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Hours after Illinois Democrats pushed through more than $800 million in new taxes, another tax increase backed by Governor JB Pritzker quietly advanced in the Chicago region. On June 1, the Regional Transportation Authority approved a new 0.25 percentage point sales tax increase for northeastern Illinois. The increase is scheduled to begin August 1 and is expected to generate roughly

Illinois Democratic lawmakers recently approved the largest budget in state history, continuing a trend of significant spending increases during Governor JB Pritzker’s time in office. Since 2019, state spending has grown by nearly 40 percent, increasing from roughly $40 billion to nearly $56 billion. Despite record levels of spending, Illinois continues to face some of the highest taxes and costs

Illinois patients could soon have an easier time accessing needed medications under legislation recently passed by the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 3213, filed by Senator Steve McClure, addresses situations where a patient arrives at a pharmacy only to learn that their prescription cannot be filled because the medication is out of stock. Under current Illinois law, some prescriptions cannot be

Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 33rd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 12. The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol,

Illinois Senate Republicans are highlighting a package of legislation, all cosponsored by Senator Syverson, which are aimed at providing property tax relief, improving transparency, and helping seniors remain in their homes. The proposals come as Illinois families continue to face one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, with rising property taxes placing increasing pressure on homeowners, seniors, farmers,

With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close. The biggest task ahead will be passing the state’s next budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed FY 26-27 budget totals about $56 billion, and Senate Republicans have warned that the plan relies

Senate Republicans are pushing for changes to Illinois’ TRUST Act amid concerns that current policies are limiting law enforcement’s ability to protect communities. State Senator Syverson says current policies restrict communication and coordination between local law enforcement and federal authorities, creating gaps that can allow dangerous individuals to remain in the state. Supporters of reform argue that these limitations have

Republican lawmakers are calling for changes to Illinois’ SAFE-T Act following the tragic death of a Chicago police officer and the critical injury of another. “A week doesn’t go by without hearing about another innocent person victimized by a repeat violent offender released under the so-called SAFE-T Act,” Senator Syverson said. “Our top priority must always be protecting the public.”

Senate Republicans are advancing a legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for children online as concerns continue to grow about the risks young people face in today’s digital environment. Children today are navigating online spaces that are more accessible and more complex than ever before. Families, educators, and policymakers have raised concerns about the impact of social media on mental

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has made upgrades to its campsite and shelter reservation system, giving park visitors a more user-friendly way to book reservations at state parks and historic sites. Beginning May 1, reservations for campsites and shelters will transition to an updated platform through ExploreMoreIL, the customer service portal used by IDNR. While customers will continue to use