Press Releases

October  2009

Senator Rutherford on Illinois Income Tax Increase

State Senator Dan Rutherford was recently featured on Comcast's "Newsmakers" program; the Senator discussed proposals that would increase the Illinois Income Tax.

Senator Rutherford discussed the ruling majorities' plan to increase income taxes after the February Primary Election.

The video is available on the Senator's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/SenDanRutherford.

Sights & Sounds of the Blagojevich Impeachment Trial

Senate Republicans have put together an excellent video package of the historic Impeachment Trial of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich. The footage features audio clips and photos that provide a first-hand account of the actual proceedings.

Impeachment Trial Days 1 & 2

Days 1 testimony features - Impeachment background information, Opening arguments of House Prosecutor David Ellis, U.S. Attorney John Scully

Day 2 testimony features - FBI Agent Cain, FBI taped recordings of Rod Blagojevich and State Rep. Chapin Rose on the House of Representatives proceedings

Impeachment Trial Days 3 & 4

Day 3 testimony features - Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Auditor General Bill Holland

Day 4 testimony features - Closing Arguments of House Prosecutor David Ellis and Rod Blagojevich

Rutherford back to capital for Veto Session 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              October 14, 2009/rd           

CARBONDALE, IL – Lawmakers have made their way back to the state capital for the annual fall Veto Session, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

The Senator participated in the final hearing on redistricting in Carbondale. Members of the Illinois Senate Committee on Redistricting heard testimony from legislative experts at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on the campus of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.  

Seen here (in background) is Senator Rutherford, (in foreground) and State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon).

Businesses look to repeal largely unknown tax

Pantagraph October 10, 2009

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and some lawmakers are pushing to roll back a tax hike they say was largely unknown when it was approved earlier this year.

The tax would hit some partnerships and other businesses that charge professional fees -- law firms, architects, dentists and others -- with an additional income tax charge.

The hike was inside an already complicated budget measure and approved without any "no" votes earlier this year.

The tax -- called the personal property replacement tax -- sends money to counties and cities, not the state. For that reason, state leaders might be less hesitant to repeal the increase, said Illinois Chamber of Commerce spokesman Todd Maisch.

Plus, Maisch said, the provision was widely unknown when it was initially approved.

 

Rutherford reminding Central Illinoisans about deer hunting season changes

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                October 01, 2009/rd

PONTIAC, IL – As hunters across Illinois are gathering their gear and honing their skills for the season, State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) is reminding sportsmen about recent changes in laws.

“Recent changes in Illinois laws are intended to lengthen the deer hunting season for sportsmen,” Rutherford said. “These changes are more hunter-friendly and will provide an opportunity for more deer to be harvested.”

The fall deer season began on October 1, with archery hunters taking the first crack at the herd.

bulletArchery – October 1 – January 17
bulletYouth  – October 10 – 11
bulletFirearm season  - November 20-22 and December 3-6
bulletMuzzleloader only – December 11-13
bulletLate Winter – December 31 – January 3 and January 15-17

Deer permits that remain after the daily drawing period will be available for over-the-counter sales on October 20. Hunters will be able to purchase these licenses through the Department of Natural Resources and approved retailers.

Rutherford also urges hunters to practice safety. “As all sensible sportsmen know, hunting can be a dangerous sport. It is important that all young and new hunters go through a safety education course. I hope our Central Illinois hunters will have a safe and bountiful season.”

Deer season information and hunters safety educational materials can be found on the DNR's Web site, http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/firearm.htm.

The 2009 Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations can be found here.

 

The development and hosting of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars.

The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.