(SPRINGFIELD) Ameren Illinois residential customers in southern and central Illinois will see an average $3.65 increase on their natural gas bills starting next month in January, although the hike could have been much more had the Illinois Commerce Commission not cut the requested rate increases submitted by Ameren and Nicor Gas. However, both companies are eligible to propose new rate hikes to the ICC again in January, though in recent years Ameren has done so every other year. Ameren says the extra funds will go to infrastructure investments for delivering energy to consumers’ homes, but not for the price of gas itself, which is passed on directly.
(SPRINGFIELD) With today being noted as Giving Tuesday, the Illinois Attorney General’s office is cautioning potential donors to make wise giving decisions this holiday season, plus remember that under Illinois law, all fundraisers and charitable organizations are required to register each year with the Attorney General’s office. Some tips to consider before donating money : don’t always assume that charity recommendations on social media or text messages are legitimate, ask questions about each charity, do not pay in cash or send peer-to-peer payments, and do not donate if there are high-pressure tactics. If donors suspect a scam, keep notes and contact the Attorney General’s office. Go to the illinoisattorneygeneral.gov website for details.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Right to Life continues to oppose a measure approved during the fall veto session back in October to allow doctor assisted suicides in the Land of Lincoln. The group is pointing to several recent news stories raising concerns not only from the general public, but from statewide county coroners and others in the healthcare field. Approved along party lines, Senate Bill 1950 was just sent to the Governor’s desk for his consideration a week ago today, on November 25th. Illinois Right to Life plans to deliver petitions opposing the bill to Springfield.
(SPRINGFIELD) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day this coming weekend will be recognized statewide with flags ordered half-staff. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services says it received notice from the Governor’s Office that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to lower the U.S. and state flags upon sunrise Sunday until sunset.