(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois General Assembly’s fall veto session begins tomorrow and taxes are expected to be part of the conversation in the State Capitol. This year, lawmakers have proposed a number of different taxes to fund public transportation since the revised regional transit fiscal cliff is estimated to be around $300 million, more than half what was originally predicted. However, with most all of the transit service in Chicago, taxpayers throughout the state, many of whom will never use the service, will likely be forced to help pay for it. The General Assembly will meet three days this week and again October 28-30th.
(SPRINGFIELD) The average wages for Illinois state employees are among the highest in the nation, but below the state’s more modest cost-of-living rankings, according to state and federal data. A living cost analysis by the Economic Research & Information Center ranked Illinois as the 24th most-expensive state while the Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis placed Illinois 19th among states and the District of Columbia. Illinois is among the top five states for highest salaries for state workers, according to Open Payrolls, Inc.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will use a new automated notification system to relay chronic wasting disease test results to deer hunters, starting this year. Hunters will be able to receive the information via text or email by contacting the State DNR. Meanwhile, the 2025 Youth Deer Hunt continues today throughout the state. Starting this past Saturday and continuing yesterday, the special three-day season ends today. Therefore, the Archery Season will resume tomorrow with the first three days of the 2025 Firearm Season nearly a month away, November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.