Progress Illinois

Quinn Wants More Borrowing
Gov. Pat Quinn is asking State Comptoller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias to approve a $900 million short-term loan so the state can fund the Monetary Award Program and state health care plans. This year, Illinois has already has borrowed $2.25 billion to shore up its budget and has pushed off payments on another $3.7 billion in backlogged bills.

Campaign Finance Tops Veto Session Schedule
Lawmakers return today to Springfield for the last three days of the fall veto session and are expected to take up the final version of a much-publicized campaign finance reform package. Gov. Quinn still isn't saying whether or not he supports limiting campaign contributions from political parties and legislative leaders, the final sticking point in the negotiations.

Chicago Transit Leaders Let Daley Off The Hook
Despite the fact that the city's annual $5 million contribution to mass transit has been flat for years, Chicago transit officials are headed to Springfield tomorrow to ask state legislators -- and not Mayor Daley -- for financial assistance.

Daley Touts Property Tax Relief
Although bills are rising, Chicago homeowners could qualify for for cash grants of up to $200 thanks to $35 million worth of property tax relief included in Mayor Daley’s 2010 budget proposal. The money would come from the reserve fund created by leasing the parking meters.

Hearing For Chicago Man Accused Of Terrorism Plot
A Chicago man is expected to be in federal court Wednesday facing terrorism-related charges. Tahawwur Hussain Rana allegedly helped arrange travel to Denmark for a second defendant, who was planing an attack on a Danish newspaper that had run cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed.

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