Illinois quick hits: New state agency passes Senate; trooper cadet class graduates; richest Illinoisans revealed | Illinois
New state agency passes Senate The Illinois Senate approved a measure that would create a new state agency for early childhood programs. Senate Bill 1 was approved unanimously to over time consolidate initiatives in three separate state agencies into one new state agency titled the Department of Early Childhood. In the first year of the […]
Legislator: IL taxpayers could be out ‘billions’ as bills enhancing pensions advance | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Proposed Tier 2 pension enhancements in Illinois could come at a taxpayer cost of “billions,” according to a state legislator. State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, said originally lawmakers’ conversations surrounding the Tier 2 pension system were about fixing Tier 2 to ensure it didn’t run afoul of safe harbor, a […]
Proposed legislation would increase threshold for farm estate taxes | Illinois
(The Center Square) – There is a bipartisan effort in Illinois aimed at preserving family farms in the event of a family member’s death. The Family Farm Preservation Act in House Bill 4600 is designed to protect farm families and their land by updating the Illinois Estate Tax code to include protections in regards to inflation. Proponents say […]
Illinois Senate passes changes to state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate has passed legislation that would make changes to the liability guidelines in the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Senate Bill 2979 from state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, would limit the number of claims accrued should an employee bring a lawsuit against a company for a violation of BIPA. If a certain biometric identifier […]
Pritzker defends IL’s tax credits while MO looks to slash corporate rate | Illinois
(The Center Square) – While Illinois looks at tax credits for gifting endowments, student loans, hiring journalists and music companies, Missouri is looking at phasing out not just tax credits but also their corporate income tax. Not among the slew of tax credits the Illinois Senate is reviewing is the Invest in Kids school choice […]
Congress focuses on work requirements for federal benefits with Illinois hearing | National
(The Center Square) – A Congressional hearing held in Chicago Tuesday explored ways to lift people out of poverty with employment being the main theme. The U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a field hearing Tuesday in Chicago to examine ways to help people get out of poverty through employment. The […]
Millions take in eclipse, jamming Illinois roads and parks near path of totality | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinoisans went on the move Monday in an effort to get a better look at the solar eclipse. The entire state of Illinois was able to witness Monday’s solar eclipse, but many made the trip to see totality. www.modot.org The path of totality went through Carbondale and northeast to Indiana. Fifteen […]
Chicago migrant spending approaching $300 million | Illinois
(The Center Square) – With the city’s spending on non-citizen migrants increasing, criticism of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his handling of the ongoing crisis also grows. In the 11 months since Johnson took over at City Hall, data from the “New Arrivals Mission” website pegs such spending at nearly $300 million with more than 38,000 […]
Caution urged for viewing Monday’s eclipse | National
(The Center Square) – During the 2017 solar eclipse, more cases of eye damage were reported in Illinois than in nearly any other state. With Monday’s eclipse looming, safety should be top of mind. Many ask Dr. Nina Goyal, president of the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, if looking directly at the eclipse […]
Measure enhancing penalties against individuals who threaten libraries advances | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is spearheading legislation to enhance penalties against people who threaten libraries. The measures are sponsored by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, and state Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines. House Bill 4567 heads to the House floor after passing committee Thursday. In the Judiciary-Criminal Committee hearing, […]