Working for Illinois Caucus

A bill that was singed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker requires public housing authorities create policy granting preference to unhoused people who are veterans.

Democratic Plainfield State Representative Harry Benton led the bill though the Illinois House where it received unanimous support. Senate Bill 2005 also passed unanimously in the Illinois Senate.

In a news release, Benton says that America owes veterans a debt that can never by repaid and that it is a national shame that so many have become unhoused.

The law goes into effect next year.

A bill that extends hunting and fishing licenses in Illinois has been signed into law.

A new release from Democratic Plainfield State Rep. Harry Benton says the law allows for three year licenses, instead of the one-year licenses or lifetime licenses that are currently available.

House Bill 3677 also allows for the automatic renewal of hunting and fishing licenses so people don’t need to remember to renew each year.

Residents over 65 and veterans will only pay half of the standard cost of the licenses and residents over 75 will only have to pay a dollar per year.

Benton says the idea is to remove some of the red tape when it comes to hunting and fishing in Illinois. The bill received unanimous support in the Illinois House and Senate.

Amy “Murri” Briel, who is the chief of staff for current 76th District State Representative Lance Yednock, is announcing that she’ll run for the job in 2024.

Yednock is not seeking reelection.

Briel is an Ottawa native and says that she has spent the majority of her career working for nonprofit organizations and in public service. Briel says that she has the support of Yednock who was elected in 2018.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes has also announced that he will also seek the Democratic nomination.

ILLINOIS — A looming government shutdown, causing uncertainty on capital hill will soon cause major concerns for workers in state of Illinois.

Over the last several weeks, lawmakers have been working to get a deal done, but according to new reports there are some positive traction that a bill could be pushed through before the October 1st deadline and keep the government open for another 30 days.

However, if a shutdown is to occur, local essential and non-essential workers in the stateline could see a potential strain and major deduction on their paychecks.

State Representative Dave Vella, who represents Illinois 68th District, explains some ongoing projects could see prolonged.

“This is the basic thing they are supposed to do is give us a budget,” Vella expressed.

“Not too long ago I met with the farm bureau and without inspector’s farmers could have issues with cattle, corn and hogs because no one will inspect them or without the EPA okaying infrastructure projects, those infrastructure projects might slow down and stop.”

Now, with the potential of federal funding coming to a brief halt, local leaders including Vella will soon find alternative ways to continue to support local organizations.

“We have always tried to have a rainy-day fund that we are very proud, but we will be relying on our leadership to point us in the direction of what is the best way to do this.”

“Federal government is a huge contributor because they have a lot of money – but we will do what we can do, and we are hoping that they will come to their senses and do the job that we sent them there to do.”

A final decision on the spending deadline is Saturday, September 30th at midnight.

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LAKE BLUFF, IL — Without community leaders, Lake Bluff. wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Steven Givhan, a Lake Bluff. reader who nominated Rita Mayfield..

How do you know this community leader?

Community member

What does this community leader do?

State Representative IL # 60

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Always volunteering and providing support and critical services to the community

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Just plain down to earth understands residents needs and works to improve our natural environment

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.