Illinois Summary - 7/26/11

Gaming Expansion Vote Came After Large Campaign Donations

(Springfield, IL)  --  Some campaign contributions to Illinois lawmakers are under scrutiny.  The gaming industry gave around 800-thousand dollars to lawmakers as they prepared to vote on adding more gambling in the state.  Both Democratic and Republican leaders received some of the highest payouts, from 54-thousand to 112-thousand dollars.  Bill sponsor Representative Lou Lang received 95-hundred dollars.  Woodstock Representative Jack Franks says this could be the catalyst that changes the state's campaign finance laws.  

Quinn Defends Union Pay Freeze

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is defending the budget he signed earlier this month, despite the fact that it doesn't pay union workers their promised raises.  On Friday, a Circuit Court judge ruled in Quinn's favor, allowing him to hold off on paying the raises.  That's after an independent arbitrator said Quinn violated the contract and should pay up.  Quinn says passing the budget was essential so the Democratic majority didn't have to give in to additional Republican requests.

Quinn Bill Signings Create Illinois Jobs in Technology-Based Fields

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn's plan to support emerging technology is gaining momentum.  Yesterday Quinn signed a bill that allows the state to invest two-percent of its portfolio in venture capital firms.  Quinn says the targeted investments will create jobs and strengthen Illinois' role in the global economy.  The move is expected to generate thousands of jobs and more than 300-million dollars for Illinois companies.

Amputee Soldier Reenlists, Will Serve At Scott Air Force Base

(Edwardsville, IL)  --  He's spent the last three years in Walter Reed Hospital but one Illinois soldier says his military career isn't over.  Specialist Charles Schaffer lost his leg during an Iraqi mission in 2008.  He says despite the loss, he wants to finish his career in the military.  He's reenlisted for another three years and when he's released from Walter Reed, he'll head to Scott Air Force Base.  He'll serve as a Twelve Bravo Combat Engineer.  Schaffer tells the "Belleville News-Democrat" that it's not likely that he'll be deployed again but if he could, he would quote, "go in a heartbeat."

FEMA Disaster Assistance Deadline Approaching

(Springfield, IL)  --  Southern Illinois residents are tapping into their share of federal disaster aid.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already distributed nearly 12-million dollars.  If you were affected by this year's storms, tornadoes, or flooding you may also be eligible for aid but you'll have to register with FEMA before the August 9th deadline.  Applications are available online at disasterassistance.gov.  You can also call 1-800-621-3362.   

School Transportation Funding Cause For Concern

(Aledo, IL)  --  School bells ring in just about a month but some rural school districts say they're still trying to figure out how to transport students.  Henderson-Mercer-Warren Regional Superintendent of Schools Jodi Scott says rural districts are bearing the brunt of the cuts.  Governor Quinn slashed funding for school transportation this year but Scott says that's not an equitable cut.  She says student population continues to decrease but mileage tends to increase as schools consolidate.

Papayas Linked To Salmonella Outbreak

(Springfield, IL)  --  If you've purchased papayas in the last few weeks, you may want to think twice before eating them.  The state's Department of Public Health says 17 cases of salmonella have been traced back to the fruit.  All of the cases were reported in the Chicago land area.  Agromod Produce, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall on all Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious brand papayas distributed before July 23rd.  If you've purchased any of those brands, throw them away immediately or return them to the store where you bought them.

Champaign Family Remembered

(Champaign, IL)  --  The Champaign family killed in a single engine plane crash is being remembered.  Hundreds of people showed up to St. Thomas More High School for a memorial service last night.  The Buerketts were headed to Florida when their plane crashed at the Rantoul Airport Sunday morning.  The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.