COGFA data points to $1.2 billion shortfall in Gov. Pritzker’s plan

SPRINGFIELD – A recent revenue forecast from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) indicates that Gov. JB Pritzker’s revenue projections are likely off by a wide margin, revealing a $1.2 billion shortfall in his proposed budget.

The Governor’s budget includes $490 million in new revenues that have yet to be vetted or approved by the Illinois General Assembly. Even if these new revenues are enacted, COGFA estimates a $740 million shortfall compared to the projections from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Not only does the Governor’s proposed budget face a potential $1.2 billion hole, but his plan, if enacted, would set a new spending record for the state, marking an increase of 37% since he took office.

Making things worse, the current fiscal year is already expected to end $525 million short, further proving that the Governor’s numbers are not aligned with the state’s fiscal realities.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says the latest forecast underscores the need for a more responsible and realistic budget. Illinois deserves a fiscal plan that addresses the state’s challenges without relying on unreliable revenue projections or additional tax burdens on its residents.

Illinois leaders introduce key bills to combat deadly fentanyl crisis

State and local officials are calling for legislative action to address the growing impact of fentanyl in communities, the difficulty in reversing overdoses due to the potency of illicit fentanyl mixtures, and the need for a comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, and accountability for traffickers.

Four bills have been introduced aimed at increasing penalties for fentanyl traffickers, improving public safety, and properly identifying fentanyl-related deaths.

Senate Bill 280: Increases penalties for selling or dispensing fentanyl, making it a Class X felony with prison sentences of 9 to 40 years and fines up to $250,000. It also targets the use of electronic devices for trafficking with fines up to $100,000.

Senate Bill 1569: Increases mandatory prison sentences for fentanyl-related crimes, adding 5 years for manufacturing or delivering fentanyl, and increasing penalties for possession.

Senate Bill 113: Requires defendants charged with trafficking 15 grams or more of fentanyl to prove they do not pose a threat to public safety before being granted pretrial release.

Senate Bill 1283: Ensures fentanyl-related deaths are classified as “fentanyl poisonings” rather than overdoses, helping to reduce stigma and recognizing that many victims unknowingly consume fentanyl.

Senate Bills 280 and 1569 have been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Clear Compliance Subcommittee. Senate Bills 113 and 1283 are awaiting committee assignments.

Illinoisans choose to keep current State Flag design

The votes have been tallied, and Illinoisans have spoken against a proposal to redesign the State Flag.

Public voting results announced March 6 show that of the 385,000 votes received, the current Illinois State Flag design received more votes than the next five top designs combined.

Established by the passage of Senate Bill 1818 in August 2023, the Illinois Flag Commission selected 10 top finalists from nearly 5,000 submissions for the State Flag redesign contest. These designs were available for five weeks of public viewing and voting on the Secretary of State’s website.

Critics of the proposed redesign had argued that the effort was a misuse of time and taxpayer dollars at a time when Illinois residents are looking for solutions to more pressing issues, such as financial instability, struggling schools, and the need to attract businesses.

The original flag was designed by Lucy Derwent, a Rockford-native, in 1915. That design has only changed slightly in the subsequent years, such as adding the word “Illinois” below the seal in 1969.

Darby Hills welcomed as new State Senator

Darby Hills was sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District on Feb. 28, bringing a strong background in public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate.

Hills, a former Barrington Hills Village Board trustee and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, is dedicated to supporting parents, creating opportunities for children, and ensuring accountable government.

Hills has a personal connection to public service, having grown up in a working-class family. She founded Barrington Children’s Charity, which helps provide meals to over 500 children each week. As a former Cook County prosecutor and Barrington Hills trustee, she has a proven record of cutting taxes and advocating for responsible government.

Senator Hills has been named Minority Spokesperson for the Child Welfare Committee, where she will focus on policies that protect children across Illinois. She also serves on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Judiciary, and Transportation committees.