Under the new law, job postings must clearly state the wage or salary range expected for the position, detailed descriptions of additional compensation such as bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of benefits. This requirement extends to both internal and external job postings and applies regardless of whether jobs are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

“Here in Illinois, we’ve taken action to close the pay gap and strengthen protections for workers — and these amendments to the Illinois Equal Pay Act are another critical step in that fight,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By ensuring that compensation and benefits are clear from the start, workers will have the information they need to make informed decisions, helping to create a more equitable job market.”

Moreover, the law mandates that employers notify their current employees about all open job positions within 14 days of their public posting, ensuring that current employees are aware of advancement opportunities.

Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to significant penalties for employers. For active job postings, fines can range from $500 for a first offense to up to $10,000 for third or subsequent offenses. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) will oversee the enforcement of these provisions, with the authority to initiate investigations based on complaints submitted by individuals within one year of the alleged violation.

The IDOL is empowered to issue correction notices to employers who fail to comply, outlining the nature of the violation and the timeline for resolution. In addition to fines, ongoing record-keeping requirements compel employers to maintain records of job postings, pay scales, and benefits for each position for at least five years.

This legislative update is a clear step forward in Illinois’ ongoing efforts to ensure pay equity and transparency, benefiting employers and workers alike by fostering an open and equitable work environment. Employers are urged to prepare for these changes by revising their job posting and promotional practices to align with the new transparency standards before they take effect in 2025.

“When employers aren’t transparent about pay, gender and racial wage gaps widen, costing women and people of color valuable compensation,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Illinois’ new Pay Transparency law is a resounding win for the working people who call our state home. Not only will transparency help close gender and racial wage gaps, it will also empower EVERY worker considering how potential income will impact their families.”

Other states with wage transparency laws include: Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

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Pertussis is a very contagious illness that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, especially in households and indoor settings where people are in close contact with someone who has pertussis. Symptoms typically appear five to 10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. The illness often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold—runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—but can progress to severe coughing fits ending with a “whooping” sound. In some cases, it can lead to complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Pertussis poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and unvaccinated individuals. People that have been vaccinated against pertussis may have milder symptoms, but it is important to know that they can still spread it to others. If you or a loved one develop symptoms of pertussis, especially after being in close contact with someone diagnosed with the illness, contact your healthcare provider right away.

To prevent further transmission, patients diagnosed with pertussis must avoid daycare, school, work, and public gatherings for at least five days after starting appropriate antibiotic therapy. While most individuals recover completely, complications can be severe for high-risk groups, particularly infants under one year and children who are not fully immunized.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends antibiotic treatment for specific close contacts of someone with pertussis, even if they were recently vaccinated. Close contacts include household members or anyone who has had direct exposure to respiratory, oral, or nasal secretions, or has been within three feet of the infected individual for at least five minutes.

Staying up to date with routine vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis. Most children are immunized against pertussis with a series of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine doses, but immunity wanes during adolescence. Since 2005, the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster vaccine has been available for children, adolescents and adults. It is recommended routinely at ages 11–12.

Vaccinating women with Tdap during each pregnancy, ideally in the early third trimester, is critical to protecting newborns. This practice shields 9 in 10 babies from hospitalization due to whooping cough during their first months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated.

Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose, followed by a booster every 10 years to maintain protection.

CUPHD provides pertussis vaccines and boosters to individuals of all ages, Monday through Friday, at 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign. To schedule an appointment, call 217-531-4317.

Taking the following daily actions can also help stop the spread of germs:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
• Avoid being around others who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html.

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Visitors will have the opportunity to craft unique holiday gifts and decorations using natural materials at various creation stations. Children can make personalized treasures to share with family and friends, while families can come together to prepare treats to hang from trees as a special gift to local wildlife.

Guests are welcome to drop in anytime during program hours, and children must be accompanied by an adult. With activities suitable for all ages, the event aims to spread holiday spirit and promote environmentally friendly practices.

For more information, contact the Champaign County Forest Preserve District at (217) 896-2455 or cprahl@ccfpd.org.

So, mark your calendars and join in the fun—because there’s truly no place like Homer for the holidays!

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Hosted by the Museum of the Grand Prairie, the event invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the seasonal glow of beautifully illuminated gardens. This free community event also features a variety of special activities to enhance your Night Lights experience.

Special Events to Brighten Your Visit:

• Friday, December 6: Sips & Serenades with Gearl Grey Duo (5-7 PM)
  Enjoy the soothing melodies of live music while sipping on festive beverages in the serene garden setting.
• Saturday, December 7: To Grandmother’s House We Go! (4-7 PM)
  Step back in time with family-friendly activities and stories that celebrate holiday traditions of the past.
• Friday, December 13: Sip & Learn: Hot Cups of Culture (4-6 PM)
  Warm up with delightful drinks while exploring cultural traditions tied to the holiday season.
• Friday, December 20: Carolers and Hot Chocolate (5:30-7 PM)
  Revel in the holiday spirit as carolers fill the garden with classic tunes, accompanied by steaming cups of hot chocolate.

A Holiday Highlight

Night Lights is the perfect way to embrace the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying the illuminated paths, singing along to carols, or sipping on hot cocoa, the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden promises a magical experience to cherish.

Mark your calendar and make Night Lights part of your holiday tradition. Admission is free, making it a must-visit event for creating joyful memories this season. For more details, visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie’s website or social media pages.

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Voters across Champaign County experienced significant setbacks at polling locations this morning as network issues temporarily halted the voting process, impacting residents’ ability to cast their ballots. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons confirmed to WCIA that the problem is affecting nearly all polling sites across the county.

According to Ammons, the network issues are extensive, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Efforts to communicate with the vendor responsible for election technology have reportedly gone unanswered, leaving election officials and voters in a state of uncertainty.

To mitigate the impact of the outage, Ammons is seeking an injunction through the State’s Attorney to extend voting hours, aiming to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the election despite the delays.

Some voting stations are using workarounds. Champaign County voters can vote at any polling location.

To find a vote center visit: https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/vote-centers.

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Voter-Approved Bonds No Longer Subject to Debt Limits

One of the most impactful changes brought by the new law is the removal of debt limits for voter-approved bonds. Starting with the bonds approved in the November 2024 general election, this provision allows school districts to borrow more freely for capital projects like building new schools or adding substantial upgrades to existing structures. Previously, school districts were constrained by a cap on how much debt they could take on, even if voters approved the bond issue.

Easier Path for Pre-K and Kindergarten Classroom Expansion

Another significant reform under the Act eliminates the need for referendums for building projects focused on pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. Effective September 1, 2024, school districts will be able to construct or purchase new buildings to increase early childhood education space without seeking direct voter approval. This move is expected to make it easier for districts to address growing demand for early childhood education programs, especially in communities with rapidly expanding student populations.

Longer Bond Terms for School Construction

The law also extends the maximum term for school bonds from 20 years to 30 years, offering districts a more manageable path to financing major infrastructure projects. This extension is especially beneficial for long-term investments, such as building new schools, adding gymnasiums, or constructing science labs, which often have useful lives far beyond 20 years.

With the ability to issue bonds over 30 years, districts can lower their annual debt service payments, making it more feasible to undertake large-scale construction projects without overwhelming their budgets. However, constituents should understand that while this makes projects more affordable in the short term, it also extends the district’s financial obligations over a longer period, which could affect future budgets and taxes.

Simplified Bond Issuance for Lower Costs

The law also addresses one of the more technical aspects of school finance by simplifying the process of bond issuance. Specifically, it reduces the need for “premium” bond structures, which districts have traditionally used to cover costs like issuance fees. Under the new law, districts can increase the principal amount of bonds by up to 3% to cover issuance and capitalized interest costs. This reduces the need for complex bond structures and makes it easier for districts to issue bonds without adding unnecessary financial burdens.

This change is expected to result in lower overall borrowing costs for school districts, allowing them to allocate more funds directly to construction projects. Additionally, the focus on fire prevention and safety improvements will help districts address urgent safety needs in older buildings.

Community Involvement and Potential Tax Implications

While the new law grants school districts more flexibility in managing large projects, community engagement remains essential. Public hearings are still a required step for major borrowing decisions, ensuring that constituents have an opportunity to express their views and concerns before projects move forward. These hearings are an important part of maintaining transparency and keeping residents informed about how their tax dollars will be spent.

It’s also important for residents to be aware that increased borrowing could lead to higher property taxes. Bonds used to finance school construction projects are often repaid through local property tax levies, which could directly impact homeowners. Schools in Champaign County also have access to the sales tax dollars which can be used for facility improvements, additions and new constructions. As school districts take advantage of the relaxed debt limits and new construction options, it’s crucial for voters to stay informed about how these projects may affect their local tax rates.

The timing of the changes is also worth noting. The exemption from referendum requirements for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classroom expansion takes effect on September 1, 2024. Meanwhile, the new flexibility for voter-approved bonds applies to those passed in the November 2024 general election. 

A Brighter Future for School Building Projects

With these changes, Illinois school districts are positioned to more easily address their growing infrastructure needs. From building new classrooms for early learners to financing long-term investments with more flexibility, the new law opens doors for districts to plan and execute much-needed capital projects.

The new law represents a significant shift in how school districts can manage their capital projects. Constituents should stay informed about their local district’s plans and participate in public hearings to understand how these changes will impact their community, especially in terms of potential tax implications and long-term financial commitments. 

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This action follows the Board’s July 18, 2024, approval of Resolution No. 2024-178, which proposed eliminating the Auditor position effective December 1, 2024. The rationale behind this decision is the anticipated cost savings of approximately $150,000, as the County intends to rely on the statutorily required external auditor and a newly created Finance Department to handle the functions previously overseen by the Auditor’s office.

The upcoming referendum will ask voters to determine whether the Auditor’s office should be eliminated. The ballot question will read:

“Shall the office of the Champaign County Auditor be eliminated, effective December 1, 2024?”

The Champaign County Board believes that the ultimate decision lies with the electors of the County, and the resolution stresses that this is a matter best resolved through public deliberation.

This referendum marks a significant potential change in the governance of Champaign County, and voters will have the final say on whether this office should continue to exist.

The Board encourages all residents to participate in the upcoming election to ensure that their voices are heard on this important issue.

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Sheriff Dustin Heuerman supports the increase, emphasizing that the funds could provide critical resources for improving responses to emergencies, such as hiring mental health professionals to assist law enforcement at crime scenes. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the funds could also allow for the hiring of two additional deputies to serve rural areas, addressing staffing shortages.

Expanded Support for County Services

If passed, the additional revenue could reconfigure allocations across several county departments, including the Veteran’s Assistance Commission (VAC), which aids veterans in improving their economic well-being and quality of life. Though not directly tied to public safety, the additional sales tax could free up funds to expand VAC’s services to veterans.

Other beneficiaries include the Public Defender’s Office, which faces significant staffing challenges. The office currently requires at least 11 additional attorneys to manage its caseload effectively. Increased funding could support more hires to ensure the justice system moves efficiently.

Similarly, the State’s Attorney’s Office, responsible for prosecuting offenders and supporting crime victims, could use the funds to increase services for victims of violent crime and improve legal representation.

Public Safety Needs

Champaign County’s Public Safety Sales Tax has been in place since 1999 and currently raises about $6.5 to $7 million annually. However, with the county’s growing population and changes in the criminal justice system, more funding is needed. Recent reforms have reduced court fees and fines, decreasing revenue for essential county services. As Champaign County is not a home rule county, it has limited options for generating stable revenue, prompting the need for the proposed tax increase.

Mixed Opinions

Not all local officials support the tax hike. Representative Carol Ammons, a Democrat representing parts of Champaign County, expressed her concerns, stating, “There is nothing progressive about taking from low-income and working people to fund law enforcement projects after financial mismanagement.” Ammons also pointed out that no specific commitments have been made about how the additional $7 million would be distributed among public safety departments.

If voters approve the increase, the County Board will determine the exact allocation of the funds, though no formal plan has been outlined.

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