The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

PAGE 2 - PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY. JULY 11,1M4 insights House approves legislation; parsonages exempt from tax The Illinois House has ap­ proved legislation that exempts Church parsonages, retirement bomes, and facilities for the developmental̂ disabled from the property tax. This decision is not a radical change from past procedures, but problems have arisen as a result of some revenue depart­ ment rulings requiring pais sonages to pay property taxes. The Illinois State Constitution specifically says that govern­ mental, school, religious and charitable properties are exempt from property taxes. Local property tax boards of review have consistently ruled in the spirit of the Constitution that parsonages should be exempt from property taxes. ; Under current law, local boards of review can make the initial exemption ruling, but those decisions are then reviewed by the Department of Revenue, which has final determination. Under internal rules in the revenue depart­ ment, some parsonages have been required«o pay taxes. Church groups throughout the state were angered by the revenue department's decisions regarding parsonages, and have focused the attention of lawmakers on the issue. A measure was introduced early ih the session to take the revenue department completely out of the exemption decision­ making process. That bill, which failed on third reading in the House, would have given local boards of review the final determination in (exemption decisions. Property owners who disagreed with the board's decision would still have been able to appeal to the courts. When that measure failed, lawmakers began looking for other means of ensuring that parsonages and charitable organizations would receive the exemptions to which they are entitled. The House solved the problem by approving Senate Bill 1384, with amendments, to require the Revenue Department to exempt parsonages, retirement homes, facilities for the develop- mentally disabled, monasteries and convents. Under that measure, parsonages will be exempt if the priest or minister lives there as a requirement of the job. Retirement homes and facilities for the develop-- mentally disabled must be charitable, not-for-profit in-» stitutions to receive an exemp­ tion. If we allow the taxation of these facilities we are actually passing that cost along to the people who need and use them. This legislation clarifies legislative and Constitutional intent regarding property tax exemptions, and solves a problem that has concerned churches around the state. Public pulse Protect our children by rejecting gravel pit plans "Editor: Who will speak for our children, the silent minority - not necessarily out of choice - but because they are children. Until the age of 18 years, the children are at the mercy of adults. What we decide to do is thus thrust upon them, good or bad. The gravel pit on Route 120 and its proposed expansion, with all its ramifications, is a perfect example. • • . The Valley View Elementary School with 448 children, also teachers and other personnel, will be at the mercy of the decision made by the City of McHenry. To allow the mining of gravel to expand and surround the Valley View Elementary School on three sides, would be an unforgiveable and irresponsible act of total disregard for the welfare of the children who attend the Valley View Elementary School on Route 120. As a concerned citizen *of McHenry, I can no longer remain silent on this issue. Let us protect our most precious possession, our children. Stand up and be counted. The children of McHenry deserve no less. ' Laurie Bowlin McHenry" Urge supporters to fight library tax "Editor: Since the last election, many voters have told me about the problems they encountered on the voting of the Johnsburg Library District. So much so that Lynne Mastrogany (election specialist) of the Illinois State Board of Elections would like to hear your story. She can be reached at the toU- For Your Information D»ar frivnds. "Handicapped children who experience a 'foster grandparent' usually bacoma haalthiar, mora outgoing, and solf-assurad. They havo gained height and weight, improved in school, and thoy communicate better. And, fostar grandparents? Studies show their attitudes and outlooks Im­ prove. Thoy visit doctors less frequently and in ganeral have fewer aches and pains", states a director. For information, write: ACTION, *06 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D. C. 20525 Respectfully, PETER M.JISTEN a 4 SON FUNERAL HOME HIMIY. ILLINOIS ^cSERvfcENAL DIRECTORY JACK WALSH, AGENT EARLR. WALSH. BROKER INSURANCE & BONDS n™, Airtf. Farm. IN* RfllAMC COMPANIES SOU V*. (Im St.. McHvnry MS-3M0 McHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES lAltS. StttVICl S MMTAU Mm.-Saf. Mfcy Ml *iW. t3 Grant Crystal L«k« Htaaa 4Sf-I3M DENNIS CONWAY AUTO lIH.FIRf State Farm Ins. Co. 13lt W Elm Straat. McHaflry. HI. 3SS-7UI DR. LEONARD BOTTARI I JOT Mctimand M.. McHenry Eyas C«amlna4 • Cant act I an tat Glattat FHtad Man.. Tuat.. Thurt., Frt.. 4-4 p.m., Tvat.. Than.. Frt. 7-t p.m.. Sat. V: Ptiana JRS4151 or MS-1M1 J AMES M. McINTEE, LAWYER A V Alt AMI TO PRACTICE IN: Partanal ln(wry/Trial*. Satlnatt Carparatlant WIN* Piafcata. Dtvarca. Raal ittata MM W. dm Straat. McHanry M. Far appoint man! phana - MS-2440 McHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. C.J. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WEGRZYN OPEN 1 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIt (:19 P.M. • SAT. MS-IMS N.O, (lavfhlnf Gat) • Vallum (I.V. Sadatloa) Farm Equipment GEORGE P. FREUND, INC. 4 IM W. Cryttallaka M.. McHanry Sat. MS-S4M. Rat. MS M27 IIRETM RADIAL TIMS FOR ALL CARS EUROPA MOTORS, INC. MISRta. IM. McHanry SISMSS7M Chain-Fox agency referendum before voters Governor James R. Thompson has cleared the way for a referendum for Nov. 6, 1984 for the creation of the Chain of Lakes-Fox River Water Management Agency, Sen. Jack Schaffer, R-Cary, announced. The bill signed by Thompson swept through both Houses with virtually unanimous roll calls with strong bi-partisan support. Tlie Nov. 6, 1984 referendum will be held for voters in the townships of Antioch, Grant, Lake Villa and part of Cuba township in Lake County and parts of Algonquin and Nunda townships in McHenry County. Senate Bill 1381, which set up the referendum, was sponsored in the Senate by Schaffer and in the House by Rep. Dick Klemm, R-Crystal Lake. The bill would provide for the first election of board members in the regular April 1965 election (should the voters aprove the Nov. 6, referendum). Schaffer said, "I know I, as well as all the other people in­ volved in the work of this legislation, when I say that we're happy that the people will have an opportunity to vote on thin question." "In addition to setting the date of the election for initial referendum, SB 1881 also provides specific guidelines on fees. The agency can only charge for ecreational and commercial boating fees. It would not be able to charge a fee for swimming, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, constructin of piers or anything else other than the boating fee. In addition, the original legislation prohibited any form of property sales or income tax," Schaffer said. "The new agency would have many responsibilities relating to maintaining and improving the Chain of Lakes and Fox River and be eligible for state, federal and other funds to help finance its programs," said Senator Schaffer. "Since boaters will receive the most direct benefits of the new agency, the boating fee seems like the most ap­ propriate funding mechanism and since well over half of boaters on the Chain are non­ residents, a substantial part of the fees would be raised by the new agency that would come from non-residents who utilise this natural resource.'* "In addition to passing SB 1381, the legislature also added an appropriation of $500,0001 the Division of Water Resources' budget," Senator Schaffer in­ dicated. "I have contacted the governor's office and suggested that these funds could possibly be put to use by the new Agency, to begin its programs should the: voters choose to create the new; Agency in November." . f Anyone interested in receiving; a copy of the complete Act as; signed into law should Contact; Schaffer, 56 North W01iams< Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois.- « GOTTCHA 1 • 'jfegmsi t ARM •• Roll Call: Networks asked for self-restraint free number 1-800-572-4481 or write to her at 201N. Wells, Suite 500, Chicago, 60606. I urge all to support me in removing this much-unneeded tax, known as the Johnsburg Library District. Ernest E. Schulz Pistakee Highlands" WASHINGTON-Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on major roll call votes June 21-27. HOUSE NETWORKS - By a vote of 352 for and 65 against, the House adopted a resolution (H Con Res 321) asking the television networks to restrain themselves in projecting likely winners and losers before the polls have closed nationwide on election night. The measure, which was sent to the Senate, is aimed chiefly at influencing TV coverage of the upcoming presidential election. Although the resolution seeks voluntary compliance, debate revealed growing sentiment for a statutory remedy should the networks continue to project winners or strongly suggest who will win. ABC, CBS and NBC say they are free under the First Amend­ ment to report valid information, while critics say they have no right to discourage voter turnout with early calls based on polling of those who already have voted. Supporter Timothy Wirth, D-Colo., said "nothing is more fun­ damental to democracy than people voting in a democratic system." Opponent Tom Tauke, R-Iowa, called the resolution the first step on "a veipr slippery road...because there are many who will contend that news should be suppressed because it is in the public interest that the public not know (it) yet." Membes voting yes wanted the networks to voluntarily restrain election night coverage. * Illinois-Philip Crane, R-12, voted yes. DOWN PAYMENT-By a vote of 268 for and 155 against, the House approved the conference report on a tax-hike and spending- cut bill that will be Congress' largest single down payment this year against runaway deficits. It would trim some $63 billion from deficits expected to top $600 billion over the next three years. Still to be considered in 1984 are two bills cutting the growth of social and defense spending by some $21 billion between fiscal 1985-87. Hie Senate later approved the bill (HR 4170) and sent it to the White House. The bill is to generate about $50 billion in new tax revenue, mostly by clamping down on loopholes and shelters that benefit cor­ porations and the stock and bond investments of upper-income individuals. On the consumer level, it raises telephone and liquor taxes. Much of the bill's $13 billion in spending cuts will come from Medicare changes that hold down doctors' fees and increase patients' contributions. Supporter Leon Panetta, D-Calif., said "economic havoc will result" if Congress fails to soothe Wall Street's fears over mounting deficits. McHENRY COUNTRY CLUB invites you to fine dining at MchENRY'S MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCATION --Wed. thru Sat. evenings beginning at 5p.m. --Luncheon served from Tues. thru Sat. at 11a.m. --Live entertainment every weekend from 8p.m. Space is Limited Reservations .are advised COUNTRY CLUB EXPKRKNCi US! 820 N. John 385-1072. ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Areo? Do You Know Someone New? W® Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Evory Nowcomor To Our Area 111 CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 365-5475 iMHtWHttm °BLIG NQ A t >OH ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does It Best Opponent Philip Crane, R-Hl., objected to the tax hikes and said : the bill fails to adequately address the "massive overspending" thatj is the root cause of federal deficits. Members voting yes favored the package of tax hikes and spen- • ding cuts. Illinois-Philip Crane, R-12, voted no. ABORTION--The House rejected, 186 for and 219 against, an ; amendment to deny federal funds to any institution that performs abortions. The amendment proposed changing the definition of "person" in various civil rights laws to include unborn children. Aborting the fetus was to have been considered a violation of its civil rights. The vote occurred as the House debated and passed a bill (HR 5490) to prevent federal money from going to an institution that discriminates, even if only one unit of the institution is responsible for the discrimination. The bill would negate a February Supreme Court ruling, involving Grove City College in Pennsylvania, that federal funds can be denied only for the specific discriminatory program. "Don't ask taxpayers to pay for the tools that destroy human life," said sponsor Mark Siljander, R-Mich. Opponent Paul Simon, D-Ill., said the purpose of the bill was "to put some teeth back into the civil rights iaws" and not get into side issues such as "tfborttons, MX ihissflesorfoodstamps." Members voting no were opposed to the anti-abortion amend­ ment. Illinois-Philip Crane, R-12 voted yes. SENATE RELIGIOUS-By a vote of 88 for and 11 against, the Senate ap­ proved legislation opening the way for voluntary student religious meetings in public high schools. The provision was attached to a bill (HR 1310) upgrading the instruction of science, math, foreign languages and computer technology in U.S. schools. Federal education funds would be withheld from any secondary school that denied religious groups the same access that secular organizations have to its facilities. The groups could pray or discuss religion without faculty interference. Although the House earlier rejected an "equal access" bill, it may get a chance to vote again on the issue when it takes up the House- Senate conference report on HR 1310. Advocates of returning religion to public schools view the legislation as the best alternative to a school prayer constitutional amendment, which lacks the votes it needs to clear Congress. Senators voting yes wanted religious groups to be able to meet at high schools. Illinois-Alan Dixon, D, voted yes. Charles Percy, R, voted yes. DEFICIT-By a vote of 83 for and 15 against, the Senate approved and sent to the White House a package of spending cuts and tax hikes (HR 4170) aimed at slicing $63 billion from the $600 billion-plus in new deficits expected between fiscal 1985-87. Ibis followed House approval of the measure. (See House vote above for a description of the bill). ' Senators voting yes favored the deficit-reduction legislation. Illinois--Dixon voted yes. Percy voted ves LATCHKEY-By a vote of SI for and 42 against, the Senate tabled (killed) an amendment to create new a federal progarm to occupy "latchkey" children during pre- and after-school hours when neither parent is at home. About $15 million was to be authorized for grants to non-profit organisations, which were to run the programs in public school facilities. Hie amendment was offered to HR 1310 (above). Opponents, those voting to table the amendment, said it was no time to establish a new federal social program. Supporters of the amendment said Congress should do something for the five children who often face empty homes because their parents work. Senators voting no favored creating the latchkey program., Illinois-Dixon voted yes. Percy voted yes. GRAND OPINING JULY 12,13 & 14 kV THRU SATURDAY Nature's Cornucopia NATURAL FOOD STORE * ' •HEALTHY POODS •VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS •HUGE SELECTION OF BULK GRAINS & GOODIES •WE STONE-GRIND OUR OWN FLOUR •BOOKS 3402 W. ELM ST. (RT. 120) McHENRY. 1L 60050 jir nl 4 * i * i • I !» SPECIAL COMBINATION PRICE! KYOl DELICIOUS FLAVOR VARIETIES v