(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers passed a new state budget early Saturday morning, totaling over 45 billion dollars and paving the way for the new fiscal year beginning July 1st. Higher than expected state revenues and federal COVID money helped to support vital programs and secure the state’s financial footing says Senator Elgie Sims of Chicago…
State Senator Elgie Sims of Chicago. There’s more money for education, college map grants and public safety initiatives as well as funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Governor J-B Pritzker is celebrating passage of what he calls a budget for the people of Illinois. The budget is balanced for the fourth year in a row according to Democrats, supports local governments, provides tax relief and boosts staffing at nursing homes, says the Governor. It also addresses crime in Illinois…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says there are also more college scholarships for low income students including for career and technical education and a grant program for the hospitality industry.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation cracking down on organized retail theft made it out of the spring session. The heavily negotiated bill is in response to the growing number of smash and grab crimes that are committed not by teens stealing small items, but well organized gangs that sell the merchandise online, says Senator Suzy Glowiak-Hilton of Western Springs…
State Senator Suzy Glowiak-Hilton of Western Springs. The bill specifically defines organized retail crime in state law, gives prosecutors more authority to go after criminals across county lines and requires online marketplaces to verify the identity for sellers with a high-volume of merchandise.
(Rantoul-tr) – The Rantoul Sports Complex in Rantoul is entering its second year of operation with big expectations. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reed says the day before Easter will feature candy dropped from a helicopter with many other events on the horizon…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reed.
(Buckley–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the day is Edge Insurance-Abbe Insurance of Buckley. Agent Dylan Reetz is starting a daily Edge Market Minute today on WPXN. Reetz will offer analysis on farm commodities and farm finances each day in our 7am news. Reetz says he grew up on a local family farm…
Edge Insurance-Abbe Insurance Agent Dylan Reetz
(Ford County-jm) – Ford County voters will soon be receiving new voter registration cards. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick announced new cards were mailed recently. Voters should receive them by April 15th. If not, you are asked to call the Ford County Clerk's office. The primary is set for June 28th.
(Washington-jm) – Here's a quick look at what USDA had to say in its supply and demand forecasts about prospects for wheat, corn and soybeans. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The new state budget includes more than one point eight billion dollars in tax relief. Some of the provisions are temporary, such as lifting the one percent grocery tax for a year and delaying a scheduled increase in the gas tax until January. The budget also doubles the property tax rebate up to 300 dollars and sends a one time payment of at least 50 bucks to most individuals and 100 bucks per kid. Decatur Representative Sue Scherer says this is what people need…
State Representative Sue Scherer of Decatur. The earned income tax credit which helps low income working families will be expanded and there will also be a sales tax holiday for back to school purchases in August. Governor J-B Pritzker is celebrating passage of what he calls a budget for the people of Illinois. The Governor says the budget addresses crime by adding 300 new state troopers, funds violence prevention programs and supports mental health resources for law enforcement. It also funds more college scholarships and provides tax relief including direct payments going to most Illinoisans…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says they are also suspending licensing fees for bars and restaurants and offering grants to the still-struggling industry.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are voting to enact a ban on “ghost guns.” The bill basically requires all guns to have a serial number, outlawing so called “ghost guns” that can be put together with a kit bought online or using a 3-D printer. Representative Kam Buckner of Chicago sponsored the measure, saying it doesn't take away gun owner’s rights and should stand up in court if challenged…
State Representative Kam Buckner of Chicago. Supporters say Illinois law enforcement has seen a 400 percent increase in ghost guns over the last five years.
(Buckley–jc) Edge Insurance-Abbe Insurance of Buckley is the WPXN Business of the day today. The Insurance Agency in the big white building on the south edge of Buckley has an experienced staff, says Agent Dylan Reetz…
Edge Insurance Abbe Insurance Agent Dylan Reetz. Reetz will have an Edge Market Minute in the 7am WPXN News hour each day.
(Champaign County-tr) – The Champaign County Board approved ARPA funding to the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority back in late March. Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis explains the need for local funding…
Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis.
(Washington-jm) – Data from recent USDA reports such as quarterly grain stocks and prospective plantings are part of April production and supply and demand forecasts that cover the current marketing year. Rod Bain reports…
