WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies

WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies

October 29, 2025/
Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the prospects of increased taxes and fees expected to come from Illinois legislators in the final days of fall veto session. Democrats are looking to increase taxes to pay for mass transit and an energy bill to support battery storage. Republicans say both policies are bad for Illinois families and businesses.

Bishop also airs some of the latest debate between Republicans and Democrats over public safety and immigration reform. Democrats are looking to expand the state’s migrant sanctuary policies as Republicans blame such laws for a recent fatal crash involving a county board member, his wife and two illegal immigrants.

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board for May 18, 2026

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board for May 18, 2026 The New Lenox Village Board moved through a busy agenda Monday, May 18, 2026, approving more than $1.9...
Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Top Democrat leaders in the Illinois legislature met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday behind closed doors...
Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban...
Proposed $250 bill could be a boon for drug cartels, experts warn

Proposed $250 bill could be a boon for drug cartels, experts warn

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A proposal to create the largest U.S. currency denomination in more than 50 years could unintentionally benefit drug cartels, money launderers and tax cheats, according...
Iowa voters head to the polls for fierce races

Iowa voters head to the polls for fierce races

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Iowa will head to the polls Tuesday to elect candidates in several high-profile primary races that will be watched across the country. Many...
Screenshot 2026-05-23 at 7.23.02 PM

District 210 Transportation Update Details Fuel Swings, New Bus Safety Technology

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 Transportation Director Andy Rezer told the board on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that fuel...
Speakers object to transgender athletes in girls sports

Speakers object to transgender athletes in girls sports

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square As state track and field championships commenced Friday at Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., protesters set up across the street to take aim at...
Taxpayers group, economist praise Pratt's plan for homelessness in LA

Taxpayers group, economist praise Pratt’s plan for homelessness in LA

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Critics may not care for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s plan to deal with the drug-addicted homeless population, but a taxpayers organization and an...
Almost 25,000 immigration arrests made in Florida

Almost 25,000 immigration arrests made in Florida

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Since Florida launched its immigration enforcement effort, Operation Tidal Wave, in February, nearly 25,000 arrests have been made statewide. “Florida will continue to use every...
Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment numbers rise; Champaign job growth continues

Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment numbers rise; Champaign job growth continues

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security,...
Filing lawsuits doesn’t immunize Gori vs asbestos fraud claims: New filing

Filing lawsuits doesn’t immunize Gori vs asbestos fraud claims: New filing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying "human tragedy is no license for fraud," a plastic pipes maker is urging a federal judge to reject the bid to...
Exxon, global agencies warn of oil price spike within weeks

Exxon, global agencies warn of oil price spike within weeks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A top ExxonMobil executive warned that oil prices could surge to between $150 and $160 per barrel within weeks as conflict in the Middle East...
Bondi defends Epstein files release, denies Trump involvement

Bondi defends Epstein files release, denies Trump involvement

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of files associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and did not answer...
Federal jury convicts Spokane ICE protesters as questions remain about local charges

Federal jury convicts Spokane ICE protesters as questions remain about local charges

By Tim ClouserThe Center Square The federal verdict is in, but the local fallout from Spokane’s June 2025 protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still playing out, with another...
Cost uncertainty follows prescription price cap bill in Senate

Cost uncertainty follows prescription price cap bill in Senate

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Several Illinois Democrats have made a late-session push to create a state board that would impose price...