(SPRINGFIELD) With a projected deficit of close to $900 million, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker presented his sixth State of the State and State Budget address yesterday in Springfield. The plan includes 52.7 billion in spending, roughly a 2% increase over the current fiscal year budget and the largest spending proposal in state history. The budget includes an additional $182 million for the care of migrants who are in Illinois illegally, on top of what has already been spent, plus at least $1 billion to pay off the medical debt for low-income families. The budget also calls for more than doubling the sports wagering tax from 15% to 35%, however will eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax. There’s $350 million for the state’s most neediest school districts, plus $12 million for a new child tax credit for low-income working families with kids under the age of 3. Meanwhile, statewide Republicans say its yet another slap in the face for the citizens of Illinois. State Representatives Blaine Wilhour and Adam Niemerg, along with State Senators Jason Plummer and Chapin Rose, point out that the Governor is asking statewide hardworking taxpayers to give the priority of financial support illegal immigrants flowing into the Land of Lincoln instead of helping out their own families and neighbors. Lawmakers will consider the budget this spring.
(NORMAL) Rivian Motors, with a plant in Normal, has announced that it will lay off 10% of its salaried workforce and expects vehicle output to be flat this year. A company official says challenging macroeconomic conditions, including higher interest rates, were behind the weaker manufacturing outlook for 2024. Plus electric vehicle makers have been dialing back their investment plans for EVs, citing a drop in sales and waning consumer interest.
(SPRINGFIELD) A traffic stop in Iroquois County resulted in nearly $700,000 worth of cocaine and fentanyl being seized by the Illinois State Police. The traffic stop of a semi-truck along I-57, just south of Ashkum, had a search turn up some 49 pounds of drugs, the largest seizure so far this year. The truck was originally pulled over for a safety compliance check but eventually led the arrest of the driver from Houston, Texas.
(SPRINGFIELD) Former President Donald Trump has revealed who he is backing in the Republican primary for the 12th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of the 34 southernmost counties in Illinois. Saying he respects and likes former state lawmaker and Clay County farmer Darren Bailey, the former President has endorsed Congressman Mike Bost, who is running for his sixth term in Congress and will face Bailey in the March 19th primary. Bailey, by the way, has been endorsed by current U.S. Representative Mary Miller.