Illinois Briefs - 1/11/12

Winter Weather Finally Approaching

(Undated)  --  Winter weather is finally approaching.  The National Weather Service says a strong cold front is expected to sweep through Central Illinois tonight bringing cold, rainy and windy weather with it.  The spring like warmth is expected to drop into single digit temperatures by the end of the week.  Weather experts say roads may be slick over the next few days so drivers should be extra careful.

Quinn: Pensions Must Be Priority

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn says past governors and lawmakers have ignored the state's pension troubles and now the situation is out of control.  He says reforming the system must be a priority this year.  Quinn says a pension

fix is necessary in order to reign in the state's financial shortfall.  Quinn says he recognizes there will be challenges but any changes to the system will be fair and constitutional.

State Increases Earned Income Tax Credit

(Chicago, IL)  --  Governor Quinn signed a new law giving low-income workers more money at tax time.  An increase in the earned income tax credit will put about 100 dollars back into the pockets of two-and-a half million people.  The EITC will jump from five percent to seven-point-five percent next year and ten percent in 2014.  Representative Barbara Flynn Currie says the increase will help families keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables.

Committee Approves Health Benefits For Civil Union Spouses

(Springfield, IL)  --  Spouses of Springfield workers engaged in a civil union can get health benefits after all.  A committee has reversed its decision not to provide the benefits.  The committee originally said the city couldn't afford the benefits which would cost 725-thousand dollars.  The Springfield mayor, City Council members, and advocacy groups insisted that estimate was too high and asked the committee to reconsider.  New estimates come in much lower at just 66-thousand dollars.

ICC Approves Natural Gas Rate Hikes

(Springfield, IL)  --  Ameren Illinois customers are likely to see an increase on their natural gas bills in the next few weeks.  The Illinois Commerce Commission gave the company the green light to raise rates but Jim Chilsen, with the Citizen's Utility Board, says they're appealing the decision.  He says now is not the time to raise rates on families struggling to make ends meet.

Classes Available To Help Smokers Quit

(Champaign, IL)  --  The Champaign Urbana Health District is helping smokers develop a plan to quit.  The "Freedom from Smoking" class is designed to help people overcome the physical and psychological aspects of smoking by identifying ways to cope with stress without cigarettes.  The classes start on January 17th and will meet once a week for seven weeks.  Spots are going fast so anyone over 18 who lives in Champaign County and would like to participate should call 217-531-2914 to register.

Bats Interfere With Wind Turbine Project

(Aledo, IL)  --  A wind turbine project is being held up by a bat infestation.  BP Wind Energy wants to put over 100 wind turbines in the Mercer, Warren and Knox County areas but a high bat population put a halt in the plan after federal and state officials expressed concern.  Mercer County Supervisor of Assessments Don St. Germaine says company officials are analyzing data from a recent study and trying to figure out a way to get around the bats.  St. Germaine says he's hopeful construction can begin in the summer or fall.