Ill State News

Illinois EPA announces $5 Million funding opportunity through the Illinois Overflow and Sewer Grant

SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a funding opportunity through the new Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) program. The OSG program was created to assist local governments with infrastructure needs to address combined sewer overflows (CSO), sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management to improve water quality and protect […]

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Illinois manufacturers praise comprehensive economic development legislation to attract and grow business investment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement in support of SB2008, which contains numerous provisions to attract and grow businesses throughout the state:    “This legislation builds on the economic development gains Illinois has made in recent years by ensuring our state has the proper tools to attract new businesses and increase

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Illinois Manufacturers’ Association statement on Spring 2025 legislative session

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement after the General Assembly adjourned the spring 2025 legislative session:    “Economic growth is key to stabilizing the state’s long term financial outlook. When businesses thrive, Illinois thrives. Though we have made progress over the past several years, the collective action taken by the General

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IDOA now accepting specialty crop block grant proposals

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.     An application for grant

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Treasurer Michael Frerichs encourages families to save for future education costs through 529 College Savings Accounts

SPRINGFIELD –State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is recognizing 529 Day on May 29 by reminding Illinois families that now is always a good time to save for a child’s future education by opening or adding to a Bright Start 529 account.   “When a child knows he or she has a college savings plan, that child is

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Senate Republicans unveil plan to combat rising energy bills

By Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With energy prices once again on the rise, Senate Republicans are calling for immediate action to protect Illinois families from even higher electricity costs in the future.   According to recent utility filings, Ameren customers are expected to see their average monthly summer bills rise from

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Illinois House Republican Caucus says it sees no urgency, no discussion of any sort of structural reform, and no solutions coming from the other side of the aisle

SPRINGFIELD – With seven days left in the spring legislative session, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said at a capitol press briefing today that there appears to be no urgency, no discussion of any sort of structural reform, and no solutions coming from the other side of the aisle as the deadline approaches.   McCombie said “We’re

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IDNR monitoring black bear sighting in southwestern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is monitoring sightings of a black bear in southwestern Illinois.    The bear was first observed Monday, May 19 in St. Clair County. An IDNR district wildlife biologist confirmed the sighting on Tuesday, May 20 and the animal was observed again Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and

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IDPH offers safe swimming tips to prevent drownings and other water risks as 2025 summer season approaches

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is highlighting the CDC’s annual observance of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, which this year features the theme Splash into Fun, Not Germs and offers tips on how to safely enjoy splash pads, also known as interactive fountains.   IDPH is urging Illinoisans to take precautions to avoid risks

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