Illinois Summary - 8/22/11

Where Do We Draw The Line Between Religion, Government

(Springfield, IL)  --  Where do we draw the line when it comes to religion within government policy?  That's the question that comes up after two religious issues have come out of the Illinois legislature.  On one hand, Governor Quinn signed a bill that allows the Secretary of State to honor the Amish religion by not forcing them to carry photo IDs.  But on the other, the state cancelled contracts with Catholic Charities because the agency wouldn't issue foster and adoption licenses to same sex couples.  State Representative Adam Brown pushed for the Amish measure but says it's a slippery slope when it comes to deciding where the law should end and where religion should begin.  He says government should stay out of people's personal lives as much as possible.

Amish May Have To Carry IDs

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Amish may have to carry ID cards after all.  A new law gives Secretary of State Jesse White the authority to decide if the Amish could skip out on carrying picture IDs.  But White says he doesn't see that happening.   The Amish say it's against their religion to carry photos of themselves so they asked State Representative Adam Brown to help protect their right.  Brown says lawmakers are trying to create an electronic database that will allow state police, gun dealers, airport officials and other necessary agencies to tap into when they need to.

State Fair Called A Success

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state fair is over, and officials say it was a very good year.  Director Amy Bliefnick says the final attendance numbers aren't in yet, but it appears to be up by about ten-percent.  And higher attendance means higher revenues.  Bliefnick says the fair usually brings in just more than four-million dollars but with this year's success, they're expecting to top that.

Regional Superintendents Take Their Fight To Court

(Springfield, IL)  --  School bells are ringing all across the state but some school officials are still trying to strike a deal with the state.  Regional superintendents have been working for free since July 1st, but now they're asking a judge to reinstate their salaries.  Quinn eliminated funding to their offices in an effort to save the state ten-million dollars.  Kelly Kraft with the Governor's Office of Management and Budget says she doesn't think the matter will have to be resolved through the courts.  A bill is being drafted that will allow the supes to be paid with local funds instead of state funds.

CBS Exec With Illinois Roots Dies

(Alton, IL)  --  An Illinois native with Hollywood fame is dead.  Lane Vernardos had a sudden heart attack in his Hawaii home Friday.  The Alton native broke into the broadcasting business at a small radio station in Fairfield, Illinois, before landing a big gig in Hollywood.  He's recently played a role in several CBS reality TV shows, including "Survivor," "The Apprentice" and "The Biggest Loser."

Illegal Dumping Could Lead To Felony, Big Fine

(Springfield, IL)  --  Dumping your trash illegally could cost you a felony and a whopping 25-grand.  The state imposed stiffer penalties for those caught dumping.  In the past, first time dumpers were charged with a misdemeanor, regardless of how much garbage they illegally tossed.  A spokesperson for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says open dumping is a big problem in some areas.  It's not just individuals whose been getting rid of their trash, businesses have also been caught illegally dumping to avoid disposal costs.