Ill State News

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 […]

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

SPRINGFIELD – State government leaders joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the ACLU of Illinois, and community partners at a press conference at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Springfield today to highlight significant accomplishments and ongoing progress in implementing the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act, landmark legislation signed into law

By Terri Bryant, Illinois State Senator, 58th District   Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session   With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close.   The biggest task ahead will be passing the

SPRINGFIELD – Short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbab and Vrbo could soon cost a little more under legislation advancing in Springfield that would create a new statewide tax on stays shorter than 30 days.   House Bill 5776, filed this week by a Chicago Democrat, would impose a 4% excise tax on short-term rentals across Illinois,

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.   

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has announced the winners of the inaugural Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition during a special awards luncheon held at the Governor’s Mansion and attended by Gov. JB Pritzker.   The event brought together student finalists, retail industry leaders, and elected officials to recognize the next generation of retail

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (illinois Epa) Director James Jennings has announced another round of annual funding to provide grants to units of local government for the collection and proper disposal of household sharps from their residents. Sharps, including needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens are a household waste. Through the grant program,

SPRINGFIELD – Congrats, Grad! The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) applauds your remarkable achievements this commencement season. Graduating is a major milestone filled with pride, excitement, unforgettable memories, and new opportunities ahead. Of course, an accomplishment this special calls for a celebration!   As families and friends gather to honor the Class of 2026, we