Illinois Briefs - 2/03/12

>>Republicans Want Reforms Implemented

(Springfield, IL)  --  Republicans are calling on Governor Quinn to implement Medicaid reforms they passed last year.  The GOP joined with Democrats in an effort to curb the rising costs of the program.  The reforms include income and citizenship restrictions but Quinn has never filed the federal waivers to make them completely official.  Lawmakers also agreed not to expand the program but Quinn has field federal paperwork to add 100-thousand people in Cook County to the Medicaid system.

>>AFSCME Workers Want Pay Raises

(Springfield, IL)  --  Workers from the state's largest union aren't giving up on getting their promised pay raises.  Governor Quinn froze their pay last year, citing budget constraints.  About 200 members of AFSCME Council 31 gathered outside Quinn's Springfield office yesterday asking him to change his

mind and release the funds.  They say if Quinn can find a way to fund the programs he proposed in his State of the State address, then he can find the money to give them their raises.

>>Wear Red For Heart Disease Awareness

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinoisans are encouraged to wear red today in an effort to bring awareness to heart disease.  It's the most common cause of death for women in America.  Risk factors for heart attack include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.  Doctors say women can reduce the risks by eating lots of fruits and vegetables and working out daily.

>>State Officials Urge Safe Super Bowl Partying

(Undated)  --  Police will be out in full force this weekend, keeping an eye out for drunk drivers.  Super Bowl weekend includes lots of fun, lots of competition, and sometimes lots of drinking.  But IDOT Spokesman Josh Kauffman says drink and drive after the big game and you will get caught.  Police say you should designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking at your Super Bowl festivities.

>>Danville To Bring In Super Bowl Cash

(Danville, IL)  --  One Illinois city is expected to rake in big bucks thanks to the Super Bowl.  Danville is more than an hour away from Indianapolis but people will pass through on the way to the big event. That means money in sales taxes on gas, food, and even hotel stays.  City officials say prices are cheaper in Danville than they are in Indy so that makes it more attractive to fans and business travelers.

>>Bus Fares Up In Springfield

(Springfield, IL)  --  Rising gas prices are taking their toll on both businesses and residents in the capital city.  Springfield's Mass Transit District is raising fares on bus riders in order to keep up with the rising costs.  Plus,they're adding new bus routes across the city.  Riders will now pay a dollar-twenty-five for each ride on the bus.  Seniors and people with disabilities can ride for sixty-cents.