(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois now ranks as the least affordable state for housing in the Midwest, with one in three households paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing as property taxes continue to rise. U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by the Illinois Policy Institute also shows that at least 15 percent of households pay upwards of 50 percent of their income for housing, rendering them by federal standards as “severely burdened.” At the same time, data shows that the typical homeowner’s property taxes have jumped by $756 since 2019, leaving the state with the second-highest tax rates in the country.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has announced that legislation enabling Illinois residents to start using mobile driver’s licenses and state ID’s was signed into law over the weekend, all part of the Secretary of State’s commitment to modernizing it’s office while getting up to speed with other states that already have such programs in place. House Bill 4592 hopes to make mobile ID’s available next year, but only after tough testing requirements are implemented and the highest standards of security are ensured.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police has earned Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation now for the 11th time. This accreditation affirms the continued commitment to excellence by the Illinois State Police by using all available resources, including technology and training, to better the State Police as they serve and protect the citizens of Illinois. Back in 1986, the Illinois State Police became the first state law enforcement agency to be accredited by the CALEA, which for over 50 years has been referred to as the “Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies.”
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2024 Illinois State Fair continues in Springfield with today being noted as Senior Citizens Day & Scout Day with more livestock shows and the ITPA truck & tractor pulls in The Arena tonight. Tomorrow is Twosday with a discounted admission and all rides in the Carnival Midway & Adventure Village is only $2 each, plus there’s more livestock shows, truck & tractor pulls tomorrow night, and on stage, it’s Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke. Wednesday is Governor’s Day with the Sale of Champions with all the junior livestock to be featured and auctioned off, plus more harness racing, tractor & truck pulls, and on stage, Lil Wayne with Chanel West Coast. Everyday activities includes various shows & activities at Conservation World, plus all the great fair food stands, other entertainment, carnival rides, & more running through Sunday. Go to the statefair.illinois.gov website.