(SPRINGFIELD) A measure advancing at the Illinois Statehouse could bring changes to how some people are charged with certain crimes. House Bill 4500 passed the State House last week with a 68 to 36 vote. The measure changes the titles of two offenses to what sponsors say will more accurately reflect the charges. If enacted, “unlawful use of a weapon” would change to “unlawful possession of a weapon” and “armed habitual criminal” would change to “persistent unlawful possession of a weapon.” There would be no change in penalties. The proposal now is awaiting action in the State Senate within the next few day or weeks.
(SPRINGFIELD) Another measure approved in the State House last week, this one on a 69 to 38 vote, will provide more access to pretrial services around Illinois. House Bill 4621 would set up the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services as a stand-alone agency within the Illinois Supreme Court. Of the 102 counties in Illinois, 74 of them are already utilizing such services. However, the proposal would provide the services at no additional cost to the counties, but taxpayers would see an increase of $2.7 million initially. The measure not goes to the State Senate for consideration. Both chambers are back in session next week.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois has received another credit adjustment from a credit reporting agency. Moody’s Investors Service recently revised Illinois’ outlook from “stable” to “positive,” citing continued improvement in fund balances and budget reserves, not to mention the possibility of continued growth in state revenue. It was just last year that Moody’s described Illinois’ financial outlook as “weak,” citing the bleak pension funding issue. However, Illinois is ranked as the 47th worst state in the nation for the amount of days the government could run on the state’s rainy day fund at just over $2 billion.
(SPRINGFIELD) Ameren has been named a 2024 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize its dedication to proper urban forest management in the utility’s service area. Five program standards must be met to receive the recognition, such as tree planting & public education, quality tree care, annual worker training, formal tree-based energy conservation, and a sponsorship of or participation in an Arbor Day celebration.