By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Corrections director appointment approved

After more than two years of being appointed, Latoya Hughes was approved by the Illinois Senate to be the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Opponents of her appointment said she is not keeping inmates and staff safe, and has not been honest with legislators.

Taxpayers pay Hughes $200,000 for an annual salary.

Pritzker order spends $20M for foodbanks

With federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits ending Saturday, Nov. 1 due to the partial government shutdown, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order to direct $20 million in state taxpayer funds to food banks.

The funding includes $10 million from the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies Fund and $10 million from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The dollars are intended to support seven food banks that supply over 2,600 food pantries across Illinois.

Clean Slate Act passes

The General Assembly has approved legislation that modifies the Clean Slate Act to seal certain criminal convictions.

The Illinois House passed the bill on the final day of fall veto session after the Senate advanced it Wednesday evening.

The measure can now be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.