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| Illinois Unemployment Remains 3rd Highest in Nation as Governor Travels the Country Illinoisans continue to struggle to make ends meet as the rising cost of groceries and other daily necessities puts a strain on family budgets. But as the state’s unemployment rate remains the third highest in the nation, Governor JB Pritzker has focused his energy on traveling across the country to raise his national profile. This has prompted members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus to renew calls for Pritzker to put his national ambitions on hold and focus on Illinois. They highlight several issues plaguing the state under Pritzker’s leadership, including raising taxes by nearly a billion dollars to fund spending more than a billion dollars per year on programs for non-citizens. They also point to the rising crime rates across the state, including a 60% increase in major crimes in Chicago since 2019, with more than 100 shootings occurring over the July 4th weekend. Senator Plummer said that the people of Illinois are tired of being seen as little more than a piggy bank to fund the Governor’s progressive agenda. He is calling on the Governor to “Think Illinois” and shift his focus back to Illinois and prioritize improving the lives of its residents. |
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| Hypocrisy on Display as Democrats Prepare to Converge in Chicago The hypocrisy of Illinois Democrats is on full display as many of the same lawmakers set to make Vice President Kamala Harris the Democratic nominee for president after President Joe Biden was forced out of the race, recently voted to change state election rules in Illinois to block candidate slating. This spring, the Democratic supermajority in Springfield passed legislation to prevent candidates from being appointed to the ballot after the primary election, a process similar to that now being used to nominate Harris. Within 48 hours, Governor Pritzker signed the bill into law, despite initially claiming he hadn’t read it and labeling it an “ethics bill” saying “it really does make sure that we don’t have backroom deals to put people on the ballot and run as a result of some small group of people in a smoke-filled room making the choice.” Critics, including good government groups, condemned the law as a power grab aimed at reducing voter choice because it changed the rules for an election process that was already underway. The Illinois law was found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County Judge, a ruling that has been appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court. However, less than 48 hours after President Biden dropped out of the race, Governor Pritzker endorsed slating Vice President Harris, a move similar to the one he previously criticized. The situation raises questions about the hypocrisy of Illinois Democrats’ actions and their commitment to fair electoral processes. Voters tuning into the DNC should be aware of the hypocrisy of Governor Pritzker and his allies. | |
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| Legislation Aims to Restore Critical Funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts Senate Republicans have introduced a bill to reinstate $4 million in critical funding for soil and water conservation districts (SWCD) that had been cut from the budget by Governor Pritzker. These districts work to protect Illinois’ valuable soil and water resources through strategic conservation efforts. The legislation, filed by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), responds to a significant reduction in funding for soil and water conservation districts in Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Senate Bill 3964 addresses this challenge by reallocating funds through the Partners for Conservation Fund, highlighting the indispensable role of SWCDs in environmental stewardship. This crucial legislation aims to ensure these essential districts can continue their vital work in environmental protection and sustainable resource management. |
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| FBI Warning Illinois Residents about the Danger of ‘Jugging’ As crime rates have increased in recent years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is alerting Illinois residents about a significant rise in a specific type of robbery known as “jugging.” This tactic involves criminals following and attacking individuals after they withdraw cash from ATMs. The FBI has issued a warning about the alarming uptick in these incidents, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and vigilance. To safeguard yourself from these attacks, the FBI recommends being mindful of vehicles near ATMs, regularly monitoring your surroundings for suspicious activity, avoiding distractions while using the ATM, and keeping your money out of sight. Given the rise in “jugging” incidents in Illinois, it is crucial to stay vigilant and cautious to protect yourself. | |
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| $18 Million Announced for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program $18 million in new funding has been allocated for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which began in 2021, aims to prepare participants for registered apprenticeship programs. This round of funding will prioritize grants in regions lacking pre-apprenticeship programs and target underserved groups, including people of color, veterans, and women. Approximately 35 new programs are expected to be funded, benefiting over 1,400 residents statewide. More information can be found at https://dceo.illinois.gov/illinoisworks/preapprenticeship.html |