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Budzinski Introduces Bill to Improve Veteran Access to STEM Scholarships

5 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) reintroduced the bipartisan Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act to help veterans pursue degrees in science, health care and technology. The legislation would modify the requirements of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship to make the program accessible to more veterans. “I have heard from veterans across my district about the financial obstacles they’ve faced since leaving active duty service. Reforming the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship program will give more veterans the opportunity to advance their skills and fill high-demand roles,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Hamadeh, who I work with on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Together, we hope to make it easier for our nation’s heroes to pursue careers in good-paying fields like health care, engineering an

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Illinois Department of Revenue Alerts Taxpayers to Common Errors to Avoid When Preparing Tax Returns

5 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is advising taxpayers to be vigilant when preparing tax returns in order to avoid several common errors which can lead to delays, rejections, or even penalties. “We encourage taxpayers to file electronically and review their information carefully in order to ensure their returns are complete and accurate,” said` IDOR Director David Harris . “Mistakes on returns can have negative consequences, such as delays in processing refunds, or even the rejection of returns.” Common Filing Errors to Avoid Incorrect Personal Information - Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth to ensure they match the information on file with the Social Security Administration. Missing or Incorrect Bank Account Information - Taxpayers expecting refunds should choose direct deposit to their bank accounts to get refunds promptly. They should verify their account and routing numbers and ensur

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New $100 million Missouri accounting system blamed for delays in budget process

5 months 2 weeks ago
The failures of a new $100 million Missouri state accounting system disrupted plans for the House Budget Committee to put its imprint this week on the spending plan for the coming fiscal year. The system purchased in 2022 from Accenture was supposed to be in the final phase of implementation at this point, with all […]
Rudi Keller

Authorities Investigate Shooting Death Of Young Army Reservist

5 months 2 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — Authorities continue to investigate the shooting death of 19-year-old Pfc. Byron Gettis Jr., a soldier in the United States Army Reserve, who was found dead in an alley on Sunday, March 8, 2025, in East St. Louis. Gettis, a resident of Fairview Heights, was reported missing by his mother, Latricia Gettis, after he failed to return home from a Friday night, March 7, 2025, outing and subsequently missed his Army Reserve drill over the weekend. Latricia Gettis expressed her concerns on Sunday morning, March 9, 2025, when she filed a missing persons report, stating that her instincts told her something was wrong. Tragically, her fears were confirmed hours later when police located her son in an alley near the 1700 block of Gay Avenue in East St. Louis, where he had been shot to death. Gettis had plans with the Army Reserve for deployment to Kuwait at the end of March. His family, friends, and fellow soldiers are now left heartbroken, mourning a young man described

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Rep. Amy Elik Teaming Up with Attorney General's Office for Free Senior Fraud Seminar

5 months 2 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is joining an expert from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to host a Free Senior Fraud Protection and Advocacy Seminar at the Nameoki Township Building next week. They will give a presentation and take questions from seniors on how to better protect themselves from fraud. This event is free and open to seniors. The event details are: Friday, March 14, 2025 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Nameoki Township Building 4250 Highway 162, Granite City This seminar will help seniors understand how to recognize potential fraud attempts, learn how to be ready and stop them, and how to use the Attorney General’s Senior Help Line. “We have to ensure that our seniors are equipped to deal with the ever-growing, sophisticated scams that target our vulnerable,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “That’s why I’m teaming up with an expert from the Attorney General’s office to make sure our seniors

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NGRREC Announces World Water Day Photo Contest Winners

5 months 2 weeks ago
EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is inviting the community to view this year’s World Water Day Photo Contest exhibit, from 5-7 p.m., March 12, 2025, at the Field Station. With over 100 outstanding submissions, the selection process was more competitive than ever, according to Swarovski Foundation Water School USA Program Manager Jolena Pang. “A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed judges – Marty McKay, Jeffrey Vaughn and Rita Chu – for lending their expertise and providing detailed feedback on the submissions,” she said. “We invite the public to celebrate with us and admire the stunning artwork on display.” Each contestant will have at least one of their photographs printed and showcased in the exhibit. Overall Winner: Clarksville, MO Storm – Tammi Elbert Wildlife Category, 1st Place: Into the Light – Lonnie Gatlin Runner-up: Reflection on Ellis Bay –

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Duckworth Discusses Protecting Veterans Act

5 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—joined CNN’s Jake Tapper to underscore the urgent need to pass her Protecting Veteran Jobs Act , legislation she introduced yesterday alongside Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) that would reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees. Veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that Trump and Musk have already fired more than 6,000 of those men and women who have served in uniform. Video of the full interview can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . Key Quotes : “My legislation would allow Veterans to get their jobs back…There are Veterans on the other side of the aisle, and I certainly have never heard a single one of my Republican colleagues say that they don’t

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Senator Harriss Announces Internship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students

5 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is offering an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in government, and public affairs through a Legislative Internship at her district office in Edwardsville. “This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about public service and want to make a difference in their community,” said Senator Harriss. “Interns will play a vital role in engaging with constituents and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard in the 56th District.” This paid internship will allow students to connect directly with constituents through various forms of community outreach. Interns will develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into the legislative process. Students may also apply for academic credit based on their university’s guidelines. Those interested in applying or seeking more information should contact Haden Jones,

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Budzinski Votes No On Continuing Resolution: She Lists Impact On Her District's Projects

5 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on her vote against House Republicans' Continuing Resolution. “Rather than support working people, this bill creates a taxpayer-funded slush fund for President Trump and Elon Musk to use at their discretion, slashing billions in funding for veterans’ toxic exposure claims under the PACT Act, and opening the door to cuts in essential veteran health programs, including those for homelessness, mental health, opioid support, oncology, and caregiver services,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This bill prioritizes billionaires like Elon Musk over our veterans and critical projects in Illinois’ 13th district – projects to reduce sewage overflows in Cahokia Heights, improve public transportation in Champaign, replace hazardous lead service lines in Harristown, and more. The choice is simple – I can’t vote to hand over more unchecked

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