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WSIU show explores work of Illinois lawmakers

BY Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Saturday, April 28, 2007 7:18 AM CDT

Those who are following the debates on electric utility rates or the gross receipts tax now have another way to stay on top of things, thanks to late night TV.

WSIU-TV Channel 8 will air the 21st season of "Illinois Lawmakers" at 11 p.m. Wednesdays from May 2 to May 30. The show follows the Illinois legislative process and covers issues including a statewide smoking ban, harsher penalties for underage drinking and civil unions for same-sex couples.

Host and statehouse correspondent Jak Tichenor said in a press release that Illinois residents should be concerned about electric utility rates.

"At the moment, it looks like we're heading for a stalemate on the issue of electric utility rates," Tichenor said. "Senate President Emil Jones has shown that he is prepared to use his power as Senate leader to keep Chicago-based Commonwealth Edison from being part of the rate rollback and freeze approved for downstate Ameren Illinois customers, while House Speaker Michael Madigan is equally insistent that ComEd must be part of this final settlement."

Among the other issues is Gov. Rod Blagojevich's GRT, which plans to fund education, healthcare for the under- or uninsured Illinoisans and the state pension. However, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson of Greenville and House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego fear that the $7.6 billion proposal may do more harm than good, forcing businesses to raise prices or leave altogether.