The Majority Party and the Governor failed to permanently eliminate or even extend the state’s sales tax on groceries this legislative session. That means that beginning July 1, Illinoisans will again be paying more when they check out at the supermarket.The short-term suspension of the one […]
Despite warnings that the state’s spending plan is likely unbalanced and sets Illinois up for an unstable future, the Gov. JB Pritzker proceeded to sign the over $50 billion budget this week—the largest in state history.While the Governor claimed to prioritize fiscal responsibility, Senate Republicans continue […]
Since 2002, the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) has hosted nominations and selections for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. These nominations include outdoor sportsmen and women, conservationists, or preservationists who have made significant contributions or exhibited dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing, or supporting natural resources or […]
While some wheat producers across the U.S. have been feeling the effects of hot weather, the Illinois Wheat Association’s recent crop tour showed that Illinois wheat yields are breaking records. Accordingly, the average wheat yields were estimated by the Illinois Wheat Association at approximately 97 bushels […]
In 2020, the Governor announced the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. Operated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the program used federal tax revenue to give $585 million in grants to businesses to provide relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent […]
One week after the General Assembly passed the FY 2024 spending plan, questions remain about whether the budget will truly be balanced at the year’s end. Senate Republicans point to hidden spending found throughout the budget that could put the state’s spending well over expected revenues.One […]
Late last week, the Illinois General Assembly passed the state’s budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, which represents the largest spending plan in Illinois history at $50.6 billion. The proposal now heads to the Governor to be signed.In the Senate, the plan received bipartisan opposition, in […]
As the Fiscal Year 2024 budget is finalized, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is pushing for the Invest In Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program to become permanent in Illinois.“Invest in Kids provides funds that allow lower-income students in underperforming schools to improve their chances for academic […]
SPRINGFIELD- Both chambers of the Illinois General have now given their approval to a plan filed byState Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) to reform teacher licensing requirements and provide some relief from the statewide teacher shortage. Bennett’s legislation addresses the heavily criticized edTPA requirement. “We keep […]
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) to allow more people to report suspicions of abuse that may have contributed to a senior citizen’s death. House Bill 2858 states that any person may report information about the suspicious […]