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.
Regional
Posted inNews
IDHS Restores Full SNAP Benefits for Illinois Residents
IDHS has restored full USDA SNAP benefits and all recipients are expected to receive their full November benefits by Nov. 20, ending the hardship caused by the lapse in funding for 1.9 million Illinoisans and businesses.
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 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.
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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.
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Trump agrees to extend judge’s block on deploying National Guard as Supreme Court weighs case
The Trump administration has appealed the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is unclear when the high court may rule on the Department of Justice’s plea for intervention in the Illinois National Guard deployment.
Posted inNews
Giannoulias’ office accepting John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Nominations
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, which recognizes young Illinoisans between the ages of 18-25 who have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities in the spirit of the late Congressman and Civil Rights icon.
Posted inEducation
Report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois
Despite billions of dollars in additional spending on K-12 education, proficiency rates in reading, writing and math have stagnated in Illinois, while overall educational attainment has improved.
