(SPRINGFIELD) In news out of our State Capitol over the weekend. Without a spending plan advancing, the State House of Representatives adjourned late Saturday for the holiday weekend. However, the State Senate was in special session yesterday on Sunday, passing Governor J.B. Pritzker’s $53 billion spending plan late last night before adjourning & going home. Among the spending is nearly a billion dollars of taxpayer funds for illegal migrants now in Illinois, plus around $629 million for illegal immigrants’ health care, $182 million for direct services for illegal immigrants, and $160 million for illegal immigrant welcoming centers. To pay for everything, there will be more than $1 billion in tax increases, including $526 million by capping business net operating losses and $200 million for a tiered sports betting company tax. The revenue plan also includes a slew of tax incentives and credits for things like quantum computing and the hiring of local journalists and ex-felons, however nothing, not even discussion, about restoring the Invest in Kids School Choice Scholarship Program. The State House is now expected to return to Springfield tomorrow to get the state’s largest spending plan in state history across the finish line & to the Governor’s desk.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police and hundreds of local and other statewide law enforcement agencies are out in extra force for the rest of today and tonight, looking for those driving impaired by either alcohol and/or drugs. Plus those who are speeding, not wearing their seatbelts, and those texting or using their hand held devices while driving. There will be various saturation patrols, roadside safety checks, and more through tonight.
(SPRINGFIELD) The State DNR and Illinois Conservation Police remind those out on statewide ponds, lakes, and rivers today to operate their boats while sober and to make sure everyone uses their life jackets. There were 70 reportable boating accidents around the state last year with 37 injuries & 12 fatalities, eight of which were not using a life jacket.