NENA: Illinois diverts $1.3 million in E911 funds

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojveich diverted about $1.3 million from the state’s wireless enhanced 911 fund to the general treasury just prior to the close of the 2004 fiscal year on June 30, in an attempt to balance the state’s budget, the National Emergency Number Association said. The State of Illinois collects a 75-cent E911 surcharge from wireless telephone subscribers each month. According to NENA, public safety answering points in 24% of Illinois counties are able determine the location of wireless callers dialing 911, compared to 28% nationwide.