State News

IDES Unemployment Rates Increase in All Metro Areas

Thursday, May 26 by Jc Tinsley

Unemployment Rates Increase in All Metro Areas First time in six years unemployment rate up in every county Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment RatesMetropolitan AreaApril 2016April 2015Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington5.4%3.9%1.5Carbondale-Marion6.3%5.0%1.3Champaign-Urbana5.3%4.2%1.1Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights6.3%5.7%0.6Danville7.5%6.0%1.5Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL5.8%5.0%0.8Decatur7.1%5.9%1.2Elgin5.8%4.9%0.9Kankakee6.8%5.9%0.9Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI5.4%4.7%0.7Peoria6.9%5.3%1.6Rockford6.9%6.0%0.9Springfield5.1%4.4%0.7St. Louis (IL-Section)6.1%5.1%1.0Illinois Statewide6.2%5.4%0.8* Data subject to revision. CHICAGO–All metropolitan areas in Illinois experienced over- the-year unemployment rate increases... Read More.

Shimkus Tapped to Negotiate with Senate on Energy Bill

Thursday, May 26 by Jc Tinsley

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been selected to take part in a conference committee to reconcile differences between House and Senate energy legislation.“We’ve seen major changes to the way America produces and uses... Read More.

Righter: Speaker Madigan, House Democrats kill EIU funding legislation

Friday, May 20 by Jc Tinsley

Legislation that sailed through the Illinois Senate May 5 that would have directed more critical funding to Eastern Illinois University, other universities, and community colleges during the state’s ongoing budget impasse is now essentially dead, according to State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon).“This is yet... Read More.

https://retirenewharmony.com/charles-ford-hospice-in-harmony/

Illinois Farm Bureau issues statement regarding EPA’s 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard Draft

Thursday, May 19 by Jc Tinsley

“While we applaud EPA for the timeliness of its 2017 proposal and for expanding the use of biofuels next year by another 700 million gallons, once again we believe the agency’s proposal falls short of maximizing the potential of the U.S. biofuels industry. By... Read More.

ICC to Host Summer Preparedness Policy Session

Tuesday, May 17 by Jc Tinsley

CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will host a Summer Preparedness policy session on Thursday, May 26 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.The purpose of the session is to ensure that utilities, generators and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) remain ready to provide safe,... Read More.

College Illinois! 529 Day Sweepstakes: Win a Free Semester of College!

Tuesday, May 17 by Jc Tinsley

As part of its mission to help make college possible for all Illinois families, the College Illinois!® 529 Prepaid Tuition Program is celebrating National 529 Day (5/29) by giving away a College Illinois! plan worth a semester of community college... Read More.

Jesse White Announces Security Upgrades to Driver’s License/ID Card and Changes to the Issuance Process

Tuesday, May 17 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that his office is upgrading security features to the Driver’s License/ID card design and expanding the central issuance process for driver’s licenses and ID cards to all applicants. With implementation of these changes, Illinois has moved closer... Read More.

Honor your hero: Public encouraged to submit loved ones for recognition on Memorial Day Remembrance Wall

Monday, May 16 by Jc Tinsley

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), and the Illinois Senate Republican caucus are teaming up to honor and remember the sacrifice of the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have passed away.The public is encouraged to submit... Read More.

Shimkus Statement on Obamacare Ruling

Friday, May 13 by Jc Tinsley

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement in reaction to the federal court ruling in favor of the House of Representatives in a lawsuit against the Obama Administration:“Today’s ruling reaffirms what we’ve known all along – that the Congress, not... Read More.

Shimkus Statement on the Obama Administration’s School Bathroom Decree

Friday, May 13 by Jc Tinsley

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15), a former high school teacher, released the following statement in reaction to the Obama Administration’s unprecedented intrusion into local school bathroom policies:“This decree has nothing to do with equality, justice or fairness for students; it’s entirely about... Read More.