Rezin and Mautino react to Rauner’s State of the State address

Governor Bruce Rauner outlined his vision for Illinois during a State of the State speech, but it’s his budget speech that State Representative Frank Mautino wants to hear.  Rauner is the first Republican Illinois governor in more than a decade.  He gave the speech Wednesday afternoon.

Mautino, a Democrat, says he doesn’t see Rauner’s right-to-work legislation going anywhere but he agrees with some of the governor’s ideas on reforming unemployment insurance and increasing funding for education.

State Senator Sue Rezin, a Republican, says that Governor Bruce Rauner has done a good job at reaching across the aisle to Democrats.  She says his speech was bold and laid out a good plan to revitalize Illinois.  She agreed with Rauner, that high property taxes are a concern for people statewide and believes that state lawmakers could provide relief by giving more money to school.

Rauner gives his budget speech February 18.

Hear more about what Rezin and Mautino had to say by listening to interviews that are available at the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO news page.

Gov. Rauner proposes a minimum wage increase during the State of the State address

The state minimum wage would increase from $8.25 an hour to $10 an hour over seven years in a proposal by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. The new Republican governor gave his first State of the State address Wednesday afternoon to state lawmakers that are predominately Democrats.

Rauner says he wants workers’ compensation reform, lawsuit reforms, changes to unemployment insurance and diversity guidelines for unions that contract with the state.

He says out-of-control property taxes are crushing middle class families and he blames governments that have been unable or unwilling to control their own spending.

Utica to celebrate Mardi Gras Saturday night

If the snow and freezing temperatures have given you cabin fever, the revelers in Utica could be your cure. The annual Mardi Gras parade is Saturday night. The annual parade is inspired by the festivities in New Orleans but is much more family friendly.

The parade begins at 6pm near the village hall and will head north on Clark Street and on to Mill Street. If you plan on riding in the parade, lineup is a 5pm.

If you go, you can look for Rob Edwards and Sean Turner of 96.5 the Wolf. They’ll be riding in the parade.

Learn more about it by listening to an interview that’s up at the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO news page.

Ottawa buying downtown buildings to prevent them from becoming a parking lot

While sometimes its hard finding a parking spot in downtown Ottawa, the city council is trying to prevent a property owner from creating more parking.

The city put on file Tuesday night an agreement to buy buildings at 218 and 220 West Main Street for $36,500, or roughly half the appraised value. The property owner wanted to tear down the buildings and make a parking lot. Ottawa Mayor Bob Eschbach says though there’s enough interest in the downtown that the buildings can be redeveloped and kept on the city’s tax rolls.

Once the city buys the two buildings, Eschbach thinks they’ll pump in about $25,000 to fix facades and then hopefully turn it over to a developer. Coins and Currency is in one of the buildings while the other is vacant.

Many expected to pay tribute to little Lily Rosploch

A large crowd is expected at St. Bede Academy to pay respects to Lily Rosploch who inspired many in the Illinois Valley with her fight against cancer.

Visitation is Wednesday from 3 until 7 and Thursday from 9 until 10 at the Worship Assembly Building at St. Bede. A funeral mass will be at the academy Thursday morning at 10.

The 5-year-old Rosploch died Saturday at Children’s Hospital in Peoria after succumbing to a form of cancer called neuroblastoma. She was diagnosed on her third birthday in June of 2012.

Rosploch’s story captivated thousands and led to fundraisers and events dedicated in her honor throughout the Illinois Valley.

You can find Lily’s obituary on the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO.com Obituary page.