Attorney General reminds IL voters of their rights ahead of Election Day

The Illinois Attorney General has got extra staff working on Election Day to keep the election as free from interference as possible. More than 200 investigators and assistant attorney generals will be working on the day to monitor the election and polling places for illegal activities and to ensure all polling places remain accessible.

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Government Alliance for Safe Communities Announces $100 Million in Grant Opportunities for Violence Prevention and Community Violence Intervention Initiatives

The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) today announced a commitment to invest $100 million across City, County, and State government partners to sustain and scale critical community violence intervention (CVI) programming across the region. Comprised of leadership and key representatives from funding agencies at the State, County and City, GASC was formed in 2021 to strengthen the community safety ecosystem in the greater Chicago region.

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Kane County Board Approves Strategic Economic Development Plan to Navigate Future Growth

The Kane County Board has approved a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan aimed at addressing the county's changing economic landscape and emerging challenges. The plan outlines the framework for the County's first Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit entity created as a public-private partnership to coordinate economic efforts countywide. The organization is now operational, with its initial board of directors including local business representatives Steve Pitstick, Sean McCarthy, and Austin Dempsey, along with two additional representatives from county government and more members to be appointed later as outlined in upcoming bylaws. While the county provides initial funding and board positions, the corporation is expected to be primarily led by private industry.

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IDOI Announces Open Enrollment for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace and Releases Rates for the 2025 Plan Year

Today, November 1, 2024, is the kickoff for Open Enrollment on the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, with 11 health insurance companies offering plans. Illinoisans can enroll through January 15th. "The Get Covered Illinois Marketplace has a total of 347 health plans offered throughout the state this year,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “So, we want every Illinoisan in need of health insurance coverage to know that quality, affordable, coverage is available. Our Get Covered Illinois Navigators are certified and trained to help you choose the right plan for your needs, walk you through the enrollment process, and find out if you qualify for financial assistance. Just visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov." The Illinois Department of Insurance also released health insurance rates for the 2025 Plan Year. Plan availability and rates will vary based on where a consumer lives. In some areas of the state, consumers will see a decrease in health insurance premiums, and other areas will see increases, with the majority of counties having rate changes between -6% and 10% (in the second-lowest cost Silver plan). The average rate change across all rating areas for the second lowest cost Silver plans is a 0% increase. *

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State of Illinois earns Aetna Workplace Well-being Platinum Award for third consecutive year

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) received the 2024 Aetna Workplace Well-being Platinum Award this week, marking the third year in a row CMS achieved Aetna’s highest recognition at the Platinum level. This award is designed to recognize employers that create and support a healthier workplace with impactful programming, tools, and resources to help employees navigate their well-being journey.

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Governor Pritzker Announces Second Round of Applications for State-Designated Cultural Districts

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced open applications for State-Designated Cultural Districts in Illinois. State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns, or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. Once selected, the State plans to make $3 million available to State-Designated Cultural Districts, and through the designations, aims to uplift the unique contributions of historic cultural districts with the goal of increasing economic development opportunities.

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IDFPR Launches New Online Professional Licensing System

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the launch of the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), its new online licensing system, for the first set of IDFPR-licensed professionals. The new online process eliminates the need for paper applications, gives applicants more control over their application materials, and helps prevent deficient applications from being submitted. In addition to creating a streamlined online application process, CORE features a simplified review process for all license applications received by IDFPR.

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Treasurer Frerichs Clinches Sixth Morningstar Gold Rating For Bright Start 529 Savings Plan

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois' Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has again earned top rankings from Morningstar, keeping the plan among the best in the nation. "Being recognized as a strong advocate for Illinois families is an honor," said Treasurer Frerichs, who serves as the Trustee and Administrator of Bright Start 529 College Savings. "Every day we work diligently to keep fees low, provide a high-quality range of investment options, and ensure a family's hard-earned savings goes toward the cost of college or vocational school."

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Non-Profit Security Grant Program - National Security - Urban Areas and Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity available

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 28, 2024, of two grant opportunities for non-profit organizations across Illinois. Available funding for these two grant opportunities for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS) is $210 million nationally. The FY 2024 Urban Area Nonprofit Security Grant Program National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS-UASI) will provide a total of $105 million nationally to eligible 501(c) (3) organizations who are deemed at high-risk of a potential terrorist attack and are located in one of the FY 2024 UASI-eligible urban areas. The designated urban area for Illinois is Cook County.

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Treasurer Frerichs Makes $130 Million In Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During September

The State Treasurer’s Office made more than $130 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in September, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced on Monday, October 28, 2024. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing revenue in the state investment portfolio. During 2024, Frerichs’ Office has earned nearly $1.19 billion for the state portfolio.

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ICC Urges Eligible Natural Gas Customers to Enroll in New Low- Income Discount Rates

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging eligible natural gas customers to enroll in the state’s new Low-Income Discount Rates. Beginning October 2024, these rates will offer a 5-83 percent monthly bill credit for qualifying customers based on a five-tier system. Discount tiers are based on income, household size, and the cost of utility service offered in the area.

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ISACo's Environment, Energy and Land Use Committee Discusses Recycling Programs

The Illinois State Association of Counties' Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee held its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 24. The Committee heard from two guest speakers on recycling matters. ISACo's Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee discusses and formulates ISACo policies about air, water, energy, and land use. In addition, the Committee serves as a forum for counties to share information and best practices about their activities. Click on the title for more information about the committee meeting.

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Jobs Up, Unemployment Down in Majority of Metro Areas in September

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas and decreased in five for the year ending September 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in eight areas, increased in five, and was unchanged in one.

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Illinois Housing Development Authority Accepting Applications for Emerging Affordable Housing Developers

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that affordable housing developers can now apply to participate in the latest round of the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen), a program designed to expand the talent pipeline and increase diversity within the housing development field and related industries. Next Gen provides capital, training, and technical assistance to reduce barriers to accessing funding resources administered by the state, with a focus on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. “Here in Illinois, we are building a future where everyone has access to affordable, quality housing – and that starts with empowering diverse affordable housing developers,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By equipping BIPOC developers with the training and resources they need, the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative is boosting the supply of affordable homes and paving the way for a more inclusive housing industry. I highly encourage all eligible developers to apply for this program as we work to break down barriers and ensure our housing industry reflects the full diversity of Illinois.”

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Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Reminds 140,000 Residents Getting Missing Money To Cash the Check

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging nearly 140,000 residents to cash the unclaimed property checks that are arriving in the mail. The checks went out as part of the latest round of the Enhanced Money Match program, which allows the Treasurer's Office to automatically return missing money to people without the need to file a claim. The office leverages data the state already collects and crossmatches it with the State Treasurer's unclaimed property database. In recent weeks, the Treasurer's Office sent letters to unclaimed property owners that described the amount and source of the money that's on the way.

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Governor Pritzker Announces Relief Available to July Storm Victims in Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Illinois affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that began on July 13, 2024. "As communities across Illinois recover from July's severe storms, my administration remains committed to supporting them every step of the way," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Residents who live or have businesses in the affected areas won't need to worry about incurring penalties and interest on their tax deadlines until February. This additional time will allow them to gather essential paperwork and focus on recovering without added financial stress." Affected taxpayers now have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file various state individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

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Cooler Temperatures Drive Stinks Bugs Indoors

Falling temperatures bring colorful foliage, flannel shirts and pumpkin-flavored treats. Unfortunately, cooler weather also brings stink bugs. These shield-shaped invasive pests - officially named brown marmorated stink bugs - are native to China and first made their debut in the US in the late 90s. They feed on the Midwestern landscape, munching everything from residential landscaping to agriculture like soybeans, apples and pears.

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Governor Pritzker Temporarily Suspends IFTA/MFUT Requirements Due to Hurricanes Milton & Helene

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) have temporarily waived the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) registration and motor fuel use tax (MFUT) single trip permitting for qualified motor vehicles engaged in interstate disaster relief efforts as a result of Hurricanes Milton & Helene. The suspension, pursuant to 35 ILCS 505/13a.4 and 13a.5, is effective from October 11, 2024, through November 09, 2024.

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Treasurer Frerichs Honors Illinois LGBTQ+ Leaders

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, education, government, workforce and labor, and arts and humanities.

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Illinois EPA Announces $27 Million Notice of Funding Opportunity for Electric Public Transit Buses

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a $27 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the replacement of existing public transit buses with new all-electric transit options. Grant awards will cover 75% of the eligible cost per electric transit bus and any necessary charging infrastructure, with a minimum award amount of $300,000. Eligible applicants include government and transit agencies that own and operate public transit buses in any of the three priority areas outlined in the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) and further described below. This funding opportunity will remain open until funding is depleted with grants awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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As Respiratory Virus Season Begins, IDPH Urges Illinoisans to Protect Themselves from Seasonal Illnesses

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with fall, October brings the start of the traditional respiratory virus season. The department is urging Illinoisans to use the proven tools that can safeguard them from illnesses that typically surge during the fall and winter, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. This includes getting vaccinated to protect yourself and your family for those viral diseases if you are eligible. The Department has upgraded its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for these seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county specific information that would valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state. “As our public health workers ramp up preparations for the respiratory virus season we know is coming, all of us can play a role in protecting ourselves and reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So make plans now to get both of those shots and protect yourself from serious illness.” “As we head into fall, the Department of Public Health is closely monitoring this season’s respiratory illnesses and so can you with our updated respiratory illness dashboard,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Similar to past seasons, we should expect a rise in RSV, COVID-19 and flu cases as the weather cools. Now is a great time to get yourself protected from severe illness with updated vaccines, especially if you are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions.”

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IDPH Reminds Illinoisans Early Detection is the Key to Fighting Breast Cancer

At the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding Illinoisans that early detection is the most effective way to prevent the deadly disease which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. The Governor has issued a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18 as Mammography Day in Illinois. The Illinois Lottery is also assisting in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the purchase of a Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure instant tickets go towards education, awareness and research in finding a cure for breast cancer.

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New Cook County Dashboard Tracks Opioid, Gun and Temperature Deaths

Cook County has launched a new online dashboard providing public access to information about opioid-, gun- and temperature-related deaths. The Medical Examiner Case Archive Dashboard allows users to access a range of demographic information for Cook County residents who’ve died as a result of opioids, guns or temperature-related deaths, including age, gender, race and ethnicity. The dashboard allows users to filter data by municipality and cause of death. Visitors also can pinpoint which neighborhoods are experiencing higher death rates.

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IDOL Reminds Employers of Forthcoming Salary Transparency Law

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding employers and those looking for a job that, starting January 1, 2025, employers with 15 or more employees must include pay scale and benefit information in job postings. This requirement is the result of an amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 that was contained in HB 3129, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023. “Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly continue to take bold action toward eliminating gender and racial wage gaps,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “This legislation will increase wage transparency in the job search process and workplace.” Any aggrieved person may file a complaint with IDOL, when they become aware of a job posting that lacks the required salary and benefit information. Complaints must be filed with IDOL within one year of the relevant violation and complainants are encouraged to submit a link, picture, or screenshot of the posting in question.

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