Illinois Briefs - 12/06/12

Bi-Partisan Pension Proposal Introduced

(Springfield, IL)  --  A new pension proposal has been introduced in Springfield.  The proposal raises the retirement age, lowers cost of living increases, and requires workers to pitch in more for their pensions.  And, even the controversial cost shift is included in the plan, meaning school districts will have to start picking up the cost of teacher pensions.  The idea is to fund the pension systems at 100-percent within 30 years.  The plan hasn't been analyzed by actuaries yet so supporters can't say how much money the state will actually save or how much it will cost state workers.

No House Vote On Illegal Immigrant Driving

(Springfield, IL)  --  The House wrapped up veto session yesterday without voting on a plan to let illegal immigrants get drivers licenses.  The proposal would allow 250-thousand undocumented immigrants to take drivers tests, purchase insurance, and drive legally.  The Senate passed the proposal with bi-partisan support on Tuesday.  State representatives are expected to vote on it when they return to session in January.

Illinosans Don't Support Ryan, Blagojevich Pardons

(Chicago, IL)  --  People in Illinois don't believe President Obama should pardon former governors George Ryan or Rod Blagojevich.  A new Public Policy Poll shows 70-percent of people say Ryan should serve out his full sentence while 75-percent believe the same for Blagojevich.  Ryan has qualified for work release and will finish the last five months of sentence in a Chicago half-way house.  He was sentenced to six and a half years and is scheduled for parole in July.  Blagojevich just started serving a 14-year sentence.  Both were convicted of corruption.

Scammers Target Utility Customers Across The State

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Commerce Commission is warning people about a new utility scam.  Spokesperson Beth Bosch says some people have been receiving bogus phone calls, emails, and text messages claiming their utility services will be disconnected unless they make a payment.   Some of the scammers are even showing up at customers' doors.  Bosch urges customers not to fall for the scam.  She says utility companies will notify customers before they come out to disconnect service.

Skeletal Remains Found In Metro-East

(Sauget, IL)  --  A hunter stumbled across a human skull on Monday, near a waste water treatment facility in Sauget.  Police found the rest of the remains when they returned to the site on Tuesday.  They believe the skeleton may have been there for about two years.  The bottom half of the skeleton was clothed in blue sweatpants, which had five Russian coins inside the pockets.  Police suspect foul play because there's a hole in the back of the skull.  Anyone with information should contact authorities.