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State government retirees getting health insurance refunds

Refunds are being distributed to state government retirees for health insurance premiums the Illinois Supreme Court said they do not have to pay. The distributions are the final chapter in a story that began in 2012 when the General Assembly passed a bill to begin charging all retirees premiums for their state-subsidized health insurance as a way to control costs in the program.
By Doug Finke, State Capitol Bureau Jun 17, 2015 9:04 AM
New Senior Home Administrator appointed for Illinois veterans' homes

Springfield– The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) announced today that following an extensive selection process, Lenard F. Winnicki of Herscher, Illinois, has been selected to be the Senior Home Administrator (SHA) for the Illinois Veterans’ Homes, state-wide. “Len Winnicki has been an outstanding member of the IDVA team for over five years, and with his proven record of performance, and leadership at three of our four Veterans’ Homes, we are delighted to announce his selection to be our new Senior Home Administrator (SHA) for the Illinois Veterans’ Homes,” said Erica Jeffries, Army veteran and Director, IDVA. “We know he will lead our Homes’ staff teams to high levels of performance and resident-centric service, providing the highest quality of care for our veteran residents.”
Staff report May 19, 2015 4:14 PM
Rauner hints his pension plan may not survive challenge, either

Gov. Bruce Rauner Thursday raised the possibility his pension reform plan may not be constitutional, a day after officials from his administration told a House panel last week’s Supreme Court decision did not affect it. During a brief Statehouse news conference, Rauner said he had a "productive discussion" with Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, over Cullerton’s ideas for enacting a pension reform plan he thinks will survive a court challenge.
By Doug Finke May 14, 2015 9:12 PM
Harrisburg district superintendent to advocate for education funding reform in Springfield

Harrisburg District Superintendent Mike Gauch will travel to Springfield on Thursday with 35 other superintendents from across the state to advocate for what he says is a quick-fix reform that would bring $650,000 in general state aid back to Harrisburg schools. Instead of continuing the practice of making cuts to general state aid, the reform asks the state to cut the same amount per student for all districts in next year’s budget. Supporters say the temporary fix would temporarily bridge the state funding gap between upstate and downstate schools.
By Kelsey Landis May 14, 2015 11:02 AM
Illinois Treasurer Frerichs opens applications for new internship program

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a new, unpaid internship program to provide Illinois students with hands-on experience in public service. Interns can earn college credit and work in areas such as legal, investment operations, marketing, unclaimed property, and policy. “We want to provide students with a real-world, hands-on learning experience in public service,” Frerichs said. “With the right tools and a solid understanding of how government works, we can put Illinois students on the path to success.”
Staff report May 12, 2015 9:23 AM
Bradley, Forby speak against nursing home cuts

The steady drumbeat of Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget cuts brought state representatives, locals and health care providers together Monday morning to rally against recent slashes to nursing home Medicaid funding. Illinois nursing homes face potential cuts of $55 million for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. State general revenue funding accounts for 22 percent of Medicaid payments to Illinois nursing homes. Residents pay for 17 percent, nursing homes contribute 27 percent, federal matching grants make up 32 percent, and hospital and cigarette taxes pay for 2 percent of the cost of caring for nursing home residents with Medicaid.
By Kelsey Landis May 12, 2015 8:59 AM
Rally against funding cuts to nursing homes held in Benton

The steady drumbeat of Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget cuts brought state representatives, locals and health care providers to Benton Monday morning to rally against recent slashes to nursing home Medicaid funding. Illinois nursing homes face potential cuts of $55 million for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. State general revenue funding accounts for 22 percent of Medicaid payments to Illinois nursing homes. Residents pay for 17 percent, nursing homes contribute 27 percent, federal matching grants make up 32 percent, and hospital and cigarette taxes pay for 2 percent of the cost of caring for nursing home residents with Medicaid.
By Kelsey Landis May 12, 2015 8:32 AM
Pension Reform: Things to Know

Illinois lawmakers have another burden awaiting them on their return to the Capitol this week after the state Supreme Court on Friday rejected a landmark pension reform law. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner thinks the legislature should move quickly toward a Plan B, but others are advising caution. The following are some things to know about the ruling and what's next:
By Kerry Lester May 12, 2015 8:26 AM
Pension Reform Act struck down

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday struck down as unconstitutional the Legislature’s 2013 attempt to rein in Illinois state pension costs. The court was clear it believes the state’s 1970 pension protection clause means what it says:
By Mark Fitton May 10, 2015 6:53 PM
Madigan plans right to work vote

Illinois' Democratic House speaker says he's scheduling a vote on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposal to allow employees to opt out of unions. Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced Thursday the vote is scheduled for May 14, even though the governor hasn't filed a bill with the Legislature.
Associated Press May 8, 2015 10:00 AM

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