To Tax Or Not to Tax? Pritzker’s Graduated Tax Fails on All Counts

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist The only major, contested issue on the ballot this fall in our Blue State will be whether to enact Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed constitutional amendment to allow graduated income tax rates. I think the Pritzker approach — not the concept — is wrong-headed. I try to explain here. Background. Throughout this century, Illinois has each year been spending and obligating billions more than we have been generating in revenues. So now, each of Illinois’ 4.6 million households would have to cough up $41,000 to get our state out of its deficit … Read More

GOP Seeks to Remove Graduated Tax Measure from Ballot

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois State Republican leadership is pushing for a vote in the upcoming legislative session to remove a graduated income tax amendment question from the November general election ballot. “Times have changed dramatically since this initiative was first put forward,” Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said Monday in a video news conference. “But never more has our state’s economy been challenged than it will be, and is today.” But Gov. JB Pritzker has said the revenues anticipated from the graduated income tax – estimated at more than $3.5 billion in its first … Read More

Directory Provides Enhanced Marketing Opportunities

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• By Raghela Scavuzzo, As consumer demand for local food access and summer and fall market seasons approach, local supply access is more important than ever. The Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA), Illinois MarketMaker and several other farm and specialty groups encourage farmers, ranchers, specialty growers, value-added producers, processors and food businesses to utilize FREE online marketing opportunities to enhance and expand their reach in communities across the state. … Read More

Lovington Student Among SIU Physicians

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• Aaron Fleming, son of Steve and Jayme Fleming of Lovington, is one of 13 eastern Illinois residents among the 70 new physicians at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine who achieved degrees Saturday, May 16, in the school’s virtual celebration of commencement. The event was doubly historic: The Class of 2020 included the medical school’s 3,000th graduate during its 50th anniversary year. … Read More

SIU Graduates

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• On May 9 Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville held graduation with local students among degree recipients. Graduates include: Kathy Garriott and Rebecca Nixon, both Bethany, Nursing graduates. … Read More

How Memorial Day and Veterans Day Differ From Each Other

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• Memorial Day and Veterans Day each honor the military, though the two holidays are not the same. Memorial Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the American military. Many communities host memorial ceremonies honoring their fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, ensuring such soldiers’ bravery and sacrifices are never forgotten. While many people now view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, the weekend should not be celebrated without also pausing to reflect on and recognize the military personnel … Read More

Bethany Board Accommodates Affected Businesses

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• By Ellen Ferrera For the News Progress The May 14 agenda for the Bethany Board of Trustees was full with some 20 items for discussion but most were tabled or postponed due to the uncertainties and unknowns surrounding corona virus regulations. The Board voted to extend shut-offs and penalties for utility bills to July 1. Many closed businesses are maintaining utilities even though they have no income and many people are still out of work prompting the extension of the original May 1 date. There has been a small uptick in unpaid utility bills. … Read More

Outside Interests’ Views Expressed Before Moultrie County Board

News Progress Posted on by

•May 20, 2020• By Mike Brothers A Moultrie County Board fielded a referendum request from an Illinois Separation group and a push to reopen business from within at the May 14 meeting. County board chairman Dave McCabe, Arlene Aschermann, Tyler Graven and Kevin McReynolds attended in person. Board members Neil Bryan, Mike Barringer, Bill Voyles, Elizabeth Houser and Todd Maxedon participated through the GoTo meeting site due to Covid 19 personal spacing recommendations. County clerk Georgia England and treasurer Stephanie Helmuth also attended at the courthouse. Bethany resident and New Illinois advocate Scott Buxton (attending by GotTo meeting), asked the … Read More

Menu 5-20-2020

News Progress Posted on by

Senior Peace Meal For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770 Monday, May 25 – CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY Tuesday, May 26 – Saucy Cabbage Rolls, Corn, Dinner Roll, Hawaiian Salad Wednesday, May 27 – Shepherd’s Pie, Harvard Beets, Dinner Roll, Pears Thursday, May 28 – Beef Pattie w/Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Cinnamon Chunky Applesauce Friday, May 29 – Pulled Pork Sandwich, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli , Fruit Juice, Bun, Peaches … Read More