[JUNE 8, 2001]  Paul Beaver, chairman of the Video Committee for the Looking for Lincoln project, announced at the meeting on Wednesday, June 6, that he has interviewed three good video companies that have the potential to complete a video by September. Another company from Springfield has also applied for an interview.

Plans are under way to solicit local residents to participate in the video, decide on local sites and also locate pictures that depict Lincoln’s involvement in Logan County. The video is expected to last 15 to 20 minutes. Scenes which will be in the video include Postville Courthouse where Lincoln practiced law, the Stage Coach Inn in Middletown, Edwards Trace on Elkhart Hill, Mount Pulaski Courthouse, the Lincoln Depot and many other locations.

[Pictured with Richard Schachtsiek, Postville Courthouse Site Manager (center) are Cathy Hawkinson, wife of Dave Hawkinson of Corn Belt Energy Corporation, and Stu Churchill of Menard Electric Cooperative. Hawkinson and Churchill are involved in the volunteer program at the Postville Courthouse in Lincoln.  Photo and caption courtesy of Illinois Country Living magazine.]

Shirley Bartelmay, chairman of the Postville Cluster Committee, reported that Postville Courthouse Site Manager Richard Schachtsiek, Cathy Hawkinson and Stu Churchill are involved in the volunteer program at the Postville Courthouse and were recently featured in the Illinois Country Living Magazine. Schachtsiek, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency’s site manager for both the Postville Courthouse and Mount Pulaski Courthouse, states as following in the article: "Mount Pulaski was the first county seat and was used in the circuit for approximately seven or eight years in the 1840s. In 1853, the county seat was moved to Lincoln because it was the largest and busiest town in Logan County."

[to top of second column in this article]

[Lincoln College Museum]

Lincoln College has received a grant of $1 million to use for expansion of the Lincoln College Museum. Ron Keller, museum director, advised the group the new museum will be 6,000 square feet in size. He has already received two new Lincoln items to place in the museum. It is expected that many additional visitors will stop at the museum, which is currently located in the Lincoln College McKinstry Library building about a mile south of Old Route 66 at the Nicholson Road exit.

Larry Steffens, chairman of the Lincoln Statue Committee, reported that he has contacted many representatives in the county, covering different areas, such as tourism, city and county government, Chamber of Commerce, motel owners, service stations, retailing, and engineering and structural firms. The committee has estimated that 150 to 250 acres will be needed for an appropriate site for the theme park.

The next Looking for Lincoln meeting will be Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

[Kathleen McCullough]

[JUNE 8, 2001]  The Logan County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency celebrated the completion of its facility at an evening dedication Wednesday, May 30. The Crisis Management Center was dedicated in the memory of Larry Schroyer. A number of people came forward at the dedication to offer words of reflection and praise about the development of the new ESDA program and facility.

[Click here for more photos from the ESDA dedication]

[click here for Part 1]

Larry Schroyer was posthumously honored for the night

Fulscher struggled, obviously overwhelmed by the memory of this uncommon man, Larry Schroyer. Schroyer had much to do with the development of our disaster agency as it is today and, on a personal note, was a longtime family friend and personal model of community service to Fulscher. The plans, the acquisition of equipment and the building space all had Schroyer’s visionary hand on them. "If not for Larry Schroyer, this entire lower-level floor of the Safety Complex which is used for the disaster agency, including this Crisis Management Center meeting room, would not exist," proclaimed Fulscher.

Schroyer was credited for using his many talents, his foresight and ambition toward helping many community projects, and, above all, he was noted for "getting things done." He solicited federal funds and volunteer help. Some of his accomplishments include gaining $200,000 for the airport, funding and organization for the local blood bank, and he is known honorably for reporting a murder as a witness. The accused was found guilty.

Schroyer developed the first
emergency operations plan

His model decision-making thought, "What’s best for citizens?" has led to practices that are still followed today. Fulscher marveled, "It amazes me that to this day much of the planning that Larry Schroyer did in the ’50s through the ’70s are still what we use today. He knew people, and he put that much thought into his plans that they only need to be changed into modern-day application."

Logan County Board member Doug Dutz, in charge of the Logan County ESDA/Law Enforcement Committee, spoke a few words. He recounted what was once said here, "Things happen, but we don’t have a way to deal with them."

"At one time we had no dive equipment," said Dutz. "Larry Schroyer saw that need and was instrumental in getting equipment."

Those plans continue to be
amplified today

Today Dutz heartily credits Fulscher for his leadership, saying, "Working with Dan, we’ve really gotten a lot done!"

Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis praised Fulscher, saying, "We are really fortunate to have such an honorable and public servant."

Macon County ESDA Coordinator Phil Anello complimented Fulscher for all his assistance, saying, "I have gained about 90 percent of my training working with Logan County ESDA during my four years as Macon County coordinator." Anello first came over to meet with Fulscher and gain some information and training due to the numerous disaster incidents in Logan County.

In the last four years Fulscher has also called on Anello to come help us. Fulscher said, "He has been a great help coming over assisting with a number of Logan County disasters." Anello and Fulscher have it worked out that should either county be affected by a disaster, the other county would have somewhere to go for assistance.

"I’m sure this room is going to be useful. Of course, we all hope this room will never be used, but we all know this is not so," Anello stated. "We can’t keep tornadoes or anything else from striking."

Fulscher said that he relied heavily on the leading of Pat Keane, regional coordinator of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Keane was invaluable in getting Fulscher going in the right direction when he first stepped into the job. Keane assisted Fulscher with developing training for departments and laying out a five-year plan for ESDA. "Pat led me to where grant money could be found and told me how to get it," Fulscher acknowledged. He added, "We were just the soldiers."

[to top of second column in this article]

Anello stated that he has been impressed with the project support by local government in Lincoln and Logan County and praised them saying, "They really deserve the credit for their commitment."

Schroyer’s nephew, Darwin Schroyer, was present to receive the honorable acknowledgments of Schroyer’s efforts that continue to benefit all of us in Logan County to this day.

Fulscher took a moment to appreciate the wonderful talents of the people who are manning the office on a day-to-day basis. Diane Ruff was recognized for her diverse abilities, willingness to take care of a multitude of tasks and keeping the office running smoothly. Terry Storer, who started in December, provides a great counterbalance with his "patient, calm, reassuring, dedicated manner."

In closing, Dan Fulscher said, "I’d like, as my goal, to be remembered as Larry Schroyer is remembered. I’d like to share with you 13 characteristics that were attributed to him."

1. Hard worker
2. Professional
3. Kind
4. Nice
5. Strong
6. Determined
7. Sinner
8. Powerful
9. Leader
10. Fun
11. Never forgotten

12. Friend

But the 13^th is Larry in a nutshell, the way he would like to be remembered:

Paul Beaver recalled with humor the intensity that Schroyer had when he saw a thing that needed to be done. The time was the ’70s, and Beaver was sitting on the Logan County Board with Schroyer. Schroyer recognized that coordinating an ambulance service between city and county would have benefits to all. He arranged to meet with representatives from both sides, knowing that such a concept was likely to meet with great differences of opinion, and he prepared for it.

Present for the meeting were Everett Cherry, Logan County Board member in charge of Civil Defense, and board member Bud Behrends. Joining them from the city were Harold Fulscher and Rene Hoagland. Schroyer presented his plan, it was discussed and voted on in 10 minutes, and it was over! Having prepared to battle for it, it was very strange. "He really didn’t know what else to do when it was done!" Beaver chuckles.

While many may not know whom to credit, one of Schroyer’s most notorious contributions to Lincoln’s legends is the fabled telephone booth that sits atop Lincoln City Hall. Also known as one of Lincoln’s "Seven Wonders," it was Schroyer's practical idea of tornado protection. Joanne Marlin laughs as she recalls when Schroyer recruited her as a volunteer for ESDA. He said to me, "The first thing to learn is to go up on the roof, and if you see bad weather, you get in that phone booth and call me. I’ll sound the siren!"

City Hall has been remodeled around that telephone booth, and the roof, the telephone and his method of person-to-phone booth-to-person communication is still used to this day.

Some things never change, and some things shouldn’t. Mr. Schroyer saw to that.

Thank you, Larry!

[News release]

[JUNE 7, 2001]  The foresight and steady efforts of many Logan County public servants have brought forth a facility and agency that we can take great pride and assurance in. With the completion of the Crisis Management Center in the lower level of the Logan County Safety Complex, our county has become one of the most disaster-prepared counties in the state. The room has been dedicated in memory of the late Larry Schroyer. It brings to completion a long-worked-at, multi-stage project.

Logan County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Director Dan Fulscher spoke with obvious enthusiasm and appreciation for all those who have had a hand in the development of the agency, equipment and its facility. He spoke of many wonderful people who had vision for the future, assisted in disaster planning, aided in acquiring federal funding, and lots of interagency cooperation between city, county and state.

[New Crisis Management Center room]

Some history

Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, once called the Civil Defense, provides training and coordination between city, county and state emergency agencies. They serve as incident coordinators for police, fire and ambulance/paramedic services in disaster situations. The present-day institution serves to protect and aid Logan County citizens in the event of a manmade or natural disaster.

When Fulscher first took over the work at ESDA as director, Logan County had its share of disasters, but since that time we have become the highest disaster-struck county in the state south of I-80. Since 1993 we have had 13 disaster declarations: five gubernatorial, seven local and one presidential (the snowstorm of Christmas ’97).

Recent ESDA goals and developments

The latest protocol began when Fulscher stepped into the position of director. He first sought the guidance of several experienced authorities and developed a working plan.

Step 1

Train all local government leaders to work together in case of an emergency. The new Lincoln mayor, Beth Davis, will soon undergo her training for city leadership in the event of a disaster.

Step 2

Hazardous material management has become included in all today’s training.

[to top of second column in this article]

Step 3

Emergency management training for all individual agencies as well as combined departments is accomplished through regularly scheduled mock disaster exercise days with all the agencies and departments working together.

Step 4

Remodel the lower level of the Safety Complex (CMC) to be ready after the training and planning is completed.

[Dan Fulscher]

Fulscher explains that before beginning his task of meeting the ESDA goals, he chose a model structure: "I learned something; if you look at this as an arrow, the government — state, county and city — officials are the straight body of the shaft; all the crisis-activated supporting agencies such as the police department, fire department, sheriff’s department and so on are the feathers on the arrow; ESDA is the arrowhead. It becomes a workable model."

The entire lower level of the facility now fully supports emergency disaster efforts for Logan County, and in particular it is the newly dedicated room that is of specific value as a central command center, a location for leadership to meet and communicate effectively in an emergency disaster situation.

Fulscher says, "Larry Schroyer brought this diamond to our county, and now we are just shining it up!"

(To be continued)

[News release]

[click here for Part 2]

[JUNE 7, 2001]  Citing "problems that can’t be solved," two homeowners on Campus View Drive are asking the city of Lincoln to provide them with hookups to the city’s sewer system.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Joan Crabb]

[JUNE 5, 2001]  With John Turner's recent acceptance of the opportunity to serve as an Appellate Court justice, a vacancy was created for an appointment to fill out his term in the Illinois General Assembly as state representative. I have been encouraged and supported by a great many people to participate in the process as a candidate to fill that vacancy. Over the last month I have wrestled with the decision as to whether to accept the appointment if chosen by the county chairmen to fill the vacancy.

[Carla Bender]

It is indeed a great honor to be considered for this appointment, and I want to sincerely thank Justice Turner for his recommendation of me to continue his work in the General Assembly. I also wish to thank Congressman Ray LaHood, Republican Central Committee Chairman Ron Sparks and all of those who have voiced their support for me for this appointment. It has been a truly humbling experience to have so many colleagues and supporters, people whom I have admired professionally and personally and whose examples I have tried to follow in my own public service career, offer their support and commitment to me for the appointment to the office of state representative. It is, for me, a personal reward to have received so much encouragement and support, and I thank each and every individual for their faith and confidence in me.

As the mother of a 3-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, a change in careers such as this opportunity would present would bring with it significant changes in my family's life. The demands and rigors of a six-county campaign in the upcoming March primary to retain the seat if I am appointed to it would impact my time with my family greatly. After much heartfelt consideration and consternation my husband, David, and I have decided that the timing of this opportunity, given the youth of our children, is just not right for our family. Therefore I would have to decline the appointment, should I be fortunate enough to receive it. My children are my highest priority, and I believe this is the best decision to make for our family at this time.

[to top of second column in this article]

I have not completed all I've set out to do in the Circuit Court clerk's office. Since being elected as Circuit Court clerk I have worked very hard toward the goals and initiatives we've set in the office. I am extremely proud of my staff and what we have accomplished together over the last nine years, and it is a job in which I feel I am making a difference. There is more work yet to be done. I intend to continue to champion the cause of parents and families in the still unresolved problems in the issue of child support in this state.

Next year I will serve with pride as the president of the Illinois Circuit Clerks Association. We will continue our work on this and other legislative and policy issues that affect our court systems across the state. I intend to continue to provide the level of quality service to the people of Logan County in my capacity as Circuit Court clerk. It is truly my honor and privilege to serve the people, and I love doing the people's work every day.

Again, I offer my sincere thanks to the many citizens and fellow elected officials who have expressed their support of me for this appointment to the office of state representative. The gravity of this decision is the only reason that I have not made it before now. It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make.

I wish the best to the other candidates in the appointment process and know that the Republican Central Committee chairmen in the six counties that comprise the 90^th Representative District will carefully consider all of the candidates and make a wise decision. I sincerely thank each of them for the important work they are doing. I look forward to the future challenges in my current office, and I thank the people of Logan County for the opportunity to serve them.

[News release from Carla Bender,
clerk of the Circuit Court]

[JUNE 5, 2001]  Lincoln College will benefit from Illinois lawmakers’ approval of the state budget. Lincoln College will receive a $1 million grant from the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The grant is made possible through bonds by the Build Illinois program.

Lincoln College President Jack Nutt says the money will go toward building a new Lincoln College Museum. "Our museum contains many historical pieces of our namesake, Abraham Lincoln. We have joined forces with the Looking for Lincoln project and are aiming to create an environment that one day will complement the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. The money will allow the Lincoln College Museum to increase its size from 1,200 to 6,000 square feet and will be the focal point of the new Lincoln Center."

[to top of second column in this article]

Nutt said he appreciates the efforts of Sen. Bob Madigan, Rep. John Turner and Gov. George Ryan. "This is a first for Lincoln College. We are a private school and receive no direct tax dollars from the public, so this is a real boost to our total program."

The Lincoln Center, the new capstone building of Lincoln College, will be located on the northeast side of campus. A fund-raising campaign is currently under way to build the new Lincoln Center. Nutt said if campaign goals are met, construction could begin as early as this fall.

[Lincoln College news release]

[JUNE 5, 2001]  Salaries for department heads as well as new committee appointments were announced at Monday night’s Lincoln City Council meeting.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Joan Crabb]

[JUNE 5, 2001]  Jason Harlow, chief pilot of Skycruiser Balloon Promotions in Lincoln, has announced a partnership with LTA Marketing in Murphysboro, enabling Skycruiser to lease "She’s A Lady," a 75-foot-tall, ladybug-shaped hot-air balloon.

"This is a very exciting time for our company to move from the conventional-shaped balloons to the exotic, crowd-pleasing special-shaped balloons," said Harlow.

"She’s A Lady" sports six 12-foot long legs and a 15-foot-tall head, complete with antennas.

The balloon will be making appearances at festivals across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer and fall.

Some locations include Quebec City, Canada; Juárez, Mexico; El Paso, Texas; Canton, Ohio; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Albuquerque, N.M.

[to top of second column in this article]

It is still unknown if the balloon will be appearing at the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival in late August, as negotiations are still taking place.

Future plans by Skycruiser do include the acquisition of more special-shaped balloons, as company focus is shifting from private and corporate functions to partnerships with various balloon festivals.

"People in Lincoln should not be surprised to possibly see 110-foot-tall cactuses, 75-foot-tall ladybugs, or any other odd-shaped creations floating over Lincoln in the future," said Harlow.

[News release]

[JUNE 2, 2001]  There will be special treats for concertgoers at Latham Park this Sunday, June 3. A. Lincoln General Store will be providing FREE samples of cookies and lemonade at this year's first performance in the annual Concerts in the Park series. A. Lincoln General Store, located at 127 S. Sangamon St., has fresh baked goods daily. The business is owned by Norman and, appropriately, Cookie Wentworth.  The Sunday concert, featuring Sojourn, begins at 7 p.m. Click here for more details.

[JUNE 2, 2001]  The search for a new Abraham Lincoln brought a wagonload of impersonators to the stage during the recent Elkhart Chautauqua celebration.  The men came to vie for inclusion in a Lincoln video being planned by the Looking for Lincoln Master Plan Committee administered by Main Street Lincoln. 

Competing for the prize were Howard Rankin of Mount Pulaski, Joseph Woodard of Hazel Dell, Steven Miller of Washington, Randy Duncan of Carlinville, Max Daniels of Wheaton and Richard Klein of Springfield.

During the first portion of the competition, contestants were judged on their appearance, stature and facial similarity to Lincoln, as well as accuracy of costume.  Each contestant then gave a 60-second portrayal, with most choosing to do Lincoln's farewell speech to Springfield. They were judged on selection, mannerisms, voice inflection and stage presence during that portion. 

Chosen for prizes were Woodard as the beardless Lincoln and Klein as the bearded.  Each received $100 and a prize package sponsored by the Elkhart Historical Society, Main Street Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau. 

Plans for the video production are still in progress, and the Lincoln look-alike for it has not yet been announced.

[News release]

[JUNE 2, 2001]  The Illinois General Assembly gave approval Thursday night to a $50 billion budget with no new taxes, a budget that makes priorities of public education, Illinois’ struggling coal industry and downstate nursing homes, according to Sen. Bob Madigan.

The state’s new fiscal year begins July 1.

"This is a balanced budget that takes into consideration a slowing economy but also recognizes vital programs and services," said Madigan, R-Lincoln. "This plan wisely uses the taxpayers’ dollars without overspending and maintains a projected balance of about $1 billion in our state bank account by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2002."

Of the new revenue expected to come into the state, public education will receive $460 million.

"I’m especially pleased that public education remains a top priority," said Madigan. "Fifty-one percent of the additional revenue collected will go to our schools. Additionally, the budget contains $740 million in funding for school construction grants."

The education funding plan calls for a new minimum per-pupil funding level of $4,560 for school districts across the state. Exceeding the recommendations of the Education Funding Advisory Board, the plan also eliminates the threshold for poverty grants so schools will be eligible if they have just one student below the poverty level. Locally, schools in the 45^th Senate District will receive $1.38 million dollars more in state support than last year, $1.38 million more than recommended by EFAB’s recommendations.

The budget also makes a priority of Illinois’ coal industry.

"At a time when there is growing concern over energy supplies, the program outlined in the budget will help prevent the kind of energy shortages experienced by California, while also giving a much-needed economic boost for our coal miners and mines," said Madigan.

Illinois will finance $3.5 billion in assistance by selling bonds and using the proceeds to build new coal-mine-sited power plants and to install coal scrubbers to allow more use of Illinois’ higher-sulfur coal.

The budget also reconfigures how the state funds nursing homes that receive Medicaid assistance.

"The Medicaid funding changes are good for downstate nursing homes," said Madigan. "The budget sets aside $70 million to increase reimbursements for nursing homes that care for low-income patients.

The FY2002 budget also includes funding for the following projects in the 45^th District:

•  $1 million for various improvements at Lincoln College

•  $350,000 for campground improvements at Weldon Springs State Park

•  $240,000 for rehabilitation work at the Mount Pulaski Historic Courthouse

•  $1.1 million for renovation of the Lincoln Correctional Center

•  $260,000 to upgrade roofing systems at the Logan Correctional Center

Other FY2002 budget highlights:

Education

•  Commits 51 percent of new revenues for education with an increase of $460 million.

•  Funds the governor’s recommended increase for the State Board of Education at $303 million GRF over FY01 levels.

•  Funds the EFAB-recommended foundation level of $4,560 per student in FY02.

•  Includes general funds of $3,225,000,000 for general state aid and $37 million GRF for GSA/Hold Harmless for FY02.

•  Fully funds the mandated categoricals in FY02.

•  Includes $72 million GRF for the School Safety and Education Improvement Block Grant (ADA).

•  Restructures poverty grants so that school districts are compensated for every poverty student in the district.

•  Includes $71,480,000 GRF for the early intervention program, which amounts to a 56.4 percent, $25.7 million increase over FY01.

•  Includes approximately $7 million GRF for the Teacher’s Academy for Math and Science, which is equal to a 19 percent, $1.1 million increase over FY01.

•  Includes approximately $7.2 million GRF for the Jobs for Illinois’ Graduates program, which equals a 38.1 percent, $2 million increase over FY01.

•  Includes approximately $184 million GRF for the Early Childhood Block Grant program, which is equal to a $4 million increase over FY01.

•  Includes $4 million GRF for the Reading Improvement Statewide program, which amounts to a 33.3 percent, $1 million increase over FY01 levels.

•  Includes a total increase of $3 million GRF for the Alternative Education, Regional Safe Schools and Truant Alternative Optional Education programs.

•  Funds the ROE’s superintendent’s salaries at the statutorily mandated level of $7,875,000 GRF.

•  Includes $26 million GRF for the Summer Bridges program, which is equal to a 13 percent, $3 million increase over FY01 levels.

•  Allocates $157 million new dollars to higher education, an increase of over 6 percent.

•  Provides $39,005,300 to the community college board to fully fund the governor’s request for adult education.

•  Includes $367 million for the monetary award program, an increase of $14.7 million, or 4.2 percent.

Human services

•  The FY02 budget includes almost $80 million to fully fund the $1 per hour wage increase for developmental disabilities direct-care workers which becomes effective retroactive to March 1, 2001.

•  Adds $18 million to fund a 2 percent COLA for all non-Medicaid community service providers, effective April 1, 2001.

•  Includes over $650 million to fully fund the child-care program, providing service to 221,000 kids, an increase of 9,000 children over last year.

•  The child-care program includes a new $2 million GRF appropriation to fund the Great Start program, which provides wage supplements to child-care workers who establish longevity and who attain higher levels of education. This program is designed to increase the quality of care provided in child-care settings.

•  Provides $3 million to fund an additional 150 CILAs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

•  Funding for programs to combat compulsive gambling is doubled from $1 million to $2 million.

•  Includes a new $2 million to expand mental health services to provide treatment to juveniles with mental illness.

•  Provides $2.5 million for services for immigrants, an increase of $1.5 million over the FY01 level of funding.

[to top of second column in this article]

•  Re-establishes a $3.8 million appropriation for the Project Success program, which was eliminated in the governor’s budget proposal.

•  Provides $9.7 million for the Healthy Families program, an increase of $850,000 over last year’s funding.

Medicaid

•  Fully funds the Medicaid program at a 30-day payment cycle by closing the governor’s proposed Medicaid shortfall without imposing any additional rate reductions to Medicaid providers.

•  Includes $80 million to implement the updating of cost reports for nursing homes (SB 608) for the purpose of increasing Medicaid rates for geriatric long-term care providers. This increase in rates is effective July 1, 2001.

•  A total of $48.3 million is budgeted to implement the second phase of AABD Medicaid eligibility expansion. This phase expands the Medicaid eligibility to those AABD individuals with incomes between 70 percent and 85 percent of the federal poverty level.

•  A total of $52 million is included to annualize the cost of providing enhanced Medicaid rates to tertiary care hospitals, effective April 1, 2001.

•  An allocation of $180 million is earmarked to fund the KidCare program, providing health coverage to an estimated 180,000 kids, an increase of 44,500 children over the FY01 level.

Public safety

•  Provides a total of $1.5 million GRF for two new cadet classes, which are expected to graduate 100 officers in FY02.

•  Provides a total of $2.1 million GRF, along with $1.0 million State Police Vehicle Fund for the outright purchase of 135 new police vehicles and accessories.

•  Includes an additional $607,400 GRF to support costs associated with DNA short tandem repeat technology for use in DNA casework analysis.

•  Includes a total of $2.3 million GRF to provide resources for the department to reduce the current backlog of DNA processing in the Chicago area.

•  Another $168,900 GRF is included to allow for the hiring of five new forensics staff members at the Springfield facility.

•  Provides $1.1 million in funding for the state police to continue work on the Illinois Wireless Information Network.

•  Includes a total of $2.0 million GRF to allow the department to proceed with the development of a statewide voice communication system known as STARCOM 21.

Environment

•  The Illinois Rivers 2020 initiative is being funded in FY02 at $1.4 million GRF. The EPA is working in conjunction with the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources to restore the natural resource value of the Illinois River basin. The dollars will be passed through to local entities to be used for watershed planning and mapping support.

•  The Household Hazardous Waste Project at EPA is increasing by $1 million GRF. This program deals with the collection and disposal of hazardous household waste. The additional monies will enable the program to fund three permanent facilities as well as to have 12 one-day events throughout the state.

Economic development

•  Includes a new $3 million appropriation to fund the Agri-First/Value Added initiative at the Department of Agriculture. This program provides Illinois farmers with the opportunity to increase the net worth of their product by processing Illinois products in Illinois.

Transportation

•  Includes a total investment of $2.3 billion for the state’s FY02 road program. This amount equals the appropriation for the FY01 road program.

•  Adds $2.5 million to reinstate funding for the operation of the emergency medical response helicopters.

•  Includes a total of $335.1 million in state operating assistance for mass transit. This amount includes increases of $44.5 million in state assistance to the Regional Transportation Authority and $4.3 million to the downstate public transportation systems.

•  Provides $40.4 million for the fare-reimbursement program, which benefits students, the elderly and people with disabilities in the RTA transit region and eligible downstate transit systems. This amount equals the FY01 appropriation for this purpose.

•  Includes $91.0 million in capital for RTA transit projects and $5.0 million for downstate transit projects. In addition, a total of $6.0 million GRF is included for non-bondable transit projects throughout the state.

•  Provides $14.3 million in federal funding to be used throughout the state for operating assistance to rural and small urban systems and for capital assistance to purchase buses and para-transit vehicles for the downstate systems.

•  Includes a total of $172.7 million in state, local and federal funds for airport safety improvements, runway rehabilitation and construction, and taxiways at local airports.

•  Includes $15.0 million for land acquisition for the third Chicago-area airport.

•  Provides a total of $10.3 million for state support of Amtrak service for the three downstate trains and the Chicago-Milwaukee line.

•  An additional $42.2 million is included for rail improvements, including $24.0 million to continue work on high-speed rail in the Chicago-St. Louis corridor and to improve rail service on the other three corridors in Illinois.

Medical, other

•  Includes $105 million to fund last year’s expansion of the Circuit Breaker program and adds another $1.7 million to include the coverage of osteoporosis prevention medications in the Circuit Breaker program.

•  Provides $52 million for activities related to smoking prevention and cessation.

•  Includes a total of $17.9 million for medical research activities including $13.8 million for the Excellence in Academic Medicine program, $2.2 million for juvenile diabetes research at the University of Chicago and $1.9 million for the sickle cell program at the University of Illinois.

•  Fully funds the governor’s Venture Tech I proposal with $176.7 million. This funding is being used to build state-of-the-art technological and medical facilities in an effort to improve the state’s medical research and treatment capabilities and foster economic development.

•  An allocation of $35 million funds the third year of the earned income tax credit.

[News release]

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