SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 27, 2019) – The Illinois House voted 73-44 Monday to pass Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1, an amendment that would eliminate Illinois’ flat income tax protection. The measure will allow lawmakers to double or triple tax the same dollar earned, and open the door for the nation’s highest tax on business income. Now, an amendment to change Illinois’ income tax structure will appear on the November 2020 ballot. Reaction from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A House Democrat is reviving a plan to expand casino gambling in Illinois by linking it to a popular sports betting measure. Blue Island Democratic Rep. Robert Rita got Executive Committee approval Monday to proceed with the long-discussed plan. It would allow a land-based casino in Chicago and riverboat casinos in Rockford, Lake County, the south suburbs of Chicago, Danville and southern Illinois with additional gambling at existing sites including horse racing tracks.
CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago Tribune investigation suggests that tens of thousands of Illinois residents whose gun licenses have been revoked could still have firearms The problem was underscored in February when a man killed five former colleagues and wounded five police officers in Aurora, using a gun he kept despite the revocation of his Firearm Owner's Identification card in 2014. The Tribune reports that since 2015, nearly 27,000 Illinois residents whose FOID cards have been revoked haven't updated authorities on what they have done with their guns. Local police departments are supposed to ensure those whose licenses have been revoked surrender their permits and transfer firearms to police or a legal gun owner.Acting Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly says he's shocked by "the depth and breadth of the problem."
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — People who have records of extraordinary service to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation in Illinois are eligible for induction into the state's Outdoor Hall of Fame . The Illinois Conservation Foundation announced this week that it's accepting nominations for the 2019 Hall of Fame class. The foundation since 2002 has recognized people who have promoted fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education, led efforts to preserve or enhance fish and wildlife habitat or to protect and restore state lakes and rivers.Nominees will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame this fall at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala.Nominations must be submitted on the official form by June 30.
(Gilman--jc) -- Farmers continue to try to get the corn and soybeans planted this Spring. One potential cash crop new to the area and state is hemp. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece says there is opportunity, but with opportunity a place to take a crop is also needed…
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece.
Champaign--jc) Local craft beer could soon be more expensive in Illinois under the governor’s proposal to increase alcohol taxes to help pay for infrastructure projects.As a way to increase revenue for new statewide construction projects, some at the statehouse are looking to increase taxes on a range of things. Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office has proposed doubling the motor fuel tax, increasing vehicle registration fees, placing a surcharge on ride-sharing services, imposing a 7 percent tax on streaming media services and even increased taxes on alcoholic beverages, including beer.Matt Potts of Destihl Brewery in Normal and Champaign said Illinois craft beer industry brings economic activity to the state and shouldn't be subject to a sin tax.Potts says increasing taxes is the wrong approach. He said lower taxes allow businesses to grow, which helps fill state coffers through increased payroll taxes and other economic activity. He said that was evident when the federal government recently lowered excise taxes for beer.
(Decatur--jc) -- Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Reaction to the day from State Representative Dan Caulkin, Republican from Decatur…
State Representative Dan Caulkins, Republican from Decatur.
(Paxton--jc) - Volunteers with the Paxton Auxiliary and Paxton American Legion Post say the donations were above what they expected during the Poppy Days collections in the downtown area of Paxton and the Paxton IGA Friday and Saturday. The money raised will be deposited later today. All those with the collection efforts say “Thanks” to all who donated and helped.
(Undated--jc) There were hundreds of Memorial Day Observances throughout the area on Monday. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman says the day is the day to remember those who served…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman, Republican from Bloomington.
(Gibson City--jc) -- Gibson City leaders are expected to address an ordinance proposal concerning solar and wind energy when they meet tonight. Another agenda items is a facade grant for Syd and Sadie’s Boutique at 102 North Sangamon in the city. City council members will also look to amend a loan agreement with Gibson Area Hospital and a special license for the Bayern Stube for the Friday Night Under the Lights events. The Gibson City Council meets at 7 tonight
(Springfield--jc) -- The Illinois House Monday passed a bill to require protections on closed ash impoundments, a measure long sought by environmental advocates in the state with the nation’s most coal ash repositories and it is good news for Vermilion County. Senate Bill 9 orders the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop rules regarding the closure of coal ash repositories and creates a process for public input on individual closure plans that must be filed with the state. House bill sponsor, State Representative Mike Marron, Republican from Fithian says the process will provide more safeguards than exist under federal coal ash rules…
104th District State Representative Mike Marron, Republican from Fithian
(Paxton--jc) -- This week is the scheduled start for Carle Hospital to begin to tear down the former Paxton Hospital Building. The local health care company has announced no new plans for the space, but helping the city reclaim the area along route 9 in the city.
(Gilman--jc) -- Iroquois West school board members will look at an interim superintendent position when they meet this afternoon in special session. The meeting comes to order at 5-30 this afternoon in the high school board room in Gilman. Also at 7 tonight, the Iroquois West School Board will continue negotiations with employees of the district concerning a new contract. That meeting will be in closed session
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — House Democrats in Illinois have advanced a measure to replace the state's abortion law with less restrictive language that gives people "a fundamental right" to make decisions about their reproductive health. A House committee approved the legislation on a party-line vote, sending it to the House floor today. All committee Republicans voted no. Among other provisions, the bill requires private health insurance companies that cover pregnancy-related benefits to cover abortion. Supporters say the measure is necessary to counter other states' action to restrict abortion procedures and the appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices who oppose abortion.Republicans criticized Democrats, who control the Legislature and the governor's office, for holding the hearing on the Sunday night of a holiday weekend and posting notice just one hour before the hearing.
(Watseka--jc) -- Iroquois County E-M-A officials continue to provide updates on properties in the Watseka area devastated by the recent straight line winds and severe thunderstorms earlier this month.on the recovery. Power outages have been restored caused by storms on May 23rd. Lutheran Church Charities continues to help with crews with clean up efforts. Roads are almost all back to normal this morning.
(Melvin--jc) The group Stillgrass is set to perform in Melvin at the Community Center on Saturday night at 7. Tickets are 10 dollars. The doors open at 5-30. Food will be available for purchase from the Melvin Methodist Church.
