Illinois Unemployment Remains 3rd Highest as Governor Travels Country
SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans continue to struggle to make ends meet as the rising cost of groceries and other daily necessities strain family budgets.
But as the state’s unemployment rate remains the third highest in the nation, Gov. JB Pritzker has focused his energy on traveling across the country to raise his national profile. This has prompted members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus to renew calls for Pritzker to put his national ambitions on hold and shift his focus back to Illinois.
They highlight several issues plaguing the state under Pritzker’s leadership, including raising taxes by nearly a billion dollars to fund spending more than a billion dollars per year on programs for non-citizens. They also point to rising crime rates across the state, including a 60% increase in major crimes in Chicago since 2019, with more than 100 shootings occurring over the July 4th weekend.
State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said the people of Illinois are tired of being seen as little more than a piggy bank to fund the Governor’s progressive agenda. She is calling on the Governor to “Think Illinois” and prioritize improving the lives of its residents.
Hypocrisy on Display as Democrats Prepare to Converge in Chicago
The hypocrisy of Illinois Democrat leaders is on full display as many of the same lawmakers set to make Vice President Kamala Harris the Democratic nominee for president after President Joe Biden was forced out of the race, recently voted to change state election rules in Illinois to block candidate slating.
This spring, the Democratic supermajority in Springfield passed legislation to prevent candidates from being appointed to the ballot after the primary election, a process similar to that now being used to nominate Harris.
Gov. Pritzker signed the bill into law within 48 hours of its passage, despite initially claiming he hadn’t read it and labeling it an “ethics bill” saying “it really does make sure that we don’t have backroom deals to put people on the ballot and run as a result of some small group of people in a smoke-filled room making the choice.”
Critics, including good government groups, condemned the law as a power grab aimed at reducing voter choice because it changed the rules for an election process that was already underway. The Illinois law was found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County Judge, a ruling that has been appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.
However, less than 48 hours after President Biden dropped out of the race, Gov. Pritzker endorsed slating Vice President Harris, a move similar to the one he previously criticized. The situation raises questions about Illinois Democrat leaders’ commitment to fair electoral processes.
Legislation Aims to Restore Critical Funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Senate Republicans have introduced a bill to reinstate $4 million in critical funding for soil and water conservation districts (SWCD) that had been cut from the budget by Gov. Pritzker. These districts work to protect Illinois’ valuable soil and water resources through strategic conservation efforts.
Senate Bill 3964 addresses this challenge by reallocating funds through the Partners for Conservation Fund, highlighting the indispensable role of SWCDs in environmental stewardship.
The legislation aims to ensure these essential districts can continue their vital work in environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
FBI Warning Illinois Residents about the Danger of ‘Jugging’
As crime rates have increased in recent years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is alerting Illinois residents about a significant rise in a specific type of robbery known as “jugging.” This tactic involves criminals following and attacking individuals after they withdraw cash from ATMs.
The FBI has issued a warning about the alarming uptick in these incidents, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and vigilance. To safeguard from these attacks, the FBI recommends being mindful of vehicles near ATMs, regularly monitoring surroundings for suspicious activity, avoiding distractions while using the ATM, and keeping money out of sight.
$18 Million Announced for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has been allocated $18 million in new funding to help prepare participants for registered apprenticeship programs.
This round of funding will prioritize grants in regions lacking pre-apprenticeship programs and target underserved groups, including people of color, veterans, and women. Approximately 35 new programs are expected to be funded, benefiting over 1,400 residents statewide.
Check https://dceo.illinois.gov/illinoisworks/preapprenticeship.html for more information.
DCEO Launches Regional Site Readiness Program to Boost Industrial Development
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has allocated $42 million to launch the Regional Site Readiness Program.
This endeavor aims to enhance the readiness of potential industrial sites across Illinois, bolstering the state’s capacity to attract investments and create new job opportunities. This funding comes from the 2019 Rebuild Illinois program. Planning grants up to $150,000 and Capital Ready grants up to $3 million are available, with applications open until Oct. 21, 2024.
Check https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3429-2862.html for more information.