Ill State News

Illinois payroll jobs climb to record high

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased +14,800 (+0.2%) over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 in March.  The previous record was set in December 2024, with 6,161,000 jobs.  Additionally, the February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of -6,500 to +900.   The […]

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IDPH updates school vaccination coverage dashboard with data from 2024-25 school year

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released its updated Illinois School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard. The updated dashboard includes data from the current 2024-25 school year. The interactive platform provides valuable insight into statewide, county, and school district vaccination trends, using publicly available data collected by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  

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Manufacturers issue statement on legislation limiting carbon capture and sequestration

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement following Senate passage of SB 1723, which would limit carbon capture and sequestration:   “Carbon capture and sequestration is a safe and proven technology that is critical to decarbonizing our environment while maintaining economic growth and prosperity. Though we appreciate the willingness of the Senate sponsor

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Illinois Senators present legislative package to make childcare more affordable and accessible for Illinois families 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (41st–Downers Grove), alongside State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) and State Senator Darby Hills (26th–Barrington Hills), today unveiled their legislative package to make childcare more affordable for Illinois families and businesses. “Investing in childcare is investing in Illinois families and businesses,” said Curran. “Our legislative package

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Illinois celebrates major Medicaid milestone: 60 years of providing critical healthcare coverage

SPRINGFIELD – As the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service (HFS) celebrates Medicaid Awareness Month in April, the Department is reflecting on how the vital healthcare program has evolved and improved the lives of millions of Illinoisans   As Medicaid marks its 60th anniversary in April, the HFS is celebrating the program’s six decades

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Home school bill held on 3rd reading, not brought up for a vote

SPRINGFIELD – In the Illinois House of Representatives Friday, House Bill 2827, the Homeschool Act, was officially HELD on third reading by the bill’s sponsor, meaning it was not brought for a vote.     According to State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) a staunch opponent of the legislation, “We will be keeping a very close eye on this,

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Chronic wasting disease continues to spread in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, has been detected in Putnam, Marshall, Adams, and Peoria counties, expanding the geographic presence of the disease in free-ranging deer populations in northern Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced today.    Adams County is the first documented case recorded outside of the leading edge of the CWD

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Senator Bryant applauds executive order supporting American coal and energy security

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s new executive orders aimed at revitalizing the American coal industry:   “President Trump’s executive action is welcome news for Southern Illinois and working families across the country. For too

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Pritzker announces funding to save historic Golconda building

GOLCONDA – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $41,500 in funding to support Main Street Golconda’s efforts to save the historic Sweetwater Saloon. Following Main Street Golconda’s pleas for emergency aid, Governor Pritzker called the organizers to offer his assistance and coordinate a grant funding opportunity to

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Aerial firefighting helicopter refill pump named ‘Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’

SPRINGFIELD – Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 250 entries, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump made by MTH pumps in Plano has been crowned the winner of the 2025 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.   Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored

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