Illinois quick hits: Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions

Prison workers demonstrate over working conditions

Employees of the Illinois Department of Corrections planned a demonstration Thursday at more than two dozen prisons demanding safer working conditions.

Union members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 said that state prisons are understaffed, inmates abuse narcotics or toxic substances that expose staff, and violent assaults on staff are too common. The union represents more than 10,000 Illinois prison workers.

Women's health highlighted by comptroller

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Illinois Office of Comptroller is working to bring greater attention to women’s health care and cancer prevention efforts with the addition of a new webpage highlighting how much the state spends on the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

The agency's webpage provides up-to-date expenditures on the program and allows taxpayers and policymakers to track the progress and performance of hundreds of state programs.

Deer donation program returns

The Illinois Deer Donation Program is returning for a third year.

Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors and food pantries to support access to venison for Illinois residents and families. The expanded partnership covers 16 counties in central Illinois and 16 counties in southern Illinois.

Hunters can donate whole harvested deer at no cost.