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The Illinois Senate began voting Wednesday on what’s been called a “grand bargain” to end the state’s 19-month budget fight. But the supposedly bipartisan agreement got zero Republican votes.
College students rallied in the state Capitol rotunda Wednesday. They’re urging lawmakers to restore state funding to universities and community colleges. State schools have already cut faculty, classes, and services. But thousands of public and private Illinois college students may have to drop out if lawmakers don’t revive low-income MAP grants for next semester.
On the 21st: We explored how to decide when to keep a sick child home - and when to send them to school. We also talked to two Carbondale residents about the role conversations about race play in this political climate. Plus, we learned about a robot that flies like a bat and discussed the proposals to establish August 4 as Obama Day in Illinois.
Champaign County voters will see two referendums about the county nursing home on the April 4th ballot --- one to raise property tax rates to support the home --- the other, to sell or close it. Now, a group has formed to promote a nursing home sale.
Chicago businessman and former University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Chris Kennedy will join the Democratic race for Illinois Governor, and will file paperwork with the state later Wednesday. Kennedy made the announcement with a campaign website and annoucement on YouTube. The son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy says in a statement that he loves Illinois and the state has "never been in worse shape.'' He says state government needs "fundamental change.''
