(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service are both reminding taxpayers that tomorrow is the deadline to get those taxes postmarked by mail or to get them done online. However, the biggest reminder is to be alert to the many tax scams that are out there, albeit fraudulent messages or websites attempting to steal banking information, login credentials, or credit card details. For more go online to tax.illinois.gov or irs.gov websites.
(SPRINGFIELD) Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis says Illinois’ gross domestic product grew 1.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The only state bordering Illinois to show more growth was Iowa at 1.8%. North Dakota led the nation with 3.8% growth in the fourth quarter.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois may soon join the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism spectrum disorder. House Bill 4472 directs the Secretary of State’s Office to distribute blue envelopes that drivers with autism could voluntarily use to store required documents, serving as a cue to law enforcement that the driver may have communication challenges. The legislation was passed unanimously in the State House last week and now is before the State Senate.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Board of Education wants almost $11 billion in state funds for the 2027 fiscal year, a request that’s an increase from current year funding. Officials say the increase would be partly offset by a transfer in oversight for some grants to the new Department of Early Childhood, a roughly $470 million hike when accounting for the change. The request also includes $50 million for property tax relief grants to school districts with high tax rates.