State News

Rose, Righter sponsor legislation to fund higher education, MAP grants and save taxpayers hundreds of millions

Monday, February 1 by Jc Tinsley

Springfield, IL – To ensure critical funding for universities and community colleges, and students who receive Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) are pushing a comprehensive, affordable proposal that is paid for and will... Read More.

IL Treasurer holding Online Auction for Unclaimed Property

Friday, January 22 by Jc Tinsley

Commemorative coins, stamps, and jewelry are among the 11,000 items worth over $54,000 to be auctioned online January 25 - 29, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. “Our unclaimed property team works hard to return valuables to their rightful owners,” Frerichs said. “If the property... Read More.

Phelps Launches Petition Drive to Oppose Efforts to Tax Retirement Income

Thursday, January 21 by Jc Tinsley

In response to proposals from allies of Chicago-area politicians wanting to place a tax on retirement income for seniors, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, has launched a petition drive to garner community support of his efforts to oppose any new tax. “Many seniors live on... Read More.

Continuing Lack of Funding Means Changes for SIC

Thursday, January 21 by Jc Tinsley

The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees met in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. to approve revised mission statements, a modest tuition increase, and reduction of personnel.As part of its strategic planning process, the college revised... Read More.

Candidate for Illinois House District 118, Jason Kasiar, calls on Brandon Phelps to put his vote where his mouth is

Thursday, January 14 by Jc Tinsley

There were at least two separate budget proposals that included essential funding for the Olive Branch relocation project. Those proposals would have helped people affected by the floods in 2011 and would have helped numerous Southern Illinois families and communities in Alexander County recover... Read More.

Righter: Taxpayers, communities will benefit from reforms suggested by state task force

Thursday, January 14 by Jc Tinsley

Taxpayers and communities will benefit from reforms suggested by a state task force to reduce unfunded mandates on local communities and reduce the number of local governments in Illinois, according to State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon).After nearly a year of study and public meetings,... Read More.

Shimkus Votes to Block Obama Administration Overreach

Thursday, January 14 by Jc Tinsley

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) voted this week to block two of the Obama Administration’s most controversial water rules.On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 1644, the STREAM Act. This legislation would require the National Academy of Sciences to... Read More.

Phelps Continues Effort to Freeze Property Taxes; Urges Residents to Sign Petition in Support

Thursday, January 14 by Jc Tinsley

HARRISBURG, Ill. – Continuing his effort to provide property tax relief to Southern Illinois families, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, is inviting residents to sign his petition urging legislators and the governor to freeze property taxes in Illinois. “Southern Illinois families have already been asked... Read More.

Olney man pleads guilty to Social Security fraud in Federal court

Friday, January 8 by Jc Tinsley

An Olney man pled guilty to a charge of theft of government funds in federal court on Thursday.49 year old James L Porter entered the plea in Benton on Thursday. He was accused of concealing employment in order to draw Social Security benefits from... Read More.

Shimkus Seeks Valentines for Heroes

Friday, January 8 by Jc Tinsley

Maryville, Illinois – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is again asking constituents to participate in his annual “Valentines for Heroes” program. The congressman’s district offices will collect valentines for distribution throughout the region to veterans and those currently serving in the military. “Thousands of... Read More.