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Lunchtime Photo

3 years 1 month ago
Today I have remarkable photographic news. It starts pretty slow. Monday was dex day, so I decided to go out and look for the Milky Way again. I took it a little more seriously this time, driving out to Joshua Tree for some good night sky, but in the event I stopped a little short ...continue reading "Lunchtime Photo"
Kevin Drum

Governor Pritzker Lowers Pension Liabilities Through Extended Buyout Opportunities, Additional Payments

3 years 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker today signed House Bill 4292 into law, extending the pension buyout option for state employees to 2026. The bill authorizes $1 billion in additional general obligation bond funding to extend the buyout program. This action was another important step in the Governor’s mission to ensure fiscal responsibility and reduce overall liability costs placed on taxpayers and follows the inclusion of an additional $500 million contribution to the retirement systems above certified amounts across FY2022 and FY2023. “Responsible fiscal management means taking every action possible to address our pension obligations while honoring promises made to current and retired workers – promises made by governors and legislators on both sides of the aisle,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The expansion of this bipartisan pension buyout program builds on Democrats’ work this session to save taxpayers nearly $2 billion in pension liabilities

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Rep. Kelly Underscores Importance of Increased Mental Health Care Access for Black Americans

3 years 1 month ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, released the following statement underscoring the importance of mental health care access, especially among Black Americans: “Data shows that both new instances of mental health issues and exacerbation of existing mental health issues are on the rise across the country. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress. “However only one in three Black Adults who need mental health care receive it. Additionally, there is a growing mental health crisis among our youth. According to the CDC, only 20 percent of children with mental health issues receive care from a specialized mental health provider. “We must continue working to expand availability of care, increase the diversity of our mental healthcare workforce,

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Law Enforcement Leaders Have Meeting About Crime Stoppers

3 years 1 month ago
SOUTH ROXANA - On May 4, 2022, Madison County Chief of Police meeting, hosted by Chief Brad Wells of the Wood River Police Department a presentation made by Crime Stoppers State Director Kathy Norris took place about adopting a Crime Stoppers program in Madison County. "Crime Stoppers has been around since 1976 and with Madison County being the eighth-largest county in the state, I think it is imperative we catch up with technology to better assist our citizens," South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles said. "Crime Stoppers would allow the police to partner with our communities, where a non-law enforcement citizen board would be put in place to assist in running a Crime Stoppers program. "One of the amazing things about this program is it gives power back to the citizens, which is essential in bridging the relationship between police officers and the community. "I believe law enforcement has a lot of support in our county and a tool like crime stoppers could benefit everyone. A discussion

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