Illinois Summary - 8/5/11

Concealed Carry Back In Court

(Springfield, IL)  --  The battle over concealed carry is likely far from over.  The state presented its case to keep people from carrying guns before a U.S. District Court judge yesterday.  The question at hand is whether the state is violating the second amendment by prohibiting people from carrying a gun for self defense in public.  Todd Vandermyde with the Illinois State Rifle Association says attorneys for the state seemed to be scrambling to make its case.  But that won't necessarily mean a victory for the people.  Vandermyde says the judge may not want to grant an injunction because she knows that no matter what happens, the case is going to be appealed.

Gov Signs Law Boosting Green Jobs

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn says Illinois is leading the way when it comes to building a strong green economy.  He signed a law yesterday that's designed to ensure a stronger collaboration between the state, colleges and universities on sustainability issues.  Under the new law, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board will publish information related to new degrees, certifications and courses offered by universities.  Quinn says the partnership is critical to ensuring long-term economic growth in the state.

Regional Superintendents Looking For Ways To Reinstate Funding

(Springfield, IL)  --  Regional Superintendents across the state are still working without pay but they say they're committed to finding a way to reinstate their funding.  Governor Quinn eliminated their salaries from the budget this year in an effort to save the state money.  The education officials met with Quinn's staff earlier this week to try to find a resolution to the problem.  The governor's office is drafting a bill that will address ways in which we can be paid starting in November or December.

Census Finds Number Of Same-Sex Households In Illinois Rising

(Springfield, IL)  --  There are nearly ten-thousand more same sex households in Illinois now than there was ten years ago.   Gay rights advocates say the numbers should speak loudly to government officials.  Bernard Cherkasov with Equality Illinois says the increase should make it clear to policy makers that gays and lesbians deserve the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Lockout At Honeywell Uranium Plant Over After 13 Months

(Springfield, IL)  --  The lockout at Honeywell is over.  It took 13 months for employees to strike a deal with management at the Metropolis uranium conversion plant.  And though workers are heading back to work soon, some are still concerned.  They say the agreement doesn't provide enough healthcare or pension benefits.  Honeywell officials anticipate the new contract will reverse a net loss of around 100-million dollars that they've experienced over the past decade.

New Truancy Restrictions Will Be Tough On Staff

(Springfield, IL)  --  The number of truant students is going to skyrocket this year.  That's according to some school officials who say enforcing the truancy program is going to be a nightmare.  The reason is two-fold.  The first reason is because the pay for Regional Superintendents has been cut and they're the ones who manage the truancy program.  And second, Governor Quinn has reduced the number of unexcused absences from 18 to nine before a student is considered truant.  That means each case worker will be overloaded with trying to keep the situation under control.

Overdoses Still Troublesome

(Alton, IL)  --  Law enforcement professionals from the federal, state, county, and municipal level are waging war on heroin use.  They're looking for ways to reverse the trend that continues to lead to an increased amount of overdoses, particularly in the Metro-East.  Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn says education will be a key weapon in getting a handle on this problem.