State News

Rauner Administration Supreme Court Appeal on AFSCME Contract Implementation

Monday, March 20 by Jc Tinsley

The Rauner Administration has filed a direct appeal to the State Supreme Court in AFSCME's case to block the administration from implementing its last, best and final offer. The following statement is attributable to General Counsel Dennis Murashko:“After 67 days of negotiation, the Administration... Read More.

Nominating Petitions available for Illinois Commodity Board seats

Friday, March 17 by Jc Tinsley

Farmers who would like to run for a three-year-term on the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB), the Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board (ISPOB), or the Illinois Sheep and Wool Marketing Board (ISWMB) can now start circulating nomination petitions. Petitions are available through the commodity organizations... Read More.

CAIRO MAN TO RECEIVE LIFE SENTENCE FOR DOUBLE MURDER DURING AN ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY

Friday, March 17 by Jc Tinsley

Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that James Nathaniel Watts, age 32, of Cairo, Ill., has pleaded guilty to a federal Superseding Indictment regarding the May 2014 attempted robbery of the First National Bank in Cairo,... Read More.

Governor Rauner Urges General Assembly to Ensure Pension Reform, Funding for Chicago Public Schools

Friday, March 17 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Rauner released a video message Thursday encouraging the General Assembly to take swift action on legislation that would enact statewide pension reform while delivering Chicago Public Schools the $215 million it has requested from the state.The Governor has pledged to sign the legislation... Read More.

Unemployment Rates Increase in Most Metro Areas

Friday, March 17 by Jc Tinsley

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates Metropolitan AreaJan. 2017Jan. 2016Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington6.1%5.9%0.2Carbondale-Marion7.0%6.8%0.2Champaign-Urbana6.1%5.9%0.2Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights5.8%6.5%-0.7Danville8.6%8.2%0.4Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL6.3%6.7%-0.4Decatur7.7%7.7%0.0Elgin7.2%6.8%0.4Kankakee8.3%7.9%0.4Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI6.5%6.2%0.3Peoria8.3%7.7%0.6Rockford11.1%7.8%3.3Springfield6.1%5.9%0.2St. Louis (IL-Section)6.6%6.7%-0.1Illinois Statewide6.5%6.7%-0.2* Data subject to revision. CHICAGO–The majority of Illinois’ metropolitan (metro) areas experienced increases in their over-the-year unemployment rate. Five of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, eight reported declines,... Read More.

The Illinois Funds Receives Top Credit Rating

Friday, March 17 by Jc Tinsley

S&P Global Ratings has issued The Illinois Funds investment pool a AAAm credit rating, the highest available, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. The strong, positive rating of the treasurer’s office investment fund counters the string of downgrades and negative outlooks issued to instruments issued... Read More.

Illinois Department of Commerce Increases EDGE Program Transparency

Thursday, March 16 by Jc Tinsley

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity today announced the online publication of EDGE tax credit incentive agreements. The publication is the latest move by the Rauner Administration towards better government and transparency.“EDGE is a local economic development tool that has allowed communities to... Read More.

Governor Rauner Applauds State Adoption of Every Student Succeeds Act Plan

Thursday, March 16 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner released the following statement Wednesday following the Illinois State Board of Education’s adoption of a comprehensive educational plan in response to the Every Student Succeeds Act. Every state must develop a plan outlining its approach to school accountability, support, and use... Read More.

Severin Moves Helping Paws Legislation Out of the House

Thursday, March 16 by Jc Tinsley

Legislation introduced by State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) that would provide additional assistance to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression received unanimous approval from the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 15th.HB 2897 dictates that veterans suffering from PTSD or... Read More.

Governor’s Office Statement on Democrat Opposition to Authorizing Spending Cuts

Thursday, March 16 by Jc Tinsley

The Rauner Administration today released the below statement following the Senate Executive Committee voting down legislation to give Governor Rauner the authority to cut spending and balance the budget:“Governor Rauner has said from the beginning that if the legislature is unwilling to fulfill its... Read More.