Illinois Representatives Ryan Spain and Tony M. McCombie and Senator Senate Craig Wilcox have introduced a bill to create a new income tax deduction for gratuities. House Bill 1383 and Senate Bill 0140, introduced in the 104th General Assembly, aim to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act to allow taxpayers […]
State of Illinois
Illinois Launches New REAL ID Initiative Ahead of 2025 Deadline: Expanded DMV Hours, Online Portal
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a new initiative to help residents prepare for the upcoming REAL ID enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. The program includes several key components: Secretary Giannoulias emphasized that not all residents need a REAL ID before May 7. Those with valid U.S. […]
Illinois schools continuing DEI initiatives despite federal funding threats
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois February 26, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education is not telling schools to stop any diversity, equity and inclusion lessons or programs, the state’s education chief told a House committee this week, even as the Trump administration threatens to pull federal […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Bills to Limit Cell Phone Use in Schools
Two new bills introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aim to address the use of cellular devices in schools, potentially changing how students interact with their phones during the school day. HB2975: Strict Prohibition Representative Curtis J. Tarver II introduced House Bill 2975 on February 6, 2025, which calls for […]
Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Right to Repair Bill to Expand Consumer Choice and Challenge Manufacturer Monopolies
Illinois Representative Amy Briel and Senator Laura Fine have introduced a groundbreaking “Right to Repair” bill (HB2549) in the Illinois General Assembly, aimed at giving consumers and independent repair shops greater access to tools, parts, and documentation needed to fix electronic devices and appliances. The introduction of Illinois’ Right to […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose New Ticket Sale Regulations
Illinois legislators (Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman) have introduced a new bill that would significantly alter the landscape of ticket sales and resales in the state. House Bill 3108, introduced on February 18 by Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman, proposes several amendments to the Ticket Sale […]
Illinois Advanced Placement Students Set New Records in Participation and Performance
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the Class of 2024 in Illinois achieved success in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance, setting new records and outpacing national averages. Performance Highlights Illinois has made significant strides in AP exam performance over the past decade: “Over the years, we’ve seen […]
Financial impacts of federal action stir anxiety for Illinois farmers
by Ashley Soriano and Medill Illinois News Bureau February 21, 2025 CHICAGO — The effects of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on allies and rivals are yet to be seen, but farmers in Illinois are bracing for their impact – even as they wait years for Congress to pass long-term federal spending […]
Bills Look to Expand Bachelor’s Degree Access at Community Colleges
Two bills currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 3717 and Senate Bill 2482, propose to amend the Public Community College Act to allow community college districts to offer baccalaureate degree programs under certain conditions. These bills aim to address workforce needs, promote equitable access to higher […]
Illinois Senate Bill Aims to Protect Patients from Aggressive Medical Debt Collection
A new bill introduced in the Illinois Senate seeks to amend the Fair Patient Billing Act, providing greater protections for patients facing medical debt. Senate Bill 1223, introduced by Senator Laura Fine, addresses several key issues related to medical debt collection and patient billing practices. The bill focuses on preventing […]