Midwest

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Wednesday unanimously approved Mayor Rahm Emanuel's rookie budget, a $6.3 billion spending plan for 2012 that eliminates a $635 million gap with layoffs, cuts, debt restructuring, and a series of tax, fine and fee increases.

CHICAGO - Ohio hopes to issue a request for proposals by the end of the year to privatize its highway rest areas, one of several public-private partnerships being eyed by Gov. John Kasich's administration.

CHICAGO - With a deal for a new partially bond-financed Vikings football stadium stalled over site and public-funding issues, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton this week laid out a revised game plan he hopes will lead to a vote this year on a stadium package.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker last week signed legislation creating the elected post of comptroller in Milwaukee County to manage debt, audits, and other fiscal manners.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said the "people had spoken" last Tuesday when voters defeated by 63% a new law that would have curtailed collective bargaining for public employees.

Ohio State University announced last week that it has selected seven possible partners for the school's plan to become the first public university to privatize its parking system.

Voters in Jackson and Clay counties last week easily approved a one-eighth cent sales tax to raise new revenue for the 100-year-old Kansas City Zoo.

Detroit voters approved a new city charter that imposes a set of ethical rules for public officials.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard won a second term last week, defeating public finance attorney Melinda Kennedy.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority president Forrest Claypool last week unveiled the first of hundreds of new rail cars.