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Story category: elections
ELECTION 2008: Voters Say No to Tax Referenda
Story air date: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
If you're a Champaign County resident who fears rising tax bills during a shaky economy, the resuults from the general elections are good -- all four tax hike questions on the ballot were defeated. Townships, school districts and the county forest preserve district sought the tax increases. But in every case, the answer from voters was no. AM 580's Jim Meadows reports.
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business • education • government • Champaign County • elections • politics • taxationELECTION 2008: A Quiet 15th District Congressional Race
Story air date: Friday, October 31, 2008
Republicans have been hurt by the Bush administration’s low approval ratings. Some members of Congress from traditionally conservative districts are having more trouble fending off Democratic challengers. But local incumbent Tim Johnson of the 15th district could be one of the safest Republicans up for re-election. AM-580 intern Whitney Wyckoff has more.
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government • elections • United States • politicsELECTION 08: Raising the Sales Tax for Schools
Story air date: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Frustration with state government over education funding reform has led to the call for a higher sales tax in Champaign County. The county’s 14 school boards promise local property tax relief if voters approve a one-percent hike in the county’s sales tax. As AM 580’s Tom Rogers reports, it’s generated some uneasiness – even among some people who say schools need more money.
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business • education • government • Champaign County • elections • politics • taxationRural Issues and the Campaign: Ethanol Plants
Story air date: Monday, October 06, 2008
AM 580 is joining with public radio stations across the country to look into how the Presidential race impacts rural residents.
The debate over alternate energy sources like wind and solar power is not only aimed at reducing dependence on natural resources like coal and natural gas.
Driving cars and using other machines rely more on these sources. While John McCain stresses greater production of oil, and nuclear energy, Barack Obama speaks more of using alternates. One getting a lot of attention in recent years is ethanol. But lately, supply and demand have hurt the development of new facilities that produce it. AM 580’s Jeff Bossert looks at how the state of the industry is affecting two rural Central Illinois towns and what the presidential candidates’ energy policies could mean for their future.
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business • community life • energy • government • elections • United States • politicsPRIMARY 2008: A Battle Between Republicans
Story air date: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Shane Cultra (left) is seeking his fourth term as state representative for east-central Illinois’ 105th District. But for the first time, the Onarga Republican has some competition. Champaign School Board President David Tomlinson hopes to defeat Cultra in the primary. In this House district, the Republican nominee is considered the likely winner in November. AM 580’s Jim Meadows reports.
