(Springfield--ab) -- Governor J-B Pritzker says he wants taxpayers to see for themselves how they would do under his fair tax proposal. Governor Pritzker says 97 percent of Illinoisans will see some relief under his graduated income tax plan. A new online calculator will give people an idea of just how much they will save.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
The governor’s plan raises the income tax for those making over 250 thousand. the calculator is available at: illinois dot gov forward slash fair tax calculator.
(Bloomington--jc)-- Following a very serious car accident late last week, Tom Bennett’s colleagues took a moment on the House floor Tuesday to wish him well in his recovery. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin talks about the 106th District Republican…
Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin
Bennett suffered 10 broken ribs, 6 with multiple breaks, as he was returning to his home in Gibson City from his district office in Pontiac Thursday night around 9pm. He remains hospitalized in Bloomington.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is proposing to allow year-round sales of gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol, seeking to calm a dispute between the oil industry and corn farmers. The proposal Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency fulfills a pledge that President Donald Trump made to U.S. corn farmers, who see ethanol as an important driver of demand for their crops. Oil refineries have been seeking exemptions from government requirements to include ethanol in their fuel mixes. The dispute between the industry and farmers and lawmakers from Midwest states sparked a billboard campaign and at least one tractor rally in the Midwest last year.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A study has found that an Illinois' teacher shortage has become particularly acute in central and southern sections of the state. The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools has released a study showing that 89 percent of school districts in central Illinois have trouble filling teaching positions with qualified candidates. Southern Illinois fared worse, with 92 percent having staffing issues. Association president Mark Jontry notes the pay for new teachers is not high.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The roof project at the Rantoul Public Library has a cost of 170 thousand dollars. The local library board and staff have saved up around 90 thousand dollars for the project. Some fundraising has closed the gap between the two figures. More fundraising continues for the local structure, Rantoul Public Library Director Holly Thompson says workers have done a great job helping with the recent hard rain and high winds and continue to complete the project…
Rantoul Public Library Director Holly Thompson
A local group called H-M-S Hotspur is hosting an auction and euchre party at the library on April 5 to help raise money for the roof. Some silent auction items are on display now at the Rantoul library. Bids will be taken on the items through the fundraiser on the 5th of April.
Chicago, IL – Illinois State Police officials would like to invite all individuals who are interested in becoming ISP Troopers to participate in a Physical Fitness Inventory Test Seminar being held on Saturday, March 23. The seminar takes place from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at Olivet Nazarene University in the Student Recreation Center in Bourbonnais Certified PFIT monitors will be in attendance to provide hands-on instruction on how to successfully pass the test
(Fisher--jc) -- Fisher Village leaders will look at setback requirements for a housing development on Green Street when they meet tomorrow night in monthly session. Local leaders will look to pass a resurfacing road project on third street. The project has a price tag of just over 442 thousand dollars The Fisher Village board meets at 6 tomorrow night at the Fisher Community Center.
(Springfield--jc) -- A new report from the Illinois Board of higher education show that high school graduates are continuing to flock to out of state colleges. In 20-17 nearly half of college bound grads headed to 4 year schools in neighboring states. The Boards Director of Information Eric Lichtenberger says the trend continues to rise in percentages…
Illinois Board of Higher Education Director of Information Eric Lichtenberger.
(Ford County--jc) A Ford County man pleaded guilty to reckless homicide concerning a crash the fatally injured a Paxton woman in 20-16. 27 year old Thomas Hoekstra of Paxton made the plea on Tuesday in Ford County Court He will be sentenced in May.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois House lawmakers are voting to raise the age to buy cigarettes in Illinois. Smokers will have to be 21, instead of 18 to purchase tobacco products under the “tobacco 21” legislation. State Representative Monica Bristow of Alton is a former smoker and supports the measure…
State Representative Monica Bristow of Alton.
(Washington--jc) -- Cattle placements into feedlots during January were 5 percent less than January of 2018. Gary Crawford has the numbers…
