Afternoon News Update: Tuesday, December 16
- Illinois' Republican governor-elect Bruce Rauner says state agencies plan to ask for $760 million more than they were originally budgeted in 2015.He spoke about the state's budget at a luncheon in Springfield earlier today. He says he's also meeting in Springfield with lawmakers and budget experts to get a better handle on the budget situation. Rauner says he has been continually surprised to learn more details of a $35.7 billion budget passed by lawmakers in May that didn't allocate enough money to cover agency expenses.
- The merger between Rockford Health System and Janeville’s Mercy Health system was approved today. The two systems are now combined and officials say the joined non-profit system will operate five hospitals and employ more than 550 physicians and 7,500 employees.
- The largest county in Illinois is joining the cameras in courts experiment. The state Supreme Court will allow the use of cameras and audio recording devices in Cook County starting next month. The program will begin January 5th in felony courtrooms in Chicago that have been the scene of many high-profile trials.
- State officials say anyone who collected unemployment insurance this year can sign up to be notified when a tax form needed to complete state and federal tax returns is available. The 1099G form is needed to complete tax returns. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says there's an online signup to be notified in January when the forms are available.
- The Illinois Tollway is putting the finishing touches on 37-mile rebuilding project between Rockford and Elgin. Officials say reconstruction of the western segment of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway will be finished today. Traffic began flowing in both directions on three new lanes earlier this morning.
- People who came to downtown Rockford for City Market this year spent a lot of money. The Rock River Development Partnership recently received the results of an economic impact study measuring the economic benefit of the market for both vendors and nearby businesses downtown.The study showed people on Friday nights spend a combined $3.9 million. Officials are pleased at the significant economic impact downtown.
- Residents in the Belvidere School District are getting property tax relief. The Board of Education voted to refund taxpayers after voters approved a one cent sales tax increase. That money was used to pay back bonds, giving property owners a break. On a home worth $100,000, taxpayers could receive $80 in tax savings.
- A Freeport man has pled guilty to 2nd degree murder in a 2012 shooting. Lashawn Thurman was sentenced to 20 years in the plea deal for the death of Victoria Strong. The shooting happened while Thurman was at a house party in September 2012. A stray bullet that Thurman fired struck Strong in the leg, a wound which led to her death a few days later.
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