CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Thirty-three thousand, one hundred twenty five dollars, that’s the new monthly premium the City of Greenville will be paying, for the next twelve months, for employee health insurance. The new premium was OK'ed in a special meeting Thursday by the City Council. The premium represents a 7 and a half percent increase over last years rate. City manager Dave Willey has been working on competitive bids but none were lower than the city's current carrier GHP. That company has been the city's insurer for several years and their bid was several thousand dollars under Blue Cross. It looks like the Council will soon announce another special meeting after the Planning Commission meeting Monday night.
ILLINOIS WORKING TO HELP VETERANS FIND EMPLOYMENT
Illinois is working hard to assist veterans, returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in finding employment. A recent government report revealed that the percentage of veterans not in the labor force, has increased. In addition to the state's 73 Veteran Service Officers who advise veterans of their state and federal rights and benefits, Illinois also hosts about 24 Employer seminars a year, at which veteran's skills and Federal and State tax credits are introduced. Illinois provides transition assistance services to over 2000 service men and women and offers an employment workshop every month in all 41 state employment offices. Illinois was also recognized for having more job fairs for veterans than any other state. For more information on Illinois veteran programs and initiatives, call 1-800-437-9824.
FAIRMONT RACE TRACK IN NEED OF STATE HELP TO STAY OPEN
Fairmont Racetrack is in need of state funds to help it stay open. According to John Sloan with Fairmont, State funds are needed, in the capital plan, to ensure that Fairmont will be able to stay open. Sloan said that racetracks statewide have been hurt by the appearance of riverboat casinos. Other options, to help the failing horseracing business, include allowing the racetracks to have slot machines on site or using state funds raised at the casinos to aid the racing business. The addition of slot machines at racetracks would raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the state, but would also be the first gaming machines allowed on land in Illinois.
