Intended as a discussion group, the blog has evolved to be more of a reading list of current issues affecting our county, its government and people. All reasonable comments and submissions welcomed. Email us at: bill.pysson@gmail.com REMEMBER: To view our sister blog for education issues: www.district100watchdog.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daily Herald | Aurora announces furlough days, wage freeze
cuts will apply to roughly 200 of the city's more than 1,100 employees, but Weisner said similar sacrifices will be required from all the city's unions to minimize layoffs and reduce the impact on city services.
Herald & Review | News: Lottery sales continue to climb during recession
Ticket sales were up a little more than 1 percent over the year before, for the fiscal year ending in June. That meant Illinoisans bought almost $2.1 billion worth of lottery tickets, setting a sales record.
Still, because of the timing of some payouts and other issues, profits for the state lottery were down nearly 5 percent last year. That means less money brought in for the state.
Herald & Review | News: Lottery sales continue to climb during recession
Metro jobless rate ties 25-year high - - BusinessRockford.com
More than 25,000 people were unemployed in Boone and Winnebago counties,
Metro jobless rate ties 25-year high - - BusinessRockford.com
AP IMPACT: Cash-strapped states raid 911 funds - Yahoo! News
A complete accounting of how 911 money is spent in all states is not available, partly because most of the money dispatch centers get is funneled to them by counties. The Federal Communications Commission has been collecting information from the states at the request of Congress, and is expected to report its findings soon.
In Wisconsin, a new 75-cent monthly fee was supposed to pay for ongoing 911 operations and improvements. When the state's deficit grew, the state decided to divert $100 million in the next two years to local governments to reduce pressure to raise property taxes.
AP IMPACT: Cash-strapped states raid 911 funds - Yahoo! News
Unemployment in Chicago area reaches 11.3 percent :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business
worst jobless rate was reported in the Rockford area, at 14 percent.
Chicago metropolitan area continued to surge in June, reaching 11.3 percent
Unemployment in Chicago area reaches 11.3 percent :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business