(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved a fiscal year 2026 budget that increases taxpayer costs, recommending an overall 4% increase, which equates to just over $108 million. While the higher education funding does not include the State University Retirement System, the Board is also recommending a 2% increase in funding for all of the state’s community colleges, for adult education, and for career & technical education.
(SPRINGFIELD) The number of stolen guns in Illinois is dropping. The Illinois State Police reports that since they started conducting inspections of Federal Firearms License dealers, the number of guns stolen last year dropped nearly 80% compared the year before in 2023. Officials believe a big reason for most of the decrease is the Firearm Dealer License Act for certification, which requires certified gun dealers to have a video security system in place.
(SPRINGFIELD) Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Revenue now has available disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in southern California affected by the wildfires. The deadline for filing various state individual and businesses tax returns and make tax payments is October 15th, 2025. Currently, those who have a business or have a residence in Los Angeles County qualify for the tax relief from the State of Illinois.
(SPRINGFIELD) Many are calling for former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s Chief of Staff to forfeit his state pension. Sentenced to prison after being convicted of perjury & attempted obstruction of justice in the criminal probe of his longtime boss, Tim Mapes, says he is due his pension. However, many lawmakers and others disagree, saying that anyone convicted of violating the public trust should be stripped of their taxpayer-funded pension.