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CULTURE	LAWS AND LICENSES
CLIMATE	POPULATION
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT	RECREATION
EDUCATION	TAXES
GEOGRAPHY	TIME ZONE

GEOGRAPHY

Illinois, with an area of 56,343 square miles, is fourth in size among the eight Midwestern states -- Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. The "Prairie State" is bordered on the north by Wisconsin, on the east by Indiana, on the south by Kentucky, and on the west by Missouri and Iowa. The state's northern border and part of its eastern border are straight. The entire western, southern and lower eastern boundaries are very irregular, coinciding with the winding courses of; respectively, the Mississippi, Ohio and Wabash rivers. Lake Michigan indents the state's northeastern boundary.

Illinois measures 381 miles from north to south and stretches 211 miles from east to west at its greatest width. The terrain is mainly one of gently rolling plains, which were originally covered with prairie grass but are now devoted to agriculture. High, rugged hills in the extreme northwest sweep down to the palisades of the Mississippi; and lower, less rugged hills extend across southern Illinois, providing a contrast to the rolling prairie-like farmlands. Highest elevation in the state, Charles Mound in Jo Davies County, measures 1,235 feet in altitude. Lowest elevation, 279 feet, is found at Cairo near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, Illinois' most southern point.

The Illinois River stretches diagonally across the state from northeast to southwest. Linked to Lake Michigan by a canal and merging with the Mississippi a few miles above Alton, the Illinois River provides a deep water channel from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico.

Chief rivers other than the Mississippi, Ohio, Wabash and Illinois are the Big Muddy, Des Plaines, Embarras, Fox, Kankakee, Kaskaskia, Little Wabash, Rock, Sangamon and Vermilion. There are numerous small rivers and streams but comparatively few natural lakes. The Chain-O-Lakes region of northeastern Illinois includes most of the state's natural lakes. In addition to the lakes, Illinois has a large number of reservoirs including: Carlyle, Crab Orchard, Rend and Shelbyville.

CLIMATE

Continental. With few barriers to break the sweep of the winds, the weather is subject to sudden sharp changes in temperature. Temperatures usually range from zero to 100F, with the northern region averaging from 10F to 20F cooler than the more southern portion of the state. Precipitation, evenly distributed throughout the year, averages between 43 inches in the south and 34 inches in the north. The southern regions receive more rainfall than those farther north, but less snow. Mean relative humidity throughout the state is fairly high.

TIME ZONE

Illinois is located in the Central Time Zone and observes daylight-saving time from April to the end of October. (Nearby Indiana is the only state in the union that doesn't go on daylight-saving time, creating a bit of confusion at the border in the summer time. Other surrounding states follow Illinois.

POPULATION

The population of Illinois, according to the 2000 census, was 12,253,181. More than 10 million live in the Chicago area, meaning the balance of the state is much more sparsely populated. (About 750,000 live on the Illinois side of the St. Louis area.)

TAXES

Illinois has a state income tax that is one of the lowest in the nation…a flat 3% of the "net taxable income" line on the Federal tax return, less several deductions not available federally. Additionally, all income earned by active military personnel and all income from retirement benefits of any kind are exempt.

Illinois has a state sales tax of 5.5%

3/4% on food and general merchandise in the East St. Louis area, including parts of Madison and St. Clair counties for the Metro East Mass Transit District).

Home rule communities may impose additional taxes. (There are none in the area we serve.)

Illinois has no state real estate tax, but it allows counties to impose real estate taxes for schools and operation of local municipalities, and requires that all assessed valuations are 1/3 of real, upon which tax rates are based.

Additiona1 information concerning Illinois' taxes may be obtained from: Illinois Department of Revenue - 101 West Jefferson Street, Springfield 62794, (217) 524-4690,
www.revenue.state.il.us/

Also see "Living in Illinois, Working in Missouri", and "Illinois and Missouri Tax Comparisons".

LAWS AND LICENSES
Some references:

Departments within state government
Sec. Of State, License Info
St. Clair County

Auto and Driver's

Newcomers to the state must register their motor vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency and must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of establishment of residence. Information may be obtained from local Driver Services or Motor Vehicle facilities, or by contacting:

Office of the Secretary of State - Driver Services Department, 2701 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield 62723, (217) 782-6212, 800-252-8980 (Inside IL), www.sos.state.il.us/

Office of the Secretary of State - Vehicle Services Department, 312 Howlett Building, Springfield 62756, (217) 782-9453, 800-252-8980 (Inside IL), www.sos.state.il.us/

Fee for driver's license valid for four years is $10. Written and vision tests are required for a person holding a valid out-of-state driver's license; written, driving and vision tests are required for all others. Minimum age for operation is 16 with completion of a driver's education class; otherwise, 18. Unmarried applicants under 18 need consent of parent or guardian. The original instruction permit, $20, other instruction permits for upgrading or adding a class, $5. Learner's permit fee is credited against license fee. Illinois law provides driver's training, if desired, to all residents of a school district between the ages of 15 and 21, even if they are not enrolled in a public school.

Commercial vehicle operators should call (217) 782-0560 or (800) 252-8980 (inside Illinois), for licensing information and fees.

Motor vehicle registration fee is $48; Illinois title fee is $13. Motor vehicle emissions inspection is required for vehicle owners in Cook County and in parts of Du Page, Lake, Madison and St. Clair Counties.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all front-seat passengers. There is a $75 fine for noncompliance citations. This law applies to out-of-state drivers as well as local drivers. All passengers in a vehicle driven by a driver 18 years of age or younger must wear seat belts.

Child Restraints

Child restraints are mandatory for children under four years of age; must be secured in an approved child safety seat. Children, ages four and five, must be placed in a child restraint or seat belt; $25 fine, plus court cost, for noncompliance. The law applies to out-of-state as well as local drivers.

Radar Detectors: Radar detectors are permitted in the state of Illinois except in second division commercial vehicles.

Recreational Trailers: Annual registration is required for all trailers. Fees for recreational or camping trailers (except house trailers) vary from $14 to $40 depending on the trailer width and length. Compliance with brake and hitch requirements are also required.

Motorcycles:

Annual registration is required for motorcycles with a $30 fee. Registration expires March 31. Special motorcycle license classification is required. Minimum age for operation is 18; or 16 with completion of an approved driver's education class for "L" Classification; 16 with completion of an approved driver's education class and DOT rider education course for "M" Classification. Driving test not required for persons 18 and older with completion of DOT rider education course.

Title is also required; fee, $13. lights are required to be "on" at all times; riding between lanes is prohibited. Required equipment includes protective glasses, goggles or windscreen and one rearview mirror.

Mopeds

Annual registration is required; fee, $30. Registration expires March 31 of each year. Valid driver's license is required to operate a moped. Unlicensed drivers are required to obtain a class "L" motorcycle license. Minimum age for operation 18; 16 with completion of an approved driver's training course. Required equipment includes lights, brakes, rear view mirror and stop light. Title required; fee, $13.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

Minimum limits of the state's mandatory auto insurance law are $20,000/140,000/15,000. Every insurance agent knows the requirements well.

City Auto Tags

Some municipalities require residents to purchase city auto tags in addition to state license plates. Costs vary. Information can be obtained at the local city hall.

Boats

All watercraft must be registered and titled with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before they can legally operate on Illinois' waters. Watercraft applications are available from any Natural Resources Department Regional Office or from any Illinois' boat dealer.

Registration and title fees for new and transfer renewals are: canoes and kayaks (Class A), $13; Class 1 (less than 16 feet), $22; Class 2 (16 feet to less than 26 feet), $27; Class 3 (26 feet to less than 40 feet), $32; and class 4 (40 feet or more), $37. Renewal fees are: Class A, $6; Class 1, $15, Class 2, $20; Class 3, $25; and Class 4, $30. U. S. Coast Guard registration fees for new, transfer renewal and renewals are: Class 2 (16 feet to less than 26 feet), $20; Class 3 (26 feet to less than 40 feet), $20; Class 4 (40 feet or more), $25. Titling fee is $7. Return forms to:

Department of Natural Resources - Watercraft Division, 524 South Second Street, Springfield 62706, (217) 782-7454, http://dnr.state.il.us/

Fishing and Hunting

For information about Illinois fishing licenses and regulations, contact:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Fisheries, 524 South Second Street, Springfield 62701, (217) 782-6424, http://dnr.state.il.us/

For information about Illinois hunting licenses and regulations, contact:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife Resources, 524 South Second, Street, Springfield 62701, (217) 782-6384, http://dnr.state.il.us/

Pets

Dogs require an interstate health certificate from the state of origin to be completed within 30 days prior to entry.
Dogs over four months of age must have rabies inoculations. Information may be obtained from:

Illinois Department of Agriculture - Division of Animal Industries, Agriculture Building, P.O. Box 19281.

Many communities have dog licensing requirements and most require pets be confined or leashed. See your local city or village hall.

Plants

At this time, the state places no restrictions on the importation of houseplants by individuals.

Firearms

The Illinois state law requires registration of individuals rather than gun registration. Illinois residents who acquire, possess or handle firearms or firearm ammunition within the state must have in their possession a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card issued in their name by the Illinois State Police. The applicant does not have to own a gun to be registered.

Individuals under 21 can apply for their own FOID Card with Written consent of parent or guardian and under other special conditions. Minors need not possess a FOID card when using firearms or ammunition if they are in the company of a parent, legal guardian or any adult who has a valid card. FOID application forms are available from sporting goods stores, sheriff's offices, city police departments or the Illinois State Police. A photograph must accompany the form. The card is valid for five years; fee, $5. For additional information about the FOID card or eligibility requirements, contact:

Illinois State Police - Firearm Owners Identification Section, 100 Iles Park Place, Springfield 62718, (217) 782-7980, www.state.il.us/isp

To transport firearms, the firearm must be unloaded, broken down in a non-functioning state, enclosed in a case/box/container and not immediately accessible.

Alcoholic Beverages

Liquor is sold by the package and drink at licensed stores and establishments. Sunday sales are by local option. Legal age for purchase and consumption is 21. Importation of alcoholic beverages for personal use requires prior approval of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. For information, contact Illinois Liquor Control Commission - 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 5-300, Chicago 60601, (312) 314-2206, (312) 814-2241 - Fax, Website: http://www.state.il.us/icc/

It is unlawful to have opened packages of liquor in an automobile. If convicted, ALL passengers as well as the driver will be fined.

ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT

Illinois' geographic location and its wealth of transportation systems contribute to the state's diversified economy. Located at the southern edge of Lake Michigan, the state is exposed to global markets through the Illinois Waterway linking the St. Lawrence Seaway with the Mississippi shipping lanes.

The majority of the state's revenue is generated by manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, finance, insurance, real estate, mining and the service industry.

Principal manufactured goods include construction machinery, farm machinery, automobiles, non-electric and electronic equipment, foods, primary and fabricated metals, and chemical and pharmaceutical products.

Important agricultural products include cattle, hogs, soybeans, corn, oats, wheat, rye, barley, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, various berries, apples, peaches, seeds and bulbs.

Leading minerals include coal, fluorspar, oil, natural gas, clay, limestone, shale and silica sand.

For current information about employment opportunities in Illinois, contact:

Illinois Department of Employment Security - Field Operations Division, 401 South State Street, Chicago 60605, (312) 793-6801, Website: http://www.il.jobsearch.org

EDUCATION

Elementary and Secondary: Public

The state of Illinois has 908 school districts. Each local school district is governed by a seven-member board of education elected by resident voters in the district (except in Chicago where the five-member panel is appointed by the mayor). The board of education is then responsible for hiring a superintendent and approving the hire of principals, teachers and other school staff. The board has authority, within the scope of state law, to make decisions about how the district operates, including expenditure of funds, courses taught, student discipline policies, which schools in the district students will attend, eligibility for athletics and other extra-curricular activities, dress codes, and how the district will comply with state and federal requirements.

School classifications include elementary (grades K-8 only); middle or junior high (grades 6-8 only), secondary (grades 9-12 only) and unit districts (grades K-12 only).

All districts are required to provide educational programs and facilities for students with physical and mental disabilities, emotional disorders, learning disabilities or vision and hearing impairments. In addition to local school district programs, the state operates the Illinois School for the Deaf and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville and the Illinois Children's School and Rehabilitation Center in Chicago for students with physical disabilities.

Health examinations are required for all students entering kindergarten or first grade; fifth and ninth grade; and for students entering school for the first time at any grade level (this includes pre-school and students transferring in from other states or countries).

Immunizations that are required for kindergarten through 12th grade students are DTP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis), polio, measles, rubella, mumps and for students in grades five and six hepatitis B. Children entering preschool must also have Hib (haemophilus influenza type b) and hepatitis B inoculations.

By law, students in Illinois must enter school by age 7 and remain in school until age 16. For students to attend kindergarten, they must turn 5 years old prior to September 1 of the year in which they enter school. School districts have the option of screening students whose 5th birthdays fall after that deadline to determine if they are developmentally ready to attend school.

Each school district must prepare and submit to parents, taxpayers, the Governor, General Assembly and State Board of Education, a report card assessing the performance of its schools and students. The report card is an index of school performance as measured against statewide and local standards. Report cards are available from each public school district upon request.

State high school graduation requirements include successful completion of the following courses: language arts, three years; mathematics, two years (one year may be related to computer technology); science, one year; social studies, two years (at least one year must be U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and American government); and one year from one of the following fields: music, art, foreign language or vocational education. Local school boards may adopt additional requirements. All high schools must offer course work, which would enable a high school graduate to enter Illinois public schools of higher education.

For specifics concerning graduation requirements contact the local school superintendent. Information about the state's school system in general may be obtained from:

Illinois State Board of Education - 100 North 1st Street, 1st Hoor, Springfield 62777-0001
(217) 782-2221, http://www.isbe.state.il.us/

Higher Education: Public

Generally, credits earned at Illinois community colleges are transferable toward a degree at the senior universities.

The state has 49 two-year public colleges which provide opportunities for the traditional college student who wishes to transfer to a four-year college or university as well as those seeking additional training or retraining below the baccalaureate level. For information contact the local community college, or:

Illinois Board of Higher Education - 4 West Old Capitol Plaza, Room 500, Springfield 62701
(217) 782-2551, or http://www.ibhe.state.il.us

Illinois Community College Board - 401 East Capitol, Springfield 62701-1711, (217) 785-0123

Senior universities are:

Chicago State University - Chicago
Northeastern Illinois University - Chicago
Governor's State University - University Park
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston
Northern Illinois University - DeKaib
Southern Illinois University - Edwardslle and Carbondale
Western Illinois University - Macomb
Illinois State University - Normal
University of Illinois - Springfield, Chicago and Champaign/Urbana with the Medical Center Campus also in Chicago

Higher Education: Private

Private educational facilities include ten junior colleges, more than 35 colleges, ten theological schools, ten universities and a number of professional and technical schools. Universities include:

Bradley University - Peoria
DePaul University - Chicago
Illinois Wesleyan University - Bloomington
Lewis University - Romeoville
Loyola University of Chicago - Chicago
Millikjn University - Decatur
Northwestern University - Evanston
Roosevelt University - Chicago
Rush University - Chicago
The University of Chicago - Chicago

AREA COLLEGES WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RECREATION

Illinois' residents and visitors enjoy the variety of lakes, reservoirs, state parks, rivers and the Shawnee National Forest (273,800 acres) found in the state.

In addition to the National Forest in the southern portion of the state, major recreational areas include Lake Shelbyville (34,408 acres), Carlyle Lake (37,508 acres), Rend Lake (39,819 acres) and the shore of Lake Michigan in the northeastern corner. Most of the recreational areas have facilities for camping, picnicking, hilting, boating, swimming and fishing.

For additional information about Illinois' attractions, contact:

Department of Commerce & Community Affairs - Bureau of Tourism, 800-226-6632, (217) 782-7139 -
Springfield Office, (312) 8144732 - Chicago Office

Department of Natural Resources - 524 South 2nd Street, Springfield 62701, (217) 782-7454, or:
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/

Other local and state recreational sites:

www.sitc.org S. Illinois Tourism Council
www.illinoissouthwest.org Tourism in SW Illinois
www.seeillinois.org Illinois Tourism
www.enjoyillinois.com Official Illinois Tourism Guide
www.state.il.us The State of Illinois page
www.state.il.us/state/inside "inside" Illinois; a ton of information
http://dnr.state.il.us/parks/parkinfo/ilstate.htm
www.dnr.state.il.us/parks/parkinfo/ilstate.htm Ill Department of Conservation
www.dnr.state.il.us.gov Ill Department of Natural Resources
www.cahokiamounds.com Cahokia Mounds State Park
http://medicine.wustl.edu/~mckinney/cahokia/cahokia.html Cahokia Mounds

CULTURE

Chicago has long been an important cultural city. A few of the city's many attractions include the Art Institute of
Chicago, Chicago Academy of Science, Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry, The Adler Planetarium, John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Chicago Historical Society.

Spread throughout Illinois are a variety of historical memorials, sites and museums. Among the many popular attractions are: the Lincoln Home and Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield; Ulysses S. Grant's Home and The Old Market House in Galena; Dickson Mounds Museum in Havana; Carl Sandburg's birthplace in Galesburg; and Wilford Woodruff House, Brigham Young's home and Joseph Smith Historic Center in Nauvoo.

Most of the larger communities and many of the smaller ones have a variety of cultural resources. Many communities support symphony orchestras, music clubs, operas, ballets, museums and theatrical societies.

For additional information about Illinois' historical sites, contact the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency - Public Affairs Division, 500 East Madison, Springfield 62701-1507, (217) 782-4323

Acknowledgments to:
Illinois State Board of Education
Illinois Department of Revenue
Illinois Community College Board
Illinois Board of Higher Education
Illinois Department of Agriculture - Division of Animal Industry - Plant Industry
Illinois State Police - Firearms Owners Identification Section
Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Fisheries - Division of Wildlife Resources
Illinois Tourist Information Center
Illinois Liquor Control Commission
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Office of the Secretary of State - Driver Services Department - Vehicle Services Department
The State Board of Elections
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs
American Automobile Association

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