Illinois Summary - 8/9/11

Eastern Illinois University Enrollment Down Three-Percent

(Charleston, IL)  --  The admissions team at Eastern Illinois University is looking for creative ways to build its student population.  Enrollment at the university is down three-percent this year but the admissions director says that problem should start to fade in January.  That's because they're offering in-state tuition rates for students who live in Illinois' bordering states.  In the meantime though, they're closing eight floors in Carman Hall in order to save resources.

Federal Investigation Is Under Way Into Legislative Scholarship Program

(Springfield, IL)  --  One former state representative is under investigation for allegedly abusing the legislative scholarship program.  Robert Molaro allegedly gave the tuition waivers to the children of a man who contributed to his campaign.  State Senator Larry Bomke says there's been controversy surrounding the scholarship since he joined the general assembly in 1995.  He says efforts to eliminate the tuition waivers have failed in the past.  Bomke says if the scholarship program is not eliminated, more criteria should be established on how it's administered.

Horse Racing At State Fair Starts Soon

(Springfield, IL)  --  Racing enthusiasts can bet on their favorite horse at the state fair harness races year.  Horses will hit the dirt on the Illinois racetrack as early as this Friday but they won't run past the 18th.  The controversial gaming expansion bill would change that but lawmakers won't send the bill to Governor Quinn until after the veto session this fall.  They're trying to strike a deal with Quinn, who has been very vocal about not allowing too much more gambling in the state.  If the plan stays in tact, it would allow harness racing on the state fair grounds for up to nine months out of the year.

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Sit Poorly With State's Pharmacies

(Springfield, IL)  --  Some state pharmacists say they're going to have to shut their doors if proposed cuts for Medicaid prescriptions go through.  David Vite, with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, says the cuts could cause some of the pharmacies to stop doing business with Medicaid altogether.  He says the  pharmacies are also mulling over statewide layoffs and reductions in store hours.  Lawmakers are expected to deal with the issue in October when they return to Springfield.  The proposed rate changes are expected to save the state 42-million dollars a year.

High School Sports Season Starts This Week

(Springfield, IL)  --  The high school sports season officially kicks off tomorrow.  According to the Illinois High School Association calendar, teams can have their first day of practice tomorrow.  But this year, all coaches, athletes, and parents have to keep new safety measures in mind.  Governor Quinn recently signed a bill that keeps students sidelined if they suffer a concussion.  They'll need a doctor's approval before they can return to play.