(Springfield--jc) --The debate over how Illinois should tax income is getting heated amid reports that the Democrats, who control both chambers of the state legislature with supermajorities, may not have enough support to pass the graduated tax plan that Governor J.B. Pritzker's is counting on to stabilize the state's finances and pay for the promises he made on the campaign trail. The governor is pushing to change the state constitution’s flat income tax to a structure that taxes higher earners higher rates. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment One would pose the question to voters, but has yet to advance out of a Senate committee. No public hearing has been scheduled on the amendment yet. The deadline for bills to pass out of their originating chamber is April 12. After that, the House and Senate take two weeks off before coming back to finish out Spring session that ends May 31.The measure would have to be passed by both chambers to put the question to voters on the November 2020 ballot. To become law, three-fifths of those who vote on the amendment would need to approve it.
(Washington--ba)-Other than some potential dryness in the Deep South, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor reports some of its lowest overall totals in months. USDA’s Rod Bain Reports.
(Rantoul il--jc) -- A Rantoul juvenile has been arrested in a shots fired incident in the village on Saturday. Authorities say th 16 year old was arrested at Rantoul Township High School Monday morning. Rantoul police investigations reveal that 3 male youth were running from the scene. No one was hurt in the shooting. The youth faces felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon, mob action and possession of a stolen firearm.
The state of Illinois may soon provide the seed money for kids in the state to go to college.The Illinois House last week approved a plan to create a college savings fund for every child born or adopted in Illinois starting in 2021. The state would provide an initial $50 investment. That $50 could grow, and families could access the money starting when a child turns ten.The program to cost about $10 million a year. Some Republicans said the state can't afford it. And state Representative Grant Wehrli said he worried that Illinois would squander the money.
(Paxton--jc) -- The lease amount is expected to be one dollar per year. The Paxton Buckley Loda School board is set to discuss the lease of school property near Interstate 57 when they meet on Wednesday night at the high school in Paxton. The efforts to build a spot near I-57 to fly a 30 by 60 foot American flag. The exact location would be just north of the P-B-L football field. The P-B-L School board meets at 7 on Wednesday evening.
Tomorrow is the Day !! A Representative from Senator Scott Bennett's office will be at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Office from Noon to 1 pm answering his constituents questions about issues. All are welcome.
(Kankakee--ba)-An opportunity to dispose of old prescription drugs is coming later this month. WPXN’s Braedon Arnett reports.
(Paxton--jc) Wanted children ages 3 to 5. A developmental screening is offered on Thursday at the Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton for kids in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School district. They will be tested for vision, hearing, speech and preschool skills. Parents interested may call the Clara Petersen School in Paxton at 379-2531. The preschool screening is a service of the P-B-L school district, the Ford County Public Health Department and the Ford County Special Education Cooperative.
(Rantoul--jc) -- Rantoul Village leaders are expected to purchase pump station equipment for just over 144 thousand 800 dollars when they meet tonight in monthly session. Purchasing utility cable and materials from Anixter for 59 thousand dollars is also on the agenda tonight. Rantoul Village board members will also look at a resurfacing project on Maplewood Drive. Tonights meeting gets underway at 6 tonight in the municipal building on Tanner Street.
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois small business owners and local Veterans of Foreign Wars , Disabled American Veterans and American Legion posts and chapters launched the Bet on Main Street coalition Monday, telling lawmakers in Springfield that a proposed massive tax increase on video gaming would hurt communities across Illinois. Bet on Main Street members will be vocal advocates for policies related to video gaming, which has supported Illinois small businesses, spurred hiring in local communities and provided much-needed revenue for DAV chapters, American Legions and VFW posts, which support Illinois veterans. More information is found on line at bet-main-street-dot-com.
(Washington--ba)-If you're not quite sure what the dates on your food packages mean, then USDA has the answers to your questions. USDA’s Stephanie Ho reports.
(Springfield--jc) Commuters who use a portion Interstate 80 could soon be paying tolls for the repair and expansion of the busy highway. Legislation filed in the Illinois House of Representatives would give a portion of I-80 between the 294 interchange and Route 47 in Morris to the state’s tollway authority.P.S. Sriraj, director of the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said the transfer would expedite the process of repairing some of the most dilapidated bridges in the state in comparison to funding construction through a capital bill that would need to address other state projects as well.
(Fisher--jc) -- Some national acts are coming to this years’ Fisher Fair. Mark Chesnut will peform on Friday July 12th featuring Drew Baldridge and the Fuedin’ Hillbillies. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets available at Fisher Fair dot com.
CHICAGO (AP) — Striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians have rejected a contract proposal management described as its "last, best and final" offer.
The members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association voted on and rejected management's offer on Monday. Union officials said the offer would leave musicians' salaries "further behind the orchestras of Los Angeles and San Francisco."Association lead negotiator Steve Lester says the union's proposal addressed management's concern about pension funding "while guaranteeing the Musicians and the Orchestra the security deserved."
(Gibson City--jc) -- Wanted, card players to help raise money for the Ford County Relay for Life. The Chic Meredith team is hosting a euchre party on Friday night at the Moyer Library. The dealing begins at 6-30 Friday night. There is a 10 dollar entry fee and snacks will be provided. To sign up call 217-784-5267 and leave your name and phone information.
(Cissna Park---jc) They play volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter, and are also part of the F F A, but now is the time to hit the stage in Cissna Park this weekend. High School students at Cissna Park High school will perform the musical “Beauty and the Beast on Friday and Saturday. Julian Stadeli plays the beast and Anna Jennings is Bell.
Christian Stadeli was cast as Gaston. Other performers are Connor Lober as Maurice, Keegan Boyle as Cogsworth, Gavin Speers plays Lumiere. Also Bridgett Beltran as Mrs Pots and the Feather Duster played by Kristen Walder. Anna Hylbert is the Dresser. The performances are Friday and Saturday at 7pm You also will see Janette Beltran as LeFou and Miss Lillyana Verkler as young Chip.
