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Wednesday, May 21, 2014
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Ill. Democrats split on tax rate Some lawmakers calling for alternatives to making increases permanent By KERRY LESTER and SARA BURNETT The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD – Some Illinois Democratic lawmakers reluctant to vote to make tax increases permanent are splitting with party leaders and calling for alternative approaches such as gradually reducing income tax rates or finding spending cuts to help balance the budget.
But Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and House Speaker Michael Madigan are unwilling so far to look at those options, despite being what Madigan described as “significantly” short of the number of votes needed for approval of the tax increases in the House. The intraparty disagreement is playing out with less than two weeks to go in the spring legislative session, and with lawmakers still needing
“We all asked the governor yesterday ‘Do you have a Plan B? Because this isn’t working.’ And so far he says no.” Rep. Deb Conroy, Villa Park Democrat to approve a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. That is frustrating several lawmakers – including some who are fighting to hold on
to their seats in November – who expressed their concerns during an at-times contentious meeting with Quinn Monday, and again Tuesday.
“We all asked the governor yesterday ‘Do you have a Plan B? Because this isn’t working,’ ” Rep. Deb Conroy, a Villa Park Democrat, said Tuesday. “And so far he says no. So that’s kind of where we’re at.” Conroy describes herself as a solid “no” to keeping current income tax increases in place, but said she’s “waiting to see what they’re going to come up with.” Democrats in 2011 voted to
DeKalb police seek dog that bit woman at park
increase the income tax rate for individuals from 3 percent to 5 percent. The rate is currently scheduled to drop to 3.75 percent for individuals in January. The rate for corporations would drop from 7 percent to 5.25 percent. That would reduce state revenue next year by an estimated $1.8 billion. Quinn, who’s in the midst
See DEMOCRATS, page A6
House Cafe ready to serve area customers DeKalb restaurant opens Friday By KATIE DAHLSTROM kdahlstrom@shawmedia.com
Monica Maschak – mmaschak@shawmedia.com
Angela Rojas plays with her 1-year-old cattle dog mix, Mona, on Tuesday in her Sycamore home. Rojas was released Tuesday from Kishwaukee Hospital after having reconstructive surgery on her left arm where a pit bull bit her when she was at the Katz Park dog park Saturday in DeKalb. By ANDREA AZZO
How to help
aazzo@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Authorities are trying to identify the owners of the pit bull that bit a Sycamore woman’s arm severely enough to require surgery. Part of the urgency behind the search is to determine if she will have to undergo rabies shots. The pit bull’s owners, described as two white men and one Hispanic or Indian man in their 20s, walked away from DeKalb’s new dog park in Katz Park after another couple at the park called the police. The bite victim, Angela Rojas, said her primary focus was to get to the hospital after she was attacked. “It all happened really fast,” Rojas said. “Our goal now is to find out if the dog has his vaccinations.” Rojas, 30, was at the baseball diamond converted into a dog park Saturday afternoon with her boyfriend of 10 years, Max
Anyone with information about the pit bull or its owners is asked to call DeKalb Police Department’s nonemergency number at 815-7488400. They can also leave an anonymous tip with DeKalb County Crime Stoppers at 815-895-3272.
DeKALB – The House Cafe’s new owners are ready to reopen the venue to the community. The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, will open at 6 a.m. Friday after being shuttered for nearly seven months. “Hopefully, as much as I’ve put into it, people will see that and be happy to have their space back,” co-owner Brian Fausett said. “Hooray, the House Cafe.” Cortland couple and longtime cafe patrons Brian and Alex Fausett leased the building in March after a deal with other potential owners fell through. The Fausetts originally submitted a bid for the lease when former business owner Jan Pascolini decided not to renew it. The House Cafe has been at that location for about 12 years. Since March, the Fausetts, a group of volunteers and new staff have painted walls, resurfaced tables and floors and rebuilt the stage. Patrons also will notice the new, easier-to-open front doors, as well as some new artwork. The House’s menu also got a facelift, food manager Joe Hatfield said. While some staples such as Jan’s black bean burger have stayed, the menu showcases new vegetarian options, smoothies and fresh juices. It also includes several breakfast selections such as egg sandwiches, bagels and spreads. “The big focus will be on
“The big focus will be on quality food and presentation. There’s a lot of love going into the food.” Joe Hatfield The House’s food manager
If you go n What: The House Cafe reopening n Where: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb n When: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday
On the Web To view video from The House Cafe, visit DailyChronicle. com.
See CAFE, page A6
Danielle Guerra – dguerra@shawmedia.com
A large sign attached to the fence around the dog park at Katz Park on West Dresser Road lists the rules Tuesday in DeKalb. The rules of the park include, “No dogs known to be aggressive toward other dogs or people may enter the area.” Hoover, and their 1-year-old cattle dog mixed breed, Mona. As Rojas tried to separate Mona and another dog when their play got too rough, a pit bull came from behind and bit Rojas’ left arm, she said. She had reconstructive sur-
gery Saturday at Kishwaukee Hospital and received eight loose stitches that will help the wound heal from the inside. Rojas, who was released from the hospital Tuesday, is unable to work this week because she can’t type.
She hopes the owners of the pit bull come forward by Saturday so she can find out if the dog has had a rabies vaccination. Otherwise, she’ll have to receive a series of rabies and hemoglobin shots. DeKalb police are asking for the public’s help to find the dog and its owners. Anyone with information should call the DeKalb Police Department’s nonemergency phone number at 815-748-8400. They can also leave an anonymous tip with DeKalb County Crime Stoppers at 815-895-3272.
Katie Dahlstrom – kdahlstrom@shawmedia.com
House Cafe co-owner Brian Fausett updates the cafe’s menu Tuesday to prepare for the grand reopening that will happen at 6 a.m. Friday.
See DOG, page A6
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