Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura and other legislators have passed Senate Bill 642, which will increase the exemption thresholds for a property tax freeze for seniors on fixed incomes, provide a new property tax repayment plan, and help families manage rising property tax costs.
Politics
Posted inNews
New Law Helps Illinois Seniors Stay in Their Homes Despite Rising Taxes
State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar announced the passage of legislation expanding property tax relief for seniors on fixed incomes, raising income eligibility thresholds for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption and the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program.
Posted inNews
Illinois Prison Mail Scanning Program Faces Backlash From Families and Advocates
The Illinois Department of Corrections has launched a program to scan incoming mail to prisoners in an effort to reduce drugs and contraband from entering prisons, but critics argue it violates prisoners’ civil rights and there is little evidence to suggest it will be effective.
Posted inNews
Illinois treasurer faces no GOP challenger as 2026 primary ballots take shape
Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs is unopposed for a fourth term as the state’s chief investment officer, as no Republican filed to run for state treasurer by the close of the weeklong filing period for the March 17 primary election, marking the first time in at least 90 years a major party has failed to field a candidate for a statewide office.
Posted inState
Governor Pritzker Pushes for Tax Code Changes to Mitigate Impact of Federal Cuts
Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to Gov. JB Pritzker that makes changes to the state’s tax code in response to federal tax policies that could reduce state revenue, potentially saving the state $250 million in FY26.
Posted inLatest News
Senator Ventura Votes No on IDOC Director Amid Prison Safety Concerns
State Senator Rachel Ventura is voting against the re-appointment of Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes due to ongoing health issues, human rights violations, and safety concerns in Illinois prisons.
Posted inNews
Illinois DOT Implements Steps to Support Disadvantaged Businesses Despite Federal Rule
IDOT is taking steps to preserve federal funding and support the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program by recertifying firms and limiting contracts in its upcoming November letting in response to a new Trump administration contracting rule.
Posted inPolitics
Dabrowski sets fundraising bar at $1.5M in GOP primary for governor
Darren Bailey is working to rebuild his campaign fund for the 2026 Illinois Republican primary for governor, while Ted Dabrowski has received support from billionaire Dick Uihlein and other wealthy donors.
Posted inPolitics
Krishnamoorthi spends $450K per week on TV ads in Senate race
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has raised and spent significantly more than his Democratic primary rivals, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly, giving him a financial advantage in the race for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat.
Posted inHealth
State-based health insurance marketplace opens amid federal budget stalemate
Illinois residents will see premium hikes and many are expected to drop coverage due to the ending of enhanced tax credits, which is part of a federal budget change included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” of 2021.
