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“Smaller” bills also moving, but jobs climate cannot be ignored

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* In addition to the really big stuff, several “smaller” bills are moving through the legislative process, including this one

House Bill 180 would require anyone picketing a funeral to be at least 300 feet away from the funeral site, instead of 200 feet.

“We need to protect those folks who are spending their last few minutes with a loved one,” said the House sponsor, Rep. Kay Hatcher, R-Yorkville.

Hatcher’s measure was suggested to her by a sociology class at Northern Illinois University.

“Illinois has the lowest yards and time restrictions for protesting,” said Gayle Deja-Schultz, 41, of Sugar Grove, who talked to Hatcher on behalf of the class.

* Small food vendors who prepare their products in their homes have also won a victory

The Illinois House on Monday approved a measure that would allow vendors to prepare foods in their home kitchens on a 97-18 vote and heads to Gov. Pat Quinn for his consideration. It previously cleared the Senate earlier this month on a 42-6 vote.

Supporters say the proposal will reduce food prices at farmers markets, encourage entrepreneurship and increase the markets’ popularity.

“We want to keep farmers markets available for the smaller growers and farmers and for those folks involved in a more unique style of agriculture,” said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the bill’s sponsor. “This is an emerging area within the state, and we should do everything we can to encourage it.” […]

Opponents, including the Illinois Municipal League, meanwhile worry the plan, if signed into law, could lead to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. They also say it strips municipalities of their authority.

* There are also some crime bills

Illinois lawmakers have approved two bills designed to keep closer tabs on potentially dangerous criminals in the state.

One bill, which has passed the Illinois House, would require people convicted of first-degree murder to register with the state. […]

The State Senate also approved the bill, but, because of a clerical error, senators will have to vote on it again before sending it to Governor Pat Quinn for approval.

Another bill, which has been approved by both houses, would expand the state’s DNA database by requiring police to take DNA samples from people arrested for some violent crimes and sex crimes, even if those people have not been convicted.

* And then there’s this one

After the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board denied Illinois’ Cook County from transforming its Oak Forest (Ill.) Hospital into an outpatient clinic, officials are now trying to make the hospital exempt from the board’s further review, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

Illinois’ Cook County officials are trying to exempt Oak Forest Hospital from review by the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board, according to the report. […]

County officials had hoped to close Oak Forest on June 1, and began reducing operations and giving notice to staff. After the board’s denial, which stunned county officials, the hospital suspended surgeries due to the retirement of its single anesthesiologist.

The proposed legislation is sponsored by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago. Cook is the only county in the state where it would apply.

* But they all need to keep their eyes on the most important ball: Jobs

After 60 years building dry fertilizer handling equipment in Quincy - Doyle Manufacturing is moving across the river [to Missouri].

Doyle is building a 210 thousand square foot facility just north of Palmyra on Highway 61 making a total capitol investment of 9 million dollars.

In announcing the move at ground breaking ceremonies Friday afternoon - Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said the effort to bring Doyle to the Show Me State has been going on for a while. […]

[Missouri] also authorized a $1.5 million incentive package and contributed to infrastructure improvements at the site.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 11:46 am

Comments

  1. With big dogs like Chrysler, Navistar and Motorola already soaking up $230 million in economic development funds this fiscal year — and maybe Sears Holding to come — I imagine a lot of smaller fish are getting through the net. It’s a shame.

    On top of that, gasoline prices are killing everyone. There goes the disposable income spending that’s needed to fuel a recovery.

    Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 12:14 pm

  2. I think it’s an awful idea to keep the DNA of people who are arrested but not convicted. To me that’s overstepping the bounds.

    Comment by Shore Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 12:35 pm

  3. Quincy News should realize the company is making a “capital” investment, not a “capitol” investment. Though in this case with Governor Quinn in charge, maybe it could be seen as a Capitol divestment.

    Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:49 pm

  4. Three comments.

    Sigh.

    I figured I probably should’ve given these stories short shrift. lol

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:27 pm

  5. Everyone is holding their tongue, and breath, for the Congressional map…maybe.

    Comment by DuPage Dem Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:34 pm

  6. I like the passage of the food bill. Now grandma
    can sell her cookies at a bake sale with out the
    help of big brother. My Ma’s potato salad never hurt any one.

    Comment by mokenavince Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 4:26 pm

  7. The hole Doyle family is from missouri anyway they been wanting to move for over 15 yrs thank God they are going all they want is big tax breaks while the little man pays and they buy their big houses in fordia

    Comment by quincy Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 6:35 pm

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