Your Illinois Driver's License Soon May Not Pass Muster with the TSA

By Mark Fitton | Illinois News Network

Illinoisans presenting their driver’s licenses at the airport may face more hassles on the concourse. That’s because the Prairie State’s driver’s licenses don’t meet the guidelines for federally accepted IDs. Illinois is one of 21 states operating under waivers that delay certain requirements of the Real ID Act, which was passed in 2005.

The act establishes the minimum requirements a state driver’s license or other ID must meet before it will be recognized for federal purposes, such as requirements of the Transportation Security Administration. Real ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent IDs, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

» read the rest of the story on the Illinois New Network

Bill Would End Tuition Perk for University Employees’ Kids

A state legislator says the state can no longer afford half-price tuition for the children of state university employees. The employees, perhaps naturally, disagree. State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, said it was only with reluctance he sponsored House Bill 403, which would end half-price tuition for the children of university employees with seven years or more service. » more via Illinois News Network

Local Funding for Schools Still Murky

Suburban lawmakers say there’s a long way to go before they can say how funding for school districts and other local government will shake out. In addition to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s sweeping changes in state spending announced last week, a pair of bills that would change how school funds are distributed are being negotiated. While the governor called for a $300 million boost to primary education, he also proposed cuts to higher education and in aid to local government. » more via the Illinois News Network

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