Springfield, IL. -  New laws to crack down on reckless drivers, drug dealers and parents who allow underage drinking, were among several measures signed into law during the week ending September.

Also during the week, the Illinois House convened for a one-day session and the Senate scheduled a return to Springfield for Sept. 10.

Woodstock, IL – Curriculum is now available for individuals seeking more information about the problems associated with bullying in schools.

Principled Minds is proposing to present a school in service bullying program for K-12 teachers, according to State Senator Pamela J. Althoff.  This program runs approximately 90-minutes and includes testimonials from students who have dealt with bullying as well as presentations by Chuck Meyers, from Facing History, and Werner Ellmann.

For more information about this program contact Principled Minds at 815/337-0550.

Springfield, IL – The waiting game continued as neither chamber of the General Assembly has yet scheduled dates to address Gov. Blagojevich’s $463 million in changes to the state’s operating budget.

However, in other news, the Governor did sign legislation that offers rebates and credits to Ameren and Commonwealth Edison utility customers.  Senate Bill 1592 calls for all long-term contracts to be processed by the new Illinois Power Authority, as an alternative to the controversial “reverse power auction”.  Critics of Illinois’ reverse power auction blamed the program for contributing to the major increase in electric rates experienced by customers of the two utilities at the beginning of the year.