In a significant legislative move, Illinois has enacted a new law aimed at making life-saving epinephrine injectors more affordable for families. Public Act 103-0454, which amends the Illinois Insurance Code, introduces a price cap on epinephrine injectors for individuals under 18 years of age, ensuring that no family pays more […]
State of Illinois
New distracted driving law goes into effect on July 1
Beginning July 1, the Illinois secretary of state will be able to revoke driving privileges for one year when a driver causes “great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement” due to use of an electronic communication device. The offense is also subject to a minimum $1,000 fine. Electronic communication devices […]
Unemployment rate 15.2 percent in May; state on pace to enter Phase 4 on June 26
By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 15.2 percent in May, according to the state Department of Employment Security, representing a 2 percent drop from the previous month. Nonfarm payrolls added 62,200 jobs in May based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of […]
Illinois residents can now preregister online for driver’s license or identification card
In an attempt to cut down on wait times and long lines at the DMV, Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Illinois residents can preregister online when applying for a driver’s license or identification card. Customers may go to www.cyberdriveillinois.com to access the preregistration application for driver’s licenses and […]
Pritzker expands vote by mail, makes election day a state holiday
By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday. In […]
Slight increase in Illinois motor fuel tax scheduled for July 1
The Illinois gas tax will increase again on July 1, 2020. The automatic increase is part of the 2019 legislative session that doubled the motor fuel tax—from $.19 to $.38 as part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s $45 billion Rebuild Illinois plan. The law also allows for the tax to increase […]
Pritzker signs budget, touts spending of federal funds on child care grants
Financial uncertainty still swirls as COVID-19 continues to impact tax revenues By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a state budget for fiscal year 2021 Wednesday, but there is no more financial clarity now than there was when lawmakers passed the measure last month. The $42.9 […]
New Illinois jobless claims slow in last week of May
State revenues fall 23% during the month By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — While new unemployment claims remained historically high in the final week of May, the surge of new claims since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be starting to slow as a number of businesses […]
Phase 3 Guidance on Illinois summer school released
By Dani Tietzdani@mahometnews.com The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released guidance on in-person instruction for summer school Thursday. Part Two of the Transition Plan Advisory Workgroup’s recommendations for transitioning to in-person instruction provides recommendations for how schools can comply with IDPH health […]
Pritzker allows sale of curbside cocktails
By REBECCA ANZEL Capitol News Illinois ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Illinois restaurants and bars can serve cocktails to go Tuesday after Gov. JB Pritzker signed an initiative designed by lawmakers to provide establishments with financial relief in the wake of COVID-19 challenges. Those businesses are “some of the hardest hit” by […]












