Government

Illinois transit advocates are proposing a plan to fix the state's deteriorating roads through a new tax that would raise the price at the gas pump.

The Transportation for Illinois Coalition says the $800-million-a-year plan is necessary to fund needed repairs to roads, bridges and rails. The influential group is pushing legislation to replace the current 19-cents-a-gallon motor fuel tax with a 9.5 percent wholesale tax.

A large number of Elkton residents gathered yesterday at a City Council budget meeting to offer opinions on the re-awarding of a cemetery maintenance contract to a man charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.  Only one was allowed to speak.

The council has chosen to stand by an April 8th decision to give the contract to Watson Ricchuite despite his indictment on meth-related charges April 21st. 

The organizations the Commonwealth contracts to provide Medicaid insurance benefits are under fire from regional hospitals and doctors for late or missing payments.

In western Kentucky, that fire has focused on managed care organization Kentucky Spirit.  The state is responding with a series of public meetings to relieve tensions. 

Tennessee State Finance Commissioner Larry Martin says overall May revenues were $31.5 million more than the state budgeted. Martin says the sales tax growth rate rebounded in May mainly because of the sale of building materials and purchases of new automobiles.

Ninety recruits have reported to the Kentucky State Police Academy to begin a 23-week training program. Those completing the course will become the next generation of state police troopers. Captain David Jude, commander of the state police Academy Branch, says the historic dropout rate is 20%.