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Pope Francis answers questions from children in new book / C1
January 30-31, 2016* • $1.50
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GOP bill addresses college funding Pritchard sponsored appropriations package also covers MAP grants By RHONDA GILLESPIE rgillespie@shawmedia.com DeKALB – State Rep. Bob Pritchard has said he opposes piecemeal appropriations to pay the state’s bills, but he’s a chief sponsor on legislation filed in Springfield this week that would be a fix for getting money only to the
state’s colleges and universities and some students. Pritchard, R-Hinckley, signed on to be a main supporter of House Bill 4539, which is a $1.68 billion appropriations package “aimed at creating a path towards funding all of higher education in light of the budget stalemate in Spring-
field,” according to a written statement his office released about the legislation. The bill gives no funding to cash-starved social services, despite several of them threatening to close. He told the Daily Chronicle that the legislation is meant to be Republican’s “salvo,” aimed at getting
Democrats to negotiate funding issues further. It was filed Wednesday, the same day Democrats’ Senate Bill 2043 finally passed to fund the Monetary Awards Program and community colleges. But that legislation is expected to be vetoed. “Citizens need to under-
stand the gridlock we’re in and where pressure needs to be put to break the gridlock,” Pritchard said. He said House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, needs a prod to get him to negotiate with Republicans. Under the Republican bill, in order for students to get MAP money and colleges and
universities to get state aid, another piece of legislation has be approved. It calls for giving the governor the ability to move money around and adopt emergency rules for state agencies in case of a shortfall. The latter proposal could
See FUNDING, page A5
Obama to address Illinois’ legislature
FIRST NATIONAL CHALLENGE
By SARA BURNETT The Associated Press
CHICAGO – President Barack Obama will return to the Illinois Capitol next month, where the former state senator plans to speak to a deeply divided Legislature about working together to “build a better politics.” Obama will be in Springfield on Feb. 10, according to an advisory Friday from a White House official. His visit will mark the ninth anniversary of when the then-U.S. senator announced he was entering the 2008 presidential race during an event outside the city’s historic Old State Capitol. The president will discuss “what we can do, together, to build a better politics – one that reflects our better selves,” according to the advisory. The Democrat spoke in his State of the Union speech earlier this month about the need to “fix our politics,” saying growing rancor was one of the few regrets of his presidency and that lawmakers must work to find areas of agreement. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said his former colleague’s words “struck a chord.” “Clearly, that’s what we need here,” Cullerton said in an emailed statement. His office said the Chicago Democrat sent a letter to Obama former colleague on Jan. 19 – one week after Obama’s address – suggesting it was a good time to pay a visit. It was unclear Friday if that invitation prompted Obama’s trip, which comes as Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats who control the Legislature are in a months-long stalemate over a state budget and pro-business legislation the governor is pushing. Nearly eight months after the start of the fiscal year, Illinois still has no budget in place, leading to big cuts to higher education, social services and other areas. Rauner said Friday he welcomes Obama’s visit.
Photos by Danielle Guerra – dguerra@shawmedia.com
DeKalb’s Luke Davis holds up the trophy for the DeKalb student section to touch after the Barbs’ 51-33 win over Sycamore on Friday night at the NIU Convocation Center during the First National Challenge. Davis scored his 1,000th career point during the game. To see a photo gallery of the First National Challenge, check out Daily-Chronicle.com.
Competition and camaraderie Barbs, Spartans split games, raise $70,000 By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Students packed in tight under the baskets, an enthusiastic crowd and a lot of money raised for athletics. It may have had a new name, but it was the same DeKalb-Sycamore doubleheader Friday night at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center. The Sycamore girls beat DeKalb, 41-32, in the first game of the First National Challenge – formerly the Castle Challenge – then the DeKalb boys beat Sycamore, 51-33.
“The money is a great thing, but the best thing is seeing the pure, wholesome environment of these schools coming together.” Tim Struthers First National Bank Illinois Market President The crowd was announced at 4,092. At halftime, First National Bank Illinois Market President Tim Struthers presented the schools with a combined check for $70,000. “I’ve been doing this for about 14 years, and every time is a really good feeling,” Struthers said. “The money is a great thing,
but the best thing is seeing the pure, wholesome environment of these schools coming together. It’s a very uplifting and rewarding experience.” In 16 years, the event has raised a total of $980,000 for the two schools. For coverage of the games, turn to Sports, page
B1.
Voice your opinion The Sycamore girls basketball team sings the school fight song after beating DeKalb, 41-32, during the First National Challenge on Friday at the NIU Convocation Center. The challenge brought in $70,000 to be split between the DeKalb and Sycamore.
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Bradley Olsen’s mother will attend missing person event / A3
DeKalb Chess Team headed for NICL championships Saturday / A3
Indian Creek pulls away in 2nd half against Serena / B1
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