Illinois Briefs - 2/21/12

Illinois Seeks NCLB Exemption

(Springfield, IL)  --  No Child Left Behind is doing just what it's designed not to.  Education officials in Illinois say the program is leaving kids behind and more than half of the state's schools aren't meeting its goals.  Now, the Illniois State Board of Education is asking the federal government if they can be exempt from some of the NCLB standards.  They're submitting a waiver which will give them a bit of flexibility and six years to boost student performance by 50-percent.

Rutherford: More Detailed Closure Plan Necessary

(Jacksonville, IL)  --  A new plan is circulating for the Jacksonville Developmental Center.  State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is proposing a five year closure plan that will give residents and parents time to determine their next steps.  Governor Quinn wants to shut the facility down this year.  He says the building has structural

problems and closing its doors will save more than 11-million-dollars a year.  Quinn is expected to outline his state facility closure plan in his Budget Address tomorrow.

Illinois Chamber Wants Better Job Growth

(Springfield, IL)  --  Nearly 650-thousand people in Illinois are without work.  Doug Whitley with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce says that's not a good sign for businesses.  He says lawmakers must tackle some of the state's budget issues including paying down debt, reducing corporate income tax levels and restructuring the Medicaid and pension systems.  Whitley gives the state a grade of "C" on job growth, but Governor Quinn says his office has done a much better than average job turning the economy around.   Quinn cites increased automotive industry jobs as proof that the outlook isn't so bad.

Quinn To Propose Deep Cuts

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn's plan to get the state's budget under control could mean tough cuts.  Quinn is expected to slash funding to some programs for those who depend on government services.  He says changes are coming to the Medicaid program and pension systems for sure.  There's also speculation that Quinn will target regional offices of education again.  He cut the salaries of the regional superintendents last year. but lawmakers temporarily restored them.  

Voter Registration Deadline Today

(Springfield, IL)  --  Today's the final day to register to vote in the March 20th primary election.  If you're not registered but you want to vote, be sure to swing by your County Clerk's office by the end of the day.  You'll need two forms of ID to register, one with a picture the other with a current, valid address.  Early voting starts next Monday and goes until March 15th.

School Considers Loan

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Springfield school district is turning to the banks to help cover its operating costs.  They're applying for a nine-million-dollar line of credit to pay bills and meet payroll.  District 186 Superintendent Walter Milton says the state owes them seven-million-dollars.  School board members approved the line of credit at last nights meeting.  There are conditions though.  The money will have to be paid back, in full, within 30 days of receiving reimbursement from state taxes.