Illinois Briefs - 1/27/12

Increased License Plate Fee

(Springfield, IL)  --  There could be more than 100-thousand electric vehicles on Illinois roads in the next few years, and you could be footing the bill for it.  The Electric Vehicle Advisory Council wants drivers to pay an additional dollar to renew their license plates, bringing the renewal price to an even 100 bucks.  The additional money would pay for charging stations across the state plus rebates and grants for alternative fuels.

New High School Football Rules

(Springfield, IL)  --  All high school football players are required to attend 12 practices before playing in a game, but lawmakers are looking to change that rule.  Senator Shane Cultra has introduced a plan that would exempt some players who've been through military basic training.  Under the proposed bill,

coaches would be allowed to evaluate the military student and determine if he's ready to play before the 12-practice minimum.  The Illinois High School Association is against the bill, calling it dangerous, counterproductive, and irresponsible.

Pay Attention To Signs Of Stroke

(Springfield, IL)  --  Doctors are urging people to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of strokes, including weakness on one side of the body affecting arm, face, and legs.  Other symptoms include double vision, loss of vision, dizziness, and speech problems.  Doctor Sajjad Muweed [[Sa-Jod Moo-weed]] with the Springfield's SIU School of Medicine says chances of recovery are increased by about 30-percent if people are treated in the first few hours after the stroke occurs.  Muweed says eating healthy and exercising can reduce the chances of stroke.

College Illinois Program Rebounding

(Springfield, IL)  --  The College Illinois program is on the rebound.  State Representative Jim Durkin says the Board has made several improvements that protect parents who've purchased pre-paid college tuition.  He says the program is currently funded at 70-percent so current participants don't have to worry about whether the money will be paid out.  The Illinois Student Assistance Commission temporarily suspended the program but Durkin says it will be reopened once the Board determines how to price the contracts.

Online Dating Legislation Introduced

(Springfield, IL)  --  People who date online may soon have additional safety regulations in place.  Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that will require online dating sites to let people know if they do background checks before a person joins.  The "Chicago Tribune" reports the sites will also have to post safety tips, such as how people can protect themselves from potential stalkers.  Companies that don't comply could face a 50-thousand-dollar fine.