on the lookout.  Sue Hales, Illinois' IRS spokesperson, says tax scammers appeal to victims by promising larger rebates and increased tax credits.  She says the tax preparation scams may result in fraudulent tax returns and even some cases of identity theft.  Most scams are advertised by flyer and e-mail but have also been known to spread by word-of-mouth in tight-knit communities such as churches.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

(Springfield, IL)  --  Many people are running to the swimming pools in an effort to stay cool in this excessive heat.   Crowded pools increase the risks of drowning for some but the American Red Cross offers a few reminders that could keep your child safe.  First, never let your child swim alone.  They should be supervised at all times by an adult who knows how to swim.  Second, always keep younger children within arm's reach of a responsible adult.  Also, don't rely on floatation devices to keep your child above water.  And finally, consider putting your child in a child safety course to encourage pool safety.

Excessive Heat Puts Illinois Workers At Risk For Heat Stroke

(Springfield, IL)  --  The excessive heat puts millions of Illinois workers at risk for heat stroke, particularly those who work outside.  The Illinois Department of Labor reminds both workers and employers to be mindful of symptoms that lead to illness.  Those include headaches, dizziness, fainting, weakness and confusion.  Employers should implement heat-stress awareness training courses as well as a plan of action in case of emergency.  They should also allow workers to take frequent breaks and limit work time during excessively high temperatures.

U of I Aviation Program In Jeopardy

(Champaign, IL)  --  The future of the U of I Aviation Program is unclear.  The school's Institute of Aviation could be shut down at the request of Interim Chancellor Robert Easter.  The move is expected to save the university 750-thousand dollars.  The Board of Directors will meet in Chicago today to vote whether they think the program should go forward.  The final decision will be made by the Illinois State Board of Education.

U.S. House Passes "Cut, Cap, And Balance" Bill

(Springfield, IL)  --  The U.S. House has passed a so-called "cut, cap and balance" bill.  The Republican measure seeks to significantly reduce deficits, cap federal spending and balance the federal budget.  This is in response to an August 2nd deadline to raise the federal debt ceiling or risk default and potentially cause great harm to the nation's economy.  The measure includes a two-point-four-trillion-dollar boost in the federal debt ceiling.  The GOP bill faces dim prospects in the democrat controlled Senate and a presidential veto threat.