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.
Latest News Stories
Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate
Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...
Student Council Presidents Highlight Senior Year Accomplishments
Lincoln Way's three student council presidents delivered their final speeches of the school year, highlighting major accomplishments and memorable events before graduating this weekend. Jason Sro from Lincoln Way Central...
New Frankfort Square Park Board Takes Helm Amid Strong Financials, Maksymiak and Moore Elected Leaders
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners seated four new members and re-elected its leadership during a productive annual organizational meeting on May 15, all while celebrating a robust...
Animal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township
Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres' request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions...
District Recognizes Outstanding Student Readers in Statewide Program
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 recognized exceptional students who completed the Read for a Lifetime program, with several achieving the rare distinction of reading 100 books over four...
Park District Awards Eight Scholarships to Lincoln-Way East Seniors
The Frankfort Square Park District awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight graduating seniors from Lincoln-Way East High School at the school’s Community Scholarship Night on May 7. Park Board Commissioners Frank...
Transportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements
County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects...
Health Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated
Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for May 15, 2025
At its annual organizational meeting, the Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners swore in four members, re-elected its leadership, and reviewed its strong end-of-year financial report. The district’s funds...
Board Meeting Shorts
Budget Amendment Approved: The board approved amendments to the fiscal year 2025 budget totaling $121.7 million in revenue and $120.1 million in expenses. Changes primarily reflect bond proceeds and related...
Will County Board Meeting Briefs Package
COUNTY APPOINTMENTS Fire Protection District: Board approved county executive appointments to Manhattan Fire Protection District board. Agricultural Committee: Approved appointment to Agricultural Area Committee with Member Judy Ogala abstaining due...
Frankfort Park District Reorganizes Board, Explores Options for Tax-Impacting Projects
FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Park District Board seated its re-elected members, reorganized its leadership, and approved its new annual budget on Tuesday, while also revealing it is actively exploring options...
Aging Sara Park Building Poses Challenge for Park District
The Frankfort Park District is grappling with how to address the deteriorating Sara Park building, whose roof is in "bad shape" and whose location within a flood plain complicates any...
