Selected State Reports

State Documents

■ A Review of Cancer Mortality in Illinois and Illinois Counties, 1970-1979, Health and Hazardous Substances Registry, Department of Public Health, 535 W. Jefferson, Rm. 450, Springfield 62761 (May 1986), 153 pp.

Between 1950 and 1980 cancer mortality in this state increased 11 percent among white males and 25 percent among nonwhite males. At the same time, mortality among white females declined 8 percent; among nonwhite females it declined 12 percent. These and similar data are coveyed by means of numerous tables, graphs and maps as well as a brief introductory text. This is the first in a series of reports that will describe patterns of health problems in Illinois and will review data on hazardous substances.

■ Illinois' DUI Law: The Facts for 1985, Secretary of State (March 1986), 24 pp.

Several changes in this state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws became effective January 1, 1986; one of the most important requires that drivers arrested for DUI will automatically have their driver's licenses suspended if they either refuse to take or fail a chemical test. This booklet describes this and other penalties in effect during both 1985 and 1986. It also explains various other aspects of the DUI law and presents statistics for the past few years.

■ Outdoor Recreation in Illinois: 1985-1986 Action Program, Department of Conservation (April 1986), 24 pp.

The 1985-86 action program describes actions taken in five recreation and conservation areas: 1) provision of local recreation opportunities, 2) protection of wetlands and provision of wildlife-related recreation, 3) realizing the economic benefits of recreation, 4) preservation of natural areas and 5) improved recreational use of streams and lakes.

■ Early Chicago, 1833-1871: A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files from the Illinois State Archives, Secretary of State and State Archives.

The first part of this excellent teaching device consists of a looseleaf binder containing a list of 50 documents, followed by an explanation of each, the text of the document and questions an instructor might ask. The second part comprises a separate packet of facsimiles, each of which is accompanied by a modern typescript version — a good addition since all of the documents are handwritten.

■ Report of the Statewide Task Force on the Homeless, Department of Public Aid (May 1986), n.p.

Contrary to what many people believe, the homeless today include large numbers of families with children, younger men and women, senior citizens and youth. For a variety of reasons the present service delivery system does not meet the needs of these people. In its report the task force — which was appointed in April 1985 and was composed of 25 state agency directors, government leaders and citizens — reviews the present situation of the homeless in this state and the services that are available to them. It also presents numerous agency-specific recommendations.

■ Severe Rainstorms in Illinois, State Water Survey, Department of Energy and Natural Resources (March 1986), 12 pp.

This is the 12th in a series of pamphlets describing in popular language the research on water resources and weather in Illinois. Each contains numerous photos, graphs, tables and maps — and a great deal of fascinating information.

Other Reports

■ Fermilab 1985, Annual Report of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Ill. 60510, 165 pp.

Last year's report was described in this column as "unusual"; this year's is almost whimsical. The elaborate (original) artwork as well as the reproductions of ancient drawings and sketches seem at first irrelevant to the technical purpose of this report. It soon becomes apparent that the art may indeed have a purpose, for it draws the nontechnician as if by magic into the text and thus into some understanding of what the Fermilab represents and what it has accomplished. In addition to the work performed by the scientists at the lab — much of which is described in great technical detail — Fermilab has a postdoctoral program, holds workshops and seminars and conducts an extensive and varied education program for high school teachers and students.

■ Donor Briefing, Chicago Tribune Co., Box 183, 1340 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago 60613 ($150/year).

This new biweekly newsletter presents a summary of national philanthropic news, including information about foundations, grants and other funding sources as well as monies that have been given for specific purposes.

Items listed under State Reports have been received by the Documents Unit, Illinois State Library, Springfield, and are usually available from public libraries in the state through inter-library loan. 

Anna J. Merritt

54/August & September 1986/Illinois Issues