Statewide Update—Jan. 7, 2011

• (AP) State Journal-Register—Public using stronger open government laws, “Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Thursday that the state’s 2009 overhaul of its Freedom of Information and Open Meetings laws brought long-overdue transparency to Illinois government.”

• Bloomington Pantagraph—On 2^nd try, state House votes to abolish death penalty, “Illinois has not enforced the death penalty since then-Gov. George Ryan imposed a moratorium in 2000 after more than a dozen men on death row were exonerated. Just before leaving office in 2003, Ryan commuted the death sentences of 167 inmates to life in prison and pardoned four others.”

• Daily Herald—Kane finance committee to explore ethics of seeking financial advice, “The Kane County Board may have a new panel of financial experts chiming in with advice in 2011 as it tries to avoid another year of deficit spending.”

• State Journal-Register—Dems push income, cig tax increases, property tax break, “The plan calls for borrowing $8.75 billion to pay off old bills. And to prevent the state from sinking into a financial abyss again, lawmakers will be asked to approve bills limiting spending increases and imposing a prohibition on new programs for the next three years.”

• Southtown Star—Daley rips admission fee for Taste of Chicago, “During that the Taste of Chicago will ‘always be free,’ Mayor Richard Daley said Thursday he would oppose a lone bidder’s proposal to charge a $20 admission fee to the lakefront festival.”

• Daily Herald—DuPage seniors can defer property taxes, “A DuPage County program allows qualified seniors, 65 and older, to defer their property taxes until they sell their home.”

• State Journal-Register, Editorial—Clout carries the day vs. Tenaska, “As things stand now, it appears that the Tenaska clean coal power plant proposed for Taylorville is dead.”

Statewide Update—Dec. 16, 2010

• Southtown Star—Meeks hopes vouchers plan can fix ‘broken’ schools: “… unlike Meeks’ last voucher bill that foundered in the Legislature, the state senator’s new education plan would not limit vouchers to students in the lowest-scoring or most overcrowded schools. Instead, it would be open to both low- and middle-income parents citywide — an idea that could win him new voters.”

• Chicago Sun-Times—Mayoral candidates grade schools very low: “Four top mayor candidates agreed Wednesday that Chicago Public Schools were broken. Asked to grade the system, two candidates gave it a ‘D.’ Two gave it a ‘C-minus.’”

• Daily Herald—No strikes? Tougher tenure? Lawmakers contemplating school reform: “Beginning Thursday, hearings are being held on reforming some of the most controversial aspects of public schooling in Illinois.  Eliminating teachers’ right to strike is on the list. So is instituting tougher tenure requirements. And looking at performance evaluations alongside seniority when pink slips are being handed out come spring.”

• Trib Local, Downers Grove—Downers Grove OKs 4.5% tax levy increase: “The Downers Grove village council gave final approval to what will likely be a $36 average hike in yearly property bills during Tuesday’s council meeting, unanimously passing this year’s tax levy.”

• State Journal-Register—Public policy meeting slated for Friday: “Financial problems facing the state and potential solutions will be the topic of a public policy briefing, sponsored by the Citizens Club of Springfield, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.”
  

• Daily Herald—Cary District 26 to reject bid for Maplewood site: “For a district hoping to slim down by $4 million over the next three years, $1.8 million to $3 million could sure help. That’s how much Cary Elementary District 26 is hoping to get from selling the Maplewood.”

• Bloomington Pantagraph—State eager to help keep local auto plant going: “State officials aren’t saying exactly what they would do to help keep a Japanese carmaker in Central Illinois, but Gov. Pat Quinn hasn’t been shy about doling out big-ticket incentives for other struggling automobile manufacturers.”

• State Journal Register—Council could name new mayor Tuesday: “Two current aldermen – Ward 1’s Frank Edwards and Ward 3’s Frank Kunz – both said Wednesday they are willing to serve out the remainder of Mayor Tim Davlin’s term.”