Minimum Liability Insurance Bill Going to Governor

Illinoisans could soon be paying more for their car insurance after the House passed legislation Sunday that raises minimum liability requirements.

“This will save people who are injured in an accident that is no fault of their own from some of the out-of-pocket medical costs they may incur,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Laura Fine, D-Glenview.

The current rates were set 24 years ago, when lawmakers first voted to require all drivers to carry liability insurance, Fine said, adding that those rates have not kept pace with rising medical costs.

With rates going unchanged for more than two decades, Illinois has the lowest minimum coverage in the Midwest and is among the lowest in the nation, Fine said.

Fine said the minimum requirement increase could cost Illinois drivers about $75 more per year. The majority of Illinois drivers already carry above the minimum amount, she said.

The legislation increases minimum coverage to $25,000 — up from $20,000, which was set in 1989, for one person’s injury or death. The minimum for two people’s injury or death would increase to $50,000, up from $40,000. For property damage, the minimum coverage would increase to $20,000, up from $15,000.

Before lawmakers passed the measure by a 70-41 margin, Republican lawmakers like Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, argued raising the minimum requirement only means higher premiums for those who carry just minimum coverage.

“You know, we have a lot of problems with people driving uninsured anyway,” Reis said. “All we’re doing is making it harder for people to buy insurance and afford this insurance. If they choose to raise their minimum liability, they can do so, but we’re forcing everyone to do that with this bill.”

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, echoed Reis, saying he sees more people who can hardly afford the current rates opting out entirely with the increases.

“My fear is that by increasing this, those who are at the bottom are just going to fall away and throw their hands up and say ‘You know what, I’m just going to take the chance of getting a ticket’ and be totally uninsured. And that’s a scary thought,” Bost said. “Some are just poor and they’ve got to make a choice on whether insuring their car or providing for other needs for their families or themselves.”

With higher minimum liability requirements, policy holders in Illinois could be paying less overall. The portion of insurance coverage paid to help cover the costs of uninsured or underinsured will go down because companies will have fewer underinsured losses, Fine said.

The legislation passed the Senate 45-9 earlier this month and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Lauren Leone-Cross can be reached at 782-6292.

Memorial Day Service in Ridgway

Memorial Day Service will be on Monday, May 27, 2013  on the North Lawn of the Cox & Son Funeral Home.

The service will start at 9:00 AM conducted by the Ridgway American Legion, VFW and Son of the American Legion.

Please come and honor all veterans that have serve our country to keep our freedom.

The honorable Tom Foster will be giving the Memorial Day Address.

Zirkelbach to be Sentenced on September 20th

48-year-old Frederick J. Zirkelbach of Ridgeway faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 20 on charges he was a convicted felon in possession of firearms.  Police raided his home and recovered 14 firearms. He was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on April 2.

Longtime White County Coroner Dies

Carl D. McVey, 80, of Carmi passed away at 1:54 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.  He was born September 23, 1932 in Roxana, IL the son of Allen Campbell and Jennie Helen (Greene) McVey.  Carl married Beverly E. Raines on December 7, 1952.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1952 to 1956.  Carl was an avid sports fan and was drafted by the St. Louis Browns in 1950.  He also enjoyed fishing.

Carl retired December 1, 2012 after 32 years of service as the White County Coroner.  He also was retired from White County Medical Center after working 35 years as a Nurse Anesthetist.  Carl was a charter member of the Carmi Jaycees, Past President of the Carmi Little League where he was the opening day announcer for 35 years, a former Carmi City Councilman, Carmi School Board member, Past President of the Illinois Coroners Association and a member of the Carmi VFW.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Beverly of Carmi; a daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Scott Carmack of Flint, MI; a son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Mary Ann McVey of Carmi; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Herbert "Red" McVey of Florissant, MO and Donald and Helen McVey of Roxana; six grandchildren, Ashli Tweedie and her husband Brett, Dustin Carmack and his wife Jasmine, Chelsea Carmack, Lauren Staley, Taylor McVey and Nash McVey; four great-grandchildren, Layne and Jackson Tweedie and Marlie and Caleb Carmack; and his puppy Angel.

Carl was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen C. McVey, Jr. and Bob McVey.

Funeral Services for Carl D. McVey, 80, of Carmi will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at RIG Ministries, 215 Industrial Blvd., Carmi with Chuck Belcher and the Rev. Dr. Harrison Peyton officiating.  Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery in Carmi with military rites performed by the Carmi VFW and American Legion.  Friends may call at RIG Ministries on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Memorial Contributions may be made in Carl's memory to the Carmi Summer Recreational League and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.