(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Board of Education has announced the addition of nearly 5,900 new preschool seats, in what officials call “preschool deserts.” Those are areas of the state with too few publicly funded preschool seats to serve 80% of low-income 3 and 4 year olds. The 2024 state budget dedicated an additional $75 million in state funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant meant to improve early childhood education and services.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has joined 21 other attorneys general across the nation in submitting a letter to the Biden administration asking for swift action in implementing proposed regulations that would prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The coalition wants the FDA’s new rules finalized as soon as possible.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois House Democrats are forming a working group to address the ongoing migrant crisis impacting the state, however statewide Republicans, especially from downstate Illinois, say the process needs to be made public instead of everything taking place behind closed doors. It was this past Tuesday that the Governor’s Office announced another $11 million for communities that take in illegal immigrants. More than 35,000 such migrants have come to Illinois since August 2022, costing Illinois taxpayers.
(CHICAGO) Indiana lawmakers appear to be making an attempt to lure the Chicago Bears across the border as legislation has been proposed to form a sports development commission with the goal of enticing a professional sports franchise to set up shop in the Hoosier State. The Bears have been fielding several options of building a new stadium in or around the Chicagoland, including several suburbs. While the current Soldier Field lease ends in 2033, the Bears could pay a penalty fee and break the lease as early as 2026.