WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
October 30, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate at the Illinois Statehouse about which taxes to increase during the final days of fall veto session. Among the proposals are an “amusement tax,” a retail delivery tax and decoupling Illinois tax code from the federal tax code.
Bishop also reviews several measures advancing through the legislature, including a pension reform measure that passed an Illinois House committee and an energy measure focused on renewables that passed the Illinois House. Both chambers are in session for the final day of veto session Thursday.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
Today Jun 17
72° 55°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Bipartisan bill to cap annual deficits at 3% could curb debt growth
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan proposal to cap annual deficits at 3% of GDP, but this resolution would still permit spending beyond annual revenue. House Resolution...
One year in, a ‘ho-hum’ jobs report
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square December’s jobs data changed little from November, rounding out an underwhelming year for the U.S. labor market. Initial estimates put job gains at 50,000, though...
Five battleground governor’s races for 2026
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters from 36 states across the country will return to the polls to elect their next governors in 2026. Several governors races are expected to...
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A grassroots Chicago group is calling for a forensic audit of the city’s entire public school system...
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee began formulating a comprehensive policy regarding the use of Artificial...
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: During the January 7, 2026, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Chair Daniel Butler demanded...
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) is exploring a jurisdictional transfer of a section of...
Trump signs order protecting Venezuelan oil revenue from legal claims
By Dan McCalebThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Saturday signed an executive order to protect revenue from all sales of Venezuelan oil held in U.S. Treasury accounts from seizure...
Retirements and resignations to impact midterms as balance of power at stake
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Over the past several months, politicians once regarded as central to their party have bowed out of reelection campaigns or resigned from their positions altogether....
Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target
A 45-year-old Peotone man has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property following an incident at a New Lenox Target store, according to police. New Lenox police...
U.S. Supreme Court to hear anti-oil cases with energy costs on the line
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Energy advocates have been warning against green energy demands driving up prices across the country. As anti-oil and gas activists seek legal pathways to straddle...
Constitutional concerns raised over Illinois’ first civil hate crime case
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former Illinois attorney general candidate says the state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit, while based...
Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee initiated the first major update to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan since...
