November, 2016 Stories | Chambana Sun

Critics say teacher pension pickups oppress taxpayers

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

One of the biggest wins for the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) when it scored a victory through a new four-year contract is that pension pickups were preserved; but what is good for teachers is not always what is good for everyone else as the plan stands to cost taxpayers a fortune.

Report says SNAP unequally benefits Illinois families of illegal immigrants

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

In the overwhelming majority of states, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to families with an illegal immigrant wage earner in it while denying benefits to an identical family of American citizens having the same income, according to a report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS).

Analyst: Illinois must create less-hostile tax climate to retain residents, businesses

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

Illinois needs to diversify its tax base and make changes to become more competitive if it wants to stem the tide of people leaving the state, an analyst for an independent policy organization said during a recent radio show interview.

Munger loses bid to retain comptroller post

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

Republican state Comptroller Leslie Munger of Lincolnshire, who was seeking to retain the post she held for nearly two years, conceded to Democrat Susana Mendoza, Chicago's city clerk, and congratulated her on her win.

Despite criticism, Illinois voters overwhelmingly approve Safe Roads Amendment

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

Illinois' Constitution will be amended to include the so-called "Safe Roads Amendment," meant to allocate billions for transportation projects; but opponents say it will cause financial strain in an already financially strained state, after voters passed the measure during Tuesday's general election.

Butler praises Rauner’s plan for state's Bicentennial celebration in 2018

By Chambana Sun | Nov 16, 2016

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), a Peoria native who has long been active in local civic life, recently lauded Gov. Bruce Rauner’s approach to Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration, set for 2018, commending his initiative in establishing a Bicentennial Commission.

Report: Private-sector revenue into state coffers down $109 million

By Chambana Sun | Nov 15, 2016

A recent report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) shows a continuous decline in cash flows to Illinois from the private sector.

Urbana Zoning Board of Appeals schedules two public hearings

By Philip Gonzales | Nov 15, 2016

Urbana Zoning Board of Appeals will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Chicago City Council sets November meeting to hear committee reports

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Nov 15, 2016

Chicago City Council will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Urbana Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to hear bicycle master plan update

By Philip Gonzales | Nov 15, 2016

Urbana Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Urbana Traffic Commission to discuss traffic concerns in front of Dr. Williams Elementary School

By Philip Gonzales | Nov 15, 2016

Urbana Traffic Commission will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Democrats lose veto-proof state House supermajority

By Chambana Sun | Nov 15, 2016

Illinois voters erased the General Assembly's Democratic state House supermajority on Tuesday.

Homer Board of Trustees to discuss placement of Veterans Memorial at Village Hall, 2017 tax levy

By Lhalie Castillo | Nov 14, 2016

Homer Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14.

Landscape Recycling Center offers discount for yard debris dropoffs

By JoAnna Brown | Nov 14, 2016

Area residents and commercial landscapers who bring leaves or branches to the Landscape Recycling Center through Dec. 3 can receive a 20 percent discount coupon to use toward the purchase of LRC products.

Gov. Rauner eager to get back into budget talks

By Hoang Tran | Nov 14, 2016

With the 2016 election over, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said he is eager to engage in discussions to resolve one of the state’s biggest problems: a balanced budget.