Springfield News
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When Illinois’ video gaming industry went live in 2012, the extra bodies that began filling small taverns, American Legion and VFW halls eventually made up for the business that had slowed when the state banned smoking in nearly all establishments early in 2008.
But video gaming owners and operators this week will mobilize against Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed increase to Illinois’ 30 percent tax on video gaming terminals, descending on Springfield Wednesday to lobby lawmakers ahead of a Thursday hearing on the tax hike, which Pritzker’s administration is hoping to net $89 million more for the state next year.
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Credit ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service gave Gov. JB Pritzker’s push for a graduated income tax a mixed review on Monday, urging lawmakers to earmark an increase in tax revenues for the state’s $133.5 billion unfunded pension liability.
The ratings agency also warned the change could backfire if the economy slides into a recession.
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The push to legalize marijuana in Illinois that began in earnest more than two years ago took a major step forward Saturday as Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a measure that would take effect Jan. 1.
Gov. JB Pritzker said he welcomed feedback on his proposal. [Twitter/@GovPrtizker]
But it remains unclear whether the marathon effort — launched in March 2017 by state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Edgewater) and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Rogers Park) — will make it over the finish line in less than a month.
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A bill that would increase training standards for certain laborers dealing with hazardous materials and require businesses to pay the prevailing wage in merit shops has been given another extension after the Senate Black Caucus refused to sign off on the bill again as a deal between the caucus and the bill’s sponsor fell apart Thursday.
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After the Senate’s historic vote Wednesday on a constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax in Illinois, senators also voted on a trio of bills proposed by Senate Democrats earlier in the week, including potential rates for the new tax brackets that would be created if voters approve the ballot question in November 2020.
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The Senate on Thursday is set to vote on the bill that business groups called “forced unionization” and that the Senate Black Caucus refused to sign off on until there were guarantees that minority representation in trade unions will increase in meaningful ways.
State Sen. Mike Hastings said SB 1407 is needed to protect firms from hiring out-of-state workers. [Hannah Meisel/The Daily Line; submitted]
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Ahead of a vote on a constitutional amendment to allow Illinois’ to collect a graduated income tax — Gov. JB Pritzker’s top priority — state senators on Tuesday released the accompanying rates lawmakers will also have to vote on, which have been amended to address concerns about a so-called “marriage penalty.”
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Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced she will resurrect publication launched in the 1907s in a new digital format to get the word out about the state’s fiscal condition, while state officials detailed plans to borrow funds to reduce interest payments to the state’s health care system.
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The terms of half of the 22 members of the board charged with overseeing Illinois’ sex offender database have expired and only 5 percent of its budget is being spent, according to a recent Auditor General report.
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Gov. JB Pritzker announced nearly two dozen more appointments Friday, rounding out his 15th week in office with 124 appointees to head up state agencies and serve on state boards and task forces.
Democrat JB Pritzker addresses the party faithful at the 2018 Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association Breakfast. [Photo courtesy of Lee Milner]
As part of The Daily Line’s occasional series on the diversity of Pritzker’s picks for these positions, 42 percent are women, while roughly 44 percent are minorities as of Friday, according to TDL’s analysis.
