Social service agency leaders call for budget action
- Details
- Published on 08 September 2015
- Written by Paul Gordon
As the state’s budget stalemate enters its third month, the situation is becoming more dire for those who rely on social service agencies for help with living, the leaders of some of those local agencies said on Tuesday.
They gathered together at The Children's Home to implore the Illinois General Assembly to find a way to adopt a new budget so the pain being inflicted on those citizens can be stopped soon. “This is our call to action; enough is enough,” said Matt George, CEO of The Children's Home. “We’re not asking either side of the aisle to take a stand. We are asking both sides of the aisle to come together and get it done.”
Fifteen agencies were represented at a news conference called so they could let it be known how their clients, including children, adults with developmental disabilities, and seniors, are affected by the stalemate between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled General Assembly. The previous state budget expired June 30.
Others who attended the news conference with George included Laraine Bryson of the Tri-County Urban League, Lesley Matuszak of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Patti Gratton of the Community Workshop and Training Center, Carl Cannon of ELITE, Jamie Durdel of Tazewell County Resource Centers, Sue Paul of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Connie Voss of Common Place, Becky Rossman of Neighborhood House, Jeff Gress of Crittenton Center and Michael Stephan of Heart of Illinois United Way.
George and the other were quick to not blame area legislators for the budget crisis and in fact they praised them for their efforts in keeping some social services funded enough to continue operating.
While the fact the stalemate is hurting many agencies is well known, George said some people may not understand the real human side of the equation. As example he told of a young boy at The Children’s Home who asked him if he was going to be homeless and a 14-year-old boy arrested for shoplifting only to find the only thing he stole was food for his younger siblings. “That’s not right,” he said.
Also not well-understood, said Bryson, is the ripple effect the crisis is having. That includes shutting down programs that may not be able to be revived and maxing out the lines of credit with the banks refusing to extend them knowing the state won’t repay them. “The domino effect of this is significant,” she said. “You can stretch and stretch, but eventually you pop.”
George said other benefactors also are reluctant to help with money if programs are going to have to shut down anyway.
Matuszak said the after school tutoring program her agency runs is seeing more kids than ever before but she is walking a fine line because of her nearly-depleted line of credit. “I am going to have to let people go and tell clients no. That’s just wrong,” she said.
Stephan said the agencies there and those who receive funding through United Way represent the most vulnerable citizens. “This is coming on the heels of already cuts to vital services; $12 million in the last two years (because of state budget woes). There is no way we can make that up that difference,” he said.
Gratton said another commonly misunderstood factor is that these agencies are mandated by law to provide these services, regardless of the budget problems. “You get the point you look at every single penny you are spending. Not dollars; pennies,” she said.
Cannon, the former large and loud former corrections officer whose ELITE program is helping keep teens out of trouble, offered one suggestion to resolve the crisis: “If Gov. Rauner and Mr. Madigan need an intervention, I’d be glad to set it up.”
Cannon said state officials can get a good idea of the effect of the crisis by simply looking at the children in need, children from families who can’t afford food or clothes or even to get school uniforms provided to the children clean.
One thing obvious from the crisis, George said, is that the state and its people are being tested. “Economic hardship and political pressure don’t define who we are. They test who we are and right now, we are failing that test,” he said.
Laraine Bryson - Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League, Inc.
Lesley Matuszak - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Inc.
Patti Gratton - Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc.
Carl Cannon - ELITE
Jamie Durdel - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc.
Sue Paul - IPMR
Connie Voss - Common Place
Becky Rossman - Neighborhood House
Jeff Gress - Crittenton Centers
Michael Stephan - Heart of Illinois United Way
Winterfest planned for downtown Peoria
- Details
- Published on 04 September 2015
- Written by Paul Gordon
Beginning this winter, Peoria will have an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown, just in time for the holidays.
This week PNC Bank and the Peoria Civic Center announced the inaugural PNC Winterfest, which both entities hope will become a new holiday tradition to bring more people downtown.
Beginning Nov. 27 and lasting through Jan. 4, 2016, the skating rink will be open at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Fulton Street, in the space next to the Civic Center and City Hall.
“The Peoria Civic Center is delighted to be working with PNC to bring this event to downtown Peoria,” said Anne Clayton, interim general manager for the Peoria Civic Center. “This event has worked well in other SMG facilities, and we know Peoria will come out and enjoy it.”
The skating rink will be the featured attraction of PNC Winterfest. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent them from the skate shack. Spectators can watch the action from a heated tent with seating and refreshments. There are plans for themed nights and a live entertainment stage. A promotional calendar will be available at PNCWinterfest.com by Nov. 1.
“Providing quality entertainment opportunities for residents of Peoria at the same time we contribute to the mission of the Peoria Civic Center is a winning formula,” said Doug Stewart, PNC Bank regional president for central Illinois. “We also expect our PNC family, employees and their relatives, to enjoy this holiday tradition.”
The skating rink will be open to the public beginning Nov. 27 at a time to be announced for a special opening ceremony.
Normal hours will be Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 28 through Dec. 20 and noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 21 through Jan. 3. Fridays and Saturdays it will be open noon to 11 p.m. and on Sundays noon to 10 p.m.
Special holiday hours on Dec. 24 and 25 and on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 will be announced later.
Individual rates for 90 minutes of skating during public skate times will be $10 per person (skate rental included) or $8 a person with their own skates, and $5 for children 3 and under, skate rental included. Spectators can enjoy the spectator tent at no charge.
Group rates will be available during public skate times for groups of 10 or more.
Also, the rink will be available for private group events during non-public skate times. Contact Jenny Winne at (309) 680-3551 or at JWinne@PeoriaCivicCenter.com to make reservation. Reservations must be made one week prior to the desired event day. Payment is due in advance.
Group rates are for a two-hour block of time and include skate rental. They are $7 per person for groups of 20-30; $6 per person for groups of 31-50; and $5 per person for groups of 51 and more.
For more information visit www.PNCWinterfest.com or find it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Honda again tops Hot Wheels list
- Details
- Published on 01 September 2015
- Written by PRNewswire
Honda was again the favorite brand among car thieves in 2014, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
In its annual Hot Wheels report that identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States, the bureau also said the full-size For pickup truck was the most stolen vehicle of the 2014 model year.
The NICB report is based on vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center.
For 2014, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):
| 1. Honda Accord | (51,290) |
| 2. Honda Civic | (43,936) |
| 3. Ford Pickup (Full Size) | (28,680) |
| 4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | (23,196) |
| 5. Toyota Camry | (14,605) |
| 6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size) | (11,075) |
| 7. Dodge Caravan | (10,483) |
| 8. Nissan Altima | (9,109) |
| 9. Acura Integra | (6,902) |
| 10. Nissan Maxima | (6,586) |
To view the full report access https://www.nicb.org/File Library/Public Affairs/2014_State_Top10for-release.xls
The following are the top 10 2014 model year vehicles stolen during calendar year 2014:
| 1. Ford Pickup Full Size | (964) |
| 2. Toyota Camry | (869) |
| 3. Ford Fusion | (819) |
| 4. Chevrolet Impala | (746) |
| 5. Nissan Altima | (687) |
| 6. Dodge Charger | (680) |
| 7. Taotao Industry Co. Scooter/Moped | (592) |
| 8. Toyota Corolla | (578) |
| 9. Chevrolet Cruze | (566) |
| 10. Ford Focus | (505) |
Although vehicle theft has been on a long downward trajectory, it is still a severe economic hardship for many to lose their vehicle to theft — especially if a vehicle is uninsured. That is why NICB continues to advise all drivers to review our four "Layers of Protection":
- Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
- Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
- Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.
- Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics," which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at: www.nicb.org/vincheck.
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device.
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Basedeadquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $395 billion in insurance premiums in 2014, or more than 78 percent of the nation's property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 93 percent ($176 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.
By the numbers: Back to school
- Details
- Published on 03 September 2015
- Written by PRNewswire
Summer is winding down and vacations are coming to an end, signaling that back-to-school time is here.
It's a time many children eagerly anticipate — catching up with old friends and making new ones, and settling into a new daily routine. Parents and children alike scan newspapers and websites looking for sales on a multitude of school supplies and the latest clothing fads and essentials.
This edition ofFacts for Featureshighlights the many statistics associated with the return to classrooms by our nation's students and teachers.
Back-to-School Shopping
$8.2billion: The estimated amount of money spent at family clothing stores inAugust 2014. Sales at bookstores inAugust 2014were estimated at$1.6 billion.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services
http://www.census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/excel/mrtssales92-present.xls
For back-to-school shopping, choices of retail establishments abound: In 2013, there were 27,340 family clothing stores, 7,047 children and infants clothing stores, 25,100 shoe stores 6,998 office supply and stationery stores, 7,064 bookstores and 8,102 department stores.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 County Business Patterns, NAICS: 448140, 448130, 448210, 453210, 451211, 45211
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/BP/2013/00A1//naics~44813|44814|448210|451211|4521|453210
Students
78 million: The number of children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country inOctober 2013— from nursery school to college. They comprised 25.9 percent of the entire population age 3 and older.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 1
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
Pre-K through 12 Enrollment
48,299,727: Fall enrollment for elementary and secondary public school systems in 2012.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finances by Enrollment-Size Groups: Fiscal Year 2013- 2013 Annual Survey of School System Finances
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/SSF/2013/SSF013
$10,700: The amount of current spending per pupil for elementary and secondary public school systems inthe United Statesin 2013.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Per Pupil Amounts for Current Spending of Public Elementary-Secondary School Systems by State: Fiscal Year 2013 –United States– States – 2013 Annual Survey of School System Finances
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/SSF/2013/SSF008.US01
75 percent: Percentage of children 3 to 6 years old who were enrolled in school as ofOctober 2013.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 3
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
77 percent: Percentage of children ages 3 to 6 enrolled in kindergarten who attended all day, as ofOctober 2013.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 3
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
25 percent: Percentage of elementary through high school students who had at least one foreign-born parent inOctober 2013.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 1
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
Languages
12 million: Number of school-age children (5 to 17) who spoke a language other than English at home; 8.5 million of these children spoke Spanish at home.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 American Community Survey
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/13_1YR/B16004
Colleges
4,605: The number of colleges, universities and professional schools inthe United Statesin 2013. There were 1,006 junior colleges.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 County Business Patterns
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/BP/2013/00A1//naics~ALL-6112|ALL-6113
15 percent: Percentage of college and graduate school students 35 and older inOctober 2013. They made up 33 percent of those attending school part time.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 5
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
40 percent: Percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college or graduate school in 2013.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, School Enrollment – Social and Economic Characteristics of Students:October 2013, Table 1
http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2013/tables.html
Work Status
52: Percentage of students enrolled in college who worked less than full time, year-round in 2011; 20 percent worked full time, year-round.
Source: School Enrollment and Work Status: 2011, Appendix Table 1-Ahttp://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-14.pdf
3.1 million: Number of enrolled high school students who worked less than full time, year-round in 2011; 146,000 students in high school worked full time, year-round.
Source: School Enrollment and Work Status: 2011, Appendix Table 1-Ahttp://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-14.pdf
Field of Degree
12.8 million: Number of people age 25 and over who held a bachelor's degree in business in 2013. Business degrees were reported by 20.5 percent of the population with a bachelor's degree, followed by education (13.2 percent); science and engineering related fields (9.1 percent); engineering (7.8 percent); social sciences (7.7 percent); biological, agricultural and environmental sciences (6.1 percent); and liberal arts and history (5.1 percent).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 American Community Survey
http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/13_1YR/B15010
74 percent: Percentage of those in 2012 who had a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering or math — commonly referred to as STEM — and were not employed in STEM occupations.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 American Community Survey
http://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2014/cb14-130.html
Rewards of Staying in School
$82,720: Average earnings of full-time, year-round workers 18 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2012. Workers whose highest degree was a bachelor's had mean earnings of$70,432. Mean earnings for full-time, year-round workers with a high school diploma (includes GED certificate) was$41,248, while workers with less than a ninth grade education had$26,679average earnings.
Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2013, Series
P60-245http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/cpstables/032013/perinc/pinc04_000.htm
Junior League of Peoria named recipient of 2015 de Tonti Award
- Details
- Published on 31 August 2015
- Written by Paul Gordon
Because of the decades of service to the community, the Junior League of Peoria has been named the recipient of the 2015 Henri de Tonti Award for Outstanding Principled Community Leadership, the Peoria Historical Society announced.
The society said the Junior League of Peoria Inc. was established in 1936 and since then the organization has been committed to improving the community through effective action and leadership of its trained volunteers. “The educational and charitable objectives of the organization are accomplished by developing the potential of women through the promotion of voluntarism,” the society said.
The 2015 de Tonti Award will be presented at Saturday, Sept. 26 during a dinner in the Grand Ballroom of the Peoria Civic Center. Tickets to the event are $150 per person or tables of ten may be reserved for $1,500. Reservations for the celebration may be made through the Peoria Historical Society at (309) 674-1921.
In announcing this year’s recipient, Mark Johnson, president of the Historical Society, said, “The Historical Society is pleased to recognize the Junior League’s long record of providing principled community leadership. From the contribution of the Sonar Tide sculpture in the Peoria Civic Center Plaza, to establishment of the Race for the Cure each May, to construction of the Tri-Centennial playground in Glen Oak Park, to the organization’s long commitment to developing a children’s museum in Peoria, and other projects too numerous to mention, the League has provided a remarkable example of a continuous commitment to providing principled leadership to the community.”
The Junior League of Peoria focuses on efforts that build a better community through projects that focus on the general categories of arts, education, health, women’s concerns, family and children and historic preservation. The Junior League encourages and promotes leadership development for its members to meet the challenges of community service.
Since its founding, the Junior League of Peoria has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and dollars to the community through more than 70 projects designed to address a variety of Peoria area needs.
The de Tonti Award was established in 2012 to recognize individuals or organizations within the Tri-County area that have demonstrated a level of outstanding principled leadership to the communities within the three counties.
The award was established by the Historical Society to honor Henri de Tonti, the French explorer and fur trader who is credited with founding the first French fur trading outpost along the shores of Lake Pimiteoui. This event, in the fall of 1691, is generally accepted as the founding of Peoria.
The inaugural Henri de Tonti award in 2012 was presented to Caterpillar Inc. In 2013 the award was presented to Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler. Last year the award was presented to Ray LaHood, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Associate sponsors of the Henri de Tonti award are the Peorian.com, WTVP – Public TV for Central Illinois, the Journal Star, Central Illinois Business Publishers, Simantel and Illinois Central College.
