New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Illinois continues to lose residents to other states at one of the highest rates in the nation. Between mid-2024 and mid-2025, more than 40,000 Illinois residents moved to other states, ranking Illinois third-worst nationally for domestic population loss, […]
Illinois has yet to join a new federal tax-credit scholarship program that would expand educational options for families without using state or local education dollars. The program allows individuals to receive a federal tax credit when they donate to scholarship organizations that help students pay for […]
The Illinois Senate will return to Springfield this week as lawmakers continue their work for the spring legislative session. The Senate is scheduled to be in session for three of the four weeks in February, with committee hearings and floor action increasing as legislation moves forward. An important […]
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, a program that recognizes Illinois residents aged 65 and older for outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions. Each year, four older adults are selected for induction, with honorees representing […]
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is sharing updated information and resources for SNAP recipients as new federal policy changes take effect in 2026. Under the updated federal rules, the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) has expanded. Previously, it applied to adults ages […]
State Senator Neil Anderson has introduced legislation aimed at restoring the original purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois by ensuring taxpayer-funded benefits support nutrition and public health rather than junk food. Senate Bill 2908 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services […]
Senate Republicans are seeking answers after the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) released data showing 193 foster children were reported missing while under state care in 2025 (as of October 9), according to reporting from The Center Square. In an effort to hold […]
State Senator Anderson (R–Andalusia) today introduced legislation to restore the original purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois by ensuring taxpayer-funded benefits are used to support nutrition and public health, not junk food. Senate Bill 2908 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services […]
With Illinoisans across the state seeing increases in their energy bills, Ameren is partnering with the Energy Assistance Foundation to offer in-need ratepayers with additional support through the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, which provides bill payment support for eligible households across Ameren Illinois’ service territory. […]
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced this week that $36 million in grant funding has been awarded to 67 local park projects throughout the state. The funding was distributed through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, a state-funded initiative that helps local administrations acquire […]