(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate was unchanged last month, at 5.1%, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of unemployed persons in April was up eight-tenths of a percentage point (0.8%) from March, and up 12.7% over the same month one year ago. The national joblessness rate for April came in at 4;3%. For more details, go to the ides.illinois.gov website.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Citizens Utility Board says both Ameren and ComEd customers can expect higher electricity bills after summer supply rates kick in next month. While Ameren’s summer rate is more than 29% higher than its current price, the Commonwealth-Edison summer price represents a roughly 50% increase over two years ago. It all starts on Monday, June 1st.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether the Illinois Department of Human Services facilitated noncitizen voter registration. The Freedom Caucus’ move follows IDHS officials’ recent testimony during an Illinois Senate hearing that voter registration packets were mailed to individuals who were not U.S. citizens living in Illinois, all a part of an immigrant benefits program. State Representative Adam Niemerg and other downstate lawmakers spoke on the House Floor this week, noting that noncitizens, who are in Illinois illegally, could easily fill out the documents and send them to county clerk’s offices, where by state law, they are not allowed to check immigration status.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois General Assembly has passed a bill banning the use of big cats, primates, and bears in circuses, fairs, and/or other events. House Bill 4255 cleared the State Senate this week by a vote of 51 to 4 and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his consideration and possible signature. It was nine years ago in 2017 that Illinois became the first state in the nation to ban the use of elephants in circuses, fairs, and other such traveling acts or shows.