Prairie State Wire

Prairie State Wire

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Michael E. Hartmann News

State Government

IDNR: Announces Habitat Fund Project Grants

By Press release submission | Oct 23, 2019

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced the approval of more than $737,500 in grants for 11 wildlife habitat projects through the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program.

Business

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY: IDES lowers unemployment taxes for seventh straight year

By Press release submission | Oct 22, 2019

Illinois Payrolls Up Across Most Industries

State Government

Rep. McSweeney leads bipartisan charge for statewide red light-camera ban

By Glenn Minnis | Oct 21, 2019

Support is building from both sides of the aisle among lawmakers in Springfield for a ban on red-light cameras in Illinois amid charges that the devices are being used primarily to generate revenues for cash-strapped municipalities.

Community

ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL: Campfires and Bonfires: Be Responsible and Safe

By Press release submission | Oct 21, 2019

Know the rules and use safe burning practices!

From Illinois Business Daily

Which Illinois schools receive the least state student aid?

By Local Labs News Service | 2 days ago

The Salon Professional Academy-Shorewood, University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts and Capri Beauty College reported receiving the least state financial aid during the 2018-19 academic year among Illinois schools.

State Government

Panel testifies on ethylene oxide emissions before House committee

By Kyla Asbury | Oct 20, 2019

The Illinois House of Representatives' Energy and Environment Committee recently heard testimony regarding the regulation of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions and this year's earlier closing of the Sterigenics medical-device sterilization plant in Willowbrook.

State Government

Illinois 'pension funds are doomed,' says Taxpayers United of America president

By Kyla Asbury | Oct 20, 2019

Taxpayers United of America President Jim Tobin recently told a press conference that there is no way Illinois will be able to cover the state's massive pension liability without drastically changing strategies right away.

From Illinois Business Daily

1st-quarter state tax collections in Illinois reach $10.2 billion, Census Bureau reports

By Illinois Business Daily reports | 4 days ago

State tax revenues in Illinois amount to $10.2 billion in the first quarter of 2019, the sixth highest tally among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

From Rock Island Today

GOP demonstrators hold anti-impeachment rally outside Rep. Bustos’ Rock Island office

By Glenn Minnis | 5 days ago

Republican National Committee (RNC) Regional Communications Director Mandi Merritt has a simple explanation for Democrats' dogged pursuit of an impeachment of President Donald Trump.

From Illinois Business Daily

2017-2018 pay for starting teachers in Illinois averaged $39,236

By Illinois Business Daily reports | 5 days ago

A beginning teacher’s salary in Illinois averaged $39,236 for the 2017-2018 school year, the 18th highest rank among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to data analyzed by the National Education Association (NEA).

Community

IlLLINOIS DCFS: Kicks off Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in partnership with southern Illinois hospitals and community groups

By Press release submission | Oct 18, 2019

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital, SIHF Healthcare and HEALTHIER TOGETHER are joining forces to help prevent sleep related infant deaths in southern Illinois.

State Government

IPI: Pritzker's pension consolidation plan falls well short of the mark

By Glenn Minnis | Oct 17, 2019

Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports that consolidating investments of more than 640 of 667 state public pension funds may affect less than 6 percent of the state’s almost $200 billion in pension debt.

Business

IDHS: Celebrates National Disability Employment Month

By Press release submission | Oct 17, 2019

IDHS and providers host events to raise awareness for disability employment

State Government

Unredacted Sandoval warrant reveals 'a crime ring masquerading as a political party,' ILGOP chairman says

By Glenn Minnis | Oct 17, 2019

The Illinois Republican Party points to the recent raid on the home and offices of longtime state Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) as an illustration of just how far the state's Democrats are willing to go to impose their will.

State Government

New Planned Parenthood mega-clinic 'preying on pregnant women in Illinois and Missouri,' group says

By Glenn Minnis | Oct 16, 2019

With regard to Planned Parenthood's behemoth abortion facility that was built in secrecy near the southern Illinois-Missouri state line, leaders at the Thomas More Society insist they’ve seen this kind of thing before.

Business

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: OSHA Temporary Worker Safety Seminar set for Oct. 24

By Press release submission | Oct 16, 2019

Joliet Junior College, OSHA and IDOL co-hosting safety workshop

From West Cook News

Is Oak Park’s mayor white or oppressed?

By John Severance | 8 days ago

The Muslim Civic Coalition, the largest statewide partnership of influencers and organizations in the Chicago area and Illinois, weighed in on a recent Oak Park board meeting that dissolved into a shouting match involving racial equity and oppression.

Schools

ILLINOIS EPA: Launches Annual Environmental Education Competition for Fifth and Sixth Grade Students

By Press release submission | Oct 15, 2019

Agency Encourages Youth Creativity About How to Protect the Environment

Community

IDNR: Accepting Applications for Clean Vessel Act Grants

By Press release submission | Oct 15, 2019

Program helps fund facilities for waste disposal by boaters

From East Central Reporter

Gloves will be off at Coles County hearing tonight over cooked up property tax assessments, watchdog says

By W.J. Kennedy | 8 days ago

Illinois’ leading government watchdog is predicting a showdown tonight during a legislative hearing in Coles County over a move by the county to increase its borrowing power by artificially inflating property values.