There was good news this week for Illinois residents who receive food stamps. Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been earmarked for this state in order to replenish food stamp supplies for more than 600,000 families.
According to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, the state is to receive $890 million in stimulus funds to use on the food stamp program. Likewise, an additional $11.5 million is slated for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and Quinn said the state has requested 3.5 million pounds of food to be distributed to local food banks throughout Illinois. A $1 million increase in funding also is anticipated for food banks.
According to The Associated Press, food stamp increases were to be up to 13.6 percent for families and recipients were to begin seeing the change this week.
While the stimulus money is an attempt to re-establish economic success in our country, it is nice to see those with needs — especially those struggling due to the economy — have not been forgotten.
Opinion
Our View: More help for those affected by the economy
- Opinion
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Sometimes, the doing the right thing can hurt
When you are growing up, everyone tells you that doing the right thing is supposed to make you feel good.
- Reader: Questioning county board's refusal to discuss issue
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Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
I have been constructively asked by a few readers if I can shorten my columns.
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Our View: Festival reminds us of the good things in life
There are plenty of things in life to be worried about, such as caring for family, having a job, paying the bills, upkeep on homes and autos.
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Our View: Improving a well-traveled roadway
Tonight, the Mt. Vernon City Council is expected to vote on a bid for construction of a overlay project along Shiloh Drive on the city’s west side.
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Our View: Hoping this can be the final chapter
In the 18 months since then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on corruption charges — and eventually ousted from office by state lawmakers — the former governor has continued to make the media rounds.
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Rippy: Will we stop the lobby machine?
I have a lifelong friend who e-mails me articles from time to time. He is a retired professor residing in Arizona.
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County board chairman responds to meeting report
Letter to the editor
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Our View: Nominate for MVTHS awards
Time has come to again nominate individuals for the Mt. Vernon Township High School Distinguished Alumni program.
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Our View: Make sure to get permit for fireworks
Even though some fireworks are legal in Illinois, it might not be widely known that a permit is required to purchase, possess or display them.
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Sometimes, the doing the right thing can hurt
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