Illinois Briefs - 1/19/12

New Law Cracks Down On Stealing From Elders

(Springfield, IL)  --  A new Illinois law is cracking down on people who steal from the elderly.  It increases penalties for financial crimes, making it a Class One or Class Two felony depending on how much money is involved.  In most cases, the bandits are usually family members who steal social security checks, force the seniors to sign checks, or forge checks themselves.  AARP Illinois reports it's a widespread problem that targets nearly three-billion seniors a year nationwide.  Most cases go unreported.

IL Delegation Opposes Internet Regulation

(Springfield, IL)  --  Much of Illinois' congressional delegation is opposed to a federal plan to regulate the internet.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk says the Internet empowers Americans to learn, create, innovate, and express their views and attempts at regulation should only target criminal activity.  Others who oppose

the bill include Congressmen Aaron Schock, Joe Walsh, Don Manzullo, Bob Dold, and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.  Congressman Mike Quigley says he hasn't determined a position on the bill yet because there are still 30 amendments under consideration.

Comptroller:  No Progress On Bill Backlog

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says the state's fiscal condition hasn't improved since the income tax increase went into effect last year.  But she says she's confident lawmakers can begin to dig their way out of the eight-and-a-half-billion-dollar hole.  Topinka says they'll have to resist the urge to implement new programs.  And as for the Democrats plan to borrow more money, Topinka says that will make the situation worse.

Illinois Sues Westwood College

(Chicago, IL)  --  Illinois is suing a national for profit college, claiming it lied to students over its criminal justice program.  State Attorney General Lisa Madigan says Westwood College should have told students their program wasn't accepted by most law enforcement agencies.  She also says Westwood's 70-thousand-dollar price tag for classes is much higher than private colleges and community colleges.  A Westwood spokesperson says they're cooperating with Madigan on any issues.

Rutherford Giving Away Over One-Billion Dollars

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford wants to give away one-and-a-half-billion dollars.  That's how much the state is holding in its Cash Dash program, which includes cash from abandoned bank accounts, checks from previous employers, and assets collected from old safe deposit boxes.  Rutherford will be in Fisher and Champaign today to help reconnect the items with the rightful owners.  More than 100-million dollars was returned to Illinois residents last year.

Beverage Association Pens Letter To O'Fallon Officials

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Beverage Association wants the city of O'Fallon to reconsider a proposal asking people not to drink energy drinks.  The policy suggests that those participating in and attending sporting events refrain from high caffeine usage.  It also urges the people to stop using tobacco, alcohol, performance enhancers and other drugs.  The IBA has penned a letter to city officials claiming energy drinks are safe and should not be lumped together with dangerous substances.

Supreme Court Hears Cases Against School District

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state's High Court heard oral arguments in two cases against McLean County School District Unit Five yesterday.  The cases involve former Unit Five teacher Jon White who left unit Five to teach in Urbana.  He was later convicted of molesting eight Urbana students, but school officials say they didn't know of White's past when they hired him.  He had been suspended while teaching at Unit Five for allegedly molesting two girls.  The Supreme Court will make a decision in the next few months on whether Unit Five should be held accountable.