(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that is smaller than the state’s 2026 spending plan during yesterday’s State of the State budget address in Springfield. The $54.8 billion in general funds appropriations is down from Illinois’ $55.2 billion for the current year. Illinois lawmakers had mixed views of course as Democrats gave the Governor credit for prioritizing important programs, most Republicans, including those here in downstate Illinois, said it’s the same rhetoric in past years with more covered up tax increases.
(SPRINGFIELD) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that nearly one in every five commercial driver’s licenses in Illinois were issued illegally to those who live in Illinois, but claim another country as their home. In a letter to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, Federal Administrators directed the state to come into compliance immediately and revoke the illegally-issued licenses or risk losing some $128 million in federal highway funding this fiscal year.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Pro-Life March is scheduled for today at the Lincoln Statue outside the Illinois Capitol in Springfield. The agenda includes a rally at 1:00 this afternoon, followed by the march and lobbying efforts. Auxiliary events include an early lunch with pro-life lawmakers and other supporters, plus various church services before and after the march.