Ill State News

No tricks, just safety treats: Fire safety tips for Halloween

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- As Halloween approaches, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) urges everyone to celebrate safely and keep fire hazards in mind while enjoying the season’s festivities. Decorations, costumes, and candles all add to the fun, but they can also increase the risk of fire and injuries if not handled carefully.   According […]

No tricks, just safety treats: Fire safety tips for Halloween Read More »

Illinois small businesses oppose massive energy bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Illinois’ leading small business advocacy organization, opposes SB 25, the General Assembly’s massive energy omnibus bill. “Main Street businesses are taking it on the chin from high energy prices,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “Unfortunately, SB 25, instead of providing meaningful relief, is chock-a-block full

Illinois small businesses oppose massive energy bill Read More »

Senate GOP leaders warn against tax hikes during veto session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Senate Minority Leader John Curran (R- Downers Grove) and Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) have called on Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Majority not to raise taxes on Illinoisans this veto session.   One short-sighted cash-grabs the Senate Republicans are expecting the Democratic Majority to use this veto session is decoupling

Senate GOP leaders warn against tax hikes during veto session Read More »

Retailers provide guidance ahead of SNAP benefits suspension

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association wants to ensure consumers know what to expect ahead of the planned suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at midnight on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.   The suspension of benefits by announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service

Retailers provide guidance ahead of SNAP benefits suspension Read More »

Illinois joins lawsuit to force federal government not to pause SNAP benefits

By BEN SZALINSKI, Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Illinois joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration over plans to stop funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Saturday as the federal government shutdown continues. About 1.9 million people in Illinois, and about 42 million people across the country,

Illinois joins lawsuit to force federal government not to pause SNAP benefits Read More »

Manufacturers warn energy proposal will result in large electric rate hikes for businesses and consumers

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association warns energy legislation under consideration by the General Assembly during the fall veto session is deeply flawed and will result in massive electric rate hikes on businesses and consumers.   This comes as ratepayers are already struggling from high electricity costs caused by growing energy demand that comes at the

Manufacturers warn energy proposal will result in large electric rate hikes for businesses and consumers Read More »

Fall into Savings! Lowest prices of the season on Illinois State Fair passes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is getting into the gift giving spirit with the launch of two special sales that bring the excitement of the Illinois State Fair and the flavors of Illinois Products straight to your home.   Starting November 1, fairgoers can take advantage of the Lowest Prices of the Season on Illinois

Fall into Savings! Lowest prices of the season on Illinois State Fair passes Read More »

Illinois Department of Central Management Services receives top national honors for innovation, leadership, and government operations

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has been honored with three awards from the National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA), recognizing the department’s transformational work in modernizing hiring, elevating public service leadership, and improving government operations for Illinoisans.   The awards were presented on October 23 at NASCA’s annual Leadership

Illinois Department of Central Management Services receives top national honors for innovation, leadership, and government operations Read More »

IDFPR hosts the 2025 Midwest Occupational Licensing Summit

CHICAGO – As part of its commitment to ensuring consumer protections through effective regulation and professional licensing, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) today successfully concluded hosting the 2025 Midwest Occupational Licensing Summit (MOLS). The day-and-a-half event brought together licensing regulators from Illinois and five other Midwest states to collaborate and share ideas

IDFPR hosts the 2025 Midwest Occupational Licensing Summit Read More »

Become a roads scholar, get your new Illinois highway map

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the release of the new Illinois Official Highway Map. The map includes updates to listings and locations of colleges and universities, Amtrak service, tourist attractions, recreational areas – and more! It also commemorates next year’s 100th anniversary of Route 66, with updates that better represent the alignment of

Become a roads scholar, get your new Illinois highway map Read More »