Ill State News

IARF applauds FY 2027 budget investment in disability services workforce and community supports

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing community providers serving Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serious mental illnesses, today issued the following statement regarding the FY 2027 state budget approved by the General Assembly and sent to Governor JB Pritzker: “We thank Governor Pritzker and members of the Illinois General […]

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Housing for people returning from prison stalls in final days of session 

SPRINGFIELD – The Home for Good Coalition issued the following statement after the Senate did not vote on HB624, legislation previously approved by the House to reduce homelessness, strengthen communities and advance public safety by improving housing and support services for people returning from prison:   “While we are disappointed the Senate did not act on this important policy,

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Officers across Illinois receive Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, and law enforcement officials from across the state gathered today for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield to honor officers who performed acts of heroism in 2025. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

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Manufacturers win passage of bill expanding access to career and technical education courses

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has released the following statement after the General Assembly approved SB3070, an initiative led by the IMA that will allow high school students to take Career & Technical Education courses in lieu of foreign language classes currently required for graduation:   “Across Illinois, high schools have been scaling back hands-on

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Illinois State Fair box office opens June 1 with special giveaway and exclusive Ella Langley tickets

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair Box Office officially opens today, June 1, giving fairgoers their first opportunity to purchase concert, Arena, and other Grandstand event tickets in person or over the phone for the 2026 Illinois State Fair.   The Box Office, located on the first floor of the Grandstand, will be open Monday

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Illinois Housing Development Authority issues Biennial Report

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has released its 2024 & 2025 Biennial Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the agency’s investments and impact throughout Illinois. Titled “Building Together,” the report highlights IHDA’s role as one of the state’s leading drivers of economic and community development during a period marked by rising housing costs and

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Illinois spring turkey hunters harvest record number

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record of 18,189 birds harvested in 2025.   The top counties for turkey harvest during the 2026 season were Jefferson and Jo Daviess counties, tied with 646 birds harvested; followed by Marion, 530; Pike,

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Illinois Department of Labor helps workers access paid leave benefits

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has resolved multiple investigations involving alleged violations of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, ensuring employees received access to paid leave benefits required under state law.   The investigations involved employers across Illinois in a variety of industries, including food service, hospitality, and home services. In each

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Governor Pritzker announces $5 Million for tourism grant programs

CHICAGO – On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million is available in tourism funding through three grant programs: the Route 66 Grant Program ($2 million), the International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million), and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program ($2 million). Eligible entities can apply

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