State Senator Mike Halpin passed a bill through committee Wednesday that would ensure businesses give their employees mandated human trafficking …
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February 27, 2025 at 09:57AM
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — On Monday, the 91st District’s State Representative Sharon Chung stopped by the WMBD-TV to share her thoughts about Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address.
"The governor’s introduced budget is just the blueprint for where we start. Over the next few months all we’re going to do is go through the budget line by line trying to figure out where we’re going to cut if we have to cut, where we’re going to spend," she said. "What I’ve always told people is since the governor has been in office, since I’ve been in office, we’ve always delivered a balance budget and we’re not going to stray from that this year."
Having only been in office since 2023 she is proud to have been apart of the increase funding for education and infrastructure while working to keep healthcare costs down.
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February 25, 2025 at 06:26PM
Drivers who are between 79 and 86 years old would no longer have to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to maintain a driver’s license in Illinois under proposed legislation.
Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, filed House Bill 1226 along with a long list of House sponsors showing support.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias drafted the legislation, according to a news release.
More:Deadline to get a REAL ID looms for Illinois residents. Do you need one? What to know.
The Land of Lincoln is the only state that requires the driving test based on age, both Giannoulias’ office and Rep. Hoffman said. They also said Illinois is one of five states that does not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability, which the bill would change.
“Our state’s crash data indicates that the crash rate for drivers aged 75 and older is lower than any other age range of drivers,” Rep. Hoffman wrote in a press release, citing 2023 crash rate data from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The bill has been placed on the calendar for a second reading and short debate.
Legislation would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to raise the age from 79 to 87 when drivers need to take a behind-the-wheel test to renew their license, in addition to creating a process for family members to report any concerns about driving ability.
More:Here are the 10 most dangerous intersections in Springfield
Drivers aged 79 and 80 must currently renew their license every four years, in addition to taking a behind-the-wheel test and a vision test.
Drivers between the ages of 81 and 86 years old must currently renew their license every two years as well as take a behind-the-wheel test and a vision test.
And drivers over 87 years-old must renew their license annually. To pass, they need to take a behind-the-wheel test and a vision test.
Giannoulias and the American Association of Retired Persons both support the initiative, according to a release from Giannoulias’ office. The Act seeks to make Illinois consistent with other states, they wrote.
“AARP Illinois has heard for years from our members about how the driving test requirement disproportionately affects older drivers and perpetuates false narratives about their driving abilities,” stated AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
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February 25, 2025 at 04:32AM
Hard work really begins for Illinois state lawmakers starting this coming week. That’s after Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his budget proposal a few days ago in his State of the State Address.
The governor promises his $55 billion spending plan is a balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. It’s an increase of about three percent from the current budget, and his plan closes the projected budget shortfall of more than $3 billion.
The governor got help when the latest revenue forecast projects Illinois will collect another $1.5 billion. That has the state expected to finish the year with a revenue growth of five percent- significantly lower than the growth of more than 10 percent in recent years.
Here are some quick budget highlights.
Pritzker indicates the revenue growth for fiscal year 2026 is projected to be down to 1.9 percent. One of his key proposals is the prescription drug affordability act to target pharmacy benefit managers widely criticized for driving up prices of prescription drugs.
The governor proposes allowing community colleges to offer more four year baccalaureate degrees for career paths that are in demand, and he wants to eliminate Medicare for adults younger than 64 who are not American citizens.
Governor Pritzker vows to hold the line in what figures to be a tough budget year.
"Let’s be clear, I will only sign a balanced budget. If you come to the table looking to spend more – I’m going to ask you where you want to cut. I have made difficult decisions – including to programs that I have championed, which is hard for me, just as I know some of the difficult decisions you will have to make will be hard for you," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Governor JB Pritzker’s budget will now be dissected by state lawmakers. Several members of his own party don’t like significant parts of it.
State Representative Gregg Johnson will have a vote in Springfield. He joins host Jim Niedelman for a conversation.
"I thought the budget address was, considering the circumstances, I thought it was a good budget address," Johnson said.
To hear more, click on the video.
And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal to cut Medicare services for adults younger than 64 who are not American citizens? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com.
Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
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February 23, 2025 at 11:04AM
ROCKFORD, Ill (WREX) – State Representative Maurice West will perform original saxophone compositions at the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Soiree.
Representative West will play an original composition titled “Relentless Power” at the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Soiree on Wednesday, February 19.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to play for my colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly and all supporters of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation,” said State Representative Maurice West. “The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is fighting for equity, freedom, and stronger communities across our state, and I look forward to expressing our shared journey through music.”
The event will take place at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield at 6 P.M. on Wednesday, February 19. Representative West will post a video of his performance on social media after the event.
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February 19, 2025 at 06:22AM
5 On Your Side’s political editor Mark Maxwell sat down with IL Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville). Author: ksdk.com. Published: 10:22 PM CST February …
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February 9, 2025 at 08:10AM
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is inviting local leaders, students and community members to an Open House event 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, to celebrate her new district office at 628 Columbus St. (Suite 408) in Ottawa.
“I am thrilled to host this open house and share my new office where community members can count on me and my team to navigate any state assistance or resources they need,” said Briel in a news release. “I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with students, local leaders and community members and engaging with folks to discuss top needs to improve our neighborhoods and what demands I’ll be bringing to the Statehouse this legislative session.”
Refreshments from local businesses in the Illinois Valley will be provided. All community members are welcome to attend. RSVP at contact@staterepbriel.com to confirm interest.
Briel was elected in November to succeed state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, after he decided not to run for reelection. Her district includes La Salle, Bureau and DeKalb counties.
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February 4, 2025 at 01:19AM
State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, said she will aim to prioritize cost-saving measures for local families and the improvement of public services in rural communities as she takes on a variety of committee assignments in the Illinois House.
Briel will serve on the Agriculture & Conservation and Energy & Environment Committees, where she said she will work to address economic challenges specific to rural areas.
Briel also will serve on the Counties & Townships Committee and Higher Education Committee, in which she said she will be looking to ensure small-town governments, universities and community colleges have the resources and funding they need.
“Families in rural areas are the backbone of Illinois, yet too often, their challenges are overlooked,” Briel said in a news release. “My committee assignments reflect the values and priorities of the families I represent. These new roles allow me to take action on the issues that matter most to me and my community.”
Briel also will serve on the Human Services, Roads & Bridges, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she said she’ll advocate for expanded healthcare access, improve infrastructure, and support veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Briel said her positions in all of these committees will allow her to focus on issues that directly impact residents in the district she represents.
“Serving on these committees allows me to focus on solutions that directly impact the lives of rural families in my district,” Briel said. “Our communities deserve the same access to safe infrastructure, quality healthcare, affordable education, and support for farmers and veterans as larger cities.”
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February 1, 2025 at 09:22AM
Newly-sworn-in state Representative Murri Briel will be holding an open house at the opening of her district office in downtown Ottawa. It’s a familiar location – right where her former boss, Lance Yednock, used to get his work done. The address is 628 Columbus Street, Suite 408, in Ottawa.
The meet-and-greet will happen on Friday, Feb. 7, from 3 to 6. Enjoy conversation, connections and light refreshments. You’re asked to RSVP by emailing contact@staterepbriel.com.
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January 31, 2025 at 12:15PM
Working for Illinois Caucus 