Illinois Summary - 9/22/11

Report Shows Big Loss If Facility Closes

(Murphysboro, IL)  --  Closing the juvenile detention facility in Murphysboro will have a tremendous impact on the small community.  In fact, a recent study reveals it will have a nine-million-dollar impact directly or indirectly.  State Senator David Luechtefeld says that may not seem like a lot to some people, but for a town of less than eight-thousand people it's huge.  The city would lose 327-thousand dollars a year in sales taxes and put 148 people out of work.  The detention center is one of seven state facilities that Governor Quinn has threatened to close.  Luechtefeld urges people to call the governor's office with concerns by October 16th.

Springfield Representative Says New Gaming Proposal A Deal Breaker

(Springfield, IL)  --  Springfield Representative Raymond Poe says he won't support a gaming bill that doesn't have slots and harness racing at the state fairgrounds.  Poe says...

the only voted for the bill because it heavily supported agriculture programs.  He says putting horse racing and slots at the fairgrounds will take a financial burden off the state because the money earned will go toward maintaining the fairgrounds.

Republicans Say Hoffman Will Have To Explain Ties To Blagojevich

(Springfield, IL)  --  Former state representative Jay Hoffman will have to defend his relationship with Rod Blagojevich.  Hoffman was one of Blagojevich's strongest allies when he was a representative during the former governor's time in office.  Hoffman has his eye on the congressional seat for Illinois' 13th district.  He'll square off against incumbent Tim Johnson, but Republicans say Hoffman's journey won't be easy.  He will have to explain his loyalties to the former governor.  Hoffman says he supported Blagojevich on many issues, but when it came down to ethics, he voted to impeach Blagojevich.

Catholic Charities Heading Back To Court

(Springfield, IL)  --  Catholic Charities is heading back to court in a few weeks to ask a judge to reconsider a ruling that allows the state to end its foster care and adoption contract.  Steven Roach with the Springfield diocese says they'll go before the judge October 5th.  The judge recently sided with the state, saying no one is entitled to a state contract, but the state hasn't started moving the children.  Roach says the children are still safe in their care, and as far as he's concerned, there's no rush to transition them.  Roach says they'll says they'll lose at least half of their funding if the state does terminate their contract.  That means they'll have to eliminate some of their programs and even cut some of their staff.

Quinn Announces Trade Center In Shanghai

(Springfield, IL)  --  People in China will soon have easier access to Illinois goods.  Governor Quinn announced that an American Goods Distribution Center will open in Shanghai in October.  Later this year, the American Goods Centers will open a purchasing office in Chicago and send its first purchasing delegation from China to Illinois to buy Illinois products.  Quinn says the deal is part of his trade mission in China.  He says, quote, continued trade with China will help Illinois remain at the cutting edge of the global marketplace.

Trout Season Just Around The Corner

(Springfield, IL)  --  Trout season is just around the corner.  The fall trout season will get under way October 15th.  Ponds and lakes across the state have been stocked with more than 70-thousand trout.  Fishermen have a daily limit.  They're only allowed to take five trout per day.  Anyone older than 16 years old must have a fishing license in order to capture trout legally.

Free Museum Admission This Weekend

(Springfield, IL)  --  Families can enjoy free admission at museums across the state on Saturday.  It's part of the seventh annual Museum Day, sponsored by the national "Smithsonian Magazine."  Free tickets can be downloaded from the magazine's website.