Ill State News

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism have announced Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This […]

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) released the following statement regarding a lawsuit filed challenging the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which was enacted as part of the FY2025 state budget:   “This lawsuit was expected, and it’s no surprise credit card companies would do all they can to undermine this law and maintain their

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced that the unemployment rate increased +0.2 percentage point to 5.2 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,900 in July, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The June revised unemployment rate was 5.0 percent, unchanged from

CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced a pivotal $20 million commitment to further elevate Illinois’ position as a national leader in technology and innovation through the Venture Investment for Semiconductor Technology Advancement (VISTA) initiative. This strategic funding will strengthen Illinois’ already robust ecosystem, catalyzing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has announced that Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Bradley Fritts have been named Freshmen of the Year by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to legislators who have made exceptional contributions to the defense of free enterprise and the advancement of economic opportunities for the people

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has returned a record $301 million to 321,558 Illinois residents through the state’s missing money program during Fiscal Year 2024.   “Putting money back in people’s pockets helps families and our state’s economy,” Frerichs said. “This money belongs with its rightful owners, and we have added tools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2024 Champion of Free Enterprise Award Winners and Freshmen of the year. These awards correspond with the release of the Illinois Chamber 103rd General Assembly Legislative Ratings. This award is given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who work toward

SPRINGFIELD – The rare double-brood emergence of billions of cicadas that Illinois experienced earlier this summer may be a faint memory, but the artwork these noisy insects inspired will commemorate their special visit for years to come.   The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) call for cicada art submissions in May resulted in nearly 350 entries from

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have released Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan, a five-year plan to guide Illinois’ economic development priorities and programming. Building upon Illinois’ success, this plan outlines a roadmap to attract record-level investments, create jobs and support communities over the next five years

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host a roundtable discussion in Chicago on Aug. 19 — the first day of the Democratic National Convention — that will consider the dramatically altered landscape of Illinois politics. Institute Director John Shaw will moderate the discussion, which will examine the reasons