STATE & NATIONAL NEWS

Illinois Gas Prices Up 7.5 Cents 
Per Gallon From A Week Ago

Illinois, May 20- Average retail gasoline prices in Illinois have risen 7.5 
cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.07/g yesterday, according to 
GasBuddy's daily survey of 4,378 gas outlets in Illinois. This compares with the 
national average that has increased 8.9 cents per gallon in the last week to 
$3.67/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. 

Including the change in gas prices in Illinois during the past week, prices 
yesterday were 20.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and 
are 28.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has 
increased 16.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 3.0 cents per 
gallon lower than this day one year ago. 

"The last seven days have delivered some shocks at the pump for motorists in the 
nation's Midwest," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "I 
don't believe I've ever seen gasoline prices in the Midwest surpass California- 
areas of Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Kansas- have 
done that. Gas price records in these areas aren't being quietly replaced, 
they're being blown out of the water. I don't believe I've ever seen such crazy 
trends in gasoline prices occur all at one- prices spiking in one area, falling 
in another, and holding steady in others. What we're seeing today is certainly 
rare."

Newtown Parents Join Governor Quinn to
Press Illinois Lawmakers on Gun Control

CHICAGO – Parents who suffered unfathomable loss during the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., today joined Governor Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton and Senator Dan Kotowski to urge lawmakers to ban the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. Recent shootings such as in Newtown, where a gunman fired 154 bullets in less than five minutes, have put a spotlight on the extreme and unnecessary danger posed by high-capacity magazines. To enact safeguards in Illinois, Sen. Kotowski on Friday filed legislation - Senate Bill 1002 - to ban the sale of these weapons throughout the state.
“No family should go through what the families of Newtown have endured,” Governor Quinn said. “While there are no words in the English language to comfort their loss, as elected officials, we are in a position to do something about it to help save lives in the future. Banning the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines is common-sense public safety policy that will have no impact on hunting or sport. This legislation will help minimize the risk of violence in our communities, and better protect our children and loved ones.”
Nicole Hockley, Mark Barden and Francine Wheeler each lost a child in the unthinkable tragedy that occurred in Newtown, and they stand with Governor Quinn to push for common-sense gun laws in Illinois.
“In the days and weeks since tragedy from gun violence rocked our community on December 14, we have been comforted by the outpouring of kindness and support from individuals and families from every state, including the good people of Illinois,” said Nicole Hockley, mother of Dylan, age 6, who was killed at Sandy Hook. “We are here in Illinois to provide our perspective and our support, meeting with elected leaders to promote legislative changes that will help end gun violence. Senate Bill 1002, which limits the sale of high-capacity magazines, will help to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Sandy Hook and prevent other families from experiencing our grief.  We commend Governor Quinn and the Illinois state senators and representatives who are working to save lives and keep communities safer."
The governor strongly supports Senate Bill 1002, which will allow Illinois to join more than 10 other states across the country that put reasonable restrictions on the size of ammunition magazines. High-capacity ammunition magazines have been used in almost all mass shootings in recent history, including Tuscon, Ariz., to Aurora, Colo., and Newtown, Conn. Because of their capacity to hold many rounds of ammunition, these magazines significantly increase the deadliness of the firearms using them.
  “I stand with Senator Dan Kotowski and Governor Pat Quinn in the effort to prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines and limit the damage caused by weapons,” President Cullerton said. “I hope that the families that are here today encourage more of my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass responsible gun laws.”
“I’m proud to introduce this legislation in honor of all victims of gun violence especially those children and teachers who suffered that tragic day at Newtown,” Sen. Kotowski said. “This bill will limit the horrific damage caused by weapons with high-capacity ammunition magazines. It will also increase punishment for people who use of these lethal magazines in acts of crime or violence.”
Senate Bill 1002 would ban the delivery and sale of ammunition magazines that accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Sale or delivery of these high-capacity magazines would result in a prison sentence of up to three years. Sale or delivery of multiple of these magazines, or a subsequent offense with one magazine would result in up to a five-year sentence.
Additionally, sale or delivery of an even-larger magazine that accepts more than 17 rounds would result in up to five years in prison. A subsequent violation, or violation with multiple of these 17+ round magazines would result in a seven year prison term.
As reported by numerous news outlets, several children were saved when the Newtown gunman paused to stop and reload. Passing this bill will allow Illinois to join states such Connecticut, Maryland and Colorado who have responded to Newtown and other recent tragedies by adopting reasonable restrictions on the size of ammunition magazines. A recent poll showed that nearly 70 percent of Illinois voters—approximately 80 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Republicans—support a ban on high-capacity magazines. (March 27-April 2, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner).
Exemptions from this legislation include law enforcement and retired law enforcement, correctional officers, and military personnel. High-capacity ammunition magazines were originally designed for use only by military personnel.
With two weeks to go until the end of the spring session, Governor Quinn, the Newtown parents and leading lawmakers are working to pass this legislation. The Newtown parents will travel to Springfield on Sunday evening where they will stay in the governor’s mansion. They will also meet with legislators at the Capitol on Monday to discuss their experiences and the necessity of this public safety measure in Illinois.
Following the July 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colo., that killed Petty Officer 3rd Class John Larimer of Crystal Lake, Governor Quinn proposed to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. This new measure is part of Governor Quinn's public safety agenda - which he announced during his 2013 State of the State address - to ensure the safety of all communities across Illinois.


Madigan: Springfield Man Arrested For Child Pornography
 

A Springfield man has been charged with multiple counts of child pornography as part of Operation Glass House, a statewide initiative Attorney General Lisa Madigan launched to apprehend the most active offenders who download and trade child pornography online.
  Jeremy G. Best, 31, is charged with five counts of aggravated child pornography, a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Best is free after posting bond set at $50,000, with a first appearance scheduled for June 12, 2013, in Sangamon County Circuit Court.
  “Child pornography is an unspeakable crime that has very real consequences. Every time an image of a child being sexually assaulted is viewed, it perpetuates the initial crime, further scaring these young, innocent victims,” Madigan said. “My office will continue to be relentless in targeting these offenders.”
  Madigan’s investigators, with the assistance of the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a search last week of Best’s residence in the 2400 block of Old Rochester Road in Springfield, and he was arrested after evidence of alleged child pornography was located. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser’s office will prosecute the case.
  “The sexual exploitation of children is a terrible crime, and the prosecution of these cases is a priority,” said Milhiser.  “With the excellent work of law enforcement and the new tools available, we can better identify, track and prosecute these offenders.”
  The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
  This is the 42nd arrest since Madigan launched Operation Glass House in August 2010 to investigate the most active child pornography traders in Illinois. In the first year of Operation Glass House, Madigan’s investigations revealed a disturbing trend of offenders trading extremely violent videos of young children being raped. As a result, Operation Glass House has focused on apprehending offenders who are seen trading and watching extremely violent videos involving children, including infants and toddlers.
  Madigan’s office, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, which investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. Since 2006, Madigan’s ICAC task force has been involved in 558 arrests of sexual predators. The task force has also provided Internet safety training and education to nearly 290,000 parents, teachers and students and 16,261 law enforcement professionals. Currently, 183 agencies are affiliated with the Illinois ICAC.
 
Rose To Support Downstate Schools By
Changing Funding Formula

  Following a blistering report prepared by the Senate Republican Caucus on the status of educational funding in Illinois, State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) backed a measure to create a bipartisan committee on K-12 funding.
“Last year, House Speaker Michael Madigan made the assertion that downstate schools are getting a ‘free lunch’ when it comes to school funding. After our staff prepared an analysis, we proved that not only is there no ‘free lunch’ but downstate schools actually achieve better results with a fraction of the money,” Rose said. “It is time to put a spotlight on educational funding and truly examine how we fund schools and ensure that downstate is getting its fair share.”
Senator Rose is a sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 32, which creates the General Assembly Advisory Committee on Educational Funding. The committee will be made up of 12 legislators charged with seeking input from educational stakeholders. A report will be prepared about an equitable distribution of funding across Illinois that benefits all students and not just one region or socioeconomic class.
The report released earlier this year by Senator Rose and his colleagues clearly points out the gross funding irregularities between downstate and Chicago Public Schools. That same study also exposed Chicago Public Schools’ practices abuse the current funding formula.  
SJR 32 requires the 12-member panel to release their findings by February 1, 2014.

Schock Statement on Resignation of Acting IRS Commissioner

Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) issued the following statement after President Obama announced Wednesday evening that the acting IRS Commissioner, Steven Miller, has resigned in the wake of the ongoing IRS scandal in which conservative leaning organizations were targeted for extra scrutiny for years.
“President Obama’s announcement that acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller has resigned is the very first step in fixing the many wrongs that have occurred by IRS employees for years. In fact, this should not be the only IRS resignation announced this week as we continue to learn that the scope of involvement is much wider than first reported by IRS officials last week. What was done was not only inappropriate, but it was illegal, and those responsible must pay a criminal price for their actions.
“On Friday, I look forward to investigating further the reasons why IRS officials willfully misled the Ways and Means committee, and allowed the conduct of targeting conservative leaning organizations to go on uninterrupted for years. The depth of how far the IRS went to targeting groups in this country seems to have no end as more information becomes available.
“Make no mistake, the announcement by President Obama tonight is a long way from ensuring the public’s trust of the IRS has been restored.”

Soil Moisture Levels Slightly above Normal in the Middle of May

Champaign, Ill. – Soil moisture levels are slightly above normal in Illinois for the middle of May, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Manager at the Prairie Research Institute, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
Soil moisture levels at 2 inches averaged 0.33 water fraction by volume (wfv) across the state on May 13, or 13 percent above normal.  Moisture levels were highest in the south with an average of 0.41 wfv or 22 percent above normal. 
Higher moisture levels were also measured at deeper depths, averaging 0.40 to 0.44 wfv at depths from 19 to 59 inches.
Soil temperatures for May 13 were slightly below normal at depths of 4 inches below bare soil, averaging 60.0° F or 4° F below normal.  The highest temperatures were measured in southern Illinois where temperatures averaged 60.7° F.  Temperatures averaged 60.3° F and 58.3° F in central and southern Illinois, respectively.
The Illinois State Water Survey’s WARM Program collects hourly and daily weather and soil information at 19 stations across the state.  Daily and monthly summaries can be found at the WARM website (http://www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/) and in the Illinois Water and Climate Summary (http://www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/climate.asp). 
Maps of soil temperatures and moisture levels can also be found at the WARM website (http://www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/soiltemp.asp). 
The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a division of the Prairie Research Institute, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.

Manar’s push for education funding reform advances 

State Senator Andy Manar’s (D – Bunker Hill) push to reform public education funding in Illinois gained the unopposed, bipartisan backing of the Illinois Senate on Tuesday. On a 53-0 vote, the Senate passed Manar’s plan to initiate the first comprehensive review of public education funding distribution methods since the current formulas were implemented in 1998.
“The way we fund public education in Illinois is currently very complex, but one piece of it is very simple: It isn’t working,” said Manar. “The disparity between school districts that have resources and those that don’t is only getting worse, meaning too many children are being denied an equal opportunity for a quality public education.” 
Backed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Education Association as well as education reform organizations Stand for Children and Advance Illinois, SJR 32 creates an advisory committee to review the current funding-distribution methods for public education in Illinois and make recommendations for a more fair and adequate funding system by Feb. 1, 2014.
“By every measure, our current system for funding public education in Illinois is failing our students,” said Robin Steans of Advance Illinois. “We are beyond overdue for a thorough reform of the system, and we applaud Senator Manar for his leadership on this issue.”
“Public education funding in Illinois is desperately in need of reform, and we’re glad Senator Manar has stepped up to tackle the issue,” said Illinois Education Association President Cinda Klickna. “If we don’t find a better, more equitable way to fund our schools, we are leaving an entire generation of Illinois students behind.”
“Illinois is a very different place in 2013 than in 1998, and our school funding formula should be updated to reflect these changes,” said Manar. “With a comprehensive review, we can bring our public education funding system up to date to better serve all Illinois students, no matter their school district.” 
Manar began his push for education funding reform after hearing from concerned parents and educators from across the 48th District. He launched an online petition as a platform for these concerned citizens to collectively voice their support for education funding reform in Illinois. To date, nearly 1,200 supporters have signed Manar’s petition at www.SenatorAndyManar.com/FundingReform.
Since 2009, K-12 education funding in Illinois has been slashed by $861 million. In the current fiscal year, the state only allocated 89 percent of the funds needed to meet the minimum required foundation level. What payments the state does make are unpredictable and often months late in coming, with the current backlog of bills owed to school districts exceeding $630 million. 
The measure now advances to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.

Governor Quinn Announces $15.3 Million for
Local Parks and Open Space Projects

Includes $400,000 for Decatur Park District

Governor Pat Quinn today (Saturday) announced a $15.3 million investment in local park projects across Illinois, including $400,000 to the Decatur Park District. As part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure that no child is left inside, the projects are funded through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD). The initiative is designed to expand outdoor recreation and open space in communities throughout Illinois.
“Whether you are in a big city or small town, local parks let families across Illinois enjoy nature and spend time together,” Governor Quinn said. “These projects improve parks throughout the state and expand green space in dozens of communities, creating jobs and making our state a better place to live and work.”
Across the state, today’s OSLAD announcement includes 45 projects, including picnic shelters and playgrounds, ball fields and trails, as well as wetland enhancements, prairie restoration and bioswales within local parks. The funding will allow some communities to purchase land to be used for future green space.
“Local park districts and forest preserve districts, and outdoor recreation agencies are our partners in offering families and children places to help make sure we achieve our goal of leaving no child inside in Illinois,” IDNR Director Marc Miller said. “The investment of these funds for park projects has the added benefit of supporting and creating jobs in cities and towns across the state.”
The OSLAD program’s funding recipients are responsible for contributing at least half of the total project cost. The $15.3 million awarded statewide this year, combined with the grantees’ matching funds, will result in more than $30.6 million of local park development projects and land acquisition in Illinois. The program began in 1986, and, not including today’s announced projects, has provided approximately $362.5 million for 1,596 local park projects in Illinois.
A list of this year’s OSLAD grant recipients in central Illinois and project descriptions is below. For a full list of projects awarded throughout the state visit dnr.illinois.gov.
FY 13 OSLAD PROJECTS
(D) Development Projects
(A) Acquisition Projects
(D) The Decatur Park District of Macon County will receive $400,000 for the Phase I redevelopment of Nelson Park.  Project components include the renovation of parts of a large pavilion and a small pavilion, development of a fitness trail with exercise stations, a mountain biking trail, fishing pier, restoration of ten acres with native prairie plants and habitat improvement, a bioswale to reduce soil erosion and interpretive signage.
(D) The Village of Gifford in Champaign County will receive $40,700 to replace outdated playground equipment at Roessler Park. The park is located on the southern edge of the Village of Gifford
(D) The Lincoln Park District in Logan County will receive $400,000 to construct a new swimming facility to replace the district’s only pool, which was closed in 2012. The new facility will have a six lane lap pool, a zero-depth toddler pool, a water slide and concession/mechanical building. The existing restroom and shower facilities will be retained.
(D) The Peoria Park District is receiving $217,500 to develop the Tawny Oaks Nature Center on a parcel adjacent to Singing Woods, an Illinois State Dedicated Nature Preserve. The site is located north of Peoria, off of Route 88. In addition to the nature center, the project includes a shelter, trails, interpretive stations, a permeable paver parking lot and 11 acres of various plantings including a turf grass alternative site, hill prairie mix area, a forbs nursery and a short grass prairie area.

Rep. Davis Issues Statement In Response
To Air Traffic Control Tower Announcement

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) has released the following statement after the Department of Transportation’s announcement that the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 will enable the Federal Aviation Administration to end employee furloughs and keep the 149 air-traffic control, towers originally slated for closure in June, open for the remainder of fiscal year 2013, including towers in Bloomington, Decatur and Bethalto.
“I’m pleased with today’s announcement and am glad the Department of Transportation and the FAA have finally admitted what we’ve known all along, that they have the flexibility they need to make sensible, responsible cuts to their budget without putting politics before passengers. The decision to maintain traffic control tower operations and end employee furloughs is welcome news for local airports, especially in Bloomington, Decatur and Bethalto, and for communities, hard-working taxpayers and job creators."

Governor Quinn Encourages Communities to
Submit Entries for 31st Annual Hometown Awards


Governor Pat Quinn today marked National Volunteer Week by encouraging communities to submit entries for the 31st Annual Governor’s Hometown Awards, a program that recognizes volunteer efforts to improve Illinois communities. The awards are part of Governor Quinn’s commitment to honor volunteer service and community improvement across the state. The application deadline is July 15, and communities of any size may submit nominations.
“Local volunteers and organizations are improving communities across Illinois and enhancing the quality of life for everyday people,” Governor Quinn said. “The Hometown Awards recognize people who are helping us build a better Illinois for current and future generations.”
Applications for Hometown Awards may be submitted by local governments, schools, youth groups, community organizations, chambers of commerce, community action agencies, job training organizations, or other local entities. Awards are given based on population in six project categories: Services and mentorship, beautification and sustainability, parks and recreation, memorials and monuments, history and historic preservation, and general projects.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) oversees the award program.  Details and application forms are available at www.ildceo.net/HometownAwards. All Governor's Hometown Awards winners will be recognized at a reception at the Governor's Mansion this fall.
“Previous award winners have included an urban farm and apiary on a hospital parking lot rooftop, a memorial honoring women in military service, completion of a public skate park using private funds, and a reading mentorship program, just to name a few,” DCEO Acting Director Adam Pollet said. “We encourage communities to submit Hometown Awards applications to help us recognize the people who are making Illinois a better place to live and work.”
A team of impartial volunteer judges will evaluate the applications. The judges will select the category winners and also nominate one project from each population division to receive the coveted Governor's Cup, a traveling silver trophy which signifies the project deemed most representative of the spirit of Illinois volunteerism. The 2012 Governor’s Cup recipient was East St. Louis for transforming an abandoned and overgrown parking lot into a community teaching garden that provides fresh produce to low-income citizens.

Manar measure gives Central Illinois access
to powerful economic development tool

  Central Illinois will have a greater ability to utilize one of Illinois’ most effective economic development tools, if a bipartisan measure sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D – Bunker Hill) is approved by the House. Senate Bill 1251, which grants the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority the same ability to create Enterprise Zones as many other regional economic development authorities across the state, passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday.
“Illinois’ Enterprise Zone Program has a proven record of creating and retaining jobs in other downstate communities,” said Manar. “It’s important that communities here in Central Illinois have the same opportunities to tap this important job creation tool.”
The Illinois Enterprise Zone Program was in danger of expiring until the General Assembly passed an extension last year. The program is credited with creating nearly 900,000 jobs and generating nearly $50 billion in investments over the past 30 years.
“This is an important step towards growing local economies and keeping Central Illinois competitive as place to do business,” said Manar. “With the ability to create Enterprise Zones, Central Illinois communities are better positioned to pair local, state and federal incentives to recruit and retain employers.”
Manar’s legislation does not impact the extension of the Enterprise Zone Program enacted last year, but simply brings the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority into the same regulatory framework as other regional authorities. Other regional authorities already empowered to create Enterprise Zones include the Upper River Valley Development Authority, the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority, the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority and the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority.
SB 1251 passed the Senate with unanimous support. It now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Madigan Sues Springfield Area Business
For Violating Do Not Call List
 
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today filed a lawsuit and proposed an agreed settlement involving a Springfield area business for violating the National Do Not Call Registry by placing numerous solicitation calls to residents on the registry.
  Madigan filed the lawsuit today in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, alleging the Lincoln-based AAA Siding placed telemarketing calls to Illinois consumers who are registered on the National Do Not Call Registry, including residents in Macon, Morgan, Sangamon and Tazewell counties.
  Under the agreed settlement, AAA Siding will be barred from future violations of the registry and must train its telemarketing employees on the guidelines outlined in the agreement. The company must also maintain telemarketing records for monitoring by Attorney General’s office to ensure it complies with regulations of the Do Not Call Registry.
  “The Do Not Call laws provide important protections to limit unwanted phone solicitations,” Madigan said. “This company violated the registry laws by contacting Central Illinois residents.”
  Madigan urged Illinois consumers to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry by visiting https://donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx or calling 1 (888) 382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). Once consumers are registered, companies cannot make solicitation calls to their homes or cell phones with the following limited exceptions:
  Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship;
Calls for which you have given prior written consent;
Calls that are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements; and
Calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations.
Assistant Attorney General Philip Heimlich is handling the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.