Illinois Briefs - 1/4/12

Governor Quinn Lays Out Financial Plan

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn's budget forecast highlights a three year plan that shows an increase in state revenues for the next two years.  But that will change drastically once the temporary tax increase expires.  Some areas of government will be cut, but Quinn says he is committed to funding education.  The governor plans to focus on restructuring the state's debt for Fiscal Year 2013.  That includes a nine-percent budget reduction for state agencies.  Quinn says he'll pay special attention to pension and Medicaid reform.  He says improving the state's financial situation won't come without challenges, but he's confident it can be done.

Romney's Illinois Chairman Please With Iowa

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois treasurer Dan Rutherford says he's pleased with yesterday's caucus results in Iowa.  Rutherford is overseeing presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's campaign in Illinois.  He says Romney had a strong turnout in Iowa, and from the looks of it he'll be just as strong here. Rutherford

says Romney is ahead of the fray.  He's the only Republican presidential candidate who's filed paperwork to appear on Illinois' March 20th primary ballot.  Others have until Friday to do the same.

Springfield Mayor:  Revisit Insurance For Civil Unions

(Springfield, IL)  --  Springfield Mayor Mike Huston is speaking out against a plan which denies insurance benefits for spouses of city workers in civil unions.  The Joint Labor and Management Health Care Committee had decided against insuring the couples because they said it would cost 725-thousand dollars.  City aldermen and advocacy groups called the measure discriminatory and a direct violation of the state's new Civil Unions Law.  Huston says the estimated cost is unrealistic but the committee has the final say on whether to reverse the decision.  It meets next Tuesday and could take a second look at the issue then.

Cullerton Supports Online Lottery Sales

(Springfield, IL)  --  Senate President John Cullerton says online lottery sales could be a major revenue booster for the state.  In fact, he says it could add hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements.  Cullerton says lottery sales have been disproportionately aimed at minorities but online sales will draw wealthier people to the games.  About 15-percent of Illinois adults currently play the lottery.  

Tighter Security Imposed At Madison County Courthouse

(Edwardsville, IL)  --  Officials are tightening security at the Madison County Courthouse.  From now on people are not allowed to bring any electronic devices into the building.  Foods, liquids, and lighters are also being banned.   Chief of Security Sheriff Robert Hertz says the new rules line up with federal guidelines.

Sow Farm Proposed In Western Illinois

(Quincy, IL)  --  A new sow farm could be headed to Western Illinois but not everyone is excited about the idea.  The "Quincy Herald-Whig" reports Junction Acres wants to put a 56-hundred sow farm just north of LaCrosse.  The facility would produce about 25-hundred pigs a week and add about 20 jobs in the community.  Residents near the proposed site don't like the idea.  They say it poses a threat to the environment.