Staying Warm and Safe this Winter Starts with Heating Equipment and Carbon Monoxide Safety

News Progress Posted on by

•February 1, 2023• Illinoisans will be turning up their thermostats to stay warm for the rest of the winter season, which brings an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide incidents. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters, and make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are functioning properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire … Read More

State Finds Budget Breathing Room

News Progress Posted on by

Billions in budget surpluses have led to repayment of old, new debt •February 1, 2023• By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com Sustained higher-than-predicted state tax revenues have in recent months given lawmakers a level of budgeting flexibility that is, at least in modern times, without precedent in a state with a reputation for perilous finances. For the current fiscal year and the one before it, that’s led to another uncommon Capitol occurrence: budget surpluses in the billions of dollars. Over those two budget years, lawmakers have increased pension contributions by $500 million beyond required levels, paid off … Read More

February Quarter Auction

News Progress Posted on by

•February 1, 2023• Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their February Quarter Auction on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Courtyard Estates Activity Department is the charity of the month (find them on Facebook at “Courtyard Estates of Sullivan”). These funds will be used for various activities for their residents. Bring an item for a bingo prize for a free $1 bidding number (one number per person). … Read More

‘Omnibus’ Health Care Bill Passed Amid Criticisms

News Progress Posted on by

Wide-ranging law put popular, controversial measures into a single package By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com A law recently signed by Gov. JB Pritzker will extend the deadline for the state to transfer criminal defendants deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial from jail to a mental hospital. That same bill, House Bill 240, also gives nursing homes in Illinois two more years to comply with minimum staffing levels implemented in 2022 before getting fined by the Department of Public Health. Those are just two parts of a 67-page “omnibus” health care bill that passed the General Assembly … Read More