Census shows Belvidere eligible to become home rule - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

The real change –there will be a higher cap on sales or no cap on real estate taxes.  Are the residents ready?

 

The change happens automatically and according to Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton the milestone means the city has more freedom to do what it wants without having to get permission from the State of Illinois.  "It gives you a little bit more flexibility. Its part of the growing up process of a community"

Mayor Brereton says once the numbers are certified, Belvidere will first look into redistricting its five wards.

Census shows Belvidere eligible to become home rule - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Legislature facing tough budget choices | Illinois Statehouse News

Now the Legislature will have its responsibility back, which could be a double-edged sword because before the Legislature can decide how to spend, or cut, it must first know how much it can spend. Appropriation committees in both chambers will be given a revenue figure for the next fiscal year, out of which a portion for each state agency must be carved, according to the new law.

“This year they’re going to be forced to make some very tough decisions, because you get education, human services, all the sudden they recognize, ‘hey wait a minute, we have responsibility now in making this work,’” Beaubien said.

Click on the following for more details:  Legislature facing tough budget choices | Illinois Statehouse News

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's state budget address | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette

FULL TEXT

The prepared text of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s budget address to a joint session of the state Legislature on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

Click on the following for the complete speech:  Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's state budget address | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette

Regulation Lax as Gas Wells’ Tainted Water Hits Rivers - NYTimes.com

 

known as high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking — carries significant environmental risks. It involves injecting huge amounts of water, mixed with sand and chemicals, at high pressures to break up rock formations and release the gas.

million gallons of wastewater that is often laced with highly corrosive salts, carcinogens like benzene and radioactive elements like radium, all of which can occur naturally thousands of feet underground. Other carcinogenic materials can be added to the wastewater by the chemicals used in the hydrofracking itself.

Confidential EPA Draft regarding the ecological problem is available at:  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/02/27/us/natural-gas-documents-1.html#document/p1/a9895

Click on the following for more of this interesting NY Times article:  Regulation Lax as Gas Wells’ Tainted Water Hits Rivers - NYTimes.com

Prosecutors press new charges against McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi - chicagotribune.com

• charged with three additional counts of official misconduct. Prosecutors allege that his office dropped one criminal case and gave defendants preferential treatment in two other criminal cases because of improper actions.
• improperly handling a misdemeanor disorderly conduct case against a man accused of making a lewd comment to a woman
• dropped the charge against the defendant, Dr. Thomas Salvi, in August 2010. Prosecutors said Salvi's relatives and defense attorney had contributed to Bianchi's campaign fund
• Bianchi was accused of directing an assistant state's attorney in July to reduce bond and delay a case against Bianchi's nephew

The cost of the prosecution through August 2010 was about $220,000, county Administrator Peter Austin said. He said the Illinois appellate prosecutor's office is representing the county on financial matters in the case.

Click on e following for all of the story:  Prosecutors press new charges against McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi - chicagotribune.com

Charles G. Koch: Why Koch Industries Is Speaking Out - WSJ.com

Charles G. Koch explains his support for Governor Walker and other controversies.

Crony capitalism and bloated government prevent entrepreneurs from producing the products and services that make people's lives better.

Click on the following to read Mr. Koch’s comments:  Charles G. Koch: Why Koch Industries Is Speaking Out - WSJ.com