IDOC director makes $1.6 billion budget request at state Senate committee IDOC director makes $1.6 billion budget request at state Senate committee Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Illinois Department of Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys appeared before the Senate Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday to ask for approval of the department’s $1.6 billion budget, a 6 percent increase from the current fiscal year.
House passes paid leave for vaccinated teachers House passes paid leave for vaccinated teachers Wednesday, March 2, 2022 The Illinois House passed a bill Tuesday that would give teachers, professors and other educational employees paid leave if they miss work for COVID-19-related issues, but only if they’ve been fully vaccinated.
Farm Bureau opposes nutrient loss bill as negotiations continue Farm Bureau opposes nutrient loss bill as negotiations continue Wednesday, March 2, 2022 A bill meant to stem nutrient pollution resulting from farm runoff has met opposition from a formidable foe – the Illinois Farm Bureau – as negotiations on a final package continue. Read more
UPDATED: IDPH Director Ezike to step down March 14 UPDATED: IDPH Director Ezike to step down March 14 Tuesday, March 1, 2022 Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike will resign on March 14 after three years leading the agency and two years navigating a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of... Read more
Backlog of 3,759 criminal appeals cases has been resolved, state appellate defender says Backlog of 3,759 criminal appeals cases has been resolved, state appellate defender says Tuesday, March 1, 2022 A backlog of cases before the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender that the agency’s leader once described as a “crisis in the criminal justice system” has largely... Read more
Mask mandates come down in schools, most public places Mask mandates come down in schools, most public places Monday, February 28, 2022 Facial coverings are now optional in most public places in Illinois, including schools, after Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that he would update guidance to comply with new U.S. Centers for... Read more
Lawmakers unveil bills aimed at addressing teacher shortage Lawmakers unveil bills aimed at addressing teacher shortage Friday, February 25, 2022 Illinois Senate Democrats outlined legislation during a Thursday news conference that aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage throughout the state. Read more
Pritzker’s gas tax relief plan faces opposition Pritzker’s gas tax relief plan faces opposition Thursday, February 24, 2022 Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan for pausing a scheduled automatic increase in the state’s motor fuel tax is facing opposition from several quarters, including engineering companies that design... Read more