BY DANI TIETZdani@mahometnews.com Senate Bill 2762 could mandate “inclusive, medically accurate, and culturally appropriate comprehensive sex education” for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade if it becomes law. Presented by sponsors Senator Ram Villivalam (Democrat District 8) and Representative Kathleen Willis (Democrat District 77), the bill would require the […]
State of Illinois
First month’s legal marijuana sales generate $7.3 million in tax revenue
photo by Jerry Nowicki – Capitol News Illinois By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Revenue reported Monday that the first month of legalized adult-use cannabis sales in the state generated $7.3 million in cannabis tax revenue for the state, plus another $3.1 million in retail […]
Proposed bills add sexting and e-cigs to school curriculum
By JERRY NOWICKIand PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com Two bills that would add the risks of e-cigarette use and sexting to public school curriculum will head to the full Illinois House of Representatives after unanimously passing a committee Wednesday, Feb. 19 The House education curriculum committee heard testimony about House Bills 4007 and 3928, […]
Pritzker paints two budget pictures: One with graduated tax, one without
By JERRY NOWICKIand PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has tied his second-year state budget proposal to the unfinished marquee policy initiative of his first year – a constitutional amendment that allows the state to impose higher income tax rates on higher income earners. If voters approve […]
Municipal Gas Tax Bill proposed
Illinois Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th District) has proposed a new gas tax bill. Senate Bill 2978 seeks to amend the Illinois Municipal Code to provide that municipalities may impose a motor fuel tax on top of the 38-cent state tax (19-cents previously) that was imposed in July 2019. Cunningham’s proposal […]
Proposed bill would require sixth-grade Illinois students to get HPV vaccine
The Illinois Rules Committee is currently reviewing HB4870, which would amend the Communicable Disease Prevention Act to require students entering sixth grade in the State of Illinois to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and requiring confirmation that the student has completed the series of HPV vaccinations upon entering the […]
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About TIF Districts
Local Taxing Districts are voting on support for an extension of the East Mahomet TIF District, which was established in 2000. Many constituents have questions about TIF Districts. Here are the Top 10 Things That You Need To Know About TIFs. * Unless specified, the information provided refers mostly to […]
Pritzer annouces first round of matching grants for broadband expansion
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzer announced that the state is releasing $50 million in funding for the first round of matching grants of Connect Illinois, the state’s $420 million statewide broadband expansion. “We’re beginning to deliver on an ambitious four-year plan to deliver broadband to homes, businesses and community institutions like […]
Illinois to require student to file FAFSA prior to graduation
BY DANI TIETZdani@mahometnews.com Illinois high school graduates in the class of 2021 and beyond will be required to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an alternative state form created by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) as a part of their requirements to be […]
New Illinois law will allow students to miss school to vote
BY DANI TIETZdani@mahometnews.com Beginning June 1, 2020, high school students of voting age will be allowed to be excused from school for two hours to vote in primary, general and special elections or any election in which propositions are submitted to a popular vote. Students can be excused to exercise […]