News Headlines

Reclaiming First Bill Dies in Committee

Posted: 8:48 PM Jan 2, 2013

Reclaiming First

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The lame duck session in Springfield is turning into a late night for Illinois senators and the results so far haven't been great for the Stateline.

A bill that had the potential to bring millions of dollars to our region's economy has died in committee.

The Reclaiming First bill would have raised the hotel tax in Winnebago County to 5%. That additional revenue was supposed to pay for renovations at Rockford's Ingersoll building, as well as upgrades to SportScore one and two. Those projects have an estimated price tag of $41 million.

Senator Dave Syverson says lawmakers will take another swing at it this Spring, but he's disappointed.