(Springfield-jm) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is aiming to improve student achievement, social interaction and the mental health of public school students by proposing a statewide ban on cellphones in classrooms, an idea that is rapidly gaining traction nationally regardless of political persuasion. Legislation introduced in both houses of the General Assembly would require school districts to set policies that ban personal wireless devices during class time, with notable exceptions, create a means for secure but accessible storage of phones and tablets, and review those guidelines at least every three years.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is proposing a fifty-five point two billion dollar budget for fiscal year 26- a two billion dollar increase over the current year’s spending plan. Capitol News Illinois reports a November estimate projected a three-point-two billion budget shortfall. But the governor’s office now projects the economy to perform better and plans to spend about one-point-one billion less than what was projected in November. A large concern for the state is how much federal funding the state will receive based on recent policy actions of President Donald Trump. Pritzker says it will be a tough year and he’s ready to work with lawmakers, but he’s committed to signing a budget only if it’s balanced…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritker. One of the proposed cuts is to health benefits for low-income immigrants between ages 42 and 64.
(Paxton–jc) The Ford County Executive Committee is set to meet this afternoon at 5pm. On the agenda is hearing a presentation from Steve Carter and Scot Wrighton. The county committee will also look to take bids for printer and copier services for Ford County.
(Springfield–jc) Some republican state lawmakers are looking closer to the numbers in the budget. 38th District State Senator Sue Rezin, Republican from Morris, says with a billion dollars in more taxes to Illinoisans last year, the state needs a closer look at spending money on those here illegally…
38th District State Senator Sue Rezin, Republican from Morris
(Urbana-jm) – The man accused of a fatal hit and run in Urbana was denied pretrial release Wednesday. Julio Cucul Bol was arraigned in Champaign County court on charges of leaving the scene of a personal injury resulting in death, reckless homicide, and aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death. Cucul Bol will be back in court mid-March for a preliminary hearing.
(Buckley–jc) Its Crop Insurance time for area farmers and those around the country. Edge Insurance of Buckley owner Dylan Reetz says conversations with area ag professionals continue on some new options for crop year 20-25…
Edge Insurance of Buckley Owner Dylan Reetz
(Chicago–jc) –Utility Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission are expected to issue a final decision today in their year-long investigation into the Peoples Gas pipe replacement program. In November 2023, citing delays, cost-overruns, and concern that the program was not properly prioritizing addressing safety risks, the ICC paused the program and ordered the investigation. Consumer advocates said the decision will not immediately reset rates but could have a significant impact on future Peoples Gas rates.
(Springfield–jc) With the governor putting out his budget for the coming fiscal year, reaction from some area lawmakers. 106th district State Representative Jason Bunting -Republican, from Emmington, was disappointed not only with the budget proposal but also with the governor’s political rhetoric on national issues…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois community colleges may start offering bachelor degrees with a bill that has the support of the governor. Governor JB Pritzker announced the proposal at his State of the State address Wednesday. 24 other states allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees.
(Buckley–jc) Those with area lutheran churches have a special day planned in March. Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is set for Sunday March 9th at St John's Lutheran Church in Buckley. Lutheran Hour Speaker The Reverend Doctor Michael Zeigler is the guest speaker. The service will begin at 11am. Lunch will be served after the service at St John's School. A free will offering will be taken to give to the Lutheran Hour.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is proposing a fifty-five point two billion dollar budget for fiscal year 26- a two billion dollar increase over the current year’s spending plan. Capitol News Illinois reports a November estimate projected a three-point-two billion budget shortfall. Pritker says it will be a tough year and he’s ready to work with lawmakers, but he’s committed to signing a budget only if it's balanced. Representative Ryan Spain says the governor’s budget is full of gimmicks and is upset Pritzker didn’t promise to veto a budget that raises taxes…
State Representative Ryan Spain. The only proposed tax increase would be on some casino profits to raise about $100 million. The Governor also proposed delaying a sales tax transfer on motor fuel and creating a tax penalty amnesty program to raise another $369 million.
(Springfield–jc) with Illinois Governor J B Pritzker giving his budget address at noon, those on the conservative side of government says the spending is out of control. Reaction from 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet…
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose Republican from Mahomet
(Iroquois County-jm) – With the bitter cold taking hold, the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency announces warming centers will be available for residents in Iroquois County, ensuring the most vulnerable of our residents are safe during the upcoming extremely cold winter days. The centers offer a warm location during periods of dangerous cold. Before heading to any warming center, it is recommended that a phone call be made to confirm availability. The warming centers include the Ashkum Coliseum, the Chebanse Community Center, Gilman City Hall or the Iroquois West School District Office, the Martinton Church of Christ, the Milford Christian Church, the Watseka Public Library, Watseka Walmart, the Iroquois County Administrative Center and Trinity Church.
(Rantoul–jc) The new Culver's restaurant is in the fast paced building stage in the village of Rantoul. The new Busey Bank location will start this Spring. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith talks about the business expansion in Rantoul…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Springfield–jc)-- Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Wednesday announced that investment earnings on the state portfolio are up more than 11 percent as the state government faces tough budgeting decisions this spring. Investment earnings stand at just over 803 Billion dollars up from 732 Billion for the first 6 months of fiscal year 20-24. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s monthly report showed how important this extra income the Treasurer’s Office is earning is for state coffers.
(Springfield–jc) More reaction from area lawmakers on the proposed new spending in Illinois Governor J B Pritzker's proposed budget. 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer, Republican from Danville, said while some of the proposals the governor discussed in the first half of his speech were good, he was disappointed with the political comments…
104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer Republican from Danville
Over one million FFA students will be participating in National FFA Week across the country. We were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Karley Putnam from the PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
Autumn Ruetter from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
EmmiLynne from the Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
Natalie Aberle from GCMS High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
WPXN would like to thank Weber Fertilizer in Loda, Ludlow Co Op, Knapp & Steiner in Cissna Park, and Birkey's Farm Stores in Gibson City and Hoopeston for sponsoring Nationall FFA Week.
WPXN news notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Buckley Sportsman Club will hold their annual All you can eat Fish Fry at the Buckley American Legion on Friday from 4:30-7pm. Cost is $13 for adults 13 and over. $7 for kids 12 and under.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Mt Oyster lunch on Saturday, February 22nd from 12-2 pm. Cost is $15.
The Carter Education and Community Foundation will hold A Night of Jazz Mix and Mingling on Saturday, February 22nd at The Linden Banquet Center. Live music begins at 5:30pm. Cost is $40 per person. More information is available by calling 217-722-7173.
The PBL Athletic Boosters will host a Glow Bingo at the Pueblo Lindo on Saturday, February 22nd. Doors open at 5:30 with Bingo beginning at 7.
