(Springfield-jm) – The $750 million in tax increases to fund Illinois’ largest spending plan in state history is now in place. But so is a measure increasing the state’s debt by $8 billion while giving schools more taxing authority. State Rep. Tom Weber, said House Bill 4582 not only puts taxpayers $8 billion in more debt, it also allows local school boards to increase property taxes without a referendum. The bill synopsis states “beginning September 1, 2024, no referendum shall be required to build or purchase a building for school classroom or instructional purposes if, prior to the building or purchase of the building, the board determines, by resolution, that the building or purchase will result in an increase in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classroom space in the district.”
(Springfield-jm) – A new survey shows small business rent delinquency numbers have reached a three-year high. Alignable’s latest rent and revenue report shows 46% of small business owners couldn't afford to pay their May rent in full and on time. That is the highest number since the pandemic. Researcher Chuck Casto said a couple economic conditions are to blame including high interest rates and the effects of inflation. Casto added that soaring rent costs are also to blame, with 58% of small business owners saying their rent has increased during the past six months. Small business owners said supply costs are skyrocketing, with 89% saying supply costs are higher now than this time last year. In Illinois, 40% of small businesses couldn't pay their rent on time or in full in May, an increase of 11% from the month before. That is the 7th highest percentage in the country.
(Springfield-jm) – A controversial piece of legislation that would impact voting in the state has been ruled unconstitutional. The General Assembly quickly passed what they called an ethics law that would have banned the process of slating. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the legislation was nothing more than a power grab by the Democrats…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Danville-jm) – VA Illiana Health Care System and multiple Veteran organizations have partnered to increase access to dignified American flag retirement services. They are expanding the network of American flag retirement boxes, with a new box in Danville officially opening on Flag Day, June 14. The Danville box is the second to come online, joining the existing flag retirement box at Peoria’s Bob Michel VA Clinic.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul Village leaders gave the go-ahead to enhancing the bike-walk paths in the village. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says additions to the bike-walk-paths in town continue to make more of Rantoul accessible…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Commerce Commission will hold a public hearing in Champaign on Illinois American Water’s rate increase. The hearing will take place July 23rd at 7pm at the Champaign Public Library. The public is invited to attend and provide the commission with their feedback.
(Rankin–dm)-The Rankin Lions Club will host their 25th annual truck and tractor pull on Friday, June 28th at Centennial Park. Track announcer Tom Theesfield has some information on the local classes.
Tractor pull track announcer Tom Theesfield if you want more information about the tractor pull you can call Shane Diskin at 217-302-1920
(Springfield-jm) – Only about 35% of students between third and eighth grade scored proficient in reading, according to data from the 2023 Illinois Assessment of Readiness. Some education advocates said that there are multiple reasons why scores could be this low, including COVID-19 and the way students are taught reading and reading comprehension. Although this is up about 5% from 2022, some educators and advocates want to see a change.
(Rantoul–jc) Several new businesses are coming to Rantoul’s west side. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says a new ice cream shoppe is open, a nails salon and Culvers are coming soon…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Springfield-jm) – A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans. Sponsors and advocates say Illinois saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone. The legislation requires school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. Schools would be required to identify where AEDs are located on the property and include guidelines for how to use the equipment properly. Coaches and other school staff could also be trained on using AEDs.
(The Center Square) – Canada is Illinois’ largest trading partner and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is hoping to trade some knowledge about alternative energy technologies. Pritzker continued his trade mission in Canada this week. The governor joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments. Governor Pritzkers says the future could hold many new business ventures for the two areas of North America…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana is marking the groundbreaking of a new fire station. The City of Urbana, Urbana Fire Department, and the Fire Station Project Team held a ceremony Wednesday at 1205 West Bradley Avenue. The new, state-of-the art fire stations have been designed with firefighter health and wellness at the forefront.
(Rantoul–jc) All members of the Rantoul Paxton VFW would like to thank those who stopped by the corners of route 136 and route 45 in Rantoul and donated to the local service group. They are looking for more people to join the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Rantoul Paxton V-F-W Post 67-50 Spokesperson Joe Manka invites those eligible to join…
Rantoul V-F-W Post 67-50 spokesperson Joe Manka. Anyone wanting to donate dollars to the local post may do so, by sending the donation to Rantoul V-F-W Post 67-50, 675 North Ohio Street, Rantoul.
(Undated-jm) – Three area groups are receiving funding from the state through the Back 2 Business program. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is receiving nearly $27,000. The Iroquois Economic Development Association is receiving $3,344. Vermilion Advantage is receiving $50,000.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA’s latest winter wheat production forecast reveals what could be a significant harvest for the 2024 crop. Rod Bain reports…
WPXN News Notes…
Onarga Townwide garage sales take place June 14th and 15th.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold their foodmobile on Friday, June 14th from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home park in Rantoul and from 10:30-11 am at the Ludlow Community Center.
The 2024 Buckley Fun Day is set for Saturday, June 15th.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Hometown Heroes on Saturday, June 15th from 10-2.
