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PAGE 18-PLAIN:- . ' »:K - W EDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 6 PLAINDEALER -- 1981 Kdilorial Opinion 'I'.*. «. *- •* Scanner's Future Whether we like it or not, the scanner is here to stay. This device being installed by more and more grocers, eliminates, individual price-marking on each product. It's said to double a store's profits in many cases-by eliminating labor costs. Supporters of the scanner system claim this innovation lowers prices. The example of metropolitan Washington is cited. There, the Giant chain installed scanners in April in 125 stores. Within weeks, grocery prices fell 2.7 percent- reportedlv because Giant was able to lower its prices and others followed. More than 5,000 stores are expected to be scanner-equipped by the end of this year. Scanner checkout is faster by 25 percent. It's said to be more accurate in its figuring and it eliminates much hand labor. It also provides a better record on sales of specials and bonuses, etc. There are still customers who don't like it. The best solution, in an inevitable trend, might be that stores with scanners make sure the price of products is jJ&fcted on shelves below various items. Tnis is visually done. It seems the customers might have to be satisfied with this. Not Guilty Pleas The judicial world has progressed to a state in which practically every criminal pleads not guilty. An individual can shoot the pope or the U.S. president or some other prominent figure in front of hundreds-millions on television- and then plead not guilty! There are all kinds of defenses in today's sophisticated judicial world, and defense attorneys use all the gimmicks and tricks, and medical outs, 4o help their clients escape normal punishment. And, of course, in this country every accused person is entitled to this in a iury trial, and jurors are human and sometimes influenced. One sometimes feels society is affronted by today's almost standard 'not guilty' pleas, and all the clever escape mechanisms and methods used to excuse outrageous crimes. And does it really matter much whether an individual is mentallv balanced or not when he tries to kill the leader of a nation or church? Probably, he would have to be someone less then normal to make such an effort in the first place and thus pleas of insanity or temporary abnormal mental states are neither new information nor justifications. It is people who go berserk mentally, or on drugs, occasionally or regularly, that society must rid itself of, whatever the causes. One is sympathetic to the many pleas of insanity, to a degree, but jurors shouldn't be tempted to justify serious crimes because of such pleas. Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's. Vote) WASHINGTON-Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on major roll call votes Sept. 10-16. & For Your In fo rmat ion Dear friend*. An American flag to drape tha casket of a qualified deceased veteran may be supplied on application to the VA or to most local post of­ fices. After the funeral service, the flag is given to the next of kin, or close friend or associate of the deceased veteran. The VA may also issue a flag for a veteran missing In action and later presumed dead. Respectfully, PETERM.JUSTEN £ CfULj FUNERAL HOME Set New Food Stamp Rules PLAINDEALER^ HOUSE Military Pay- The House rejected, 170 for and 232 against, a lan to increase all military paychecks by 7 to 22 percent, with igher ranks getting the biggest raises. Defeat of the amendment left intact a proposed 14.3 percent across-the- board raise. Both plans would take effect Oct. 1, 1981 and co6t taxpayers an estimated $3.2 billion in FY 1982. The defeated amendment emphasized retaining experienced personnel, while the 14.3 raise is designed to upgrade the quality of recruits. The bill (HR 3380) was sent to conference with the Senate. Sponsor Joseph Addabbo, D.-N.Y., said that "if we are to retain those men and women from those critical ranks where we are now losing experience in droves, we must provide extra incentive to these people to stay." Opponent Bill Nichols, D.-Ala., said "the 14.3 percent increase does better in attracting high-quality high school graduates into the military." Members voting "yea" preferred 7-to-22 percent military pay hikes to a 14.3 percent across-the-board hike. Reps. Robert McClory, R.-13, and Lynn Martin, R.-16, voted "yea Coast Guard - The House rejected, 129 for and 260 against, an amendment to increase FY 1982 Coast Guard spending by $84 million, to a total of $2.27 billion. The added money was to go mainly for upgrading equipment and training personnel. The vote occurred during debate on an appropriations bill (HR 4209) later sent to tne Senate. Supporter Bill Young, R.-Fla., said "the Coast Guard is a vital national resource that is being allowed to fall apart before our eyes." Opponent Adam Benjamin, D.-Ind., noted that many members advocating the extra money had voted previously for the Administration budget blueprint that limited spending for the Coast Guard and most other federal agencies. Members voting "yea" wanted to hike Coast Guard spending by $84 million in FY 1982. Reps. McClory and Ms. Martin voted "nay". SENATE Busing - By a vote of 60 for and 39 against, the Senate adopted language to virtually ban federal courts from ordering busing as a school segregation remedy and prevent the Justice Department from taking part in pro-busing litigation. A retroactive provision would allow existing court busing orders to be voided. The language was attached to a Justice Department authorization bill (S 951) on which final action was delayed. Supporter Nancy Kassebaum, R.-Kas., said "busing has failed and that it "now serves to frustrate rather1 than promote the goals it is intended to achieve. Opponent John Heinz, R.-Pa., said he opposes busing but objects to the retroactive provision and fears the legislation is unconstitutional. Senators voting "yea" wanted to virtually end federal court and executive action in behalf of school busing. Sens. Alan Dixon, D., and Charles Percy, R., voted "nay". Milk - the Senate killed, 53 for and 41 against, an amendment to increase dairy price supports paid milk producers under the new farm bill. The amendment sought to peg price supports at 75 to 90 percent of parity, with reductions below 75 percent if farmers produced excessive surpluses. Left standing by this vote is a a plan - costing $1 New rules have been published that will change the way food stamp eligibility is determined and how benefits are calculated, starting Oct. 1. According to Mary C. Jarratt, assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Food and Consumer Ser­ vices, the new rules will implement portions of the Omnibus Reconciliation act of 1981 and are aimed at saving $1.3 billion in federal costs for the food stamp program in fiscal year 1982. Today's regulations set a gross monthly income eligibility limit for all food stamp households except those with elderly or disabled members. Under the present law, eligibility is determined on the basis of a household's net monthly income, a figure derived by subtracting the $85 food stamp "standard deduction" and any other allowable child care, excess shelter, earned income, or medical deductions from the household's gross monthly income. Starting Oct. 1, eligibility will be calculated using a household's gross monthly income, before deductions. Under the new rules, households whose gross incomes exceed 130 percent of the official poverty line will be declared ineligible. This change is expected to save $244 million and will affect approximately 4 percent of the food stamp caseload, or 875,000 people. The new gross monthly income limit for a family of four is $916, or around $11,000 annually. Other changes in food s t a m p e l i g i b i l i t y requirements alter the definition of a food stamp "household", and ban benefits to boarders and strikers. Current program rules enable a household that meets the income and assets limits to get food stamps, even if the household's low income is the result of a family member on strike. Now, striker households that apply for stamps will be denied benefits unless they were eligible to receive food stamps before the strike began. These eligible households, however, will not be entitled to increased benefits, under the new rules. All told, the changes in the eligibility rules are expected to save $355 million next year. Major cost savings next year will also be achieved through a new rule to pro­ rate a household's first month's benefits. Existing rules permit a household joining the food stamp program to get a full mon­ th's allotment, regardless of the day of the month that it applies. Beginning Oct. 1, a household will receive benefits from the day that it applies instead of for the whole month. This change is expected to save $411 million in fiscal year 1982. Most food stamp recipients will be affected by a rule change that will index the standard and child care- excess shelter deductions less frequently. Presently, the food stamp program grants all households a standard deduction of $85 and permits households with child care and-or unusually high shelter costs a com­ bined deduction of up to $115 for these expenses. Existing rules provide for an annual update of both deductions each January. Today's regulations will freeze the standard and child care-excess shelter deductions at $85 and $115 until July, 1983, and base the July increase on consumer price index data for the 15 months ending March 31, 1983. Savings resulting from this change in FY 1982 are expected to be $128 milling: An additional savings of $385 million is planned when new regulations delay the cost-of-living update of the Thrifty Food plan, which is normally adjusted annually in January. The New rules will schedule the next ad­ justments for April, 1982, July, 1983, October, 1984, and every October after that. The Thrifty Food plan is used to calculate how many food stamps a household may receive. The size of a household's monthly benefit is determined by subtracting 30 percent of the household's net income from the amount of money it would cost to feed a household its size according to the Thrifty Food plan. A family of four with no income now get $233. Households that have earned income will be permitted to deduct 18 percent of their gross ear­ nings, rather than the current 20 percent, to offset work-related expenses under new rules covering the "earnings disregard". This decrease in the amount a household with earnings can deduct for work expenses is expected to save $49 million in fiscal year 1982, and will reduce benefits by at least six dollars to nearly 40 percent of working households that receive food stamps. Approximately twenty percent of the food stamp program's eight million households have earned income. Letter to the Editor Public Pulse Ovr uly m»m It tfct individual Ml will* on Hn m f CHAIN-FOX VIEWS "Editor: "Regarding Senate Bill 1174 sponsored by Jack Schaffer, chairman of the Chain of Lakes River commission, I would ap­ preciate a few fact to be asked, so the public will know just what is being considered. "This bill duplicates the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers--there are suf­ ficient funds now being paid on the 'Dingle-Johnson' tax on the fishing and hunting equipment. Also, the Con­ servation department funds are available for this purpose. In the summary it says that 'income will be derived from a boat-sticker'. The rates? Well, you guess, because it says $4 or $5 for a small fishing boat and up to $50 for a large cabin cruiser. "Just what is a small fishing boat or a large cabin crusier? Rates are to be 'reasonable' for launching fees. This is taking in our state parks which are now free for the public to use. "This bill was to be voted at public hearings -yes- when can 'we' go since the meeting at McHenry is 1 p.m. and Fox Lake at 10:30 a.m. Guess the people in this area don't have to go to work in the daytime. "E. Tvaroh" Zucchini Help Is Oa Tke Way! It's the time of year when home gardeners begin to won­ der what led them to plant so many hills of zucchini. This pro­ lific variety of summer squash, developed in Italy, can takeover a garden in seconds. In an al­ most magical manner, the ten­ der young squash of last night seems to turn into a baseball bat-size monster by morning. Instead of pondering the why's of last spring's planting, now is the time to harvest and enjoy the bounty of the garden. Much to its credit, zucchini has a very mild flavor which allows for many different methods of preparation. Zucchini can be boiled, fried, baked or eaten raw. It is enjoyed hot and cold, alone or mixed with other vegetables and meats. And, be­ cause it is almost 95 percent water, shredded zucchini can be used to make wonderfully moist quick breads and cakes. Helpful Hint: When measur­ ing zucchini, do not pack into measuring cup. General Mills Inc. New Public Works Program Illinois Second In Hosting Large Firms Illinois ranks second in the United States as headquarters for the nation's largest industrial firms, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA). Analysis by the state Commerce department of the 1981 Fortune Double 500 Directory, Fortune magazine's annual ranking of the nation's 1,000 top selling industrial firms reveals that Illinois is home to 50 of America's 500 biggest firms. Illinois' total makes it second only to New York. "The presence of these 50 industrial giants speaks well of the profitability operating in Illinois," commented Governor James R. Thomnscq. "Because of our central location and our fine com­ munications and tran­ sportation facilities, these large conglomerates can be run efficiently from cor­ porate headquarters in Illinois. The state can provide and support the management-level staff needed to operate a complex organization like a major corporation, as well as skilled and unskilled workers to run assembly lines and man the loading docks," Thompson said. "In fact, Illinois offers everything these firms need to do business." Illinois Department of Corrections Director Michael P. Lane has an­ nounced the beginning of a new public works program which places residents of community correctional centers in jobs with state and local governmental agen­ cies. Initially, the new program will provide jobs for more than 50 community correctional center residents in over a dozen state parks and conservation areas throughout the state. The Department of Corrections will provide the work force and the State Department of Conservation will supply the necessary materials, tools and supervision. The program is expected to expand so as to benefit other governmental agen­ cies on the state, county township and municipal levels as well as not-for- profit corporations. Lane pointed out that residents of the 12 com­ munity correctional centers operated by the Department billion less - to set milk price supports at 70 percent of parity. The government defines parity as theoretically a fair price for farm commodities. Presently, parity for milk products is at 80 percent. The vote occurred during debate on the four-year farm bill (through FY 1985) that was headed for final passage by the Senate. Sen. Bob Dole, R.-Kas., a supporter of killing the amendment, said "it is not that we all do not like dairy producers and dairy products. We all like cheese, milk, and ice cream...The question is we do not have any money." Sen. Larry Pressler, R.-S.D., called it "important that we keep a dairy program that will assure the American consumer an adequate supply of milk, and to do this, we must assure dairy farmers a fair price." Senators voting "nay" favored higher federal price supports for dairy farmers. lxon and Percy voted "yea". Peanuts - The Senate adopted, 51 for and 47 against, an amendment that ends the monopolistic system of acreage allotments for peanut farmers but retains the poundage controls that artifically prop up prices by limiting production. Most senators voting "yea" preferred keeping existing the peanut program intact but supported the amendment as a compromise that would head on more drastic reforms. Most senators voting "nay" thought the amendment failed to go far enough in moving the peanut industry into the free-market economy. Doing away with acreage allotments means that any farmer can grow peanuts, not iust the 59,000 present holders of government "franchises". Tne amendment was attached to the new four-year farm bill (see preceding vote). Supporter Jesse Helms, R.-N.C., said "I am a little puzzled by the attacks on the peanut program, which has to be one of the most successful farm programs ever devised by this government." Opponent Paul Tsongas, D.-Mass., chided conservatives and others who argue for continued heavy federal regulation of peanut farming in apparent contradiction of their "long history of arguing for less government...." Senators voting "nay" thought the compromise amendment too protective of peanut farmers. Dixon and Percy voted "nay". McHENRY, ILLINOIS - 385-0063 agBBSS ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO OUR AREA!!! CALL LORRAINE HONAHAN 385-5475 t mw witcmi I<* •»" •*«•» r-- urn mam mtmtui M ROYAL WELCOME MOW YOUR AKA-MYAL WELCOME MIS IT BEST EARL R. WALSH 4 JACK WALSH INS. Fir* Au*o form Lif« R»fr»,«ntln| tfllASK COMPANKl 4410 W »'• I 10 McHam, MS >300 DENNIS CONWAr AUTO UM fill State Fan Ins. Co. 3IIVW limit?** McM.m, Ill MS /Ml JAMES M. MclNTEE. LAWYER AVAILAill TO PRACTICf IN: P^rsonol injury Trial* tusln«ss Corporations Wills Probata Dlvorco Roollstato Workman s Compensation 34)4 W Ilm Straot McHonry Illinois For appointment phono: 315 2440 OR IE0MM) Bontn 1303 Richmond M.-McHcnry N f y»« •xomlnad-Contect L><•••< Glost«s fittad Mon.. Tu*s., Thurt. Frl. 4-4 pm Tim.. Thurt.. Frl. 7-t pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phon* 3(3-4151 or WS-2242 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SAKS SfSVICf I IfNTAlS Mo* id * S:30 Friday III * 00 *3 Grant Si Crystal lob* Phono 4S» 1114 It Pays To Advertise In The Plaindealer. Farm Equipment fteorgp I*. F r v u n d . I n c . Cat* - N o w Holland 4102 W Crys ta l Lake Rd McHenry Bus. 385 0420 Res. 385-0227 Ii r e l bT RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc 2 3 1 8 R t e 1 2 0 8 1 5 3 8 5 0 7 0 0 OhhiIU • G W At Our quid quick action copy center FINEST QUALITY COPIES MADE ON XEROX EQUIPMENT See us alto, lor »v»ry kind ©I Printing Novd I PRINTING 3909 W. MAIN 385*7600 A TRAILERS HONS! ft CATTll TRAILERS DUMP FIATBEOS CAR HAULERS TRAILER HITCHES (IXPIRT INSTAUATION) - RUNNING BOARDS BRADEN WINCHES ADAMS ENTERPRISES 30I7W-RIO 120 McHonry II S1S3SSS«?0 of Corrections are in the last eight months of their sen­ tences. They must also have demonstrated an attitude of rehabilitation which is best served in a work release setting where residents are employed in or near their home communities but live in the controlled setting of a community correctional center. "The Department of Corrections attempts to provide those offenders of state laws who qualify for the community correctional center program with a chance to gradually rein­ tegrate themselves back into life outside the confines of a prison," Lane said. "The offender who has almost completed his debt to society can benefit himself both financially and by establishing a proven employment record by the time his sentence is up. By so doing, he can become a tax­ payer rather than a tax-user and lessen his chances of returning to the correctional system," he said. Those residents par­ ticipating in the public works projects will be encouraged to continue to seek em­ ployment in the private sector. A monthly review of efforts to find work with private businesses will take place as will a review of the resident's performance on the new public works job. Residents will initially be paid $55 a month and may earn up to $75 a month after three months on the job. Salary is based on a 21-day work month. Compacts Hinder Handicapped The trend toward smaller cars is making life even harder for people in wheelchairs, say bio- engineers. Compact designs are more difficult to get in and out of, to put a wheelchair into, and would be even more cramped when special driving aids such as hand and feet controls are added. SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMSCR OP COMMERCE FAMILY SERVK$ ft MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 3409 W. Waukegon Road McHenry 385-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 day* a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 815-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202 755-8660 Hours 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to call? And then been given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run­ away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424 9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phooe 800-638-2666 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800 424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES Child Abuse Center McHenry County (312) 546-2150 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800 638 2666 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquiries about or repor­ ting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800 523-2929 P.O.Box 1607 Rockville. Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun- powered hot-water system) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312 793-3580 Chicago III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hour Answering Ssryica, YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St.. McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hour Crisis Intervention and Confidential Counseling for youth and families ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on government regulations MENTAL HEALTH 1S00-S92-B900 jCrlsIs Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff will answer your call. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. National Neighborhood Watch Association Post Office Box 17400 Weshlngton, D.C.. 20041 Phone (7tt)471-0404 McHenry County CETA Outreach Center MtRusselCt. Woodstock, K SOON S1S-33S-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE RETARDED. Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Telephone: 344-1230