(SPRINGFIELD) An Illinois Policy Institute analysis has found that state lawmakers’ decision to reduce local governments’ share of net income tax collections from 10% to less than 7% has cost statewide municipalities nearly $9.5 billion and counties just over $1.4 billion since fiscal year 2012. Looking at the numbers further, state spending has increased at $16 billion annually, or more than 40%, since Governor J.B. Pritzker was first elected and took office in 2019.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that protected health information for more than 700,000 customers of rehabilitation services, along with Medicaid and Medicare savings programs, may have been compromised recently. This occurred when the IDHS made maps available for public viewing on where new local offices would be opened. To date, there has been no attempted misuse of personal information as a result.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is again warning statewide residents about a current scam where texts are claiming the recipients’ vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a scam link. The agency’s office reminds everyone that it never contacts drivers or vehicle owners by text, but only by mail. Report a scam message to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) Biologists at Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes. DNR officials say the trees will be bundled, weighted, and submerged under water to provide habitat for multiple species of fish and wildlife, plus promote algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The IDNR Office of Fisheries website has drop-off location information, instructions, and other details available.