Draft report calls for consolidating schools, increasing state share of education funding Draft report calls for consolidating schools, increasing state share of education funding Tuesday, January 7, 2020 A task force formed to study ways to reduce property tax burden on Illinois residents is calling for consolidation of school districts and other local units of government and a boost in the state’s share of funding for K-12 education.
Attorney General seeks accelerated ratepayer refund from electric utilities Attorney General seeks accelerated ratepayer refund from electric utilities Monday, January 6, 2020 Two of the state’s largest electric utilities owe their customers a combined $543 million in refunds, according to state regulators, but there is sharp disagreement over how much time the companies should have to pay it back.
Dispensaries report smooth rollout of legalized marijuana Dispensaries report smooth rollout of legalized marijuana Thursday, January 2, 2020 The first day of legal sales of recreational marijuana in Illinois went “extraordinarily well,” according to one industry representative, with total sales on Jan. 1 of nearly $3.2... Read more
CAPITOL BRIEFS: State to receive $40.2 million in early childhood development grants CAPITOL BRIEFS: State to receive $40.2 million in early childhood development grants Monday, December 23, 2019 Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced Monday that the state will receive $40.2 million in federal grants over the next three years to improve early childhood programs. Read more
Researchers suggest more state funding for schools would help lower property taxes Researchers suggest more state funding for schools would help lower property taxes Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Ahead of a special task force report due out before the end of the year, a pair of researchers are suggesting the best way to reduce property taxes in Illinois is for the state to take over a... Read more
Farmers gather for state’s first Hemp Summit Farmers gather for state’s first Hemp Summit Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan said Tuesday that interest in the newly-legalized hemp industry continues to build but more work needs to be done for the industry to... Read more
Pritzker expected to sign letter consenting to refugee resettlement Pritzker expected to sign letter consenting to refugee resettlement Monday, December 16, 2019 Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday he fully supports allowing refugees to resettle in Illinois and he is expected to sign a letter to the Trump administration to that effect in the coming... Read more
Pritzker signs bill promoting diverse workforce on capital projects Pritzker signs bill promoting diverse workforce on capital projects Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday aimed at ensuring minority workers have access to jobs created through the state’s new $45 billion capital improvements plan, as well... Read more