September, 2015 Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Durbin: Latest probe of ITT Tech part of 'shameful' chain of events

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) released a statement this week after ITT Tech – a for-profit college already under investigation by at least 18 state attorneys general and being sued by two federal agencies – said it is now also under investigation by the Department of Justice under the federal False Claims Act.

Rauner signs community-college severance-limit bill into law

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

A bill introduced by State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Dist. 42) to prevent state colleges from approving excessive severance or buyout deals for community college administrators was signed into law this week by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Illinois jobless rate down 0.2% from July

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-IL) announced on his website that the state's jobless percentage rate for August decreased 0.2 percent from July's jobless rate of 5.8 percent.

O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission appoints nine members to committee

By Mark Reccek | Sep 23, 2015

Nine members representing Chicago and suburban communities near O’Hare International Airport were named Sept. 18 by O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) Chair Arlene A. Juracek, mayor of Mount Prospect, to an ONCC Ad Hoc Fly Quiet Committee.

Willis promotes Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sept. 26

By Mark Reccek | Sep 22, 2015

State Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Dist. 77) wants residents to know about the 10th Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday.“I personally have been faced with the dilemma of figuring out what to do with old prescriptions.” Willis said.

Westmont sets State of the Village presentation for Oct. 21

By Mark Reccek | Sep 22, 2015

Westmont's annual State of the Village event is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.

Downers Grove contract with NAPA aims to save costs

By Mark Reccek | Sep 21, 2015

Downers Grove and Genuine Parts Company/National Auto Parts Association (NAPA) are entering into a partnership to privatize the management of the village's Fleet Parts and Inventory Program as well as purchase parts from NAPA at discounted prices over the life of the contract. The contract, approved by the village council on Sept. 15, is projected to save $51,438 in parts purchases for each of the next three years.

Preliminary statewide PARCC results indicate weaknesses in student skills

By Mark Reccek | Sep 21, 2015

Preliminary statewide results from last spring’s Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Exam (PARCC) have been released, with a number of students falling short of expectations. However, State Schools Superintendent Tony Smith said the results should serve as a baseline for schools and students.

FAA boosts grant to install noise insulation in homes around Midway Airport

By Mark Reccek | Sep 21, 2015

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Dist. 3) recently said the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration has added a $2.8 million grant to a previously announced $10 million grant for sound insulation in homes around Midway Airport.

DeVry University holds virtual career fair for military veterans

By Mark Reccek | Sep 20, 2015

DeVry University's Career Services Department held its first virtual career fair for veterans Wednesday.

DuPage County wants residents to know about West Nile Virus PPI

By Mark Reccek | Sep 20, 2015

The DuPage County Health Department recently created a Personal Protection Index (PPI) that informs residents of the amount of West Nile Virus activity in the county, as well as prevention steps that are recommended.

Lipinski part of effort to boost, extend public-transit-user tax break

By Mark Reccek | Sep 19, 2015

U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-Dist. 3) and Peter King (R-NY) have called on Congress to increase and permanently extend a tax benefit for commuters who use public transit to get to and from work. This benefit helps more people use public transportation, eases congestion on the roads, supports the economy and increases quality of life, the duo said.

Military Spouses Achieving College Education for Survivors Act advances

By Mark Reccek | Sep 18, 2015

The Military Spouses Achieving College Education for Survivors Act, introduced in May by U.S. Reps. Tammy Duckworth (D-Dist. 8) and Scott Rigell (R-VA), advanced out of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs this week.

Aurora recognized by International Code Council

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

The city of Aurora said Sept. 9 that the International Code Council (ICC) has recognized the city's Building and Permits Division as part of its 2015 Everyone Certified Campaign.

Durbin co-sponsors Pell Grant Restoration Act of 2015

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) in introducing the Pell Grant Restoration Act of 2015 on Wednesday.“In spite of the warning signs, the federal government did not step in soon enough to prevent Pell Grant funding from being wasted on the failed Corinthian Colleges system,” Durbin said.

Illinois members of Congress want freight items added to transportation bill

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-Dist. 3) and Robert Dold (R-Dist. 10) and other Illinois members of Congress asked the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week to include provisions for improving the movement of freight in a comprehensive surface transportation bill on the drawing board.

DuPage Economic Development and Planning Department changes name to Building & Zoning

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

DuPage County said Monday the DuPage County Economic Development and Planning Department has been renamed the Building & Zoning Department.

Kirk op-ed article calls for keeping Great Lakes clean

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) called for immediate action to keep the Great Lakes free of harmful waste and ensure clean drinking water for over 30 million Americans in an opinion article published Sept. 9 in the Milwaukee Journal.

Early intervention payments to be made in Illinois

By Mark Reccek | Sep 17, 2015

State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-IL) said on his website that Illinois comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger announced Wednesday that her office is setting up accounts and will immediately begin making payments to early intervention providers, as soon as it receives vouchers from the Department of Human Services.