Illinois Summary - 8/4/11

AFSCME, State To Appear In Court Next Week

(Springfield, IL)  --  The battle over union pay raises continues today.  Lawyers for AFSCME and the state will appear before a circuit court judge today at 1 o'clock.  That's when a judge will set the hearing date for arguments to be heard.  AFSCME says they want the case thrown out of circuit court because a lawsuit has been filed in a federal court.

University Of Illinois Names New Chancellor, Vice President

(Champaign, IL)  --  Phyllis Wise is the newest addition to the University of Illinois.  She's been named as the chancellor and vice president.  Before coming to the U of I, Wise served five years as the provost for the University of Washington.  The top job at the U of I pays half a million dollars a year.

Quinn Signs Bills Protecting Family Pets

(Springfield, IL)  --  The chances of finding your lost pet increases when a microchip is implanted, and yesterday Governor Quinn added assurance.  He signed a bill that requires animal control centers to scan for the microchip within 24 hours of the animal's arrival.  A second scan must occur before the animal can be adopted, transferred to another facility or euthanized.  Quinn says the idea is to help reunite lost animals with their owners.

Community Leaders Threaten To Shut Down Metro East Bridge Construction

(Springfield, IL)  --  Community leaders are joining the Metro East Black Contractors Organization in an effort to shut down construction on the Mississippi River Bridge project.  Dr. William Mason, president of MEBCO, says contractors aren't hiring enough minorities, but IDOT authorities disagree.  They say the MRB project exceeds the minority requirement by 30-percent.  Mason says IDOT has cut off all communications with MEBCO despite the organizations plan to schedule a meeting.

Some Seniors Ride Free On Public Transportation

(Springfield, IL)  --  Seniors enrolled in the state's "Circuit Breaker" Program are eligible to ride public transportation for free.  The Illinois Department on Aging is sending notifications to those who qualify.  Governor Quinn signed legislation in February that requires a test of the program.  For more details on the Circuit Breaker program, log on at cbrx.il.gov, or contact any local Senior Centers for assistance.

Coal Gasification Plant Headed Down State

(Mt. Vernon, IL)  --  A state-of-the-art coal gasification plant is in the works for downstate Illinois.  It's expected to bring roughly 16-hundred jobs to the Jefferson County area.  The two-point-three-billion-dollar plant will convert coal to pipeline-quality synthesis natural gas.