(SPRINGFIELD) A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics warn of higher costs and added bureaucracy without guaranteed improvements. Many downstate lawmakers who voted against House Bill 3363 are voicing concerns about the potential costs and the shift away from local control. Currently, all Illinois counties but Cook, judges have the have the authority to hire and remove chief public defenders. The American Bar Association recommends public defenders operate independently as Illinois and Mississippi are the only two states with this court structure.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has announced record asset growth to more than $14 billion for Illinois’ Bright Start 529 college savings plan. The news comes after the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the NASDAQ Composite, and S&P 500 all set record highs in recent days, mostly in response to an improved economy in Illinois and around the U.S.
(SPRINGFIELD) State lawmakers are inviting friends and families of war Veterans to pay tribute to their loved ones at the Illinois State Capitol in the weeks ahead. Statewide residents are encouraged to submit stories and photographs of their family members for the Veterans Day Wall of Honor by October 24th, next month. The Wall of Honor will be on display at the State Capitol in Springfield from October 28th through November 13th.
(SPRINGFIELD) Funeral services have been announced for former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away this past Sunday. The public can pay last respects this Friday afternoon and evening, from 3:30 to 7:00, in the rotunda of the State Capitol. Memorial services will then be held at 11:00 Saturday morning at the Central Baptist Church in Springfield. The memorial will be live-streamed for viewers at blueroomstream.com.