Illinois Briefs - 2/22/12

Lawmakers Look To Regulate Abortions

(Springfield, IL)  --  It looks like lawmakers are taking a stand against abortion in Illinois.  A House committee approved two measures yesterday aimed at imposing stricter regulations on facilities that perform the procedure.  One bill requires clinics to ask women if they'd like to see the baby's ultrasound before going through with the abortion.  It only applies to women who are beyond seven weeks pregnant.  The other seeks to make clinics that perform more than 50 procedures a year comply with all the rules and regulations of an ambulatory surgical treatment center.  Both bills were met with strong opposition but now head to the House floor for a full vote.

Senator Has Yet To File Suit

(Chicago, IL)  --  One state lawmaker is backing down from a threat to sue the Secretary of State.  Senator Annazette Collins made the claim after Jesse White compared her to convicted former governor Rod Blagojevich.  White says he sees patterns of dishonesty in the woman he once supported.  Collins says she's

disappointed by the comments but will not file suit.  She originally claimed she'd file first thing Tuesday morning if White hadn't yet issued an apology.  He stands by his comments and will not apologize but says he could've said things a bit softer.

Conceal Carry Closer Than Ever

(Harrisburg, IL)  --  Several proposals are on the table this year when it comes to guns in Illinois.  Representative Brandon Phelps is still trying to gather enough votes to pass conceal carry.  He says the bill needs to be tweaked but they're closer now than they've ever been before.  Harris says those who want to ban assault guns and impose more taxes on ammo won't have support to pass the bills.  He says the attack on law abiding gun owners is not going to solve the problems Chicago is having with criminals.  

Get Fiscally Fit

(Alton, IL)  --  Physical fitness is something many strive for, but the Better Business Bureau also wants you to think about your fiscal fitness.  Pulling your credit report on a regular basis is a smart way to stay on top of your financial health.  The reports also can help you figure out whether someone has stolen your identity or tried to commit financial fraud.  If you have a bad credit score, be wary of businesses that offer to "fix" your score, officials with the BBB says that's just not possible.  Smith recommends you get a free copy of a credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.