(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Revenue will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax returns next Monday, January 29th, the same date the IRS begins accepting federal income tax returns. In addition to free filing of Form IL-1040 through MyTax.Illinois.gov, individuals may also utilize the site to make payments, respond to department questions, and check the status of their refunds by using the “Where’s My Refund” tab. If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, a direct deposit should come in about four weeks.
(CHICAGO) The Illinois State Board of Education is aiming high in its request for more taxpayer funding in the next fiscal year. The Board is proposing a $653 million increase over the current level of spending for Pre-K through 12 schools, bringing the overall budget request for the next school year to $11 billion. The proposal includes a $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding, which is designed to send more resources to under-resourced students. The plan also seeks an additional $75 million for early childhood block grants.
(SPRINGFIELD) A new bill would prohibit non-citizens from countries deemed hostile by the federal government from buying up Illinois farmland. The number of U.S. farm acres owned by foreign entities grew more than 8% in 2022, but while the most recent USDA report shows foreign-held agricultural areas say the largest increases in Colorado, Alabama, and Michigan, there were decreases in foreign-owned land in several other states including Illinois. Still, the proportion of foreign-held farmland to privately-held farmland is 2.7% in Illinois. Currently, 24 states have passed similar legislation to manage the risks associated with the purchase of farmland by foreign entities that may jeopardize national security.
(SPRINGFIELD) Union membership continues to decline in Illinois. According to Illinois Policy, overall union membership dropped by 27,000 workers last year. That followed a drop of 17,000 in 2022. Union membership continues a 34-year downward trend for Illinois, which saw overall union membership at over 20% in 1989, compared to just around 13% in 2023. Nationwide, union membership numbers remained stable between 2022 and 2023, with about 10% of workers belonging to unions.