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Two House Democrats are trying to take a different route than the governor to expand state-sponsored health insurance to 147,000 adults. They’re using legislation, something Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to do last year but got nowhere.

* Blagojevich health plan blocked again

For the second time in three months, a state legislative panel has rejected Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s request to allow 147,000 parents and caretakers to buy discounted health insurance through the state’s FamilyCare program.

* Panel rejects expansion of Family Care

* The possibilty of seventeen-year olds voting

* Bill to lower voting age to 17 goes to House floor for debate

An Illinois House committee voted 5-3 to advance the proposal onto the floor for debate.

* Illinois House gets proposal on voting age

* Oberweis, Foster largely bankrolling own campaigns

* Did Jim Oberweis Violate the “Millionaires’ Amendment”?

* Foster, Oberweis talk Iraq, taxes and values

“That’s something people understand.” Foster said an “orderly and promptly” withdrawal should begin, but he didn’t give a specific date, saying military leaders should decide exactly when.

* Foster, Oberweis face off on health care

* Oberweis believes in health care for cows, not people

* Is Stroger ready to make a deal?

On the table and set for a vote today are tax plans that could ultimately end up costing you more to buy a plane ticket, a drink at a bar, a car, hotel room, clothing or other merchandise.

* County budget deal ready if Stroger agrees

* Stroger sales tax increase dies, but Cook commissioners weigh smaller bite

* Do or Die Time for Cook County Budget

* Judge approves sale of Canton plant

* City auditor caught living in suburb

* IHSA photo policy brings audit call

posted by Kevin Fanning
Wednesday, Feb 27, 08 @ 9:18 am

Comments

I actually find myself agreeing with Daley on the residency issue.

But without the stipend. That’s really just a salary bump, unconnected to an improvement in performance.

If the police, city employees, etc want to live on Lake Shore Drive or in similar neighborhoods, well, yeah, that more than their salaries can support. But there is plenty of affordable housing outside those neighborhoods. They may not be as trendy though, but they are where the rest of the world, the world that doesn’t live on lavish public salaries, lives.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Feb 27, 08 @ 10:59 am
I did read Bethany Jaeger’s article on Illinoize yesterday afternoon. It sent me off to look for the minutes of JCAR’s meetings. I found the minutes to Jan 9th to be enlightening on the exchange between Fritchey and Mulligan to Hoffman. “I don’t have that information”, “I don’t know the answer to that question”, “I am not prepared to speak to that”. Unfortunately the meeting of the 13th Feb nor yesterday’s of course were up yet. I didn’t get the idea that anybody on JCAR was against health expansion, all I got was ‘do it the right route’ and give them some solid answers to the questions.

Comment by Princeville Wednesday, Feb 27, 08 @ 1:34 pm