Illinois Summary - 8/3/11

Seven Cases Of Salmonella Poising Reported

(Springfield, IL)  --  Seven salmonella cases have been reported across the state and it's being blamed on ground turkey meat.  The cases are not confined to one area.  Reports have been filed in Cass, Cook, DuPage Madison, Peoria, Will and Williamson counties.  The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds people to follow all food safety guidelines to avoid potential illness.

State Tightens Truancy Restrictions

(Springfield, IL)  --  More than 62-thousand students were considered chronic truants in the 2009-2010 school year.  According to state officials, that number is likely to spike this year.  That's because Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law reducing the number of days missed before a student is considered truant.  Now, a student can't have any more than nine unexcused absences before additional action is taken.

Governor Quinn Makes Good On Bet With Wisconsin Governor

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn has held up his end of the bargain in a bet with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.  It was all a part of a friendly wager on who'd win the NFC Championship.  When the Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers, Quinn's fate was determined.  He wore a Packers jersey while serving in a Wisconsin food pantry yesterday.  But Quinn wore a Bears jersey underneath the Packers jersey.  That way, he says, the Bears were closer to his heart.

Planned Parenthood Of Illinois Thrilled Over Birth Control Coverage

(Springfield, IL)  --  Planned Parenthood of Illinois says they're thrilled that all private insurance companies will soon have to cover co-pays for birth control.  Spokesperson Carole Brite calls it will significantly reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in the state.  The new mandate also requires insurance companies to step up support for breastfeeding, pre-natal care, HIV testing and even some cancer screenings.  The mandatory coverage takes effect in January 2013.

Quinn Steps Up Fight Against Gun Violence

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is stepping up his fight against gun violence.  He signed a law yesterday which increases penalties for convicted felons who are found carrying guns.  Under the new law, a defendant convicted of unlawful use or possession of a weapon, who has previously been convicted of a felony, will be sentenced to two to ten years in prison.  Under current law, the unlawful use or possession of weapon by a convicted felon is punishable by probation or two to five years in prison.  The new law removes probation as a sentencing option.

Soccer Goals Must Be Tip Resistant

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn signed "Zach's Law" into existence yesterday, making it mandatory for all soccer goals to be tip resistant.  It also requires organizations that own moveable soccer goals to create safety and education policies.  The measure was championed by Michelle and Jayson Tran, whose six-year-old son died after a goal fell on him in 2003.  It's the second law in a week that Quinn has signed to ensure safety on athletic fields.