State News

Gov. Rauner signs bill to streamline procurement process

Thursday, August 10 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed Senate Bill 8, a bipartisan bill that makes the state procurement process more efficient and transparent, thus saving money for Illinois taxpayers. “Procurement rules are often confusing and difficult for vendors, state entities and universities,” Gov. Rauner said. “Reforming the...

Gov. Rauner signs bill allowing offenders to receive birth certificates for free

Thursday, August 10 by Jc Tinsley

Continuing his push for criminal justice reform, Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed Senate Bill 1413, which allows men and women to receive their birth certificate for no fee upon their release from the Department of Corrections. “I am proud to sign this legislation that removes...

IL Dept. on Aging Hosts Senior Day at Illinois State Fair

Thursday, August 10 by Jc Tinsley

At this year’s Illinois State Fair, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) hosts a variety of activities for older adults, their families and friends on Senior Day, Monday, August 14th. The event is open to the public and adults age 60 and older receive...

Veterans and Gold Star Family Day at the 2017 Illinois State Fair

Wednesday, August 9 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 13, 2017. In addition to all...

Serve Illinois Announces $17.5 Million For AmeriCorps Programs

Wednesday, August 9 by Jc Tinsley

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) today announced $17.5 million in Corporation for National and Community Service federal grants to place 1,671 AmeriCorps Members in 39 programs to serve Illinois communities. This is an increase of $1.9 million over...

Gov. Rauner signs bill to expand organ donor registry

Wednesday, August 9 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed House Bill 1805, also known as the Drive for Life Act. The bill, which received bipartisan support, allows 16- and 17-year-olds to express their wishes to become organ and tissue donors. Signing the bill into law will give hundreds...

Shimkus Announces Congressional App Challenge

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

Today Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) announced the Congressional App Challenge.Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating and an application or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or...

Eclipse Preparation Underway at IDOT

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

Although the sun might go missing for a little while, the Illinois Department of Transportation promises to stay active leading up to the solar eclipse to make sure traffic keeps moving and the traveling public remains safe. Carbondale is in...

Righter statement on Gov. Rauner’s Amendatory Veto of education funding reform

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner issuing an Amendatory Veto of Senate Bill 1, education funding reform:“The changes Gov. Rauner made to Senate Bill 1 reflect what equitable funding truly means....

Fitzjerrells promoted to Director of Court Services

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

Chief Judge Thomas Tedeschi is pleased to announce that Darla F. Fitzjerrells has been promoted to Director of Court Services of the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois effective August 1, 2017. Director Fitzjerrells will be responsible for overseeing the operations of all probation departments...