By Monica Stabile New legislation in the Illinois Statehouse would require health insurance companies to quickly update provider networks. A pair of identical bills in the Illinois General Assembly target insurers whose customers are allegedly thrown into disarray when they find out too late that their doctor is no longer in the insurer’s coverage network. […]
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IAR requesting $1m in TIF for Bicentennial Plaza
Illinois Realtors is requesting $1 million in downtown TIF funds to remove a vacant bank building, enabling progress on a larger city project aimed at improving tourism. The $2.5-million IR project would facilitate the proposed Jackson Street Corridor, linking Abraham Lincoln’s home to the Illinois Capitol Complex. Illinois Realtors, based at 522 S. Fifth St. […]
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SBJ publisher Ownbey appointed to Mid-Illinois Medical District
Gov. Bruce Rauner today appointed Michelle Ownbey, associate publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, to the board of the Mid-Illinois Medical District in Springfield. “Ownbey’s economic experience will be influential in her new role,” said a statement from Rauner’s office announcing the appointment. The Mid-Illinois Medical District sits on the north end of Springfield’s downtown […]
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State budget grand bargain “still alive” despite setback
By Patrick Yeagle Illinois lawmakers are drawing closer to a “grand bargain” on the state budget crisis, despite the defeat today of one bill in the bargain package. Three of the 13 bills in the package passed the Illinois Senate today, while a fourth was defeated. However, the defeated bill may be reconsidered, and the […]
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Illinois surrounded by ‘right to work’ states as Missouri adopts controversial policy
By Monica Stabile Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens signed legislation on Monday making Missouri the 28th right-to-work state, ending mandatory union membership and fees for workers. With Missouri the latest state to adopt a right-to-work zone, Illinois is now surrounded by right-to-work neighbors. However, a surprising voice in the Illinois business community says Illinois doesn’t need […]
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Langfelder will consider more cuts, but urges caution
Springfield mayor Jim Langfelder says he’s willing to consider further cuts to the city’s budget, but he cautions that the cuts may create other problems in the future. Langfelder spoke in response to a proposal released yesterday by seven of Springfield’s 10 aldermen to cut nearly $3.9 million from the city’s budget. The aldermen hope […]
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Aldermen propose cuts to lessen tax increase
Seven members of the Springfield City Council proposed a handful of budget cuts today, hoping to reduce Mayor Jim Langfelder’s proposed tax increase. The combined cuts would save more than $3.8 million in the current fiscal year, according to the aldermen. However, a spokeswoman for the mayor says the budget deficit can’t be filled with […]
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Having a tiff about TIF
By Thomas C. Pavlik Freelance Contributor Between the surveyor’s museum, the former Methodist church downtown, the YWCA, and Enos Park, everyone seems to be in a tiff about TIF. There have been many discussions lately among the aldermen and the general public about the most appropriate use of these funds. First, a bit of history […]
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Illinois could see boost from Cuba trade
By Monica Stabile The Illinois agriculture industry is crossing its fingers that Congress will expand U.S. trade with Cuba. A bill to do just that is pending in the legislature, and Illinois could receive a huge boost in business opportunities if the bill becomes law. Nestor Gutierrez, a Cuban immigrant and owner of Buena Vista […]