(SPRINGFIELD) As the first three days of the fall veto session in Springfield is expected to end today, many downstate lawmakers are concerned about the topics of discussion so far in the State Capitol. State Representative Adam Niemerg says transit funding, a delivery tax, energy solutions, and immigration are all subjects that the state’s majority party has been pointing to since Tuesday. In fact, House Democrats passed a number of house resolutions, all of which point to President Donald Trump or his administration dealing with violence and more. The fall veto session ends with three more days October 28–30th.
(CHICAGO) The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released its latest Small Business Optimism Index, showing a 2 point drop in September to 98.8, which is still just above the survey’s 52-year average of 98 points. The Uncertainty Index meanwhile went up by 7 points to 100 even, the fourth-highest reading in over 51 years. As state lawmakers meet for the fall veto session this month, NFIB officials say small businesses are worried about several tax-increase proposals, plus the ongoing high energy costs around the state.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department on Aging says residents with Medicare can get free help comparing health and drug plan options for this year’s Open Enrollment period, which started yesterday and runs through December 7th, 2025. Senior citizens are urged to call or visit one of the Senior Health Insurance Program sites located throughout Illinois.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says numerous Illinois state parks, state fish & wildlife areas, and other public lands will be open to the youth waterfowl hunting seasons over the next few months. Per federal regulations, licensed hunters age 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, and other waterfowl if they are accompanied by an adult hunter with no gun. Go to the dnr.illinois.gov website for more information and details.