GOVERMNENT AFFAIRS UPDATE.... Local Bloomington City Council The Bloomington City Council held its regular meeting on Monday. Discussed and approved was a preliminary tax levy for 2014. The council approved the increase of $500,000 from last years levy for a total of $23.7 million. Although the levy increased, it will result in a slightly lower tax rate for homeowners. The council will formally vote on the 2014 levy as early as November 24. The city also approved an agreement to settle concerning repairs with U.S. Cellular Coliseum and the Pepsi Ice Arena parking deck. Bloomington will receive $795,000 for outstanding claims. An update was given by Hanson Professional Services on the citys Streets Master Plan study. In a separate street related matter the barrier located at West Jefferson and Allin Streets will be removed for improved access primarily for emergency services. Also announced at Mondays meeting was the retirement of Bloomington City Clerk Tracey Covert. Covert has worked for the city for 33 years and was recognized for her service by Mayor Tari Renner and the Bloomington City Council. Her last day will be January 2, 2015. McLean County Zoning Board After several sessions the McLean County Zoning Board voted down a recommendation for an oil drilling project near Downs by Minard Run Oil Company of Bradford, PA. The vote was unanimous, but the project could still be approved by the full board. State A recent poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University shows support for a non-binding referendum to raise Illinois minimum wage to $10 an hour. The poll of more than 1,000 registered voters showed 71% were in favor of the referendum. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce opposes both the referendum and an increase in the minimum wage. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided an update on proposed regulatory changes for businesses in Illinois. For a list of these proposals click here. (illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/default.aspx) Federal The 13th Congressional District candidates squared off at a debate last night on the ISU campus. Congressman Rodney Davis and Democratic Challenger Ann Callis discussed a wide range of issues including both candidates belief in some kind of immigration reform. Callis cited the Senate version as a step forward while Davis noted the lack of border security in the Senate bill. The campaign has seen many negative ads and both candidates blamed each other for the negative tone. It was their last debate before the election. Senator Dick Durbin and GOP Challenger State Senator Jim Oberweis met for their final debate on Wednesday. Immigration, the economy and gun violence were just some of the topics during the debate. The candidates did find common ground on legalizing medical marijuana and opposing the use of public funds for a library for President Obama. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4 with poll hours from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Exercise your RIGHT TO VOTE!
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:16:42 +0000
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