March 19, 2010 
    Springfield – A bill relieving school districts from complying with some unfunded state mandates cleared the Illinois House of Representatives Thursday. Read>>

Eddy and Reis to sponsor short term cash flow relief for community colleges
With critical payments to community colleges running months behind, State Representatives Roger Eddy (R, 109th) and David Reis (R, 108th) announce today that they will be co-sponsoring important legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives that will provide much needed cash flow relief for Illinois Community Colleges. More..

 

 

Complete listing of Blagojevich arrest & impeachment articles

CAPITOL FAX

by Rich Miller Voice 217.529.6811 Fax 312.896.9456
thecapitolfaxblog.com capitolfax@aol.com
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2008

STATEMENT FROM US ATTORNEY

BLAGOJEVICH, HARRIS ARRESTED From the US attorney's office...

CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity .
Read Full Statement from US Attorney>>

 

October 29, 2008
Lawrence County to become home of new maximum security prison
The Southern Springfield Bureau Tuesday, October 28, 2008 2:06 PM CDT SPRINGFIELD --

In a surprise move, the small Lawrence County town of Sumner is poised to become home to the state's newest maximum-security prison. More>>

August 25, 2008
New use, new vision, new goal, new name
Former Paris Work Camp to be adult educational center by September 2009
Read More>>

July 10. 2008
Beacon-News Report
Legislation signed into law Wednesday directs the state Director of Corrections to transfer the Ed Jenison Work Camp to the City of Paris by quit claim deed for $1. More>>

April 12, 2008
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House approved a plan Tuesday to offer voters a California-style recall process for getting rid of unpopular or incompetent politicians. More>>

March 7, 2008
New plans proposed for Paris Work Camp

A new approach for utilizing the Ed Jenison Work Camp is underway.

A bill sponsored by Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) to give control of the former prison to the City of Paris unanimously cleared the Illinois House Executive Committee earlier this week and now awaits further consideration on the House floor. More>>

March 3, 2008
Skeptics react to Blagojevich's check plan
Illinois citizens may have to set aside hopes of extra cash from the state heading into the spring and summer months.

While the federal economic stimulus checks could be in circulation by May, the same cannot be said for the proposed Illinois rebates. More>>

January 24, 2008
Lawmakers hope for better in '08

SPRINGFIELD — State lawmakers who represent East Central Illinois have closed the books on a messy 2007 legislative session and are now turning to new initiatives they hope to push in 2008. More>>

December 27, 2007
Exam time near for education law
Many say federal No Child Left Behind Act needs improvement

Nearly six years after the federal No Child Left Behind law took effect, the question may be obvious, but the answer is not. More>>

November 9, 2007
Governor Blagojevich awards more than $1.4 million in Off-Highway Vehicle Recreational Trail Grants
Projects include acquisition of land for new OHV trails, improvements at existing sites, and additional safety instructors.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod. R. Blagojevich today awarded more than $1.4 million in grants from the state’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trails Program to fund improvements at OHV facilities in Illinois. The grants will help fund improvements to some existing facilities and develop new trails that will help attract riders and encourage safe recreation.....More

Aug. 29 2007
DuQUOIN — Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday signed a $1 billion electric rate relief package into law that means Ameren and ComEd customers across Illinois soon will get refunds in the mail. More>>

Aug. 08 2007
Illinois schools are left hanging during budget crisis

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Even as school districts around Illinois prepare for the delay of millions of dollars in scheduled state aid this week because of the state's budget crisis, a pending law that could ease their plight sits unsigned on the desk of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. More>>

July 27, 2007
State Lawmakers Pass Electric Rate Relief Bill
Bill Headed To Governor's Desk, But Some Say It Does Not Go Far Enough. More>>

June 7, 2007
Governor's signature the final hurdle for Stew-Stras funding

STRASBURG — After five years of disappointment, the Stewardson-Strasburg school district finds itself tantalizingly close to a long-awaited grant for the renovation and expansion of its aging school building.

So Stew-Stras officials once again are keeping their jubilation in check.

“It’s not done until it’s done,” said Superintendent Ruth Schneider. “We still don’t have the governor’s signature. I’m not going to start celebrating until the governor’s signed on the dotted line and I’ve received notification from the (state) that we have the money.” More>>

May 24, 2007
With one voice, House OKs teen driving bill

SPRINGFIELD -- Without a single dissenting vote, the Illinois House on Wednesday sent to the governor one of the nation's toughest sets of teen driving restrictions -- including a tripling of the duration of the learner's permit phase -- in a package experts say should reduce the heartbreaking No. 1 killer of teens. More>>

March 21, 2007
Stew-Stras building funding in latest capital proposal

STRASBURG -- Two dozen Illinois school districts awaiting state grants promised five years ago are at the “top of the list” in Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s plan for school construction funding, according to an administration spokesman.

But officials with the Stewardson-Strasburg school district, who were forced last month to borrow their $1.3-million share of a $3.3-million expansion project without the state funding in hand, are not yet celebrating the governor’s proposed capital bill. More>>

Jan. 18, 2007
Group seeks to slow down fast-track legislation
By Kate Clements
Thursday January 18, 2007
SPRINGFIELD – A new group wants a constitutional amendment to end fast-track legislation in Illinois.

Democracy Project Chairman Jim Broadway said state lawmakers are increasingly being forced to take action on budgets and other lengthy, complicated bills with less than a day to review them. The result is lawmakers who don't always know what they are voting on and a public that has no time to ask questions or provide input.

"The people are being left out of the legislative process," he said. More>>

Nov.3, 2006
Officials urge teachers, board to end strike
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer - nwest@jg-tc.com

NEOGA -- Students and parents aren’t the only ones hoping Saturday’s negotiations between the Neoga school board and teachers’ union yield an end to the faculty strike that has lasted more than two weeks. More>>

September 25, 2006
Carterville school to get part of state money
BY JIM MUIR, THE SOUTHERN

CARTERVILLE - Carterville High School is expected to receive within the next two weeks approximately $500,000 of the $1.9 million in funding promised earlier this month by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

That's the latest update on the controversial funding issue, according to Superintendent Tim Bleyer, who said the school district is currently in the process of filling out a grant application. After the application is approved, the district is expected to receive 25 percent of the funding. More>>

September 20, 2006
Without intervention Illinois annual septic system inspections will cost us

By Jo McCord - jmccord@daily-journal.com - 815-432-3685

Without intervention by the Illinois Legislature, countless rural and small-town home and business owners in Illinois will face expensive annual septic system inspections.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wants all property owners in the state that use "surface discharging" sewage systems or septic systems to obtain a "national pollution discharge elimination system" permit and to have their systems tested annually. More>>

September 16, 2006
Blagojevich making habit of suddenly giving away money

CHRISTOPHER WILLS - Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod Blagojevich was feeling "a lot of love in my heart" as he looked out over the crowd at a State Fair livestock auction, and he wanted some way to show his affection.
So he gave away $500,000 in taxpayers' money. More>>

September 11, 2006
Blagojevich pressured to release promised funds

By Matt Adrian, The Southern Springfield bureau

SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers and school administrators have called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to release more than $148.5 million for school construction that was originally promised more than five years ago. More>>

August 5, 2006
Topinka: Stop the bleeding at the state's border

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka visited Mt. Carmel Wednesday afternoon to promote her proposal for job and economic growth that she said she hopes will revitalize Illinois' jobs creation efforts throughout the state. Read Article>>

July 11, 2006
Law will make school mergers easier

By Matt Adrian, matt.adrian@lee.net
SPRINGFIELD -- School district mergers may become easier under a new law signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday. More>>

May 25, 2006
Lawmakers, others oppose surgery center; patients on both sides
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer Wednesday, May 24, 2006 10:30 PM CDT

MATTOON -- It’s no mystery why employees and board members with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and the various Carle enterprises think the way they do about Urbana-based  More>>

May 24, 2006
Lottery proposal has GOP buzzing

COPLEY NEWS SERVICE, BY REBECCA O'HALLORAN AND PETE SHERMAN, Published Wednesday, May 24, 2006

SPRINGFIELD - Downstate Republican politicians are concerned the governor's $10 billion education funding proposal is simply lip service to prevent a third-party candidate from running for governor.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday plans for the state to lease the lottery to generate more money for schools. More>>

May 3, 2006
Area lawmakers slam budget

SPRINGFIELD -- Although Eastern Illinois University will see a small bump in its state funding, area lawmakers still are unhappy with the overall budget. More>>

April 28, 2006
Law would reform school mergers
Current Illinois law requires voters approve the proposed consolidation. However, potential mergers involving three or more districts can be scuttled if one district’s voters oppose the move. More>>

April 25, 2006
FutureGen could be the economic future of east-central Illinois, and the Illinois coal industry
Tue, 25 Apr 2006
Marshall considered as possible site of FutureGen

MARSHALL, Ill. – The future never looked brighter for Clark County than the possibility of a billion dollar energy -generating plant that could land in cornfields northeast of the city. More>>

April 10, 2006
A bill headed to the governor's desk would require the Illinois State Police to create an Internet database to track convicted methamphetamine manufacturers.

The Methamphetamine Manufacturer Registry would include the convicted person's name, birth date, and the type of crime and the county where it was committed. More>>

March 4, 2006
Meth makers would be listed under proposal
By Matt Adrian
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police would have to begin tracking convicted methamphetamine makers under a proposal approved by the House on Monday....More>>

January 31, 2006
New bills target released sex offenders
By Stephanie Sievers, Springfield Bureau

SPRINGFIELD -- Few criminals are as feared and reviled as sex offenders and during an election year, they can become obvious political targets for lawmakers wanting to get tough on crime.
A number of bills restricting sex offenders already have been introduced in Springfield and while many have good intent or at least will spark some lively discussions, many won't go anywhere, said Rep. Robert Molaro, a Chicago Democrat who chairs the House's criminal law committee.

January 20, 2006
Lawmakers react to governor's speech
Herald & Review - Decatur,IL,USA
... State Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, said the tuition tax break, along with a proposed tax break for fuel efficient vehicles, were both old ideas. ...

January 9, 2006
Legislation proposed requiring child sex offenders vote absentee
HUTSONVILLE – Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) is continuing his push in the new legislative session to make schools safe havens from sexual predators.

He recently filed legislation to require convicted child sex offenders

“One problem still remaining though is what to do on Election Day if the sex offender’s polling place is in a school building. We need to ensure our children are safe at school every day, including election day.”

January 6, 2006
Paris schools sued for adopting strict sex offender policy
Written by M.D. BRADING

“John Doe” claims amended statute violates parental rights-
Two Paris school districts are faced with a civil suit from an Edgar County resident for adopting strict sex offender policies. More>>

December 23, 2005
State officials push plan to ease consolidation
School districts could merge in new ways

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois education officials will push a proposal in the Legislature next spring to make it easier to consolidate school districts.  More>>

Crestwood says no to sex offenders
Written by M.D. Brading
Wednesday, 14 September 2005
The intent is clear on sex offender law and Crestwood Unit 4 school policy will reflect that in the coming months. After some initial perplexity over the amended sex offender law,....More>>

August 27, 2005
Cold medicine sale restrictions proposed

By KATE CLEMENTS © 2005 THE NEWS-GAZETTE
Published Online August 27, 2005

SPRINGFIELD – Stuffed-up Illinois shoppers would have to show a photo ID and sign a log in order to buy most cold medicines, under legislation Attorney General Lisa Madigan plans to push in the fall veto session.

"Illinois should not become a hunting ground for meth makers looking to buy or steal ephedrine and pseudoephedrine," Madigan said in a written release issued Friday.

August 24, 2005
Edgar County experience strengthens sex offender law

Wednesday, 24 August 2005
A new law sponsored by Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville), Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) closed a loop hole permitting registered child sex offenders some access to school property

July 13, 2005
Gov. Blagojevich signs legislation creating important economic development tool for Eastern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – In an innovative attempt to spur economic growth and create more good jobs for working families in Eastern Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed legislation today creating the Eastern Illinois Economic Development Authority (EIEDA). House Bill 690 authorizes EIEDA to issue bonds in order to encourage economic development projects in Ford, Iroquois, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby, Coles and Edgar counties

 

June 10, 2005
1544th Transportation Company to be honored Saturday
Written by M.D. Brading

Thursday, 09 June 2005
More than three months after returning from serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Paris-based 1544th Transportation Company is being honored Saturday for their sacrifice and bravery.
Soldiers will be recognized by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign. The military ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the Paris High School gymnasium. More>>

June 2, 2005
Education reformers relieved school funding not worse
JOHN O'CONNOR, Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Education advocates in Springfield seem to be murmuring to themselves, "It could have been worse."
In the third year of a state budget crisis......More>>

June 1, 2005
New graduation standards OK'd But $50.1 million plan is unfunded

By BRIAN MACKEY STATE CAPITOL BUREAU

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to toughen Illinois' high school graduation standards passed the House on Tuesday, despite worries the proposal is a $50.1 million unfunded mandate. More>>

May 31, 2005
Democrats scurry to pass state budget before midnight

By Christopher Wills
The Associated Press
Published May 31, 2005, 3:51 PM CDT
SPRINGFIELD -- Democratic leaders pushed forward Tuesday with their plan for a new state budget built around one-time revenues and delaying payments of state expenses.

After talks between Republican and Democratic officials broke down over disagreements on how to close a roughly $1.2 billion budget deficit, More>>

May 20, 2005
Righter and Eddy leery of proposed motor fuel export tax

SPRINGFIELD - State Senators and Representatives from both sides of the aisle joined State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) and State Representative Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) yesterday to discuss their opposition to Governor Blagojevich's proposed motor fuel tax increase. More>>

May 19, 2005
Bipartisan group says don’t raise tax on gas
Dahl, Gordon against more tax on gas sent out of Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A bipartisan group of lawmakers joined business and labor groups on Tuesday in urging state leaders to block a proposal to raise motor fuel taxes, according to State Sen. Gary Dahl, R-Granville. More>>

May 16, 2005
Farm Bureau supporting biodiesel project
By Jami Maday - Register Staff Writer

Chris Bunting, Wabash County Farm Bureau manager, is working to show support of a proposed biodiesel manufacturing facility in Wabash County. More>>

May 6, 2005
Wabash County farm granted Centennial status
Friday, May 06, 2005 - 02:40:27 pm EST

ALLENDALE - Albert Earl and Ada Lee (Bince) Buchanan were recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture this week with a Centennial Farm designation for their Allendale area homestead. More>>

April 29, 2005
State won't hunt used computers
The Blagojevich administration said Thursday it has no plans to try to hunt down and test used state computers sold for surplus despite an auditor's report warning that thousands of units may have contained data that should have been erased. More>>

April 14, 2005
State fails to block proposed IHSA multiplier
Bill's supporters later introduce three resolutions
By Brian Mackey of Copley News Service

SPRINGFIELD - State lawmakers failed Thursday to block an Illinois High School Association plan intended to level the playing field between public and private high schools. More>>

April 14, 2005
State won't block IHSA class plan
By Phil Davidson newsroom@pantagraph.com

SPRINGFIELD -- A House panel killed an initiative Thursday to let lawmakers block a rule aimed at leveling the playing field during post-season competition between private and public schools. More>>

April 14, 2005
chicagosports.com
SPRINGFIELD -- A piece of legislation designed to outlaw the recent Illinois High School Association decision to implement an enrollment multiplier died in a House committee hearing Thursday. More>>

March 28, 2005
EFFINGHAM -- Local government and education officials want to make the message loud and clear this week to state lawmakers: fix the budget now or local government entities cannot survive. More>>

March 28, 2005
GOP rallies its core, looking for a rebirth
By Rick Pearson
Tribune political reporter
Published March 28, 2005

ROBINSON, Ill. -- Amid the red, white and blue balloons, table decorations and floral arrangements, the only discordant note during the annual Crawford County Lincoln Day dinner More>>

 

March 7, 2005
Students get education advice at Trio Day
By Kevin Ryden

Students attending the annual Trio Day at Olney Central College were given some advice on Saturday about the advantages of going to college and continuing their education inside and outside of the classroom. More>>

February 18, 2005
Illinois rep. seeks drug tests for teens
Some think bill unfairly targets youth, wants to test drivers
A proposed bill could require drug testing for minors applying for instructional driving permits. More>>

February 14, 2005
The Washington Times
Ill. rep. wants drug tests for teen driver
Springfield, IL, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- An Illinois state legislator has said he wants to require all high school students to take drug tests before they can receive driver's permits. More>>

February 14, 2005
Drug Tests for Teen Licenses
Teenagers who want to drive would have to pass a drug test to get their license under a bill introduced in the Illinois legislature, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Feb. 13. More>>

February 14, 2005
Carded for cold medicine?
By Mike Riopell Daily Herald Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD - Next time you have the sniffles, you might need to take a pen and driver's license to the drug store. More>>

February 13, 2005
Bill would require drug tests for drivers permits
By Kevin McDermott
Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A state legislator wants to require all Illinois high school students to take drug tests before they could get their drivers permits, a move he believes could keep teens off methamphetamine by threatening what's most dear to them. More>>

February 11, 2005
Illinois could become 'meth island,' legislators say
By Kate Thayer
Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois could become a "meth island," as surrounding states crack down on the purchase of ingredients for methamphetamine, some legislators warned Thursday. More>>

February 11, 2005
Stricter cold tablet sale rules debut in House
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois runs the risk of becoming a "meth island" unless stricter laws concerning the sale of certain cold medicines are adopted warned a downstate legislator Thursday. More>>

February 10, 2005
Crestwood offers after-school literacy program
Written by Cindy Belt
A new after-school literacy program is being offered at Crestwood School.
After just one week, 65 Community Unit School District #4 students in grades 1-5 are enrolled in the program which offers direct instruction on reading and mathematics-related literature, More>>

February 9, 2005
County assessing the damages after January flood
By Jami Maday - Register Staff Writer
Flood damage and much-need repairing of storm sirens was on the mind of Wabash Emergency Management Coordinator Ross Madden when addressing Wabash County Commissioners Monday night. More>>

February 8, 2005
Breast cancer lottery ires local woman
Written by Jenny Barkley
Some Illinois lawmakers are proposing a new Lottery game to raise money for breast cancer prevention and treatment. But not everyone agrees with the idea. More>>

February 7, 2005
Farm Bureau Hosts Annual Meeting
Written by Ned Jenison
The 87th annual meeting of the Edgar County Farm Bureau drew a full house at the Knights of Columbus Hall Saturday to enjoy a catered meal, humorous entertainment, the annual business meeting – and a few special celebrations. More>>

February 4, 2005
SPRINGFIELD -- Despite Gov. Rod Blagojevich's promises of a better Illinois, many local lawmakers remain skeptical that the state's chief will stay true to his word. More>>

February 4, 2005
House favors restriction for new drivers
Passes ban on cell phone use for those with permits.
Articel removed from The State Journal-Register., and not archived.

February 3, 2005
Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, introduced a bill that would require new drivers under age 18 to pass a drug test to get a learner's permit. More>>