The Illinois Senate passed sweeping legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs and boosting support for independent pharmacies. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act, contained in House Bill 1697, now returns to the House for final approval.
With the July 1 deadline looming, Governor J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday drew a firm line in Illinois’ tense budget negotiations, declaring he will veto any spending plan that includes broad tax hikes on individuals, corporations, or sales.
One lucky Illinois iLottery player is now over $1.67 million richer after hitting the Ultimate Diamond Jackpot, a FastPlay progressive game offered by the Illinois Lottery.
A black bear has been confirmed moving through southwestern Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced last week. While large predators such as black bears, wolves, and cougars are rare in Illinois, occasional sightings occur as these animals sometimes cross state borders.
Illinois lawmakers have unanimously passed Anna’s Law, a bill that would require all police officers to undergo trauma-informed sexual assault training before taking their oath—and repeat it every three years. The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), through its Office of Tourism, has announced the addition of 20 new small businesses to the prestigious Illinois Made program, celebrating the artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs whose work embodies the spirit and cultural richness of the state.
“Illinois taxpayers should be aware of what’s happening in the halls of power in Washington, D.C., because what happens has the ability to make the tax system worse and possibly force them to pay more for reckless spending in high-tax states,” said Joe Bishop-Henchman, Executive Vice President of National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
“Summer jobs offer young people valuable opportunities to gain experience and responsibility, but it’s essential that their safety and rights are protected,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “We urge employers and families to understand the requirements of the Child Labor Law so that minors can work in secure, lawful, and supportive environments.”
Illinois is currently the only U.S. state requiring seniors to pass a driving test solely due to age. If signed into law, HB 1226 would align Illinois more closely with other states’ renewal policies, while still maintaining safeguards for road safety through vision and written testing and medical reporting.
With just days remaining in the legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are scrambling to finalize a state budget under mounting financial pressures. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget has reduced revenue projections by more than half a billion dollars for the upcoming fiscal year, adding to a complex mix of fiscal uncertainty and political tension. Lawmakers must approve a budget by May 31 with a simple majority; after that, a three-fifths vote is required.