Illinois Briefs - 11/28/12

IL House Panel OKs Plan To Freeze Union Wages

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois lawmakers are endorsing a plan to freeze union wages.  Members of an Illinois House panel yesterday unanimously approved the plan.  The measure goes to the full House for a final vote.

Lawmakers Move For More Tax Transparency

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois businesses may soon be required to post their income tax information online.  Right now only eight percent of the state's revenue from taxes and fees comes from corporate income taxes, while 55-percent comes from personal income taxes.  The proposal isn't designed to change tax rates or eliminate loopholes.  Senate President John Cullerton says it's about transparency and providing the most accurate, up to date information so lawmakers can create policies that are fair for everyone.  They'll vote on the proposal this week.

State Senator Elect Makes Bid For Congress

(Chicago, IL)  --  He just won a seat in the Illinois Senate but Napoleon Harris has his sights on something higher.  The former Northwestern University football star and NFL player would like to get in the race to replace Jesse Jackson, Junior.  The Dixmoor native says he's received a lot of support for the congressional bid.  He says his desire stems from wanting to help the people in his community.  Harris joins a long list of potential candidates looking to replace Jackson.

Medical Marijuana Up For Debate This Week

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois lawmakers could consider legalizing marijuana for medical purposes this week.  State Representative Lou Lang says if the measure passes, people would only be allowed to purchase two ounces in a two week period, and a state database would help ensure they don't go over the limit.  Patients would also have to get a background check before being approved and they'd have to register with the state's Department of Health.  Lang wants to pass the measure on a trial basis and after three years, lawmakers would have to revisit the idea and decide whether to keep it in place.

Illinois Near Bottom Of List Of Best-Run States

(Undated)  --  Illinois isn't making the grade on a new list of America's best-run states.  The website "24-7 Wall Street" says Illinois is number-48 overall on its list of the best-and-worst-run states in the U.S.  The survey found that Illinois' 2010 budget shortfall was more than 40-percent of its general fund.  It ranked poorly in the categories of debt per capita, budget deficit and unemployment.  Only Rhode Island and California rank below Illinois.  North Dakota is tops on the list.

Illinois Caught In Powerball Frenzy

(Undated)  --  Illinois is suffering from a case of Powerball fever.  In just one day of ticket-buying nationally the jackpot for tonight's Powerball drawing has swelled to a record 500-million-dollars.  That's a cash value of 325-million for one lucky winner.  In Illinois alone, more than 200-thousand-dollars worth of two-dollar tickets were sold during a 30-minute window yesterday.  The Powerball drawing happens tonight at 9:59 p.m.

Beckman Will Coach Illinois Next Season  

(Champaign, IL)  --  First-year University of Illinois football coach Tim Beckman will return next season.  Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas made the announcement of Beckman's return yesterday.  Beckman was just 2-and-10 this past season which brought calls for his termination.