Bloomington-Normal Jaycees has named the charities that will benefit from this year’s Bruegala event at the Corn Crib.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Rep. Brady: Dems should send school funding bill to Rauner
Another special session gets underway in Springfield Wednesday with the focus on education funding.… MORE
Healthcare vote expected today
By Eric Stock WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate is poised to take a procedural vote on Tuesday afternoon to open debate on a Republican plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn the GOP plan which passed the House is far from perfect, but doing…… MORE
McLean County economic developer says state budget left key issues unresolved
A local economic developer said it helps to finally have a state budget, but businesses considering coming to Illinois still have a lot of questions about the state’s financial footing.… MORE
Renner denies Hucks’ request for new liquor license to allow video gaming
A convenience store has been struck down in its request to get a new liquor license so it can get into the video gaming business.… MORE
Sen. Brady: Budget bill a last-minute ‘stunt’
As the spending plan and tax hike measures goes on to the Senate after being adopted in the Illinois House late Sunday, Republican Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington told WJBC’s Patti Penn, the new spending bill is a stunt that Democrats tried to rush through before lawmakers had a chance to read it.… MORE
Kinzinger: Political rhetoric has become too caustic
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, said the recent shooting of a fellow congressman is proof that political discourse in the United States has to improve.… MORE
Update: Rauner to keep lawmakers in session until they reach budget deal
A series of reforms bills that Gov. Bruce Rauner could be called for votes in the Illinois House Wednesday as lawmakers creep toward Friday’s budget deadline.… MORE
LaHood: Health care plan must curb Medicaid abuse
By Eric Stock WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, said he’s still reviewing the Republican’s latest health care proposal that would cut Medicaid spending by nearly $800 billion. LaHood told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn he believes some states like Illinois are taking Medicaid dollars for cases that shouldn’t apply. PODCAST: Listen to…… MORE
Rauner: Special session a ‘waste of time’ so far
By Eric Stock SPRINGFIELD – The third day of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s special session is Friday, but it’s still unclear if there will be any movement on a budget. Rauner told WJBC’s Patti Penn the first two days of the session have been a ‘waste of time.’ “Unfortunately, so far the majority that controls General…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…