* State shortchanged hurt workers for 30 years

The state unit that handles compensation claims for injured workers has concluded that Illinois short-changed at least some beneficiaries and their heirs, and that it did so for as long as a stunning 30 years.

Neither the Workers’ Compensation Commission nor anyone else in state government is yet saying how much the snafu might cost Illinois employers, who will have to make up any shortfall. But the money apparently is owed, and industry sources say the final tab could top $100 million.

* ISU execs disappointed by budget cuts

* Giannoulias Calls Out Governor on Abandoned Pension Plan

The cost of this corruption can be measured in the millions of dollars in unnecessary costs that the state pension systems have paid over the past five years so that corrupt political insiders could protect their criminal behavior.

* Consolidation concerns

* Birkett testing the waters for a 2010 state run

But for what office?

“I’m not ruling anything out at this point. I came very close to winning that race in 2002. Lisa Madigan was a strong opponent, backed by her father’s organization,” Birkett said, referring to Illinois Democratic Party Chairman Mike Madigan, who also is the House speaker.

Here’s my interpretation: If Lisa runs for governor, Joe would go for attorney general. If she seeks re-election or runs for a different office, Birkett would run for governor.

* Joe Birkett explores another run for statewide office

* Alvarez sworn in as state’s attorney

* New process installed will move to cut deal with CN”>for evaluating judges

The Judicial Performance Evaluation Program that had been voluntary for more than 900 judges who preside over Illinois courts became mandatory Monday with the Illinois Supreme Court’s announcement of new initiatives to improve judicial performance.

The new measures mandate that all judges undergo an intense evaluation consisting of a review of their opinions and performance by attorneys and court personnel at least once during their terms.

* 16th Circuit’s 1st black chief judge sworn in

* $150 million casino and hotel opens in Rock Island

* Calumet City Not Giving Up Casino Hopes

* Illinois bets on recycling programs

The Illinois Recycling Grant Program is doling out $760,000 throughout the Chicago area during what is traditionally the most wasteful time of the year—the holiday gift-giving season.

The money will allow some communities to expand curbside recycling programs and other cities and private businesses to hire additional workers and address electronic waste.

Programs receiving grants include:

* City reaches deal to lease parking meters

* Daley Plaza Tree To Light Up Downtown Chicago

* Most Chicago Police Squad Cars May Soon Be SUVs

* Political columnist is one of three vying to lead Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

David Yepsen, a political columnist for the Des Moines Register, said the institute could be used as a means to explore national issues, like combating racial prejudice, studying women in politics, government spending and debt, health care in rural America and campaign finance reform.

* Frankfort will move to cut deal with CN

* Suburbs face a storm of service cuts

“What you’ll see is … local government is usually one of the first industries to feel the pinch,” said Dave Bennett of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “And then it’s always among the last to feel the recovery as well.”

* Buffalo Grove stays the course on budget

* Amnesty offered for red-light, parking tickets

People with Chicago parking or red-light tickets who take advantage of an amnesty that began today could save money and avoid the possibility of getting “booted” next month.

Half of the penalty for late payments on the 3.5 million outstanding tickets issued before 2007 will be waived for those who pay under the amnesty that ends Feb. 14, city Revenue Department Director Bea Reyna-Hickey said today.