Local

Illinois Senate Approves "Health Insurance Exchange"

WNIJ — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:23:11 +0000

The Illinois Senate took a key step toward implementing the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare." Senators approved the creation of a "health insurance exchange."

Starting next year, Americans must have insurance or face penalties. Under the Affordable Care Act, states have the option to create their own health insurance exchanges or partner with the federal government.

Judges Left Out Of Pension Deals

Amanda Vinicky — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:04:01 +0000

There's a lot of angst, uproar and fussing at the capitol over what's happening with the state's pension systems.

General Assembly Overrides Smart Grid Veto

WNIJ — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:03:05 +0000

The Illinois House voted to again approve the bill Wednesday. The Senate approved it for a second time Tuesday.

ComEd pleaded its case to lawmakers when it was unsatisfied with how a state regulator was handling its request to raise rates. The utility says the higher rates are needed to pay for upgrades to the state's electric grid. AARP spokesman Scott Musser says the legislation would let ComEd collect past rate increases it believes it deserved -- with interest. But Musser says the utility is behind on making promised upgrades:

Speed Limit, Sex Ed, And Sales Tax: Busy Day In Springfield

WNIJ — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:58:09 +0000

Legislation increasing the speed limit on interstate highways in Illinois is headed to the governor. It raises to 70 the maximum speed limit.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Representative Jerry Costello, from Smithton, says more accidents happen because of vehicles traveling at different speeds, not because of higher speeds.

Two Cents For Poison Hotline?

Susan Stephens — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:03:00 +0000

The Illinois Poison Center has been taking calls from worried parents for sixty years. Now it’s asking the public to make an emergency call on its behalf.