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>>The Latest
(Undated) -- Here is the latest news: State Representative Deb Mell says is chiming in on a "Yahoo News" article about gay parenting. Governor Quinn says he's serious about pension reform but it's important that it doesn't hurt his current education efforts. The State's High Court suspends the license of the Christian County State's Attorney. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is endorsing an O'Fallon businessman in the 12th District Congressional race.
>>Mell Chimes In On Gay Parenting Article
(Chicago, IL) -- State Representative Deb Mell is chiming in on a "Yahoo News" article about gay parenting. The "Why Gay Parents May Be the Best Parents" article refutes presidential candidate Rick Santorum's claim that children are better off having one straight parent in jail than they are having gay parents. It highlights facts on how children with same sex parents are healthy and well adjusted. Mell says she won't go as far as saying gay parents are the best parents but she says they can certainly be good parents.
>>Quinn Moving Forward With Pension Reform
(Springfield, IL) -- Governor Quinn says he's serious about pension reform but it's important that it doesn't hurt his current education mission. He says bringing all of the stakeholders to the table will allow them to come up with a reasonable solution. At the same time, he says employees in the pension system should be required to contribute something to the pensions.
>>State's Attorney Loses Law License
(Springfield, IL) -- The Christian County State's Attorney knows first-hand what happens when there are discrepancies on nominating petitions. The Illinois Supreme Court has suspended Tom Finks's law license, prohibiting him to practice law for 60 days. Finks collected signatures to run for judge in the 4th Judicial Circuit in 2009. He was accused of changing the name of the judge he planned to replace on petitions that had already been signed. The suspension begins on February 3rd.
>>AFSCME: Make Closure Plan Public
(Springfield, IL) -- Lawmakers, advocacy groups and union leaders are blasting Governor Quinn for keeping his plan to close several state facilities under wraps. Top Quinn aides have held private meetings about how to move forward with Quinn's fiscal "rebalancing" plan. The idea is to take control of the state's massive budget shortfall by shutting down mental health and developmental centers across the state. Leaders at AFSCME Council 31 caught wind of the meetings and they're calling on Quinn to give the public a chance to weigh in on the plan.
>>Kirk Endorses 12th District Candidate
(Alton, IL) -- U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is endorsing an O'Fallon businessman in the 12th District Congressional race. He says Jason Plummer is the type of fiscal conservative needed to help lead the nation out of economic trouble. Plummer works for his family's lumber company and was the 2010 Republican nominee for Illinois Lieutenant Governor. He is one of four GOP candidates looking to win the seat held by long-time Democrat Jerry Costello.
>> Farmington Police Officer Arrested
(Farmington, IL) -- A part-time Farmington police officer is in trouble with the law. "The Peoria Journal Star" reports Michael Whitlow was arrested at his home on Friday and charged with domestic battery and interfering with a report of domestic violence. Whitlow was released from jail but booked again less than 36 hours later for violating an order of protection. He was expected to appear in bond court today.