News

A one-time tax amnesty program is being offered to delinquent taxpayers beginning October 1. Also during the week, members of the Property Tax Relief Task Force continued to meet in hopes of addressing Illinois’ onerous property tax burden. In other news, promoting farm safety and preventing accidents is the focus of National Farm Safety and Health Week. Parents and caregivers

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, recreational cannabis sales will be legal in Illinois. With less than four months to go before the new law takes effect, dispensaries have several regulations to abide by, such as taking part in health and safety training, before opening their doors. Furthermore, dispensaries are anxiously waiting on their local municipalities to decide whether they will allow

A new law allowing allow craft distilleries to deliver and sell their products directly to merchants has recently become law. In other news, an estimated $69 million in federal aid is being sought for flood damages across the state, and new reports give mixed reviews on Illinois’ economic outlook. New law allows craft distilleries to self-distribute, create “distill pubs” Craft

A number of bills sponsored by Senate Republican lawmakers have been signed into law during the week, including measures expanding youth hunting, shining light on ADA violations, seeking to repurpose a state facility, and increasing safety. Also during the week, the Illinois Gaming Board is seeking public comment on Illinois’ sports wagering. New Law Expands Youth Hunting Young hunters throughout

Several bills sponsored by Senate Republican lawmakers have been recently signed into law, including measures to provide sexual assault victims with more transparency on the status of rape kit processing, and to authorize special license plate decals to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer treatment and research. As students across Illinois head back to school, the Illinois State Police

Landmark anti-sexual harassment and discrimination reforms, and a measure aimed at reducing property taxes by allowing for some government consolidation have recently been signed into law. Also during the week, two new task forces aimed at supporting veterans and targeting elder abuse prepared to begin their work. Landmark Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation Signed into Law Illinois now has a more robust

In the wake of a recent federal Supreme Court ruling, Senate Republicans are renewing their call to pass a state Constitutional Amendment to allow voters to decide who gets to draw legislative maps. Illinois citizens affected by spring and summer flooding are being asked to report any damage to local officials to help the state qualify for federal aid. In

Recent earthquakes in California are prompting calls for earthquake awareness in Illinois from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). The request also coincides with IEMA’s Youth Preparedness Month for July. Elsewhere, the Illinois State Police (ISP) recently stepped up efforts to recruit new troopers through a “Fast Track” program that offers job opportunities for local police officers. Illinois’ Earthquake Zones

The Rockford area will soon see the benefits of a historic gaming expansion package due to legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and signed into law by Governor Pritzker. “For 15 years, we have been working tirelessly to bring this gaming legislation to fruition and pave the way for a development of a casino in the Rockford area,”

As the summer begins, legislation from the spring legislative session is now being signed into law – beginning with a controversial measure to expand abortion in Illinois and a reinstatement of the five-hour school day minimum. Meanwhile, wet weather continues to put pressure on farmers struggling to get their crops planted. Flooded communities received some major help from prison inmates.