Illinois’ lieutenant governor is launching an economic impact study about the state’s military bases.  The study aims to calculate the economic impact of the state’s military bases in order to help protect them from federal cuts.  Democrat Sheila Simon says shifting national budget priorities threaten bases around the state, including Scott Air Force Base near Mascoutah.  The study will be commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation and with the state’s Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee.  Simon said bidding for the project will begin shortly.  She expects the study to be completed by October.