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Associated Press: Special Session Slated if Rauner Doesn't Get School Bill
Gov. Bruce Rauner said Friday he wants lawmakers to send him an education funding bill by noon Monday or face daily special sessions until month’s end to ensure the state’s schools open on time.
The Republican repeated his vow to use what is called an amendatory veto to take out of the legislation portions he says are too generous to Chicago schools. But whether it’s the legislation the General Assembly approved to revise the school funding formula or another plan, he wants quick action as the dog days of summer dissolve into homeroom attendance calls.
State Journal-Register: Are you ready for some more special sessions?
Well, here we go again, down the special session path to try and resolve yet another man-made crisis in Illinois.
Possibly taking a cue from classic westerns, Gov. BRUCE RAUNER said he wants a school funding reform bill on his desk by high noon Monday. If it doesn’t materialize by then, look out. He is, after all, the sheriff in town so he’ll start calling special sessions until the school funding imbroglio is resolved.
News-Gazette: State still in critical condition
Disaster averted — for now.
The decision by Illinois legislators to raise personal and corporate taxes averted a downgrading of the state’s bonds to “junk” status but fell far short of addressing the state’s fiscal problems in any meaningful way.
That’s the conclusion of Moody’s Investor Services, which reported last week that the state’s Baa3 rating will not be reduced.
Daily Herald: DuPage County Board member appointed to state Senate vacancy
DuPage County Board Vice Chairman John Curran has been appointed to replace the state senate seat left vacant by Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican, officials said Saturday.
Curran has served as a DuPage County Board member since 2008, most recently as vice chairman since 2012. He regards the board’s balanced budgets as his largest accomplishment.
Northwest Herald: Cary Ale House plans to add brewery, seeks $60,000 village loan
People may soon be able to sip locally brewed beer in Cary.
Cary Ale House and Brewing Company wants to start brewing its own beer and plans to expand to a vacant storefront adjacent to the restaurant. The restaurant occupies half the retail space in the building located at 200 to 208 W. Main St. More than $215,000 worth of renovations are planned, which includes construction and equipment costs, according to village documents.
Restaurant owners Chris Panagakis and Dustin Davies are seeking a $60,000 loan from the village’s revolving loan fund in order to partially contribute to the project, which they said will help make their restaurant a destination spot.
Bloomington Pantagraph: City estimates $1 million pricetag for downtown meters
Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen estimates it would cost Bloomington $1 million to install parking meters downtown.
“We have considered smart (technology) meters, but it’s very expensive to put in,” said Rasmussen. “Unfortunately, we don’t have that money budgeted yet. It’s too expensive for us to do it right now.”
Bloomington Pantagraph: Is Bloomington 'backward' for not having downtown parking meters?
Ward 1 Alderman Jamie Mathy thinks Bloomington has it “backwards” for not having parking meters downtown.
He supports making the three municipal garages free, and making free on-street parking metered.