Quinn has proposed $174 million in new funding for K-12 education.
However, the money the state will save by demanding teachers pay more toward their pensions' totals $190 million. In essence, teachers will be paying for that increase in education funding out of their own pockets

What if - Heaven forbid - this recession gets so bad that we can't afford to pay our cable and Internet bills?

It's been made abundantly clear to me that the most challenging aspect of this position is, has been, and probably always will be to find the ways and means to fund the staff, services, and infrastructures utilized by all of the residents in the county.

As someone who has a lost a loved one to suicide, and is still healing two years later, you can imagine my horror and disappointment when I saw that this particular issue of the TR felt the need to publish the complete details of his death.

Mr. Tom Harris and the County Board is back again asking the taxpayers to increase taxes while they merrily increase spending.  County revenues from 2005 to 2007 have already increased by over $640,000 to $9.7 million, or about 7 percent increase, yet they want more taxes and more money to spend.

Denny Jacobs issues a statement on hte local options sales tax referendum in Rock Island County.

I would like to address this to property owners of Mercer County. As you have been reading, there will be two referendums on the ballot in April. Both are asking for more money.

I have been following, with interest, the merging of the Aledo and Westmer schools. Our four children went through the Aledo system and we have three grandchildren still in it.
 

I'm sorry to say it, but Iowa -- with its massive school construction enhancements -- has a competitive advantage over Illinois when it comes to young families choosing where to live in the Quad Cities. 

One percent sales tax will shore up old buildings.

Sales tax referendum omits some high ticket items.

Reader wonders about single parenting.

Letter to the editor questions advertising tactics.

A letter addresses the April 7 referendum to be found on Rock Island County resident's ballot, asking for a one percent sales tax increase to support schools.

 A Letter to the editor about the Aledo pavilion questions "why the rush?"