[MARCH 11, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Gwenn Klingler has introduced a bill that would save the pension rights of state employees forced to take furloughs because of the state’s budget squeeze.

"I don’t want to see a single state employee have to take a furlough because of the budget crisis facing the state, but if it is necessary, then they should at least have their pension rights preserved," Klingler said.

Klingler’s House Bill 6053 would allow state employees to maintain their pension rights for up to five days of involuntary furlough or involuntary layoff that is due to the state’s fiscal crisis. After five days, employees would have to make an additional contribution to their pension funds in order to maintain full benefits.

"Hopefully, no one will have to take advantage of the provisions of my bill, but I want to afford all the protection possible for the people who have dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Illinois as state employees," Klingler said.

[News release]

[MARCH 8, 2002]  At 7:30 this morning, far too early for some of us to be out and about, 11 candidates for state offices and three candidates’ representatives descended on Restoration Hall of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary to explain their views and meet their voters.

The “Meet the State Candidates Breakfast” was sponsored by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce and the chamber’s Government/
Education Committee.  Wanda Rohlfs presided.

After a short recognition of local government officials, such as the mayors of Lincoln, Emden and Broadwell, Ms. Rohlfs asked each of the candidates to address four issues central to Logan County:  Lincoln Developmental Center, small businesses, education and agriculture.  She also asked them to explain how they would ensure open lines of communication between the people and their representative.  “How do we communicate with you?  How do you communicate with us?”

[All photos by Bob Frank]

The first speaker, though not a candidate, was a person who is locally known and loved, Rep. Jonathan Wright.  His speech was short, though important.  He did not endorse any particular candidate, but rather endorsed voting in general.  “I just wanted to encourage you to encourage others to vote.”

Judge John Turner was also recognized, though he declined his turn at the podium.

Candidates who spoke were running for state Senate in Districts 44 and 50, representative in District 100, the Illinois Supreme Court, circuit judge for the 11th District and lieutenant governor. Representatives of candidates for governor also spoke on their behalf.

State Senate District 44

Bill Brady (R) began by explaining that he was just recovering from laryngitis due to a sore throat and his son’s basketball game.  Central Catholic just won their super-sectional game and go on to play Pleasant Plains in the quarterfinals tonight.  This became a subject of some contention and some comic relief as many candidates took up sides in tonight’s game.  Brady has been a state representative for eight years, during which time he passed one constitutional amendment.  He is currently pushing for another one which would abolish the State Board of Education and replace it with an office in the governor’s cabinet.  He supports LDC, saying, “It’s an important part of the community; it’s an important part of the state.”  He also wants to work for more agricultural credit and an increase in ethanol production.

Rus Kinzinger (R) spoke of his understanding of the job.  “It’s not about me, it’s about us.”  He said he “understands” farming (he is a farm owner), small communities and their small businesses (he is from a farming community in Iroquois county), bureaucracy (he has worked with the Illinois Department of Public Aid), and public education (he has been a professor and has raised three children).

Gerald Bradley (D) has been a state representative for 14 years.  He has devoted his campaign to public funding of early detection for cancer.  His plan begins with mammograms and screenings for prostate cancer.  He said he hopes to proceed to early testing for other forms of cancer as well.  His plan would be paid for with tobacco funds.

State Senate District 50

Larry Bomke (R) is the current senator for district 50.  Issues of agriculture are important to him, because he grew up on a farm and knows the troubles big businesses can cause to local farms.

Don Tracy (D) is a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens.  His father began a business which has grown to become one of the largest employers in Brown County.  He worked for his father for many years, and is still the legal council for the business.  He called for greater long-term vision in government, accusing projects like Illinois FIRST of spending too much money now, which lead to layoffs and cutbacks later.  He also said he believes that education is in crisis because it is too dependant on property tax.  He wants to appropriate more money from elsewhere to education.

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Representative District 100

Gwenn Klingler (R) is the current representative for District 100.  She supports LDC and other health care facilities, saying that “one size does not fit all.”  She also wants to prevent the privatization of food services in state facilities.  She had endorsements from education associations and has just completed a tour of all schools in her district.  In agriculture, she has received the “Friend of Farmers” award from the Illinois Farm Bureau three times.

Rich Brauer (R) is a farmer from Petersburg.  His family has farmed for six generations, so agriculture is very close to him.  He stated that he wants to keep feed for animals coming from Illinois, rather than from outside the country.  He wants to make sure the 24.6 percent of people in Illinois who are directly involved with agriculture do not lose their employment.  This number is incredibly high for the national average (approximately 3 percent).  Education, he noted, is also important to him, as his sisters and his wife are all teachers.  He mentioned also that he is pro-life.

Illinois Supreme Court

Rita Garman (R) is the current interim justice, having replaced retired Justice Ben Miller.  She was endorsed by the Republican Party over her opponent in the primaries, Appellate Justice Robert Steigmann.  She has served in all judicial positions:  associate judge, circuit judge, presiding judge of Vermilion County, Appellate Court justice and Supreme Court justice.

Circuit judge in District 11

Scott Drazewski (R) is serving as interim judge for his position.  He believes a candidate needs experience and qualifications.  In his career, he has served in many positions, both as judge and lawyer, and presided over a wide variety of cases.  He received in the 90-96 percent range on all parts of the Bar Poll, and has received endorsements from the Peoria Journal Star and the Pantagraph.

Charles Reynard (R) is the McLean County state’s attorney.  He believes that there is an important tie between education and the legal system.  He loves going into schools and speaking to the children.  He has an endorsement from the Logan and McLean County Farm Bureaus.

Lieutenant governor

Bill O’Connor (R) is the current state representative for District 43.  He believes it is important to reach out to the people in the community he represents.  He wants to focus on the development of small businesses.  He also wants to curb the growth of the budget without expense to current programs such as LDC.

Governor

Jim Ryan (R) is the Illinois attorney general.  He is opposed to the closing of LDC and the privatization of food services.  He also has the recommendation of the Illinois Republican representatives to the United States Congress.

Pat O’Malley (R) has served the Illinois State Senate for many years.  He has endorsements from most pro-family groups in Illinois.   He is also opposed to the expansion of riverboat gambling and wants to auction gambling licenses, rather than simply selling them.  His representative said, “Be patient, change is coming!”

Paul Vallas (D) is the chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools.  He feels the state government lacks leadership.  He feels he has the leadership to stop the spending and to appoint people who will effectively manage the budget and the state facilities.  He was the only gubernatorial candidate to attend the LDC rally.

[Gina Sennett]

[MARCH 8, 2002]  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is observing Severe Weather Preparedness Week throughout the state. The intent of this observance is to promote severe-weather awareness and preparedness among Illinois residents.

• Illinois severe weather fact sheet

• Recommended actions for severe weather

• Thunderstorms

• Tornadoes

• Flooding

• Sources of weather information

Illinois severe weather fact sheet

There are a number of severe weather hazards that affect Illinois, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods and flash floods, damaging winds and large hail. Severe weather hazards have the potential to cause extensive property damage, injury and death.

! A tornado is a violent, rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

! Most tornado damage paths are less than 100 yards wide and a couple of miles long, but can be up to a mile wide and 50 miles long.

! Most tornadoes occur in the spring, but they have occurred every month of the year.

! There is an average of 30 tornadoes per year in Illinois. Most tornadoes produce winds 60 to 112 mph. The most violent tornadoes can produce winds up to 318 mph.

! In 1998, 99 tornadoes occurred in Illinois.

! In 1999, 66 tornadoes were reported in Illinois, resulting in three deaths and 29 injuries.

! In 2000, 52 tornadoes were reported in Illinois. In 2001, 21 tornadoes were reported in Illinois.

! March 18, 2000, marked the 75th anniversary of the worst killer tornado on record in the United States. An F5 (wind speeds of 261-318 mph) tornado raced across eastern Missouri into southern Illinois through Murphysboro and West Frankfort and then into southern Indiana at speeds up to 73 mph. In Illinois, 606 people were killed and approximately 2,000 were injured.

! Thunderstorms can produce strong winds, lightning, hail or heavy rain.

! Each year, more people are killed by lightning than by tornadoes. Most deaths occur in open fields (ball fields) and under or near trees.

! Twenty-one people have been killed by lightning since 1985 in Illinois.

! Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer.

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! In Illinois, severe thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon or evening. In 1998, 39 people were injured as the result of winds from severe thunderstorms.

! Large hail does extensive damage to property and crops every year. In 2001, 4½ inch hail was reported in Cowden. In 2000, hail 4 inches in diameter was reported in Bement.

! Flooding is the No. 1 killer nationwide due to severe weather.

! Nationally, 75 percent of the presidential disaster declarations are the result of floods.

! Floods can take several hours to days to develop.

! Twenty people in Illinois have died from floods since 1985. Twelve of the 20 deaths occurred in vehicles. Other deaths occur when people (especially children) play in or near floodwaters and when people living near flooded streams try to protect property or save belongings.

! Dam failures or ice jams can cause severe flooding.

! The most dangerous type of flooding is a flash flood.

! Flash floods can sweep away everyone and everything in their path.

! Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.

! Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms.

! Flash floods occur most frequently in mid to late summer.

By becoming familiar with and implementing the following recommended actions, you and your family will be better protected in the event of thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.

•  Know the terms used to describe severe thunderstorm threats:

"Severe thunderstorm watch" — Severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter.

"Severe thunderstorm warning" — Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television to receive warnings and severe weather statements.

•  Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with a battery backup and tone-alert feature, which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued. Know the county(s) in which you live and work. The National Weather Service uses county names when watches, warnings and advisories are issued and broadcast. New Specific Area Message Encoder, known as SAME, weather radios can be programmed to alarm only for a specific county or group of adjacent counties.

•  Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor periods and postpone plans if severe weather is imminent.

•  Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency assistance.

•  Choose a friend or family member who lives out of the area for separated family members to call to report their whereabouts and condition.

•  Keep important documents and records in a safe-deposit box or other secure location.

•  Maintain a disaster supply kit.

•  Close all windows and doors. Draw the shades or blinds to reduce the risk from flying glass if window or door glass breaks due to high winds.

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•  Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.

•  Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances until the storm passes.

•  Turn off air conditioners. If lightning strikes, a power surge could damage the compressor.

•  Delay taking baths or showers until after the storm passes.

•  If outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are probably close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

•  If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt to reach shore as quickly as possible.

•  If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder away from trees and power lines. Lightning can flash from trees or power poles into a vehicle through the radio antenna. Normally, in the open, a vehicle is a safe shelter from lightning.

•  Avoid touching metal parts of the vehicle when lightning is nearby.

•  If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles where you can squat low to the ground. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

•  Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or instructions.

•  Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary. Most lightning strike victims can be revived with CPR. Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.

•  Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.

•  Do not make unnecessary telephone calls.

•  If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.

•  Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.

•  Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:

"Tornado watch" — Tornadoes are possible. Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter. If you see any rotating funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local law enforcement agency. If you live in a mobile home, this is the time to move to a more substantial structure.

"Tornado warning" — A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television and wait for the "all clear" announcement by authorities.

•  Refer to the "Before" section under "Thunderstorms," plus the following:

•  Determine the best location in your home and office to seek shelter when threatened by a tornado. A basement or cellar will usually afford the best protection. If an underground shelter is not available, identify an interior room or hallway on the lowest level.

•  Conduct periodic tornado safety drills with your family.

•  Learn how to shut off the utilities to your home.

•  Decide how and where your family will reunite.

•  If you live in a mobile home, identify a safe shelter outside of your mobile home such as a community park shelter, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a nearby public building.

•  In a mobile home, consider installation of an underground shelter that is large enough to accommodate you, your family or several other nearby mobile home residents.

•  Consider retrofitting your house with special fasteners, connectors and reinforcing bands to strengthen the structural integrity. Also, consider installing a reinforced concrete and steel "safe room" as a small room within your house or excavated and installed beneath your garage floor.

•  Take the following actions when a warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, when sirens have been activated or when a tornado has been sighted.

At home

•  Go at once to your predetermined shelter (storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building). In a basement, go under the stairs, under a heavy piece of furniture or a workbench. Stay there until the danger has passed.

•  If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

•  Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.

•  Go to the center of the room. Outside windows and walls may be penetrated by high-speed, wind-borne missiles.

•  Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table, and hold onto it.

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•  Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck.

•  If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. If there isn’t a substantial shelter nearby, seek shelter in a low-lying area.

•  Shield your head with your hands.

In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center or at work

•  Go to the basement or to an inside hallway on the lowest level.

•  Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and large hallways. Stay away from windows and open spaces.

•  Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table or desk, and hold onto it. If sturdy furniture is not available, make yourself the smallest target possible. Squat low to the ground. Put your head down and cover your head and neck with your hands.

•  If in a high-rise building, go to small, interior rooms or hallways on the lowest level possible and seek protection as detailed above. Stay away from windows and outside walls.

Outdoors

•  If possible, get inside a substantial building.

•  If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use arms to protect head and neck. Stay aware of the potential for flash flooding.

In a vehicle

•  Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Heavy rain, hail and traffic may impede your movement. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily lift up a vehicle and toss it through the air.

•  Get out of the vehicle immediately and try to take shelter in a nearby building.

•  If there isn’t time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area away from the vehicle.

•  Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or instructions.

•  Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary.

•  Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.

•  Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.

•  Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

•  Exit damaged buildings. Re-enter only if absolutely necessary, using great caution.

•  Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.

•  If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.

•  If unaffected by the tornado, stay out of the damaged area until allowed to enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.

Before

•  Know the terms used to describe flood threats:

"Flood watch" — Flooding or flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. Listen to NOAA radio, commercial radio or commercial television for additional information.

"Flood warning" — Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

"Flash flood warning" —A flash flood is occurring or is imminent. Move to higher ground immediately.

"Urban and small stream advisory" — Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas.

•  Refer to the "Before" section under "Thunderstorms," plus the following:

•  Learn flood warning signs and, if used in your area, any community alert signals.

•  Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.

•  Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.

•  Consider measures for flood proofing your home. Call your local building department or emergency services and disaster agency for information.

•  Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities through the National Flood Insurance Program. There is usually a period before it takes effect, so don’t delay. Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of the identified flood-prone area. Call your insurance company for more information.

•  Insure your property and possessions. Make an inventory of your possessions using paper lists, photographs or videotapes of your belongings. Leave a copy with your insurance company. Update your inventory and review your coverage with your insurance company periodically.

•  Keep all of your important records and documents in a safe deposit box or another safe place away from the premise.

•  Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.

•  Move valuable household possessions to the upper floor or move to another location if flooding is imminent and time permits.

•  If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off utilities at their source.

•  If advised to evacuate, do so quickly.

•  Evacuation is much simpler and safer before floodwaters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.

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•  Listen to a battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions.

•  Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.

•  Attempt to leave early enough to avoid being isolated by flooded roads.

•  People lose their lives by attempting to drive over a flooded roadway. The speed and depth of the water is not always obvious. There may be a hidden portion of the roadway washed out under the water. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

•  Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

•  When you are allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance.

•  Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.

•  When entering buildings, use extreme caution.

•  Look for fire hazards.

•  If your home was damaged, check the utilities.

•  Stay out of buildings that remain in the floodwaters.

•  Avoid coming in contact with floodwaters. The water may be contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

•  Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve belongings.

•  Consider your family’s health and safety. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

•  Throw away food — including canned goods — that has come in contact with floodwaters.

•  Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.

•  Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems pose a health hazard.

•  Stay alert for areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

•  Do not let children play in or near floodwaters, flooded creeks or flood retention ponds.

•  Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to the utility company immediately.

•  If unaffected by the flood, stay out of the area until allowed to enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.

•  Monitor the radio for special information about where to go to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Other programs are available to help you cope with the stress of the situation.

•  Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home and your belongings.

For additional information on severe weather or other hazards, contact the following:

•  Your local Emergency Services and Disaster Agency

•  Your local chapter of the American Red Cross or www.redcross.org.

•  The nearest office of the National Weather Service

•  National Weather Service forecast office websites:

Lincoln: www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx

Romeoville (Chicago): www.crh.noaa.gov/lot

St. Louis, Mo.: www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx

Davenport, Iowa: www.crh.noaa.gov/dvn

Paducah, Ky.: www.crh.noaa.gov/pah

IEMA home page: http://www.state.il.us/iema

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts. The National Weather Service broadcasts weather information, including watches, warnings and advisories 24 hours a day. Weather radio transmitters have a range of about 40 miles. Weather radio transmitters that cover Illinois are shown below.

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[Illinois Emergency Management Agency]

[MARCH 7, 2002]  A house fire claimed the life of a Mount Pulaski resident in the early morning of Thursday, March 7. Brad S. Follis, 29, of 504 1842nd Ave., Mount Pulaski, was pronounced dead at 1:17 a.m. by Logan County Coroner Chuck Fricke.

Follis’ mother, Nancy Monroe, awoke to the fire in the house and tried to put it out. She was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, where she was treated and released.

Latham, Mount Pulaski, Warrensburg-Latham and Chestnut fire departments responded to the call. It took over four hours to bring the blaze under control. Mount Pulaski and Latham were still at the scene at mid-morning. The home’s interior was gutted by the fire, leaving only the framework of the house still standing.

The state fire marshal, local fire chief and the coroner’s office are investigating the nature of the fire. An autopsy was conducted this morning.

[LDN]

[Click here for obituary.]

Four City Fire Department
members promoted

[MARCH 7, 2002]  At the March 4 meeting of the Lincoln City Council, Fire Chief Bucky Washam announced the promotion of four members of the Lincoln City Fire Department.

Tom Martin has been promoted to assistant chief on the C shift, Bob Dunovsky has been promoted to captain on the C shift, and Ken Ebelherr has been promoted to lieutenant on the C shift. After serving one year of probation, James Reed has been promoted to firefighter. These promotions fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Assistant Chief Don Fulk.

The council’s insurance committee also met March 4 to hear a presentation on options for health insurance coverage for city workers for the next fiscal year.

Sharon Heidbreder of the R.W. Garrett Insurance Agency suggested that the city give workers two options next year, an HMO and a PPO. The city’s current health plan will probably be discontinued in the next year or so, she said, and its cost will rise this year from $401.89 per month for an individual policy to $462.63 per month.

The new HMO would cost $318.28 per month for coverage for an individual and $954.86 for family coverage. It would have a life maximum of $5 million, up from the present plan’s life maximum of $2 million.

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The new PPO would cost $414.32 for an individual policy and $1,242.96 for family coverage. It would also offer a $5 million life maximum. Both plans have a higher lifetime limit for physical therapy than the present plan. Both plans also have a $10 co-pay for doctors’ office visits and a $50 co-pay for emergency sickness, as well as co-pays for prescriptions. The PPO requires individual co-pays of $250 in network and $500 out of network, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $250 in network and $1,500 out of network.

The HMO, which is more restrictive, does not offer any out-of-network coverage. Family Medical and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital are in the HMO network but the Springfield Clinic is not, according to Heidbreder.

Both plans are Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Alderman Joe Stone asked Roger Garrett if he had explored any other insurance carriers. Garrett answered that the insurance committee had not directed him to do that. However, he said, there are now only a "handful" of insurance carriers writing group health insurance in Illinois.

"At one time I could have brought 12 options to the city," he said. "I couldn’t find that now. The field has narrowed down."

City Clerk Juanita Josserand reminded the council that if they are going to change health insurance plans, which are paid by the city, the unions must be notified 60 days ahead of time.

[Joan Crabb]

From Sen. Stone

Senior prescription drug plan proposed

[MARCH 7, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Republican members of the Illinois Senate unveiled a prescription drug plan March 6 that will help senior citizens at all levels of income, according to Sen. Claude Stone. The lawmakers were joined by AARP, which lent their support.

"In the past few years the Legislature has broaden eligibility for the state’s Circuit Breaker program and Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled. While these programs generally target low-income seniors, there are many others seniors who don’t qualify, yet still need help of some kind," said Stone, R-Morton. "These senior citizens may still spend 10 to 15 percent of their annual retirement income on prescription drugs. Clearly there is need for assistance across all income levels."

The GOP proposal starts with the creation of a toll-free informational hotline, a central clearinghouse, where seniors can get information on how to access public and private discount programs already in existence. The hotline will become more important later this year when Illinois begins administering a $110 million federal pilot program called SeniorCare. SeniorCare will cover the cost of all prescription drugs. The Republican plan also authorizes a study to determine whether there is a need for catastrophic pharmaceutical assistance coverage options for those seniors who do not qualify for public discount programs but have a higher percentage of prescription drug costs. Finally, the proposal will require legislative and public oversight of the state’s various prescription drug discount programs.

"As a senior citizen myself, I am pleased our Republican caucus is taking a leadership role in addressing a critical public health issue," said Stone. Like education, welfare reform, economic development and battling crime in years past, Republicans in the Illinois Senate have stepped up to provide leadership in crafting realistic approaches to the problems facing our state."

AARP, one of the nation’s largest senior citizen organizations, lent its support for the plan.

"Meeting the prescription drug assistance needs of Illinois seniors is a building-block process. We are fortunate in Illinois to have a strong foundation for our efforts," said Amy Paschedag, AARP’s incoming state legislative chairman. "We want to commend the Senate Republican caucus for formally establishing a prescription information, referral and assistance clearinghouse at the Department on Aging. This will provide the critical road map for seniors and their families who would benefit from the help that is already out there."

•  The Illinois Department on Aging would operate a toll-free hot line that would be a clearinghouse for pertinent prescription drug discount information for Illinois senior citizens.

•  Information would also be available from local Area Agencies on Aging.

•  The goal is a "one-stop shop," where senior citizens could receive information on public and private services and discounts available to senior citizens, including state programs, drug company discounts, and retailer-sponsored specials. All entities offering a special service or discount for senior citizens would report their program guidelines to the Department on Aging.

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•  The Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program will complete a study of the need, cost and operation of a catastrophic pharmaceutical benefit for senior citizens who spend a significant portion of their income on prescriptions.

•  The study also would examine what could be done for senior citizens who have incomes above 250 percent of the poverty level and who are ineligible for current prescription assistance programs.

•  A new legislative and public oversight committee will make certain the programs operate smoothly. The committee will advise appropriate state agencies regarding the establishment of proposed programs or changes to existing programs.

•  The committee will be composed of 17 members — two legislators and one public member appointed by each of the four legislative leaders; as well as the directors of the state Departments of Aging, Revenue, Public Aid, Human Services and Public Health.

•  Senate Republicans have already pledged their public appointment will be a representative of AARP, giving Illinois senior citizens a voice on future prescription drug decisions.

•  Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled: AABD, a Medicaid-based program, was expanded in 2000. The third and final phase of the expansion is effective July 1 and will allow senior citizens with income levels up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level to participate in the program, which is administered by the Department of Human Services.

•  Circuit Breaker: The income requirements for this program were expanded in 2000 to include senior citizens and disabled individuals at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($28,480 for a family of two). The state pays the first $2,000 (with a $25 card fee and co-pay for each prescription) and then pays 80 percent above the threshold. The program covers medications for the following conditions: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, and lung diseases or smoking-related illnesses. This program is administered by the Department of Revenue.

•  SeniorCare: SeniorCare will be funded by a federal grant and will provide prescription drug coverage to an estimated 368,000 lower-income citizens through the state Medicaid program, starting in June. The state’s newest program will serve senior citizens at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,200 for a family of two). The program will cover the cost of all prescriptions (with a co-pay for each prescription) up to $1,750 each year and then pay 80 percent above the threshold.

[News release]

Military addresses sought

It is a year like no other. Since Sept. 11 we are a changed nation. Individually, our daily sensitivity toward whom and what we have in our lives has been heightened. We are more conscious and appreciative, first about those we love and see everyday. Next, we have a newfound appreciation for those who risk their lives every day as rescue workers and protectors of life and property in our communities. We also now think more about our military men and women who are committed to serve and protect our country. Many are away engaged in battle, some are in waiting to go, all are ready to lay their lives on the line in defense of our freedom.

Lincoln Daily News is seeking the names and addresses, including e-mail addresses, of friends and relatives who are serving in the armed forces. They need not be from here in Logan County. If you know someone serving, please send the information to ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com. A complete list will be made available and kept updated through the site so we might all hold them in our thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

[Click here for names available now.]

Name of person in military:

Branch of service:

Current location of service:

Postal address:

E-mail address:

Relationship to LDN reader sending information (optional):

[LDN]

It’s on the radio, TV, in all the media. You hear it in the office, on the street and maybe at home — threats of terrorism. America is on high alert. Here in central Illinois, away from any supposed practical target areas, perhaps we feel a little less threatened, but we are still concerned. So how concerned should we be, and how prepared are we for the types of situations that could occur?

Whether the threat is domestic or foreign, violent, biological or chemical, our public health and rescue agencies have been preparing to respond to the situations. Lincoln Daily News has been at meetings where all the agencies gather together as the Logan County Emergency Planning Committee to strategize for just such a time. Our reports have not even provided every detail that every agency has reported; i.e., a number of representatives from differing agencies such as the health and fire departments, CILCO and ESDA went to a bioterrorism and hazmat (hazardous materials) seminar this past August.

Here are some of the articles that LDN has posted pre- and post-Tuesday, Sept. 11. Hopefully you will see in them that WE ARE WELL PREPARED. At least as much as any area can be. Every agency has been planning, training, submitting for grants to buy equipment long before Sept. 11. We can be thankful for all of the dedicated, insightful leaders we have in this community.

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• LEPC hears plans for annual exercise

• U.S. under terrorist attack
  How is Logan County affected?

• The day after ‘Attack on America’
  Area leaders respond to national tragedy

• ESDA and LEPC conduct successful hazardous materials exercise at water treatment plant 

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs - Part 1

• Logan County ready for action if terrorist event occurs – Part 2

• Clinton nuclear power plant safety measures in place

• Logan County agencies meet to discuss protocol for suspicious mail

As promised, the United States led an attack on Afghanistan. The attack began Sunday, Oct. 7. American and British military forces made 30 hits on air defenses, military airfields and terrorist training camps, destroying aircraft and radar systems. The strike was made targeting only terrorists.

More than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have pledged their cooperation and support the U.S. initiative.

Online news links

Other countries

Afghanistan

http://www.afghandaily.com/ 

http://www.myafghan.com/  

http://www.afghan-web.com/aop/ 

China

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/

http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/

Germany

http://www.faz.com/

India

http://www.dailypioneer.com/ 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/ 

http://www.timesofindia.com/ 

Israel

http://www.jpost.com/ 

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/ 

England

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/

Pakistan

http://www.dawn.com/

http://frontierpost.com.pk/ 

Russia

http://english.pravda.ru/

http://www.sptimesrussia.com/ 

Saudi Arabia

http://www.arabnews.com/ 

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United States

Illinois

http://www.suntimes.com/index/ 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/ 

http://www.pantagraph.com/ 

http://www.qconline.com/ 

http://www.pjstar.com/

http://www.sj-r.com/ 

http://www.herald-review.com/

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/ 

New York

http://www.nypost.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/

Stars and Stripes
(serving the U.S. military community)

http://www.estripes.com/ 

Washington, D.C.

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