South Central Reporter

New data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that in 2022 alone, more than 87,000 Illinoisans, faced with some of the highest taxes in the nation, relocated to other states. This exodus saw nearly $10 billion in income leaving Illinois, significantly impacting the state’s economic landscape. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago has earned the distinction of having the third-highest rate of domestic population loss in the country, underscoring a broader pattern of outmigration.

Illinois’ high tax burden has long been a critical factor driving residents to seek refuge in more tax-friendly states. This spring, Governor J.B. Pritzker made it clear that working families are unlikely to see meaningful tax cuts any time soon, signing nearly $1 billion in tax hikes into law to fund spending on the migrant crisis he invited.

Senate Republicans argue that the continued high tax burden on working families and misplaced policy priorities are key contributors to the ongoing population decline. Senator Plummer asserts that state leaders must recognize that current policies are driving residents away and focus on enacting genuine relief and reforms to help Illinoisans.

Children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will face fewer disruptions when being removed from their homes under a new law sponsored by Illinois Senate Republicans. This law represents a significant step forward in stabilizing the lives of these vulnerable children, prioritizing their educational continuity and well-being.

Senate Bill 2824, introduced by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), ensures that children, whenever possible, can continue attending their current school even after being placed with a different parent or relative. The aim is to provide a sense of stability and normalcy during an otherwise tumultuous time in their lives.

The importance of maintaining the same school environment cannot be overstated, as it allows children to retain their friends, teachers, and support systems crucial for their emotional and academic development. Additionally, the new law includes a provision to protect caregivers from added financial burden. If it is deemed best for the child to attend a different school, no out-of-district school tuition can be charged to the relative caregiver or foster parent.

Senate Bill 2824 passed unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law on July 1. The provisions take effect on January 1, 2025.

Legislation aimed at bridging the gap between college education and Illinois’ evolving workforce needs was signed into law earlier this month. Senate Bill 2862, filed by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to release an annual comprehensive list of the most in-demand jobs in the state.

This measure will equip educators with information on job trends that will help better prepare students for successful careers in Illinois’ rapidly changing job market. It benefits students while also strengthening the state’s economy by fostering a workforce well-equipped to meet employers' needs.

The comprehensive job list will be publicly accessible via the Board of Higher Education’s official website. After passing unanimously earlier this year, SB 2862 was signed into law on July 1 and took effect immediately.

The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is seeking nominations for its “Illinoisan of the Day” program at this year’s Illinois State Fair from August 8 to 18. The foundation aims to recognize ten outstanding community servants each day who have significantly contributed to county and state fairs in Illinois.

To be eligible, nominees must be Illinois residents aged 25 years or older with a history of service at state and/or county fairs within Illinois. Nominees should demonstrate characteristics such as integrity, dependability, community spirit, and strong ethics. Those selected will be honored during one day at the fair.

Nomination forms are available on www.illinoisstatefairmuseum.org with a submission deadline of July 20.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is reminding drivers to exercise caution as maintenance crews continue roadside mowing into summer months. Beginning July 1st IDOT conducts safety mowing directly adjacent to roads as needed alongside maintenance mowing near culverts ditches traffic control devices among other structures According latest statistics averages almost crashes work zones each year resulting injuries deaths Heavy maintenance mowing will continue until August