New Fiscal Year Begins Without A Budget In what is turning out to be a repeat of last year, the state’s fiscal year 2009 has now begun and the state-operating budget has not been signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The budget, according to the governor, is $2 billion out of. . . .
New Kindergarten Readiness Calendar Released The United Way has released a new tool to help area parents prepare their children for kindergarten. Its a 12 month calendar, from July to July, that gives daily tips, activities, community resources. . . .
Police Beefing Up Enforcement For Holiday Weekend State and local police are beefing up enforcement for the fourth of July holiday weekend. The Illinois state police and about 200 local police agencies will hold over 100 roadside safety checks through the weekend looking for those not wearing. . . .
Minimum Wage In Illinois Gets A Boost Minimum-wage workers in Illinois are receiving a 25-cent hourly boost in pay, to $7.75 per hour. State officials say the increase will mean $520 more per year for 650,000 workers. It is the second in a four-step hike in wages adopted. . . .
