Illinois Briefs - 11/13/12

Emanuel Says Jackson Jr. Needs To Speak Up

(Chicago, IL)  --  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. to address his plans for the future.  Emanuel said yesterday it's "incumbent on Jackson" to speak to constituents.  Jackson won re-election in his Chicago district last week but he hasn't talked publicly for months as he continues to be treated for depression at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  There have also been recent reports that Jackson is negotiating a plea deal with federal prosecutors over his misuse of campaign funds.           

Program Helps Veterans Gain Employment

(Springfield, IL)  --  Veterans from the state of Illinois who are either unemployed or underemployed can now get help through a new program.  The state is helping veterans earn the Building Operator Certification to find work through its Veterans Pilot program.  The program targets veterans who have experience and skills that can be transferable to commercial building operations and maintenance.  The certification program is offered free to veterans.  

Humana To Offer IL Dual-Eligible Special Health Coverage

(Undated)  --  The insurance giant Humana Incorporated says it will begin offering special health coverage services in Illinois to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.  Humana joins several other insurance carriers in offering the program to so-called "dual-eligible" individuals in Illinois.  There are nearly seven-million dual eligible people in the U.S. including 118-thousand in the Chicago area.

IL Volunteers Still Helping Sandy Cleanup

(Brooklyn, NY)  --  Though it's been two weeks since Hurricane Sandy swept through the New York region, some good-hearted volunteers from Illinois are still there lending a helping hand with cleanup.  Team Rubicon is an organization of military veterans who are deployed to scenes of crisis and emergency.  Team Rubicon Chicago's Kevin Peach tells WGN-TV there's so much damage as a result of Sandy, at the very least they can offer victims comfort by helping them get their home more organized.