State Reports                                                    

Items listed under "State Documents" have been received by the Documents Unit, Illinois State Library, Springfield, and are usually available from public libraries in the state through interlibrary loan. Issuing agencies may have copies available. For items listed under "Other Reports," write to the publisher as noted.

• Housing Facilities for the Elderly in Illinois, Department on Aging, 421 E. Capitol, Springfield 62701; (217) 785-9017; (February 1993), 239pp.

This directory lists facilities in all 102 counties based on responses to a questionnaire that was distributed throughout the state in 1992. Although many different types of housing are included, the directory concentrates on those that accept renters who can live independently. Because of the large number of listings for Cook and the collar counties, those listings are also available in a separate publication.

• Think Green! A Retailer's Environmental Idea Book, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, 36 S. Wabash, 1226, Chicago 60603 (1992), 33pp.

To assist retailers, and especially independent storeowners, in their efforts to confront this nation's garbage crisis, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association — in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources — has developed a comprehensive environmental plan of action that is both readable and easy to follow. Among the numerous topics covered are: how to conduct an environmental audit, how to develop an environmental program, how to develop systems, how to track results. It also includes a long list of references and sources with addresses and telephone numbers.

• 1993 Practical Guide to Illinois Real Estate Taxation, Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois, 201 E. Adams, Suite 350, Springfield 62701; (217) 522-6818; (February 1993), 58pp., $10.

This guide, which is designed for home-owners, farmers and small businesses, provides explanations of the rights as well as the obligations of property taxpayers in this state. It is the fourth edition of the guide and includes greater detail on property tax breaks than the 1985 edition. Other topics covered include: assessment, equalization, classification in Cook County rate limitations and extension, and challenging your tax bill.

Anna J. Merritt

34/May 1993/Illinois Issues